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      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iconclinical.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureReconciliationOfNumberOfSharesUsedInComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomePerOrdinaryShare" id="DisclosureReconciliationOfNumberOfSharesUsedInComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomePerOrdinaryShare">
        <link:definition>1052 - Disclosure - Reconciliation of Number of Shares Used in Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Ordinary Share (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
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      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iconclinical.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCostAndFairValueOfInvestments" id="DisclosureCostAndFairValueOfInvestments">
        <link:definition>1053 - Disclosure - Cost and Fair Value of Investments (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
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      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iconclinical.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureShortTermInvestmentsAvailableForSaleAdditionalInformation" id="DisclosureShortTermInvestmentsAvailableForSaleAdditionalInformation">
        <link:definition>1054 - Disclosure - Short Term Investments - Available for Sale - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
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      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iconclinical.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGoodwill" id="DisclosureGoodwill">
        <link:definition>1055 - Disclosure - Goodwill (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iconclinical.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGoodwillAdditionalInformation" id="DisclosureGoodwillAdditionalInformation">
        <link:definition>1056 - Disclosure - Goodwill - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
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      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iconclinical.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfEstimatesOfFairValuesOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOfClinicalTrialServicesDivisionOfCrossCountryHealthcareInc" id="DisclosureSummaryOfEstimatesOfFairValuesOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOfClinicalTrialServicesDivisionOfCrossCountryHealthcareInc">
        <link:definition>1057 - Disclosure - Summary of Estimates of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed of Clinical Trial Services Division of Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (Detail)</link:definition>
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      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iconclinical.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureProformaEffectInNetRevenueNetIncomeAndEarningsPerShare" id="DisclosureProformaEffectInNetRevenueNetIncomeAndEarningsPerShare">
        <link:definition>1058 - Disclosure - Proforma Effect in Net Revenue, Net Income and Earnings Per Share (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1059 - Disclosure - Summary of Estimates of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed of PriceSpective LLC (Detail)</link:definition>
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      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iconclinical.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfEstimatesOfFairValuesOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOfBeijingWitsMedicalLimited" id="DisclosureSummaryOfEstimatesOfFairValuesOfAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOfBeijingWitsMedicalLimited">
        <link:definition>1060 - Disclosure - Summary of Estimates of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed of BeijingWits Medical Limited (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1061 - Disclosure - Summary of Estimates of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed of Firecrest Clinical Limited (Detail)</link:definition>
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      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iconclinical.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssets" id="DisclosureIntangibleAssets">
        <link:definition>1062 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets (Detail)</link:definition>
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      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iconclinical.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIntangibleAssetsAdditionalInformation" id="DisclosureIntangibleAssetsAdditionalInformation">
        <link:definition>1063 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
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      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iconclinical.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFutureIntangibleAssetAmortizationExpense" id="DisclosureFutureIntangibleAssetAmortizationExpense">
        <link:definition>1064 - Disclosure - Future Intangible Asset Amortization Expense (Detail)</link:definition>
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      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iconclinical.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" id="DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet">
        <link:definition>1065 - Disclosure - Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Detail)</link:definition>
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      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iconclinical.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureOtherLiabilities" id="DisclosureOtherLiabilities">
        <link:definition>1066 - Disclosure - Other Liabilities (Detail)</link:definition>
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      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iconclinical.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureOtherNonCurrentLiabilities" id="DisclosureOtherNonCurrentLiabilities">
        <link:definition>1067 - Disclosure - Other Non-Current Liabilities (Detail)</link:definition>
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      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iconclinical.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEmployeeBenefitsAdditionalInformation" id="DisclosureEmployeeBenefitsAdditionalInformation">
        <link:definition>1068 - Disclosure - Employee Benefits - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
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      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iconclinical.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureChangeInBenefitObligations" id="DisclosureChangeInBenefitObligations">
        <link:definition>1069 - Disclosure - Change in Benefit Obligations (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1070 - Disclosure - Change in Plan Assets (Detail)</link:definition>
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      </link:roleType>
