Does Ireland have strict drinking laws?

Question

Does Ireland really enforce their 18 year old drinking laws? Would a bar actually card you? Can you buy some from a package store? Answers from Irish citizens would be most appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

this really depends.  Most big city bars/clubs are really really strict when it comes to being 18 while smaller towns and villages not so much.  Again you will be carded if you look underage trying to buy booze in the big supermarkets such as Tesco, Dunnes or Supervalu but you might get away with it at the small town corner store.

Answer 2

Pubs and clubs, generally check all men that dont look the age. Most off licenses wont serve you either, as all have to much to loose

Answer 3

Yes, drinking and driving is not good - you might spill it.

no seriously, a lot of bars will have certain nghts where they will have a 'lock-in'. basically, they close the pub door, but still sell alcohol. some guards (from the Garda (police)) drink in these pubs and will often turn the blind eye. depends really on the size etc...

as for ID, they aren't very strict. but if you have a childish face, you probably will get asked for ID

Answer 4

It depends where you are going but most places will ask for I.D especially if you look underage. You are more likely to asked for I.D if you are going to a busy niteclub rather than a quiet pub. However Ireland is not half as strict as U.S.A (they take it really seriously!)

I think it depends on how young you look personally.