Alcohol consumption in Ireland hits 25-year low

Alcohol consumption among adults in Ireland has declined by 4.5 percent in the past year, according to a new report by economist Anthony Foley. The average per adult alcohol consumption fell to 9.49 litres of pure alcohol in 2024.

The figures, released by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI), indicate a continued downward trend in alcohol consumption over the last 25 years. Since 2001, per capita consumption has dropped by 34.3 percent.

Total alcohol consumption in Ireland in 2024 stood at 41.5 million litres, marking a 2.4 percent overall decline. Adjusted for the 2.3 percent population growth last year, this results in the 4.5 percent per capita drop.

The report also notes shifts in drinking preferences. Beer remained the most consumed alcoholic beverage in Ireland, with its market share rising by 0.4 percent to 43.3 percent. Wine followed, gaining 0.1 percent in market share to reach 28.2 percent, a significant increase from 13.2 percent in 2000. Conversely, spirits and cider saw marginal declines, dropping to 22.3 percent and 6.1 percent, respectively.

The findings align with OECD 2022 data and Health Research Board research, both indicating that Ireland's alcohol consumption now stands at average European levels.