Why You Cant Buy Alcohol On Good Friday In Ireland

As Ireland continues to debate whether or not the nearly 90-year-old ban here on the sale of alcohol on Good Friday should be abolished, we explain how the rule came into being in the first place.

A Mark of Respect

Although Good Friday isn’t an official public holiday in Ireland, the 1927 Intoxicating Liquor Act made the sale of alcohol on Good Friday illegal as a mark of respect, as well as outlawing the practice on Christmas Day and St Patrick’s Day. This was to allow for reflection, rest and prayer on these three holy days. After the ban on selling alcohol on St Patrick’s Day was repealed in 1960, the feast day of Ireland’s patron saint became one of the country’s (and the world’s) biggest drinking days of the year. But the laws regarding the other two holidays remained in effect, meaning pubs and many restaurants still close on Good Friday.

Exemptions to the Intoxicating Liquor Act

The Push to Liberalise

The Restaurants Association of Ireland, Licensed Vintners Association and other groups affected by the ban have repeatedly called for the law to be abolished, claiming that the loss of business and impact on tourism costs them dearly. Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald, denied their attempts to have it lifted in 2016, but has said that the possibility would be considered under the banner of wider legislative change at a later date. Opinion polls show varying levels of support among the Irish public for lifting the ban.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.