A half-full glass of Guinness beer resting on a coaster on an outdoor wooden table, with partial views of other beverages and patrons' arms in the background, suggesting a social gathering at a pub.
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Drinking Age in Ireland: A Locals Guide to Irish Drinking Laws

ByTamar

Are you wondering about alcohol laws in Ireland?

Then you’ve come to the right place!

Every country has different laws surrounding alcohol, and being up to date on drinking laws in a new country is important. When I first moved to Ireland, it took some time to get used to the laws here, and I find that many of my readers have questions such as: What’s the drinking age in Ireland? When can I buy alcohol at the shop? What is an off-license? Can kids go to pubs?

In this post, I answer all those questions and more. This complete guide to Irish drinking laws has everything you need to know before your trip to stay safe, informed, and out of trouble.

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What is the Legal Drinking Age in Ireland?

The legal drinking age in Ireland is 18. The rule is straightforward: if you’re 18 or older, you can legally buy and drink alcohol. This applies to all alcohol purchases, including in bars, pubs, and shops. 

However, there are certain exceptions and special circumstances to be aware of. Underage individuals can consume alcohol in the home, with parental consent. But these exceptions don’t apply to public places or commercial spaces.

Enforcement of the legal drinking age in Ireland is taken seriously. Anyone who facilitates underage drinking by selling or providing alcohol to minors can face serious legal consequences, including fines, or the suspension of alcohol licenses. Minors who attempt to purchase or consume alcohol illegally may also face penalties. They could be fined or required to complete community service.

Understanding these laws is crucial for complying with Irish alcohol laws.

A half-full glass of Guinness beer resting on a coaster on an outdoor wooden table, with partial views of other beverages and patrons' arms in the background, suggesting a social gathering at a pub.

Drinking Laws in Ireland Explained

If you’re visiting Ireland from abroad, navigating the nuances of Ireland’s drinking laws can be difficult. Below, I answer common questions about drinking laws in Ireland.

Can you drink alcohol with your parents?

In Ireland, the home is considered a private space separate from the regulations governing public venues. Put simply, under-18s can drink alcohol at home, with parental consent. 

People under the age of 18 cannot drink alcohol in public, including pubs, bars, and restaurants, even if they are with a parent.

a glass half full with whisky sits atop a beige counter top.

Can you drink and drive in Ireland?

Ireland has very strict laws against drinking and driving.

Drinking alcohol and driving is strictly prohibited in Ireland. The country has one of the lowest legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits in Europe. For most adults, Ireland’s BAC limit of 50 mg is typically reached after 1 standard drink.

They’re very strict on this here, and if you plan on driving anywhere in Ireland it’s best to abstain from drinking altogether. Thankfully, you can always grab a glass of Irish tap water or a non-alcoholic beer so you don’t feel left out!

Can you drink in public?

Yes and no. While no law explicitly prohibits alcohol consumption outdoors, this issue is handled locally by city and county councils.

Some areas allow public drinking, while some strictly prohibit it. There are, however, a few laws specific to public drinking in Ireland.

First, you cannot consume alcohol in a closed container, like a bottle or can, within 100 meters of the off-license where you bought it.

The legality of drinking in public places in Ireland is a complex issue, often governed by local by-laws. While some areas may permit public drinking, others enforce strict bans. This variance means that what’s acceptable in one town or city might not be in another. As a rule of thumb, it’s always wise to check the local laws and, when in doubt, err on the side of caution.

Can you be drunk in public?

There is no law against being drunk in public in Ireland, but if you’re intoxicated and pose a risk to the health, safety, or welfare of yourself or others then that is illegal.

It’s illegal to give alcohol to a drunken person, and establishments can ask patrons to leave if they start to act disorderly. Not complying can lead to Garda intervention and possible arrest.

Do they check IDs when buying alcohol?

In Ireland, like in many other countries, proving your age when buying alcohol is a standard procedure. 

If you look under 25, expect to be asked for ID when purchasing alcohol in Ireland.

