28th May 2026 – As people across Ireland prepare for BBQs, gatherings and trips away this June Bank Holiday weekend, Drinkaware is encouraging the public to plan ahead and be mindful of alcohol consumption, particularly when it comes to driving the next day.
The national charity is reminding people that alcohol can remain in the body long after drinking has stopped, with many underestimating the risks associated with “morning-after” impairment.
Recent Drinkaware research shows that nearly one in four adult drinkers (24%) report binge drinking on a typical drinking occasion. Binge drinking is defined as consuming six or more standard drinks in one sitting, on a typical day when they consumed alcohol. More than half (55%) say they engaged in heavy episodic drinking at least once in the past month.
Drinkaware warns that drinking at home can make it more difficult to track alcohol intake, as home measures are often larger than standard servings.
Dearbhla O’Brien, CEO of Drinkaware, said:
“The June Bank Holiday is a time for people to relax and enjoy time with family and friends, but it’s important to remember that alcohol can still affect judgement, coordination and reaction times well into the next day.
Many people do not realise how long it takes for alcohol to leave the body. Planning ahead, whether that means arranging transport, pacing drinks or choosing alcohol-free options, can make a significant difference to your safety and the safety of others.”
Drinkaware is reminding the public of the following facts:
- It takes at least one hour to process one standard drink.
- An average pint of beer equals two standard drinks. This means it will take your body at least two hours to process one pint of beer.
- Alcohol levels continue to rise for hours after consuming the drink of choice.
- The only way to remove alcohol from your system is time; no amount of food or water will speed up the process.
- Neither will the common myths about showering, eating a large breakfast, consuming coffee or energy drinks, or exercising.
- The processing time starts from when the last drink is finished.
Drinkaware’s online Drinks Calculator helps people estimate how long it may take their body to process alcohol and is a valuable tool when planning nights out or next-day travel.
Latest national road safety data indicates that drink-driving remains a serious and ongoing problem. Data from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) in December 2025 revealed that a substantial minority of Irish motorists, almost 1 in 8 (12%), admitted to driving after consuming alcohol in the past twelve months. The RSA identified the most common scenario as people drinking in a pub, restaurant, or at home, then driving on rural roads, with this behaviour more likely to occur on weekends.
Water Safety this Bank Holiday
If you are taking your celebrations to the coast or inland waterways this weekend, remember these vital tips from Drinkaware and Water Safety Ireland to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
- Avoid combining alcohol with water activities, as alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination, significantly increasing the risk of drowning.
- If engaging in swimming, boating, or other water-based activities, do so before consuming any alcohol.
- Always ensure children are closely supervised when near water.
- Ensure everyone wears a lifejacket when on or near the water.
Ends
For interviews or media enquiries, please contact:
Ciara O’Driscoll | Etch Communications | ciara@etchcomms.ie | 087 689 3600
Sarah-Kate Spratt | Etch Communications | sarahkate@etchcomms.ie | 089 6115041
Notes to the editor:
About Drinkaware: Drinkaware is a national charity working to prevent and reduce alcohol misuse in Ireland. It is governed by an independent board and regulated by the Charities Regulator. Registered Charity Number: 20204601
References
- Drinkaware Barometer 2025 is a national population-based survey of 1,062 adults aged 18+ conducted by Ipsos B&A in July 2025. The research forms part of the ongoing Drinkaware Barometer series and includes internationally recognised measures on alcohol consumption patterns, attitudes, and mental well-being.
- Road Safety Authority (RSA) Survey, December 2025. RSA drink driving statistics show that 12% of Irish motorists admitted to driving after consuming alcohol in the past 12 months. Findings were published as part of the RSA Christmas Road Safety Campaign (1 December 2025 – 5 January 2026). https://www.rsa.ie/news-events/news/details/2025/12/01/launch-of-christmas-road-safety-campaign—1-december-2025-to-5-january-2026