Irish adults spend over €750 per year on music events, research shows
Eva Osborne
Irish adults spend €757 per year on music events, according to a music report compiled by CORE Research.
Consumer spending on streaming services reached €375 million in 2024, as over half of adults subscribe to services like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music.
Live events dominate consumer expenditure, generating €786 million annually.
The report also showed that Ireland's music industry is a significant contributor to the national economy, generating €1 billion annually and employing over 13,400 people.
Despite significant consumer spending, many Irish artists struggle to make a living, as the annual income for full-time music professionals is almost 40 per cent lower than the national average.
The report showed that better financial supports, international marketing, and robust protections for music creators - including fair remuneration and safeguards against the misuse of AI - are needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Irish music industry.
The research findings were launched by Alan Kelly TD, Cathaoirleach of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts and Media.
Gig goers
On average, Irish adults spent €757 on music events last year, with concerts in high-capacity venues accounting for the largest share at €298.
This was closely followed by music festivals, which drew an average spend of €194.
The research revealed that dedicated music fans attended more live events than the general public, showcasing their deeper engagement with live music.
Whether at small gigs or large festivals, dedicated fans’ higher levels of attendance and spending make them a critical contributor to the Irish music scene.
While there is significant spending on music events, many members of the public are feeling the pinch.
Two thirds (66 per cent) of adults flagged the cost of tickets as the main barrier to attending gigs. Almost half (49 per cent) also highlighted accommodation costs as an issue to going to music events.
Commenting at the launch, Alan Kelly TD, said: “The findings of the Ireland: Music Report 2025 highlight the extraordinary cultural and economic value of music in Ireland. Generating over €1 billion annually and supporting more than 13,400 jobs, the music sector is not only a key driver of our creative economy, but a fundamental part of our national identity.
"Irish people’s passion for music - reflected in the remarkable levels of spending on live events and streaming - demonstrates the deep, enduring bond between our citizens and the artists who inspire them.
“But this report also serves as a timely reminder that passion alone cannot sustain a career in music. Too many of our artists and songwriters are grappling with financial insecurity, exacerbated by the unfair distribution of streaming revenues and the growing challenges posed by AI.
"Government must take these findings seriously. From making the Basic Income for the Arts permanent to ensuring fair AI regulation, we have a clear responsibility to support the people behind Ireland’s musical success story.”
