Changing how we unwind: Digital habits in Ireland today

The way Irish people are unwinding is changing. Historically, people had gone to local drinking holes and spent time with the community. But with the rise of the digital economy, those habits are becoming less common. These days, the online world holds the most promise of relaxation for the Irish. 

But what are we doing as a nation to unwind? How are digital habits in Ireland changing? 

That’s a big question. Fortunately, this post has answers. We look at how most of us are now spending our time in the evenings and at weekends when all we want to do is put our feet up and enjoy ourselves. 

Switching On Streaming Services

Kicking back and relaxing with streaming services is high on the list in Ireland. Millions of people go home to their apartments and homes in the evenings to turn on services like Netflix, Disney+, and RTÉ Player to wind down and leave their daily troubles behind. According to estimates, around 87% of Irish people now use one type of streaming service or another, a massive increase from just five years ago. 

Previously, consumers waited for terrestrial streaming services to deliver programs, but that usually meant waiting until 9 PM or 10 PM to see their favourite shows. However, that is now a thing of the past, with most programming available immediately, on demand. 

As such, people are flipping over to Netflix at, say, 6 PM and then binge-watching until 11 PM, allowing them to watch multiple drama series episodes. Alternatively, they are firing up YouTube on their smart TVs and watching hour-long specials on the Himalayas or guided tours of Japan. 

Using Virtual Social Communities

Many Irish people also use virtual social communities as an alternative to traditional Irish pub culture. With these, they can still meet their friends but can drink at home instead. 

More than 3.5 million Irish people are estimated to use social media in 2025–over half the population. Popular platforms like TikTok and Facebook are always buzzing, but you also have many Irish using Twitch and forums like Reddit to share their ideas. 

For many, enjoying social media together by sharing memes and funny videos is all part of the fun. Chatting with mates and pinging messages back and forth with family is an excellent way to unwind and relax. 

Betting Online

There is also a trend of more Irish people spending their evenings making deposits at online casinos and betting online, drawn in primarily by free spins no wagering slots offers. These sites are growing in popularity yearly because of their high return-to-player ratios, live games, and social elements. 

Furthermore, many of these online gaming platforms connect to professional sportsbooks. These are most active on the weekends, allowing players to bet on who they think will score the next goal in a football fixture or which horse will win the derby. 

Even slots on these sites can hold therapeutic appeal for many Irish. Developers are constantly adding new games to their compendiums, so there are new slots to play every evening. 

Virtual Reality Experiences

Irish people are also exploring virtual reality worlds to unwind and relax. Many now have headsets (which first emerged about 10 years ago), allowing them to experience new locations from the comfort of their living rooms. 

Yes, this option is still niche–most Irish would still prefer to travel. But it offers a growing appeal to people who don’t want to spend the money but still like the experience of going somewhere new. 

Using Mindfulness Apps

Mindfulness is another way the Irish are unwinding. Stressful work means that many are downloading apps to their phones that allow them to rest, put their minds at ease, and use their evenings to de-stress their bodies. 

Apps like Calm and Headspace are market leaders thanks to their guided meditations and sleep stories. These pieces of software guide people through challenges and emotional landscapes to peace, helping them feel calmer and better than before. 

Furthermore, many Irish also use sleep tech. These track the effects of mindfulness by monitoring vital signs while asleep to determine rest quality. Users can then evaluate their sleep patterns the following day to see how rested they are and, perhaps, what challenges they should take on. 

Engaging With Online Games

Irish people are also engaging more with online games in the evenings rather than traditional activities like gardening or community interaction. The number of options available here is tremendous, with mobile games being the most popular among casual gamers. 

Online gaming is being driven by technology. Previously, gamers had to buy expensive consoles or gaming PCs with graphics cards to enjoy top titles. However, these days, many more games will run on standard laptops and smartphones, opening up opportunities for more people to get involved. 

Some games are just fun ways to spend quick gaps in daily schedules, like Candy Crush. However, others, like FIFA, are more serious and need more time dedicated to them. 

The range of games available in 2025 is also enormous, giving players more options. Some Irish, for instance, like MMOs because of the social and teamwork aspects, while others enjoy solo escapes like Dragon Age, Elden Ring or Cyberpunk 2077. It’s this variation that keeps many players playing long into the evening, helping them forget about the pressures and stresses in their lives. 

Wrapping Up: How Ireland Is Changing How It Unwinds

As you can see, technology is playing a central role in how Ireland unwinds. The country is, as a whole, adjusting what it does after work, something you’ve no doubt experienced yourself. 

However, traditional culture remains strong in the country. While gaming and binge-watching on TV might be occupying Mondays to Thursdays, there’s still a role for the pub and community centres on the other days of the week and for meeting up with people in person and enjoying their company. As technology evolves, habits will no doubt continue changing, but they won’t be replaced.