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        <link:definition>1071 - Disclosure - Funded Status (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1072 - Disclosure - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1073 - Disclosure - Net Periodic Pension Benefit Cost Assumptions (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:definition>1074 - Disclosure - Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income that have not been recognized (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1075 - Disclosure - Assumptions Used in Determining Benefit Obligation (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1076 - Disclosure - Expected Long Term Rates of Return on Different Asset Classes (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1077 - Disclosure - Underlying Asset Split of Fund (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1078 - Disclosure - Plan Asset Fair Value Measurements (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1079 - Disclosure - Annual Benefit Payments (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1080 - Disclosure - Equity Incentive Schemes and Stock Compensation Charges - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
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      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iconclinical.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfStockOptionActivity" id="DisclosureSummaryOfStockOptionActivity">
        <link:definition>1081 - Disclosure - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1082 - Disclosure - Summary of Movement in Non-Vested Share Options (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1083 - Disclosure - Outstanding and Exercisable Share Options (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1084 - Disclosure - Schedule of Weighted Average Fair Values and Assumptions Used (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1085 - Disclosure - Summary of RSU and PSU Activity (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1086 - Disclosure - Non-Cash Stock Compensation Expense (Detail)</link:definition>
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      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.iconclinical.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGovernmentGrants" id="DisclosureGovernmentGrants">
        <link:definition>1087 - Disclosure - Government Grants (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1089 - Disclosure - Share Capital - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1090 - Disclosure - Components of Income Before Provision for Income Tax Expense (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1092 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1095 - Disclosure - Tax Effects of Temporary Differences That Gives Rise to Significant Portions of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1096 - Disclosure - Expected Expiry Dates of NOI's (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1097 - Disclosure - Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Total Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1100 - Disclosure - Details of Movement in Restructuring Provisions Recognized (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1101 - Disclosure - Provision For Doubtful Debts (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1102 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1103 - Disclosure - Future Minimum Rental Commitments for Operating Leases (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1104 - Disclosure - Distribution of Net Revenue by Geographical Area (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1105 - Disclosure - Distribution of Income from Operations, including Restructuring and Other Items, by Geographical Area (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1106 - Disclosure - Distribution of Income from Operations, excluding Restructuring and Other Items, by Geographical Area (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1107 - Disclosure - Distribution of Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Geographical Area (Detail)</link:definition>
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        <link:definition>1111 - Disclosure - Clients Representing Company's Net Revenue (Detail)</link:definition>
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  <element name="IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidExpenseAndOtherCurrentAssets" id="iclr_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidExpenseAndOtherCurrentAssets" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="InitialMember" id="iclr_InitialMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="LeaseExpirationPeriod" id="iclr_LeaseExpirationPeriod" type="xbrli:durationItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="LegalAndGeneralActiveCorporateBondOverTenYearMember" id="iclr_LegalAndGeneralActiveCorporateBondOverTenYearMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="LegalAndGeneralOver15YearGiltsIndexMember" id="iclr_LegalAndGeneralOver15YearGiltsIndexMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NewAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsDisclosureTextBlock" id="iclr_NewAndRecentAccountingPronouncementsDisclosureTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NonCashInterestExpense" id="iclr_NonCashInterestExpense" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NumberOfEmployees" id="iclr_NumberOfEmployees" type="xbrli:integerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="NumberOfLocations" id="iclr_NumberOfLocations" type="xbrli:integerItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OfficeConsolidationsMember" id="iclr_OfficeConsolidationsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OpenTaxYears" id="iclr_OpenTaxYears" type="us-types:durationStringItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OperatingIncomeByGeographyTableTextBlock" id="iclr_OperatingIncomeByGeographyTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OperatingIncomeLossBeforeRestructuringCharges" id="iclr_OperatingIncomeLossBeforeRestructuringCharges" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OperatingLeaseObligationsLineItems" id="iclr_OperatingLeaseObligationsLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OperatingLeaseObligationsTable" id="iclr_OperatingLeaseObligationsTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="OperatingLossCarryforwardsExpirationPeriods" id="iclr_OperatingLossCarryforwardsExpirationPeriods" type="us-types:durationStringItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OperatingLossCarryforwardsLimitationPerYear" id="iclr_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLimitationPerYear" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OperatingLossCarryforwardsStateAndLocal" id="iclr_OperatingLossCarryforwardsStateAndLocal" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OperatingLossCarryforwardsSubjectToLimitation" id="iclr_OperatingLossCarryforwardsSubjectToLimitation" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OperatingLossCarryforwardsUSFederal" id="iclr_OperatingLossCarryforwardsUSFederal" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeAmortizationOfNetActuarialGainLossNetOfTax" id="iclr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAmortizationOfNetActuarialGainLossNetOfTax" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTaxLongTermFunding" id="iclr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTaxLongTermFunding" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentLongTermFundingTax" id="iclr_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentLongTermFundingTax" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OtherCountriesMember" id="iclr_OtherCountriesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OtherLiabilitiesByTypeAxis" id="iclr_OtherLiabilitiesByTypeAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem"/>
