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Close-up of Irish beef Burger with meat, bacon and vegetables on rustic background.
Ireland’s big hamburger boom: The beefy treats are a fast-food hit.
Meat lovers rejoice, as Ireland’s burger explosion leaves vegans in the cold.
Credit: Shutterstock, Anna Bogush
Ireland’s love affair with fast food is sizzling – and it’s burgers that are taking a juicy bite out of the competition.
According to new figures, fast-food footfall increased by 5% in Ireland in the fourth quarter of 2024. Burger chains led the way. Burger joints saw a 7.8% increase in customers between 2023-24. They are now the undisputed leaders of quick bites.
Pizza and coffee shops aren’t far behind, but the real takeaway here is that Ireland’s fast-food sector is thriving – while over in the UK, it’s looking more like a cold, stale chip.
Irish fast food appetites dominate the market
Ireland’s consumer spending is stronger than Britain’s fast-food industry. While UK growth Trading Economics reports that Irish consumers spent 4% more than they did when the crawl was just 1%. The extra money spent has led to more burgers being cooked, pizzas being cut, and takeaway containers filled.
Not only burgers and pies are getting their share of the action. Other fast food outlets, such as chicken shops, bakeries and sandwich bars, are also catching on.
Meat lovers vs. Vegans – The Burger War Heats Up in Ireland
Although burgers are enjoying the glory of Ireland’s fast-food boom not everyone is jumping for joy. For vegans, the meaty surge is a bitter pill to swallow – or rather, one they refuse to bite into.
With Ireland’s burger traffic sizzling, some plant-based eaters are asking: ‘Where’s our boom?’ Despite the rise of meat-free alternatives, the numbers don’t lie – beef is boss in Ireland’s fast-food scene.
Burgers reign supreme – but is the tide turning?
The vegan option has made some inroads but it is the classic beef patties that are dominating. Even though they offer plant-based options, the largest fast-food chains still make their most profits from meat eaters.
Could this be a start of an epic food battle? Others argue that the plant-based food movement is simply waiting its turn, pointing out growing health and environment trends. Others say it’s no contest – Ireland loves its beef, and the numbers prove it. However, there are some encouraging statistics coming in from the providers. An estimated third of Irish consumers buy more plant-based goods, according to a recent study. Oatly In 2023, look back at the results. McDonald’s has also reported a high level of demand for its McPlant burger, which McDonald’s is delighted about. Independent Back in 2022
What is behind the surge in popularity?
The figures suggest Irish diners aren’t just eating out more, they’re doing so more frequently – and at their favourite fast-food chains. The growth of the stores on a like-forlike basis (L4L), in both burgers and pizzas, exceeded 2%. This shows that diners aren’t only walking through their doors but also coming back to get more.
But the possibilities don’t end there. Ireland’s fast-food market is densely packed with outlets, meaning competition is fierce – but so is the potential for fresh ideas.
What else? In other words?
For now, though, Irish diners are proving one thing beyond doubt – when it comes to fast food, they’re lovin’ it.
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