One quarter of Irish people say binge drinking is a normal part of life for them.

It is one of the findings from the 2023 Barometer Report from Drinkaware on Ireland's drinking culture.

Almost six in 10 say they drink alcohol on a weekly basis, despite an overall decrease in drinking levels over the last five years.

Dearbhla O'Brien from Drinkaware believes the pandemic may have led to more of us overindulging. 

“26% of people, so one in four adults, binge drink when they drink,” she said. 

“So, they’re typically drinking six standard drinks or more as a normal pattern of alcohol consumption. 

“That compares with one in five adults in 2020; so, that’s a harmful trend that we really need to keep on top of.” 

Empty pints. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews

Despite this, the report also found younger people are drinking less than the older generations, with 57% of 18-24 year olds reducing their consumption of alcohol. 

Ms O'Brien said young people are discovering more ‘sober curious’ drinking habits. 

“We really need to build on that by giving people the tools, the information, tips and encouragement to abstain or reduce [their consumption],” she said. 

“So, that’s all encouraging and very positive.” 

Excise duty on alcohol brings in around €1.2 billion in revenue to the exchequer every year.

Main image: Toasting with pints.