#HeresToChange: Drinkaware Encourages Ireland to Celebrate St Patrick’s Day Differently

Thursday, 12th March 2026 – As Ireland prepares to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, Drinkaware, the national independent charity working to prevent and reduce alcohol misuse, is calling on adults to embrace mindful celebration under this year’s #HeresToChange campaign.

St Patrick’s Day is a time of national pride, connection and community. However, bank holidays and major sporting events can also bring increased pressure to drink excessively. In fact, the latest Drinkaware Barometer shows that over the past year, 17% of adult drinkers noted that bank holidays led them to increase their alcohol consumption, highlighting the need for greater awareness during this time, while half of adult drinkers (50%) note social events – parties and social gatherings – have led them to increase their consumption.

Encouragingly, Ireland’s relationship with alcohol continues to evolve. The latest research reveals that:

36% of drinkers say they would like to drink less often, peaking among those who have increased consumption (53%) and among binge drinkers (44%), demonstrating sustained appetite for moderation.
Two in three adults feel comfortable choosing no- or low-alcohol drinks and say they don’t like socialising with people when they are drunk, reflecting changing social norms.
Among those who have reduced their alcohol consumption, one in two say a greater focus on overall wellbeing and self-improvement influenced them.
Younger adults (18–24-year-olds) are more open to behaviours that support moderation, continuing to lead cultural change around mindful drinking— although continued support and awareness remain important.

As the St Patrick’s Bank Holiday coincides with the excitement of the Six Nations Championship, and Ireland versus Italy on the 14th March, Drinkaware is encouraging rugby supporters to enjoy the game responsibly — and remember that the focus should stay on the match, with 14% of adult drinkers noting that sporting events have led to an increase in their alcohol consumption in the past 12 months, peaking among men (21%).

Dearbhla O’Brien, CEO of Drinkaware, said:

“St Patrick’s Day is one of the most important moments in our national calendar, and it’s encouraging to see from our latest Barometer that more adults are reflecting on their relationship with alcohol. With 36% saying they would like to drink less often, two in three comfortable choosing alcohol-free options, and 39% of drinkers having made small positive changes to their drinking habits in the past 30 days — rising to 56% among 18–24-year-olds — we’re seeing encouraging signs of a cultural shift underway.

Younger adults in particular are helping to lead this change by prioritising moderation and wellbeing. While these trends are positive, there is still more progress to be made in reducing harmful drinking. ‘Here’s to Change’ is about supporting people to make choices that work for them — whether that means drinking less, choosing alcohol-free alternatives, or simply being more mindful this bank holiday.

Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit, agus bígí sábháilte!”

Sam Kelly, a recent guest on Drinkaware’s Here’s to Change podcast, added:

“Big occasions like Bank Holidays or big rugby weekends can come with an expectation to go all out. For me, change started when I realised I didn’t have to follow that script. Choosing to drink less — or not at all — doesn’t take away from the experience. In fact, it can make it better. You’re more present, you remember the moments, and you feel better the next day.”

Practical Tips for a Mindful St Patrick’s Day

Drinkaware encourages adults to plan ahead and make informed choices this Bank Holiday:

Set a personal limit before you head out.
Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or a no-/low-alcohol option.
Eat before and during drinking.
Consider planning a sober event or daytime activity.
If you are watching rugby or sports, focus on the game — not the drinks.
Plan your journey home in advance.
Think about your reason for drinking — is it intentional or automatic?

With growing numbers prioritising wellbeing and balance, this St Patrick’s Day offers an opportunity to celebrate in ways that reflect modern Ireland. Small changes can have a lasting impact. Supporting positive choices can help adults create a healthier relationship with alcohol by drinking less.

For more information, advice and resources, visit www.drinkaware.ie or listen to Here’s to Change on all major streaming platforms.

Alternative Events this St Patrick’s Day

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 | 089 611 5041

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

For more information on research projects and publications, visit www.drinkaware.ie/research

References

1. The Drinkaware Barometer 2025 is a national population-based survey of 1,062 adults aged 18+ conducted by Ipsos B&A in July 2025. It included a series of internationally recognised modules on alcohol consumption and mental health.

*Binge drinking is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as consuming six or more standard drinks in one sitting, but what does this mean? Binge drinking is when you drink faster than your liver‘s ability to process alcohol. This means that your liver’s ability to process alcohol and complete its other vital functions are negatively affected.

**More information on mindful drinking can be found here