

<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<xsd:schema attributeFormDefault="unqualified" elementFormDefault="qualified" targetNamespace="http://www.iconplc.com/20190630" xmlns:iclr="http://www.iconplc.com/20190630" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:nonnum="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" xmlns:num="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema">
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/srt-types/2019-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-types-2019-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/srt/2019-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2019/elts/srt-2019-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2019-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-gaap-2019-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-roles/2019-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-roles-2019-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-types/2019-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2019/elts/us-types-2019-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/arcrole/fact-explanatoryFact" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/arcrole/factExplanatory-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negated" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/net" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/net-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/nonNumeric-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2017-01-31" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2017/country-2017-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2019-01-31" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2019/currency-2019-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2019-01-31" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2019/exch-2019-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2017-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2017/naics-2017-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011/sic-2011-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018/stpr-2018-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:annotation>
    <xsd:appinfo>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="iclr-20190630_cal.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/calculationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="iclr-20190630_def.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/definitionLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="iclr-20190630_lab.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/labelLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="iclr-20190630_pre.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:roleType id="AccountsReceivableUnbilledRevenueContractAssetsAndPaymentsOnAccountContractLiabilities" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/AccountsReceivableUnbilledRevenueContractAssetsAndPaymentsOnAccountContractLiabilities">
        <link:definition>2104100 - Disclosure - Accounts receivable, unbilled revenue (contract assets) and payments on account (contract liabilities)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="AccountsReceivableUnbilledRevenueContractAssetsAndPaymentsOnAccountContractLiabilitiesContractAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/AccountsReceivableUnbilledRevenueContractAssetsAndPaymentsOnAccountContractLiabilitiesContractAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>2404402 - Disclosure - Accounts receivable, unbilled revenue (contract assets) and payments on account (contract liabilities) - Contract Assets and Liabilities (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="AccountsReceivableUnbilledRevenueContractAssetsAndPaymentsOnAccountContractLiabilitiesRevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationsDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/AccountsReceivableUnbilledRevenueContractAssetsAndPaymentsOnAccountContractLiabilitiesRevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationsDetails">
        <link:definition>2404403 - Disclosure - Accounts receivable, unbilled revenue (contract assets) and payments on account (contract liabilities) - Revenue Remaining Performance Obligations (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="AccountsReceivableUnbilledRevenueContractAssetsAndPaymentsOnAccountContractLiabilitiesTables" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/AccountsReceivableUnbilledRevenueContractAssetsAndPaymentsOnAccountContractLiabilitiesTables">
        <link:definition>2304301 - Disclosure - Accounts receivable, unbilled revenue (contract assets) and payments on account (contract liabilities) (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BasisOfPresentation" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/BasisOfPresentation">
        <link:definition>2101100 - Disclosure - Basis of presentation</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BusinessCombinations" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/BusinessCombinations">
        <link:definition>2106100 - Disclosure - Business combinations</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BusinessCombinationsAcquisitionsMedinovaDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/BusinessCombinationsAcquisitionsMedinovaDetails">
        <link:definition>2406402 - Disclosure - Business combinations - Acquisitions - MeDiNova (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BusinessCombinationsAcquisitionsMolecularmdCorpDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/BusinessCombinationsAcquisitionsMolecularmdCorpDetails">
        <link:definition>2406403 - Disclosure - Business combinations - Acquisitions - MolecularMD Corp (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BusinessCombinationsTables" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/BusinessCombinationsTables">
        <link:definition>2306301 - Disclosure - Business combinations (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BusinessSegmentInformation" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/BusinessSegmentInformation">
        <link:definition>2114100 - Disclosure - Business segment information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BusinessSegmentInformationDistributionOfDepreciationAndAmortizationByGeographicalAreaDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/BusinessSegmentInformationDistributionOfDepreciationAndAmortizationByGeographicalAreaDetails">
        <link:definition>2414407 - Disclosure - Business segment information - Distribution of Depreciation and Amortization by Geographical Area (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BusinessSegmentInformationDistributionOfIncomeFromOperationsExcludingRestructuringByGeographicalAreaDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/BusinessSegmentInformationDistributionOfIncomeFromOperationsExcludingRestructuringByGeographicalAreaDetails">
        <link:definition>2414405 - Disclosure - Business segment information - Distribution of Income from Operations, Excluding Restructuring, by Geographical Area (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BusinessSegmentInformationDistributionOfIncomeFromOperationsIncludingRestructuringByGeographicalAreaDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/BusinessSegmentInformationDistributionOfIncomeFromOperationsIncludingRestructuringByGeographicalAreaDetails">
