18% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 717,042 current smokers in Ireland
21% of men are current smokers but only 15% of women
Smoking in Ireland
18% of the population are current smokers, with 14% daily smokers and 4% occasional smokers. These figures are the same as those reported in 2021-2022.
Smoking is higher amongst men (21%) than women (15%) and higher amongst those who are unemployed or have not completed the Leaving Certificate.
33% of the population are ex-smokers. 49% of those who have smoked in the past year have attempted to quit smoking, with 23% of this group successfully quitting smoking. 58% used willpower alone, 25% used e-cigarettes, and 19% used nicotine replacement therapy.
8% of the population currently use e-cigarettes either daily (5%) or occasionally (3%), with a further 12% reporting they have tried them in the past but no longer use them. In 2022, 6% were current users of e-cigarettes.
A fifth (20%) of women aged 15-24 use e-cigarettes either daily or occasionally; the rate for men of the same age group is 16%.
Source: Healthy Ireland Survey 2023. (2023, November 22). Department of Health. https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/73c9d-healthy-ireland-survey-2023/#smoking
For further information and full references, click through to the detailed datasheets above.
Deaths
In Ireland, 5602 people die each year due to tobacco smoking.
Market size of NRT.
NRT market size is estimated to be 27.1 million €.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Ireland
The Republic of Ireland abides by the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) (2014). The law relating to e-cigarettes is Statutory Instrument No. 271 of 2016, European Union (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale of Tobacco and Related Products) Regulations 2016. Nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are regulated as tobacco products. Vaping is not officially prohibited in public places, but many locations have imposed their own vaping bans. Domestic advertising is permitted within the confines of EU law and cross-border sales remain legal providing the retailer is registered with the government.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Ireland
Heated tobacco products must comply with existing tobacco control legislation in Ireland.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Ireland
NRT market size is estimated to be 27.1 million €. In Ireland you don't need a prescription to purchase NRT. NRT is legal to market. NRT is available in many general shops without a prescription.
Snus
in Ireland
The sale of Snus is banned. Use of Snus is permitted by law in Ireland.
Pouches
in Ireland
Pouches are allowed. Advertising Pouches are allowed.