Beer was Ireland's most popular alcohol in 202, the new report found.Getty Images
Alcohol consumption by adults in Ireland fell significantly in 2024, according to a newly published report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI).
The report shows that average alcohol consumption per adult in Ireland fell by 4.5% last year to 9.49 litres of pure alcohol (LPA).
This is a drop of 34.3% - more than a third - since 2001.
Total consumption in Ireland fell by 2.4% last year to 41.5 million litres, which results in an overall 4.5% drop in alcohol intake per person when last year’s 2.3% increase in population is taken into account.
The DIGI report, which was published on June 9, was compiled by Anthony Foley, Associate Professor Emeritus at Dublin City University (DCU), uses data from Ireland's Central Statistics Office (CSO) population and migration estimates for April 2024 and the Revenue Commissioners’ alcohol clearances data.
DIGI says the figures demonstrate that Irish people are increasingly drinking alcohol in moderation.
Consumer trends
The report also shows that consumption habits and tastes have continued to evolve amongst Irish consumers over the last year:
- Beer was Ireland's most popular alcohol in 2024. Its market share increased by 0.4% to 43.3% despite an overall drop in beer consumption.
- Wine was the second most popular drink, increasing its market share by 0.1% to 28.2% in 2024. Wine’s popularity has increased significantly since 2000 (13.2%)
- Spirits fell by 0.4% to 22.3%
- Cider fell by 0.1% to 6.1%
Average EU or OECD levels
The report follows other recent data, which showed that alcohol consumption in Ireland is now at average European levels. OECD data for 2022 revealed that consumption in Ireland ranks behind France, Spain, and Austria, amongst others.
A separate report by the Health Research Board last year also indicated that Ireland’s alcohol consumption was at average levels by EU or OECD standards.
"Irish people are increasingly drinking in a restrained manner"
Commenting on the report, Donall O’Keefe, Secretary of DIGI and CEO of The Licensed Vintners Association, said: “Today’s figures offer clear proof of what many of us already know – Irish people are increasingly drinking in a restrained manner, with consumption continuing the downward trajectory that has been recorded since the millennium.
“In contrast to the negative stereotypes that once existed, alcohol consumption in Ireland is now at average European levels, with the purchase of non-alcoholic drinks continuing to increase."
High excise rates on alcohol
O'Keefe continued: “This downward trend also raises the obvious question as to why Ireland continues to have the second highest excise rates on alcohol in Europe. Given that we now consume alcohol at average European levels, it makes sense that we should pay excise at average European levels also. This is particularly true following the introduction of minimum unit pricing, which prevents the sale of strong alcohol at low prices in supermarkets and shops.
“Across Ireland, hundreds of small rural pubs and restaurants are struggling for survival due to repeated increases in the cost of doing business, including staff, energy, and insurance. A cut in excise would offer these businesses an opportunity to continue acting as vital hubs in their communities, as well as a crucial part of our tourism product.
“DIGI will be seeking a 10% cut in excise in this year’s Budget as an urgent measure to give these businesses a fighting chance of survival.”