        <link:definition>2414404 - Disclosure - Business segment information - Distribution of Income from Operations, Including Restructuring, by Geographical Area (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BusinessSegmentInformationDistributionOfNetRevenueByGeographicalAreaDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/BusinessSegmentInformationDistributionOfNetRevenueByGeographicalAreaDetails">
        <link:definition>2414403 - Disclosure - Business segment information - Distribution of Net Revenue by Geographical Area (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BusinessSegmentInformationDistributionOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByGeographicalAreaDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/BusinessSegmentInformationDistributionOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByGeographicalAreaDetails">
        <link:definition>2414406 - Disclosure - Business segment information - Distribution of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Geographical Area (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BusinessSegmentInformationDistributionOfTotalAssetsByGeographicalAreaDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/BusinessSegmentInformationDistributionOfTotalAssetsByGeographicalAreaDetails">
        <link:definition>2414408 - Disclosure - Business segment information - Distribution of Total Assets by Geographical Area (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BusinessSegmentInformationNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/BusinessSegmentInformationNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2414402 - Disclosure - Business segment information - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="BusinessSegmentInformationTables" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/BusinessSegmentInformationTables">
        <link:definition>2314301 - Disclosure - Business segment information (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets">
        <link:definition>1001000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical">
        <link:definition>1001501 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows">
        <link:definition>1003000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations">
        <link:definition>1002000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfShareholdersEquityAndComprehensiveIncome" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfShareholdersEquityAndComprehensiveIncome">
        <link:definition>1004000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DocumentAndEntityInformation" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation">
        <link:definition>0001000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Goodwill" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/Goodwill">
        <link:definition>2105100 - Disclosure - Goodwill</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="GoodwillDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/GoodwillDetails">
        <link:definition>2405402 - Disclosure - Goodwill (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="GoodwillTables" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/GoodwillTables">
        <link:definition>2305301 - Disclosure - Goodwill (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ImpactOfChangeInAccountingPolicies" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/ImpactOfChangeInAccountingPolicies">
        <link:definition>2115100 - Disclosure - Impact of change in accounting policies</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ImpactOfChangeInAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/ImpactOfChangeInAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2415401 - Disclosure - Impact of change in accounting policies - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxes" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/IncomeTaxes">
        <link:definition>2110100 - Disclosure - Income taxes</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesRecognizedDuringPeriodDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesRecognizedDuringPeriodDetails">
        <link:definition>2410402 - Disclosure - Income taxes - Income Taxes Recognized During Period (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2410403 - Disclosure - Income taxes - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesTables" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables">
        <link:definition>2310301 - Disclosure - Income taxes (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="NetIncomePerOrdinaryShare" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/NetIncomePerOrdinaryShare">
        <link:definition>2111100 - Disclosure - Net income per ordinary share</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="NetIncomePerOrdinaryShareReconciliationOfNumberOfSharesUsedInComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomePerOrdinaryShareDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/NetIncomePerOrdinaryShareReconciliationOfNumberOfSharesUsedInComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomePerOrdinaryShareDetails">
        <link:definition>2411402 - Disclosure - Net income per ordinary share - Reconciliation of Number of Shares Used in Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Ordinary Share (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="NetIncomePerOrdinaryShareTables" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/NetIncomePerOrdinaryShareTables">
        <link:definition>2311301 - Disclosure - Net income per ordinary share (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OperatingLeases" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/OperatingLeases">
        <link:definition>2109100 - Disclosure - Operating leases</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OperatingLeasesAdjustmentsForAdoptionAndOtherItemsDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/OperatingLeasesAdjustmentsForAdoptionAndOtherItemsDetails">
        <link:definition>2409404 - Disclosure - Operating leases - Adjustments for Adoption and Other Items (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OperatingLeasesLeaseCostsDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/OperatingLeasesLeaseCostsDetails">
        <link:definition>2409402 - Disclosure - Operating leases - Lease Costs (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OperatingLeasesNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/OperatingLeasesNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2409403 - Disclosure - Operating leases - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OperatingLeasesOperatingLeaseMaturityDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/OperatingLeasesOperatingLeaseMaturityDetails">
        <link:definition>2409405 - Disclosure - Operating leases - Operating Lease Maturity (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OperatingLeasesOperatingLeaseMaturityDetailsCalc2" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/OperatingLeasesOperatingLeaseMaturityDetailsCalc2">
        <link:definition>2409405 - Disclosure - Operating leases - Operating Lease Maturity (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OperatingLeasesTables" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/OperatingLeasesTables">
        <link:definition>2309301 - Disclosure - Operating leases (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Restructuring" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/Restructuring">
