Alcoholism in Ireland

Alcoholism in Ireland is a significant public health problem. In Ireland, 70.0% of Irish men and 34.1% of Irish women aged 15+ are considered to be hazardous drinkers. In the same age group, there are over one hundred and fifty thousand Irish people who are classified as 'dependent drinkers'. According to Eurostat, 24% of Ireland's population engages in heavy episodic drinking at least once a month, compared to the European average of 19%.

Alcohol is both an important economic industry for Ireland and a key facilitator for social interactions. Alcohol abuse is a problem in Ireland, with Ireland having the 17th highest rate of pure alcohol consumption in Europe. Alcohol abuse creates extensive problems on the Irish medical services, and alcoholism is implicated in at least three deaths a day in Ireland.

The reasons for excessive alcohol consumption in Ireland are varied. It is not possible to attribute one single cause to alcohol abuse; however, historically, the influence of British cultural practises combined with the poor climate of Ireland have played a major role in excessive Irish alcohol consumption.

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