Ireland 'no longer' among Europe's heaviest drinkers as alcohol consumption down

Alcohol consumption among Irish adults declined by 4.5% in 2024 as people across the country have proven to be drinking slightly less in recent years.

These figures were published on Monday in a report by Anthony Foley, Associate Professor Emeritus at Dublin City University, for the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI). According to the report, the latest study suggests that Irish people are increasingly drinking alcohol in moderation. 

As Ireland's alcohol consumption rate declined quite significantly last year alone, the report showed that we are now at average European levels. 

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In fact, the report even states that Ireland ranked below nine EU and UK countries such as France, Spain and Austria when it came to a sample of seventeen countries analysed in 2022 by the OECD for alcohol consumption.

In relation to this study, the report stated: "By the standards of the seventeen countries in the sample Ireland is no longer an outlier in terms of high average levels of alcohol consumption as measured by the methodology used for that indicator."

It added: "The Health Research Board in its 2024 publication on alcohol also shows that Ireland is not now a high alcohol consumption country by EU or OECD standards."

When it comes to alcohol of choice, beer remains the most popular drink in Ireland as it makes up 43% of the market. Wine follows behind with 28%, with spirits not too far back in third place with 22% and then cider at 6%.