This paper examines the seaweed industry in Ireland from an economic perspective and as such categorises the strengths and weakness of the industry as well as the opportunities available and any threats to successful growth that may exist. The Irish industry is analysed within its global and European context and the value chain of the industry within Ireland is presented. The findings from this research emphasise the continued need for forward thinking by government in relation to the development of a sustainable and profitable industry, where it appears that in reality little has changed over the past decade. The potential economic contribution offered by the industry could be significant given the quality and abundance of the resource along Irish coastlines but the industry to date remains an underdeveloped sector with an essentially non-existent share of the global market.