Pension Advice
Pension advice that makes retirement planning simple
The State pension on its own rarely covers the retirement most people want. We help you choose the right pension, claim every euro of tax relief, and stay on track — in plain English, with no jargon.
Last reviewed by Debbie Cheevers, QFA, RPA · 30 June 2026
Why take out a private pension?
The State pension isn’t enough on its own
The State pension is a safety net, not a salary. A private pension is how you keep the lifestyle you’re used to once you stop working.
Whether you’re an employee, self-employed, a company director or moving between jobs, there’s a pension that fits — and we’ll help you pick it.
It’s the most tax-efficient saving in Ireland
Pensions come with three layers of tax relief: on what you pay in, on the growth inside the fund, and on a tax-free lump sum at retirement.
Start early and that relief, plus decades of compounding, does the heavy lifting for you.
Types of pension we advise on
PRSA
A flexible Personal Retirement Savings Account that moves with you between jobs — contribute whenever it suits you.
Personal pensions
For the self-employed and anyone without an employer scheme — a tax-efficient way to save based on your income.
Self-directed pensions
Full control over where your money is invested, from funds to shares and property.
Personal Retirement Bond (PRB)
Changing jobs? Keep control of the pension you’ve already built up in a bond of your own.
Executive PRSA
Built for company directors and key staff in smaller businesses, with extra investment flexibility.
AVCs
Top up an existing pension to boost your fund or make up for a late start — a smart tax-saving move. Learn about AVCs.
Three layers of pension tax relief
Relief on contributions
You get income tax relief on what you pay in — up to 40% back depending on your tax rate and age-related limits.
Tax-free growth
Your pension fund grows free of income tax, DIRT, exit tax and CGT while it’s invested.
Tax-free lump sum
At retirement you can usually take a portion of your fund as a tax-free cash lump sum.
Pension tools
Pension calculator
See what your income in retirement could be — and how much tax you could save along the way.
Tax relief calculator
See how pension tax relief works and exactly how much income tax you could save on your contributions.
Maximum contribution
There are age-related limits on what you can pay in. Find out your maximum pension contribution.
The earlier you start, the harder your money works
Time and compounding matter more than almost anything else. Paying in steadily from a young age — and choosing a risk level that suits your stage of life — can transform the fund you retire on.
An illustration: someone paying 15% of a €31,000 salary from age 25 to 67 contributes around €186,000 over their career. In a medium-risk fund that could grow to roughly four times what they put in — while a very low-risk fund may barely beat inflation.
Getting the risk level right
Younger savers usually have time to ride out the ups and downs of higher-growth funds. As retirement nears, the focus shifts to protecting what you’ve built.
We’ll help you choose a fund that matches your age, your goals and how you feel about risk. How to pick a pension fund.
See how it builds — age 25 to 67, earning €45,000 gross per year
Illustrative only. Assumes a €45,000 salary, contributions of 25% of the maximum tax-relief amount allowed at each age (about €140 a month at 25, rising to about €375 by 60) and about 5% average annual growth after charges. The percentages are the most of your earnings you can claim pension tax relief on at each age (2026 limits, capped at €115,000 of earnings). Investments can fall as well as rise — this is an example, not a guarantee or advice.
Your options at retirement
Tax-free lump sum
Take part of your fund as a tax-free cash sum (within Revenue limits) when you retire.
ARF
Keep your fund invested and draw an income flexibly. An ARF is 100% inheritable and can pass to a spouse or partner.
Annuity
Swap your fund for a guaranteed income for life — with options to increase it or provide for a spouse.
How to get started
- 1
Free consultation
Call us on 01 853 2727 or book online. We’ll get to know your situation and goals.
- 2
Understand your options
We take the time to learn about your income, plans and existing pensions.
- 3
Fair, balanced advice
We compare the market and recommend the right pension and provider for you.
- 4
Set up & review
We set everything up and review it regularly so your plan keeps pace with your life.
Frequently asked questions
Who can start a pension in Ireland?
Almost anyone with an income — employees, the self-employed, company directors and contractors. The right type of pension depends on your work situation, which is exactly what we help you sort out.
How much can I pay into a pension?
You can contribute as much as you like, but tax relief is capped by your age and a salary ceiling. The older you are, the higher the percentage of income you can claim relief on. See the contribution limits.
How much tax relief will I get?
You get relief at your marginal rate — up to 40% for higher-rate taxpayers — on contributions within your age-related limit. Our tax relief calculator shows your figure.
When can I access my pension?
Most personal pensions can be accessed from age 60 (earlier in some cases), with options to take a tax-free lump sum and then an ARF or annuity for income.
We work with Ireland’s leading life & pension companies
Explore provider pensions: Irish Life · New Ireland · Zurich · Royal London
Ian was so helpful with the information I needed to put me on the right track — sent everything by email afterwards so it was easy to understand. Highly recommend.
Start your pension the right way
Talk to a Greenway adviser about the pension that fits your life and the tax relief you’re entitled to. The first consultation is free and there’s no obligation.
Last reviewed by Debbie Cheevers, QFA, RPA, 30 June 2026. Information is general and not personalised financial advice.