Close up of Irish beef burger with meat, vegetables and bacon on rustic background.
Ireland’s big burger boom: Fast-food frenzy sees footfall soar for the beefy treats.
Meat lovers rejoice as Ireland’s burger boom leaves vegans out 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.
New figures reveal that fast-food footfall in Ireland jumped 5% in the last quarter of 2024, with burger chains leading the charge. In fact, a whopping 7.8% more customers flocked to burger joints in 2023-24, making them the undisputed kings of the quick bite.
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 appetites fuel fast-food dominance
Unlike Britain’s struggling fast-food market, Ireland’s economy is serving up stronger consumer spending. While UK growth crawled at just 1%, Irish consumers splashed out 4% more, according to Trading Economics. That extra cash has translated directly into more burgers flipped, pizzas sliced, and takeaway cups filled.
But it’s not just burgers and pizzas getting a slice of the action. Chicken shops, bakeries, sandwich joints, and ethnic eateries are also feeling the heat, riding the wave of Ireland’s booming fast-food culture.
Meat lovers vs. Vegans: The burger war heats up in Ireland
While burgers are basking in the glory of Ireland’s fast-food boom, not everyone is flipping out with 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?
Vegan options have made inroads, but the reality is clear: burger joints are dominating, and it’s the classic beef patty that’s ruling the roost. Even the biggest fast-food chains, while boasting plant-based alternatives, are still raking in their biggest profits from meat lovers.
Could this be the start of a food fight for the ages? Some argue the plant-based movement is just biding its time, pointing to growing health and environmental trends. Others say it’s no contest – Ireland loves its beef, and the numbers prove it. There are however, some encouraging numbers trickling in from providers, with a third of Irish consumers reportedly buying more plant-based products according to an Oatly study back in 2023. McDonald’s also reported high demand for their McPlant Burger, with McDonald’s delighted according to the Independent back in 2022.
What’s behind the surge?
The figures suggest Irish diners aren’t just eating out more, they’re doing so more frequently – and at their favourite fast-food chains. Like-for-like (L4L) store growth surpassed 2% in both burger and pizza categories, reinforcing that customers aren’t just walking through the doors, they’re coming back for seconds.
And the opportunities don’t stop there. Ireland’s fast-food market is densely packed with outlets, meaning competition is fierce – but so is the potential for fresh ideas.
For now, though, Irish diners are proving one thing beyond doubt – when it comes to fast food, they’re lovin’ it.
Stay tuned to the viraltrendingcontent for more fresh, juicy, and sizzling stories from across Ireland.
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