A recent study by the Health Research Board (HRB) revealed that the average Irish person drinks up to 436 pints a year. This record figure shows that the Irish consume more than 10.8 liters of pure alcohol per year. This vertiginous descent, to say the least, unfortunately ranks Ireland ninth among the countries with the highest alcohol consumption in the world!
So do the Irish live up to their reputation? The study clearly shows that the population of green Ireland clearly appreciates its daily pint of stout.
Unfortunately, however, the figures presented do not reflect reality. It is estimated that one in four Irish people do not drink alcohol at all. So the average rate is actually much higher than the HRB report claims!
Unfortunately, this consumption is still higher than the target set by the government, which was not to exceed 9.1 liters of pure alcohol per person per year.
And we’ll certainly have to work hard to curb the trend… For these figures show that the population clearly has a good descent. These drinking habits are clearly rooted in everyday life, as evidenced by the regular attendance of Irish pubs (outside the Covid-19 period), and the omnipresence of advertising for the country’s leading beers and whiskeys.
It has to be said that in Ireland, going to the pub is far from being an exceptional phenomenon. Many Irish people frequent these establishments on a daily basis, to catch up with friends and family, and enjoy a pint or two of live music or a match… before heading home.
A tradition that’s part of the Irish charm, but also has a perverse effect when it comes to excess.
The Irish government therefore intends to come up with new communication plans to raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol.
04 September 2025 