        <link:definition>2107100 - Disclosure - Restructuring</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Restructuring2017RestructuringPlanDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/Restructuring2017RestructuringPlanDetails">
        <link:definition>2407404 - Disclosure - Restructuring - 2017 Restructuring Plan (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Restructuring2018RestructuringPlanDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/Restructuring2018RestructuringPlanDetails">
        <link:definition>2407403 - Disclosure - Restructuring - 2018 Restructuring Plan (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RestructuringNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/RestructuringNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2407402 - Disclosure - Restructuring - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RestructuringTables" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/RestructuringTables">
        <link:definition>2307301 - Disclosure - Restructuring (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Revenue" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/Revenue">
        <link:definition>2103100 - Disclosure - Revenue</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/RevenueDetails">
        <link:definition>2403402 - Disclosure - Revenue (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueTables" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/RevenueTables">
        <link:definition>2303301 - Disclosure - Revenue (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareBasedAwards" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/ShareBasedAwards">
        <link:definition>2112100 - Disclosure - Share-based awards</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareBasedAwardsNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/ShareBasedAwardsNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>2412402 - Disclosure - Share-based awards - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareBasedAwardsScheduleOfNonCashStockCompensationExpenseDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/ShareBasedAwardsScheduleOfNonCashStockCompensationExpenseDetails">
        <link:definition>2412407 - Disclosure - Share-based awards - Schedule of Non-cash Stock Compensation Expense (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareBasedAwardsScheduleOfWeightedAverageFairValuesAndAssumptionsUsedDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/ShareBasedAwardsScheduleOfWeightedAverageFairValuesAndAssumptionsUsedDetails">
        <link:definition>2412405 - Disclosure - Share-based awards - Schedule of Weighted Average Fair Values and Assumptions Used (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareBasedAwardsSummaryOfMovementInNonVestedShareOptionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/ShareBasedAwardsSummaryOfMovementInNonVestedShareOptionsDetails">
        <link:definition>2412404 - Disclosure - Share-based awards - Summary of Movement in Non-Vested Share Options (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareBasedAwardsSummaryOfRsuAndPsuActivityDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/ShareBasedAwardsSummaryOfRsuAndPsuActivityDetails">
        <link:definition>2412406 - Disclosure - Share-based awards - Summary of RSU and PSU Activity (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareBasedAwardsSummaryOfStockOptionActivityDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/ShareBasedAwardsSummaryOfStockOptionActivityDetails">
        <link:definition>2412403 - Disclosure - Share-based awards - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareBasedAwardsTables" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/ShareBasedAwardsTables">
        <link:definition>2312301 - Disclosure - Share-based awards (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareCapital" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/ShareCapital">
        <link:definition>2113100 - Disclosure - Share capital</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareCapitalDetails" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/ShareCapitalDetails">
        <link:definition>2413401 - Disclosure - Share capital (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SignificantAccountingPolicies" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/SignificantAccountingPolicies">
        <link:definition>2102100 - Disclosure - Significant accounting policies</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" roleURI="http://www.iconplc.com/role/SignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies">
        <link:definition>2202201 - Disclosure - Significant accounting policies (Policies)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
    </xsd:appinfo>
  </xsd:annotation>
  <xsd:element id="iclr_AccruedInterestOnNoncurrentOperatingLeaseLiability" name="AccruedInterestOnNoncurrentOperatingLeaseLiability" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_AccruedInterestOnShortTermBankDeposits" name="AccruedInterestOnShortTermBankDeposits" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_AdjustmentToRetainedEarningShareRepurchaseCosts" name="AdjustmentToRetainedEarningShareRepurchaseCosts" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_AdvancePaymentsNettedAgainstUnbilledContractsReceivable" name="AdvancePaymentsNettedAgainstUnbilledContractsReceivable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_AmortizationOfGainOnInterestRateHedge" name="AmortizationOfGainOnInterestRateHedge" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_AwardDate2018AndThereafterMember" name="AwardDate2018AndThereafterMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_AwardDatePriorto2018Member" name="AwardDatePriorto2018Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestFairValue" name="BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapitalAdjustments" name="BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredWorkingCapitalAdjustments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherReceivables" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherReceivables" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPaymentsOnAccount" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPaymentsOnAccount" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedUnbilledRevenue" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedUnbilledRevenue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentOperatingLeaseLiability" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentOperatingLeaseLiability" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_BuybackProgramMember" name="BuybackProgramMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_CapitalGovernmentGrantsNoncurrent" name="CapitalGovernmentGrantsNoncurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_ChangeInAdvancePaymentsNettedAgainstUnbilledContractsReceivablePercent" name="ChangeInAdvancePaymentsNettedAgainstUnbilledContractsReceivablePercent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_ChangeinAdvancePaymentsNettedAgainstUnbilledContractsReceivable" name="ChangeinAdvancePaymentsNettedAgainstUnbilledContractsReceivable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_ChangeinUnbilledReceivables" name="ChangeinUnbilledReceivables" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_ChangeinUnbilledReceivablesPercent" name="ChangeinUnbilledReceivablesPercent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_Clients1125Member" name="Clients1125Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_Clients25Member" name="Clients25Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