One of the biggest towns in Gipuzkoa, its location on the border between Spain and France, across the Bidasoa river from Hendaye,[2] has made Irun into a commercial and logistic centre.

Currently Irun has a fairground with a modern exhibition and telecommunication facilities, just some 100 metres away from the actual border at the Santiago Bridge (river Bidasoa).

Irun is part of the conurbation of Txingudi bay with Hondarribia and Hendaye; the town is also within the area of the Eurocité Basque Bayonne-San Sebastián, a European economic interest grouping.

(fr) One of its main festivals is the Alarde de San Marcial, a parade recreating an episode of the Peninsular War, held every year on 30 June.

[2] The town is home to one of Europe's top handball teams, CD Bidasoa, who play at the Artaleku Udal Kiroldegia.