Alcohol consumption per adult declined nearly 5% in Ireland last year, according to a new report commissioned by Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI).
The report, written by economist Anthony Foley, found alcohol intake per adult dropped 4.5% to 9.49 litres of pure alcohol (LPA), when accounting for a 2.3% increase in population last year.
This marks a slump of more than a third since 2001, the report said.
Total alcohol consumption in the country dropped 2.4% on 2023 to 41.5 million litres.
In a statement, DIGI said the findings showed Irish consumers are “increasingly drinking alcohol in moderation”.
Beer proved the most popular alcoholic beverage in 2024, according to the findings, with its market share growing 0.4% to 43.3%. Consumption of the drink however declined 1.6% to 17.94m LPA.
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By GlobalDataSpirits however booked the largest dip, with consumption dropping 4.1% to 9.25m (LPA). It also lost 0.4% in market share, now holding 22.3% in 2024.
Cider saw the next largest decline, with consumption down 3.3% to 2.5m LPA. It held 6.1% market share, a 0.1% drop on 2023.
Wine consumption also dropped 2% in the year to 11.7m LPA. It increased its market share by 0.1% to 28.2% in 2024, holding the second largest market share after beer. Its share has grown 13.2% since 2000.
Secretary of DIGI and CEO of The Licensed Vintners Association, Donall O’Keefe 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.”
Reflecting on the findings, O’Keefe said that the “downward trend” in consumption “raises the obvious question as to why Ireland continues to have the second highest excise rates on alcohol in Europe”.
He added: “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 businesses, 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.”
The DIGI plans to call on the government to cut alcohol excise by 10% in the next Budget for 2026.