A woman smiling at the camera, holding a pint of Guinness in a glass with the brand's logo, while in the background is the panoramic view of Dublin's skyline at dusk from the Gravity Bar at the Guinness Storehouse. She is holding two children, with one's face obscured for privacy, indicative of a family moment enjoying the city's famous landmark.

Can you bring kids into a pub?

Yes, you can bring kids into a pub… usually.

The Irish pub is a family-friendly establishment, especially during daytime hours. However, pubs don’t allow kids after 9 PM (sometimes 10 PM in the summer). Legally, kids under the age of 15 have to be supervised by parents at all times while in the pub. 

If you’re wondering if a particular pub is kid-friendly, check if they serve food. Usually, kids are allowed in any pubs that serve food. I frequently take my kids for pub dinners in Dublin and have never had an issue. The only thing to be aware of is leaving the pub before they become adults-only.

Can you bring kids on alcohol-themed tours?

Many alcohol-themed tours, such as the Guinness Storehouse or several of the whiskey tours in Dublin are kid-friendly. While kids cannot stink alcohol on these tours, they can join for the information and are often served juice or water at the end.

When can you buy alcohol?

Figuring out when I could (or could not) purchase alcohol was a big adjustment for me when I moved to Ireland. I would head to the shop on a Sunday morning and be shocked I couldn’t buy alcohol. 

In Ireland, you can purchase alcohol between 10:30 AM and 10:00 PM, Monday through Saturday.

On Sundays, you cannot purchase alcohol until 12:30 PM. 

These regulations help manage the availability of alcohol and ensure that it’s sold during reasonable hours.

glasses of amber colored whiskey at the Jameson Experience in Dublin, the perfect rainy day activity for adults in Dublin.

FAQ: Drinking Age in Ireland

When did the drinking age change to 18 in Ireland?

The drinking age in Ireland was never changed to 18; it has always been 18. In both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, you must be 18 to buy or consume alcohol in public.

Is there a legal drinking age in Ireland?

Yes, there is a legal drinking age in Ireland. The minimum legal drinking age is 18. In Ireland, children under the age of 18 are not allowed to purchase alcohol or consume alcohol in a public place.

At what age can you buy alcohol in Ireland?

The minimum drinking age in Ireland is 18. This applies to buying alcohol as well – the legal age to purchase alcohol is also 18.

Can you have a drink with a meal if you are under 18 in Ireland?

Any person under the legal drinking age is prohibited from drinking alcohol in public, including with a meal at a restaurant. Serving alcohol to those under the legal age to drink is prohibited and could result in an establishment losing its liquor license.

What is the Garda Age Card?

The Garda Age Card is a voluntary national age card scheme in Ireland that provides proof of age for individuals who are over 18, helping to ensure compliance with age restrictions for purchasing alcohol and other age-restricted products and services.

Are under 18s allowed in pubs in Ireland?

Under 18s are allowed in pubs in Ireland, especially during daytime hours, but they must leave by a certain time in the evening, usually 9 PM or 10 PM. This can vary depending on the pub’s license or clientele.

How old do you have to be to drink in Ireland if you’re just visiting?

If you are traveling to Ireland with people under 18, the minimum legal age to drink still applies to them. The age for drinking in Ireland is 18; You must be 18 years old to legally drink alcohol in Ireland.

Final Thoughts on the Drinking Age in Ireland

When it comes to the consumption of alcohol in Ireland, it’s important to stay informed and follow local laws. The legal drinking age in Ireland is 18, which is strictly enforced. If you are caught drinking and not of age you could face serious repercussions. The country is strict about underage drinking, and anyone who serves an underage person alcohol could also find themselves in trouble. 

When in Ireland, remember to always drink responsibly. Never drink and drive, and don’t get so intoxicated that you become a danger to yourself or others.

With this in mind, you can enjoy your visit to Ireland while respecting its alcohol laws. Whether traveling for a few days or coming to stay for good, understanding the nuances of Irish drinking laws will help you have a trouble-free and memorable experience on the Emerald Isle. Sláinte!