Irish people have a reputation for heavy drinking, and in the past it may have been true. However, according to the latest report commissioned by industry representative group the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) , we are drinking less alcohol than ever. We now sit mid-table in the EU alcohol -consumption table, the report says.
Overall, it shows we drank 2.1 per cent less in 2025 compared to 2024, and a massive 36 per cent less than in 2001.
Wine consumption increased by 4 per cent in 2025, whereas beer, cider and spirits all showed a decrease. Beer accounted for 42.1 per cent of the total alcohol market by volume of alcohol in 2025, followed by wine at 29.4 per cent, spirits at 22.4 per cent and cider at 6.1 per cent.
We drink about 18 litres of wine, or 24 bottles, per year per adult, according to the research. This goes against the worldwide trend by showing an increase.
Wine consumption worldwide has been falling annually since 2018 and is now at its lowest level since 1961. Most countries, including the US, China and France, are consuming less wine, although many are spending more per bottle. In most countries, wine production is also decreasing. Many areas, including well-known regions such as Bordeaux, are facing a crisis, as demand for their wine, red wine in particular, continues to fall. Vineyards are being grubbed up – according to The Drinks Business magazine, both Bordeaux and Chile have uprooted 30,000 hectares of vines over the last three years. In Australia, the 2026 vintage was the smallest since the millennium; a lot of grapes, red grapes in particular, were simply left to rot on the vine. Shiraz, for many the flagship Australian variety, was down 39 per cent and Cabernet Sauvignon 27 per cent.
[ We are falling out of love with booze: Why Ireland is drinking less Opens in new window ]
As the representative body for the drinks and hospitality industry and with generally falling alcohol consumption in mind, DIGI is seeking a decrease in our very high rates of excise duty. We are among the most highly taxed in Europe .
The DIGI report was compiled by Prof Anthony Foley of Dublin City University.
[ The Irish Times view on falling alcohol consumption: a welcome trend worth further study Opens in new window ]