30th April 2026 – As the May Bank Holiday approaches, Drinkaware is encouraging people across Ireland to embrace safer socialising by planning their journeys in advance. With the long weekend offering a great opportunity to connect with friends and family, Drinkaware is highlighting how simple steps, such as understanding when you are safe to drive the morning after alcohol consumption, can help ensure a positive experience for everyone.
The 2025 Drinkaware Barometer reveals a strong foundation for this change, with 87% of adults agreeing that any amount of alcohol impairs driving ability. While awareness remains high, Drinkaware sees an opportunity to support younger drivers further, as 81% of those under 35 currently hold this view.
Building on this positive momentum, the charity is also highlighting the importance of next-day safety. While 77% of adults agree that driving the morning after is just as dangerous as drink-driving, only 65% of those under 35 currently recognise this risk. By bridging this knowledge gap, Drinkaware aims to empower all motorists to make informed, confident decisions.
This May Bank Holiday, Drinkaware encourages everyone to consider how their choices affect others by making informed decisions around alcohol and transport. If you’re drinking, leave the car keys behind and make arrangements to get home safely.
Dearbhla O’Brien, CEO of Drinkaware, said: “We want everyone to enjoy the May Bank Holiday to the fullest, and that starts with making mindful choices around alcohol and transport. We can all play a part in creating a culture where ‘alcohol and driving never mix’ is the standard we live by.
By debunking myths and remembering that only time removes alcohol from the body, we aim to ensure our roads stay safe. It takes at least one hour to process a standard drink, starting from the time the last drink was finished. Planning ahead is a simple but powerful way to look after ourselves and our community”.
With 51% of adults reporting that specific events can lead to increased drinking, bank holiday weekends are the perfect time to try new moderation strategies.
Know the facts about driving the morning after:
- 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.
The urgency of planning ahead is highlighted by recent enforcement data from the previous bank holiday period. During the first 48 hours of the Easter road policing operation, An Garda Síochána arrested 66 people for driving under the influence.
During the St Patrick’s Bank Holiday period, An Garda Síochána arrested 235 people for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and detected over 5,000 speeding offences.
Recent enforcement figures also point to the scale of the issue. An Garda Síochána reported 765 arrests for driving under the influence of an intoxicant between 1 December 2025 and 5 January 2026, with 56% related to alcohol and the remainder to drugs.
And, if you are trying to make positive changes and are out for a walk this weekend, why not take inspiration from the Drinkaware Podcast, Here’s To Change? You’ll find interesting and personal conversations with guests like Michael O’Malley, Padraig Walsh, Sinead Mooney, and Sam Kelly, offering tips on moderation, planning, and informed decision-making. It’s available on all major podcast streaming platforms. And for practical tools, information on alcohol and driving, and ideas for alcohol-free social options, visit www.drinkaware.ie.
Ends
For interviews or media enquiries, please contact:
Ciara O’Driscoll | Etch Communications | ciara@etchcomms.ie | 087 689 3600
Laura Greer | Etch Communications | laura@etchcomms.ie | 086 960 5600
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
- Road Safety Authority (RSA) Analysis of Coronial Data (2016–2020). RSA analysis revealed that 35% of driver fatalities with toxicology results available tested positive for alcohol, rising to 70% for deaths occurring between 10 pm and 6 am. Published June 2025. https://www.rsa.ie/news-events/news/details/2025/06/11/driving-change–rsa-annual-conference-examines-drink—drug-driving—unveils-major-new-tv-ad-campaign
- An Garda Síochána Easter Road Policing Operation Figures. Garda data reported 66 arrests for driving under the influence and over 1,400 speeding detections during the first 48 hours of the Easter bank holiday weekend. Reported April 2026. https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/1400-drivers-caught-speeding-and-66-arrested-for-driving-under-influence-over-first-two-days-of-easter-road-policing-operation/a179618898.html
- An Garda Síochána St Patrick’s Bank Holiday Enforcement Figures. Garda data reported a total of 235 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, along with the detection of over 5,000 speeding offences over the bank holiday period. Reported March 2026. https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2026/0318/1564011-road-safety
- An Garda Síochána Road Safety Enforcement Figures. Garda data reported 765 arrests for driving under the influence of an intoxicant between 1 December and 5 January, with 56% related to alcohol and 44% to drugs. Reported January 2026. https://www.rte.ie/news/2026/0107/1551892-garda-road-christmas-figures/