  <element name="OtherLiabilitiesByTypeDomain" id="iclr_OtherLiabilitiesByTypeDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OtherLiabilitiesCurrentOther" id="iclr_OtherLiabilitiesCurrentOther" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OtherLiabilitiesLineItems" id="iclr_OtherLiabilitiesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OtherLiabilitiesTable" id="iclr_OtherLiabilitiesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="OtherTypesOfInvestmentsMember" id="iclr_OtherTypesOfInvestmentsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="OxfordOutcomesLimitedMember" id="iclr_OxfordOutcomesLimitedMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PaymentsForShareRepurchaseCosts" id="iclr_PaymentsForShareRepurchaseCosts" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PercentageOfCompanyRevenue" id="iclr_PercentageOfCompanyRevenue" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PerformanceShareUnitMember" id="iclr_PerformanceShareUnitMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PeriodAxis" id="iclr_PeriodAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem"/>
  <element name="PeriodDomain" id="iclr_PeriodDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PeriodOneMember" id="iclr_PeriodOneMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PeriodThreeMember" id="iclr_PeriodThreeMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PeriodTwoMember" id="iclr_PeriodTwoMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PersonnelRelatedMember" id="iclr_PersonnelRelatedMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PlanAMember" id="iclr_PlanAMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PlanBMember" id="iclr_PlanBMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PlanCMember" id="iclr_PlanCMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PlanDMember" id="iclr_PlanDMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PlanEMember" id="iclr_PlanEMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PrevalereLifeSciencesMember" id="iclr_PrevalereLifeSciencesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="PriceSpectiveLlcMember" id="iclr_PriceSpectiveLlcMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ProceedsFromGovernmentGrant" id="iclr_ProceedsFromGovernmentGrant" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range10Member" id="iclr_Range10Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range11Member" id="iclr_Range11Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range12Member" id="iclr_Range12Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range13Member" id="iclr_Range13Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range14Member" id="iclr_Range14Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range15Member" id="iclr_Range15Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range16Member" id="iclr_Range16Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range17Member" id="iclr_Range17Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range18Member" id="iclr_Range18Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range19Member" id="iclr_Range19Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range1Member" id="iclr_Range1Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range20Member" id="iclr_Range20Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range21Member" id="iclr_Range21Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range22Member" id="iclr_Range22Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range23Member" id="iclr_Range23Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range24Member" id="iclr_Range24Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range25Member" id="iclr_Range25Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range26Member" id="iclr_Range26Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range27Member" id="iclr_Range27Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range28Member" id="iclr_Range28Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range2Member" id="iclr_Range2Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range3Member" id="iclr_Range3Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range4Member" id="iclr_Range4Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range5Member" id="iclr_Range5Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range6Member" id="iclr_Range6Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range7Member" id="iclr_Range7Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range8Member" id="iclr_Range8Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="Range9Member" id="iclr_Range9Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RateOfReturnOnDebtSecurities" id="iclr_RateOfReturnOnDebtSecurities" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RateOfReturnOnEquitySecurities" id="iclr_RateOfReturnOnEquitySecurities" type="num:percentItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ReclassificationsPolicyTextBlock" id="iclr_ReclassificationsPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RecoveryOfAmortizationOfGovernmentGrants" id="iclr_RecoveryOfAmortizationOfGovernmentGrants" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ReimbursableExpensesPolicyTextBlock" id="iclr_ReimbursableExpensesPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RelatedPartyAgreementExpirationDate" id="iclr_RelatedPartyAgreementExpirationDate" type="xbrli:dateItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RelatedPartyOneMember" id="iclr_RelatedPartyOneMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RelatedPartyTwoMember" id="iclr_RelatedPartyTwoMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestOfEuropeMember" id="iclr_RestOfEuropeMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestOfWorldMember" id="iclr_RestOfWorldMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestrictedStockUnitsTwentyThirteenMember" id="iclr_RestrictedStockUnitsTwentyThirteenMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestrictedStockUnitsTwentyZeroEightMember" id="iclr_RestrictedStockUnitsTwentyZeroEightMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestructuringAndOtherCharges" id="iclr_RestructuringAndOtherCharges" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestructuringAndOtherChargesMember" id="iclr_RestructuringAndOtherChargesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestructuringChargeNet" id="iclr_RestructuringChargeNet" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestructuringChargesResidualBalanceFromPriorPeriod" id="iclr_RestructuringChargesResidualBalanceFromPriorPeriod" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestructuringChargesTableTextBlock" id="iclr_RestructuringChargesTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestructuringFiscalTwentyTwelvePlanMember" id="iclr_RestructuringFiscalTwentyTwelvePlanMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="RestructuringSettlementAndOtherCharges" id="iclr_RestructuringSettlementAndOtherCharges" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesLineItems" id="iclr_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTable" id="iclr_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostTableTextBlock" id="iclr_ScheduleOfAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfCapitalExpendituresByGeographicAreaTableTextBlock" id="iclr_ScheduleOfCapitalExpendituresByGeographicAreaTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfCashFlowSupplementalLineItems" id="iclr_ScheduleOfCashFlowSupplementalLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfCashFlowSupplementalTable" id="iclr_ScheduleOfCashFlowSupplementalTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitLineItems" id="iclr_ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTable" id="iclr_ScheduleOfComponentsOfIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" id="iclr_ScheduleOfDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" id="iclr_ScheduleOfDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfDepreciationAndAmortizationExpenseByGeographicalAreaTableTextBlock" id="iclr_ScheduleOfDepreciationAndAmortizationExpenseByGeographicalAreaTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitByGeographicAreaTableTextBlock" id="iclr_ScheduleOfIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitByGeographicAreaTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfInterestIncomBySegmentTableTextBlock" id="iclr_ScheduleOfInterestIncomBySegmentTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfNonCashStockCompensationExpenseTableTextBlock" id="iclr_ScheduleOfNonCashStockCompensationExpenseTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsPerformanceStockUnitsAwardActivityTableTextBlock" id="iclr_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsPerformanceStockUnitsAwardActivityTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfTotalAssetsByGeographicAreaTableTextBlock" id="iclr_ScheduleOfTotalAssetsByGeographicAreaTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfUsefulLivesForPropertyPlantEquipmentTextBlock" id="iclr_ScheduleOfUsefulLivesForPropertyPlantEquipmentTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfWeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstandingLineItems" id="iclr_ScheduleOfWeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstandingLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ScheduleOfWeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstandingTable" id="iclr_ScheduleOfWeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstandingTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="SecondQuarterTwentyThirteenRestructuringPlanMember" id="iclr_SecondQuarterTwentyThirteenRestructuringPlanMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems" id="iclr_SegmentReportingDisclosureLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SegmentReportingDisclosureTable" id="iclr_SegmentReportingDisclosureTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsGrantedInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsGrantedInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
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  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonvestedOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAvailableForAdditionalGrant" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAvailableForAdditionalGrant" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAvailableForGrant" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAvailableForGrant" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAvailableForGrantAbstract" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAvailableForGrantAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAvailableForGrantGrantsInPeriod" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAvailableForGrantGrantsInPeriod" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAvailableForGrantOptionsCancelledInPeriod" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAvailableForGrantOptionsCancelledInPeriod" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAvailableForGrantOptionsExercisedInPeriod" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAvailableForGrantOptionsExercisedInPeriod" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableAndVestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableAndVestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
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  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" type="num:perShareItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
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  <element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOtherThanOptionsExpectedVestingPeriod" id="iclr_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOtherThanOptionsExpectedVestingPeriod" type="xbrli:gYearItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareRepurchaseProgramRepurchasePeriodEndDate" id="iclr_ShareRepurchaseProgramRepurchasePeriodEndDate" type="xbrli:dateItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShareRepurchaseProgramRepurchasePeriodStartDate" id="iclr_ShareRepurchaseProgramRepurchasePeriodStartDate" type="xbrli:dateItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShortTermAvailableForSaleInvestmentsAverageRemainingMaturityPeriod" id="iclr_ShortTermAvailableForSaleInvestmentsAverageRemainingMaturityPeriod" type="us-types:durationStringItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="ShortTermInvestmentsPolicyTextBlock" id="iclr_ShortTermInvestmentsPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" id="iclr_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" id="iclr_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem"/>
  <element name="StandardLifeGlobalAbsoluteReturnStrategiesMember" id="iclr_StandardLifeGlobalAbsoluteReturnStrategiesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="StockOptionAndAwardPlansMember" id="iclr_StockOptionAndAwardPlansMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TechnologyAssetsMember" id="iclr_TechnologyAssetsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TimaqMedicalImagingMember" id="iclr_TimaqMedicalImagingMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TwentyElevenRestructuringPlanMember" id="iclr_TwentyElevenRestructuringPlanMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="TwentyTwelveRestructuringPlanMember" id="iclr_TwentyTwelveRestructuringPlanMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsGross" id="iclr_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsGross" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreaseResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositionsNetOfTax" id="iclr_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreaseResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositionsNetOfTax" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="VehiclesGross" id="iclr_VehiclesGross" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" abstract="false" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
  <element name="WorkforceReductionMember" id="iclr_WorkforceReductionMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item"/>
</schema>