_Clients610Member" name="Clients610Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_CompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureLineItems" name="CompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_CompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureTable" name="CompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_ConsultantsRestrictedStockUnitsTwentyNineteenMember" name="ConsultantsRestrictedStockUnitsTwentyNineteenMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_ConsultantsStockPlan2008PlanMember" name="ConsultantsStockPlan2008PlanMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_ContractsReceivableGross" name="ContractsReceivableGross" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_ContractsReceivableNet" name="ContractsReceivableNet" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_ContractsWithCustomersLiabilityCurrentPercent" name="ContractsWithCustomersLiabilityCurrentPercent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" name="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_EmployeeStockPlanTwentyZeroEightPlanMember" name="EmployeeStockPlanTwentyZeroEightPlanMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_EmployeeStockPlanTwentyZeroThreePlanMember" name="EmployeeStockPlanTwentyZeroThreePlanMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitBeforeRestructuringAndOtherItems" name="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitBeforeRestructuringAndOtherItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" name="IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseLiabilities" name="IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseLiabilities" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueBetweenRollingYearOneAndYearFive" name="LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueBetweenRollingYearOneAndYearFive" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_LimitOfSharesIssuedOrToBeIssuedPursuantToOptionsGranted" name="LimitOfSharesIssuedOrToBeIssuedPursuantToOptionsGranted" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_MeDiNovaResearchMember" name="MeDiNovaResearchMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_MolecularMDCorpMember" name="MolecularMDCorpMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_NonexecutiveDirectorMember" name="NonexecutiveDirectorMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_OnerousLeaseMember" name="OnerousLeaseMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_OperatingIncomeByGeographyTableTextBlock" name="OperatingIncomeByGeographyTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_OperatingIncomeLossBeforeRestructuringCharges" name="OperatingIncomeLossBeforeRestructuringCharges" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization" name="OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_OptionPlans2008Member" name="OptionPlans2008Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxLongTermFunding" name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxLongTermFunding" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_OtherCustomersMember" name="OtherCustomersMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_OtherUndenominatedCapital" name="OtherUndenominatedCapital" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_OtherUndenominatedCapitalMember" name="OtherUndenominatedCapitalMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_PaymentsForShareRepurchaseCosts" name="PaymentsForShareRepurchaseCosts" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_PerformanceBasedGrantsMember" name="PerformanceBasedGrantsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_PerformanceShareUnitMember" name="PerformanceShareUnitMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_RecoveryOfAmortizationOfGovernmentGrants" name="RecoveryOfAmortizationOfGovernmentGrants" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination" name="RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestMember" name="RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsAndEquityPolicyTextBlock" name="RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsAndEquityPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_ResourceRationalizations2017Member" name="ResourceRationalizations2017Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_ResourceRationalizations2018Member" name="ResourceRationalizations2018Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_RestOfEuropeMember" name="RestOfEuropeMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_RestOfWorldMember" name="RestOfWorldMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_RestrictedStockUnitsTwentyThirteenMember" name="RestrictedStockUnitsTwentyThirteenMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_RestrictedStockUnitsTwentyZeroEightMember" name="RestrictedStockUnitsTwentyZeroEightMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_RestructuringProgramAxis" name="RestructuringProgramAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_RestructuringProgramDomain" name="RestructuringProgramDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_RestructuringReserveUtilizations" name="RestructuringReserveUtilizations" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationPercent" name="RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationPercent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_ScheduleOfDepreciationAndAmortizationExpenseByGeographicalAreaTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfDepreciationAndAmortizationExpenseByGeographicalAreaTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_ScheduleOfNonCashStockCompensationExpenseTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfNonCashStockCompensationExpenseTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsPerformanceStockUnitsAwardActivityTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsPerformanceStockUnitsAwardActivityTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsGrantedInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsGrantedInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsOutstandingExercisePriceAbstract" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsOutstandingExercisePriceAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageOptionPrice" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageOptionPrice" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingOptionPrice" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingOptionPrice" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTermAbstract" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTermAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract" name="SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedPercentage" name="StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedPercentage" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_StockholdersEquityAttributabletoParentAndRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount" name="StockholdersEquityAttributabletoParentAndRedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCarryingAmount" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_TopClientMember" name="TopClientMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="iclr_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsCurrentYearTaxPositions" name="UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsCurrentYearTaxPositions" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="iclr_WorkforceReductionMember" name="WorkforceReductionMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
</xsd:schema>





