Mocktails, Brewery Closures and Sober-Curiosity: Are We Losing Our Taste for Booze?

Ireland has always had a reputation for raising a glass — but something is changing. More and more of us are saying “not tonight,” as drinking habits shift across the country. On today’s podcast, Ciara Doherty is rejoined by Susan Hayes Culleton, the Positive Economist and host of Taking Stock. Together, they explore why alcohol consumption is falling, how Gen Z is rewriting nightlife with sober-curiosity, and what these changes mean for an industry that’s long been central to Irish social life. Susan shares striking data: the number of people who say they never drink is steadily increasing, while others report cutting back or drinking in new and more selective ways. Ciara admits she’s experimenting with sober-curiosity herself, while Susan describes becoming far pickier about quality, preferring to savour a good glass of wine over casual rounds. But beyond personal choice, economics are biting hard. Black Donkey Brewing, pioneers of wild yeast fermentation and the makers of the iconic Sheep Stealer and Underworld series, have wound down operations. Killarney Brewing Company closed its doors after post-Covid disruption, supply chain snags, and tariffs. Rye River Brewing has seen its costs rise by an astonishing 110% just four years, making survival difficult for smaller independents. Even Powerscourt Distillery, backed by a €25 million investment in premium Irish whiskey, has entered receivership — a stark sign of how vulnerable artisanal producers are to rising costs. Global politics adds yet another challenge. US tariffs on Irish spirits exports threaten one of the industry’s most lucrative markets, piling international pressure on top of domestic struggles. So is this simply the end of an era of excess? Or the beginning of a smarter, more selective drinking culture? And what happens to Ireland’s world-famous drinks industry if the next generation chooses club soda over craft stout? 📧 Have your say: How have your drinking habits changed? Drop Ciara an email at [email protected] 📻 Hear more from Susan: Listen to her show Taking Stock, Sundays at 9am on Newstalk, or anytime on GoLoud.