When a destination is famous for its pubs, it is natural to wonder about the alcohol laws in Ireland. Learning the rules and regulations governing alcohol in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is also important to ensure that you don’t violate laws, including alcoholic beverages and driving under the influence (also known as drunk driving, what which is never a good idea, whatever the law defines as a tolerance limit).
The Irish dream tends to bring to mind certain cliches like Saint Patrick, Irish coffee, round towers, Guinness, 40 shades of green, Irish whiskey, and the long and winding history of Ireland. Did you notice how often alcohol accumulated on this short list? Enjoying ‘a drop of good’ can be as much a part of an Irish holiday as a stop to see the Cliffs of Moher or Bunratty Castle.
However, the laws governing the sale and enjoyment of alcohol in the country are quite strict. So what do the drinking rules actually say regarding alcohol in Ireland? Here is a short summary for you: You can only drink when you are 18 years old, and most likely you are not in a public place.
What is the minimum age to buy and drink alcohol in Ireland?
The drinking age in Ireland is 18. That means you must be at least 18 years of age to purchase, attempt to purchase or consume alcohol in Ireland. It is also illegal to obtain alcohol for anyone under the minimum age. So if you are under 18, or if you are bothered by someone who is (or appears to be) … don’t even think about it! If you are under 18, you cannot even enter a store (liquor store) without a license unless you are with a parent or guardian.
What is the definition of alcohol in Ireland?
This is easy: any drink that contains alcohol in any amount is “alcohol.” However, drinks with minimal amounts of alcohol, such as “non-alcoholic” beer and non-alcoholic beer, are exceptions, as are sweets with liquor. However, keep in mind that having some brandy-filled chocolates can lead to a positive breathalyzer test result, which in turn can lead to a negative experience involving arrest and a blood sample. It’s best to go easy on these treats if you plan to get behind the wheel.
Where can you drink in Ireland?
In general, alcohol can only be served to the public in ‘licensed premises’, with the pub (short for ‘public house’) being the most common place where it is possible to have a drink. Furthermore, in recent years more and more bars and clubs have emerged, concentrating on a younger, more sophisticated and / or very wealthy market segment. Restaurants may be licensed to serve alcohol, although not all are. Usually you will have to order a full meal to serve drinks in a restaurant. There are also restaurants that only have a license to serve wine and cannot legally sell any other alcoholic beverages.
What if I want to have a drink in my room / at home?
A lot of stores sell beer and wine under a so-called “license-free,” meaning you can’t drink them at the store, but you can buy alcohol to take home. Most of the unauthorized licenses in Ireland are well marked and easy to spot. You can also find a limited selection of wines in stores without a full ‘license’. Many pubs also sell bottled or canned drinks for off-site consumption.
Can I drink everywhere in Ireland?
Definitely not: drinking in public places is prohibited almost everywhere in Northern Ireland, and in many places in the Republic of Ireland as well. The exact restrictions are set out in local statutes, which most visitors are not instantly aware of, so keep an eye out for signs and notices. If you don’t see any posted information, you can risk touching it by ear… or staying safe by not drinking anything in public places. Note that the “clever trick” of covering a bottle with a brown paper bag makes it even more visible and won’t save you from a fine.
While drinking outside is generally not allowed outside of a pub or restaurant, there are no laws against carrying alcohol in cars (unlike many US states), and you can actually drive with an open container (ed) of alcohol in the passenger compartment. But …
What does the law say about alcohol and driving in Ireland?
The legal limit for alcohol in the bloodstream while driving is less than 0.05 percent (in the Republic, in Northern Ireland 0.08 percent), depending on the size of the body and the strength of the drink, you can exceed this limit after just one drink. Both the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Gardai (Irish Police) strictly enforce the law on alcoholism and alcoholism and will breathe into suspicious drivers. If a driver’s alcohol level is found to be above the legal limit, under no circumstances will they be allowed to continue their trip and a court appearance is (generally) mandatory.
Avoid any legal trouble by not drinking or having a designated driver. In addition to the legal implications, driving in Ireland as a tourist is complicated enough without the influence of alcohol, medications or drugs.
Are there restrictions on enjoying alcohol in Ireland?
No, as long as you are enjoying alcohol sensibly. But if you go overboard and are becoming a nuisance or even a danger (to yourself or others), then the law could get involved. The police may warn you to cut it off and move on, or (in severe cases) you may be asked to come to the nearest station. Remember that a hangover is child’s play compared to spending a few hours in a crowded cell.
And finally… When can you not have a drink in Ireland?
You can drink alcohol in Ireland in pubs and restaurants that have a license to serve it. It depends on the specific license, but you can expect it to be served generally, from before noon to before midnight. In-store alcohol sales in the Republic of Ireland are legal only between 10.30am and 10.00pm Monday to Friday, and 12.30pm to 10.00pm on Sundays. Note that St. Patrick’s Day is considered a Sunday for this purpose because the morning binge rained on many parades in previous years.
In Northern Ireland, the hours of sale of alcohol in stores depend on the individual license granted; in general, Monday through Friday would be legal from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
There is only one day a year when it will be difficult to buy a drink: Christmas Day. (It used to be that alcohol sales were banned two days a year, but now drinking is allowed on Good Friday.)
