Ciaran McAlinney heads A&L Goodbody's Finance department in Belfast. Ciaran specialises in syndicated lending, acquisition finance, general corporate lending and structured/limited recourse financing transactions, including project finance. Ciaran has worked on key transactions in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and across Europe. Prior to joining A&L Goodbody, Ciaran spent a number of years in London with Clifford Chance and was seconded to the Global Banking and Markets division of Royal Bank of Scotland.
Areas of Expertise
Finance/Energy, Infrastructure & Natural Resources /Commercial & Technology/Finance
Experience Advising:
- Borrower on the restructuring and refinancing of a major all-island group of companies.
- Funder in relation to the demerger and restructure of one of the largest corporate groups in Northern Ireland.
- Major funders, sponsors and borrowers on the project financing of key renewable energy projects.
- Danske Bank and Bank of Ireland on various corporate loan facilities.
- Arranger and bank syndicate on significant facilities for a private equity buy-out of a major healthcare group and subsequent ‘bolt on’ acquisitions.
Market Recommendations
"He is very knowledgeable on market specifics and has a great manner when dealing with clients." (Chambers UK 2025)
"He is very hands-on, very experienced and a very commercial lawyer." (Chambers UK 2025)
"Ciaran McAlinney is an esteemed practitioner with enviable expertise in advising clients on cross-border financing mandates." (Chambers UK 2023)
"Ciaran McAlinney is one of the most experienced, professional and personable banking lawyers in NI." (Legal 500 2023)
Education
- Solicitor, Law Society of Northern Ireland
- Solicitor, Law Society of Ireland
- Solicitor, Law Society of England and Wales
- MBA, University of Ulster
- BA (Hons), Law & Government, University of Ulster

Ciaran McAlinney
Partner,
Finance
A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP