Just under half of Enterprise Ireland-supported construction firms have reduced their exposure to the UK market since the Brexit vote.
The State agency's new 'Export Market Watch' survey indicates that almost seven in ten firms here see the euro zone providing its key growth opportunities in the future.
However, the UK is still identified as presenting the best medium-term opportunities for Irish builders.
For those retaining a presence in the UK, they are seeking to reduce currency risk by sourcing more products through UK suppliers; others are deploying currency-hedging strategies, according to the research.
52% of firms currently do business with the euro zone, and 69% view it as offering attractive opportunities for them.
However, only one in three companies believe they currently have sufficient resources in place to expand into new markets and market knowledge is cited as the highest barrier to entry.
Head of Construction at Enterprise Ireland Stephen Hughes said: "From an export perspective, construction exports by Enterprise Ireland clients are at an all-time high and many construction companies that diversified during the downturn, are now well positioned to capitalise on global growth in key markets.
"We can see that the constraints of moving into a new market identified by our respondents are multifaceted.
"Equipping construction firms with the skills to overcome these challenges will likely deliver tangible benefits, with 72% of respondents saying that they would increase their employee numbers if they move into new markets."
