Alcohol in Ireland: tradition and/or addiction? 

Ireland’s relationship with alcohol runs deeper than mere consumption – it’s an integral thread in the nation’s cultural and social fabric. While a significant drinking culture traces back to the 18th century with the introduction of gin, the modern Irish pub represents far more than just a place to drink.  

These establishments serve as vital community hubs, particularly in rural areas where they often provide one of the few spaces for social gatherings. The cultural significance is so profound that there are ongoing discussions about including Irish pubs in UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The reality is more nuanced than it might appear. Recent data indicates a 10% decrease in alcohol consumption between 2018 and 2023. That is propably due to the “Public Health (Alcohol) Act” who was introduced in 2018 to reduce alcohol-related harm.

Nevertheless, Ireland’s relationship with alcohol remains significant globally. As of 2021, the country ranked 16th among 38 OECD countries for alcohol consumption per person. In that same year, Irish households spent approximately €2.5 billion on alcohol. This place Ireland eighth out of 30 countries in terms of household income allocated to alcohol purchases. 

Consequences

The cultural prominence of drinking in Ireland has severe public health implications. Research suggests that alcohol claims approximately three lives daily across the nation. In 2019, alcohol use resulted in 62,237 Disability-Adjusted Life-Years (DALYs) lost, with young and middle-aged adults (15-49 years) bearing 8% of this burden. The national rate of treated Alcohol Use Disorder stands at 270 cases per 100,000 annually, with just 2%-3% of them entering treatment (165 per 100,000.)

The transition from cultural drinking to addiction manifests through several warning signs. These include developing increased tolerance, losing control over consumption, neglecting work, family, or social obligations, continuing to drink despite facing health, relationship, or legal problems, and experiencing physical or emotional withdrawal symptoms when not drinking. 

These patterns highlight the fine line between cultural participation and problematic consumption, underscoring the complex relationship between Irish society and alcohol. 

Perspectives from the pub 

A pub worker, who prefers to stay anonymous, shared insights into the typical clientele of his pub, noting that “during the week, patrons are mostly people in their 30s and 40s after work or those in their 50s to 70s socialising with friends. Men typically drink pints, while women may prefer lighter beers or spirits with mixers. Weekends see a younger demographic (18 to 25) frequenting the pub, consuming draught beer or vodka with mixers.” 

It’s also important to highlight the role of sports in pub frequentation. “There’s generally a noticeable increase in costumers during matches”, indicating that sports events are a factor in alcohol consumption in Ireland. 

The pub worker notes, “We usually see the same clients’ multiple times a week,” underscoring the role of pubs as community hubs.  

When asked about changing drinking habits, the worker observes a growing health consciousness among some clients. “We now offer alcohol-free drinks, which we didn’t do a couple of years ago. They’re very popular, especially among girls,” he explains.

Foreign students speak out 

Interviews with Erasmus students reveal changing drinking habits since arriving in Ireland. A significant number (75%) reported increased consumption, often driven by the pub culture as a central meeting point for international students. While some find Irish alcohol prices high compared to their home countries, the social aspect often outweighs cost concerns. 

One student, Sophia, noted that her consumption had “definitely increased” because “for Erasmus students you do want to meet new people, so you go out quite often…I think it’s just because it’s where you meet many new people at once. They’re all here because they want to experience random things. So, there are many options for pubs that encourage you to go out every night.

“I think what limits it a little bit is the price of most cub/ bars. But there are some places that offer less expensive prices – which also encourage you to drink more.” 

The way they consume alcohol is also very different from their home country. “We usually drink at home parties in our hometown rather than at bar or club, like we usually do here.” 

Policy responses 

In front of this public health problem, Ireland’s government has implemented several measures to address alcohol use and promote responsible drinking in recent years.  

The Public Health (Alcohol) Act of 2018 introduced strict measures, including minimum unit pricing and restrictions on alcohol advertising, while requiring physical separation of alcohol products in retail spaces.  

This commitment to public health was further strengthened by the Public Health (Alcohol) (Labelling) Regulations 2023, which requires all alcohol products to display health warnings and other information by May 2026, making Ireland the first country in the world to introduce such comprehensive labelling. 

Supporting these legislative efforts, public health initiatives play a crucial role in monitoring and addressing alcohol-related issues. The Health Research Board’s release of alcohol treatment data in 2022 has been instrumental in identifying trends in problem alcohol use and polydrug consumption, helping shape evidence-based policies and treatment approaches that better serve the Irish population. 

At the community level, organizations like Drinkaware, established in 2016, have become pivotal in the fight against alcohol misuse. Through a combination of evidence-informed programs, educational initiatives, and targeted campaigns, Drinkaware works to prevent alcohol misuse across different demographics. 

Drinkaware, says that “there has been a shift to drinking at home; this has been especially evident as a result of COVID (when pubs were closed for long periods of time) and due to the cost of living crisis. As such, drinking patterns have remained static.” 

Another point they mention is the relation between the revenue and the consumption of alcohol “There is a multitude of evidence (elsewhere) indicating that the alcohol harm paradox exists, this is where those from lower socioeconomic status groups experience greater alcohol-related harm despite drinking the same, and often less, than those in higher socioeconomic groups. “ 

Drinkaware says the proposed Sale of Alcohol Bill, potentially increasing the hours of alcohol’s availability to buy, could have negative public health effects, such as increases in domestic violence and drunk driving.