
Irish Restaurant Market Trends & the Case for AI Automation
As of September 2025, Ireland’s vibrant restaurant sector is undergoing dramatic transformation. Recent reports reveal Irish consumers spent €2.2 billion on food delivery last year alone, yet more than 600 restaurants and cafés closed in 2024 with another 150 shuttered in just the first quarter of 2025. While 40% of venues anticipate some revenue growth, the industry is simultaneously battling rising costs, staffing shortages, and aggressive global competitors.
Key 2025 pain points for Irish restaurants include:
- Escalating wages & supply expenses: 87% of owners cite cost control as their top challenge this year.
- Staffing struggles: Over 60% report no-shows and turnover directly threaten daily operations.
- Online competition: International delivery apps erode direct orders and customer loyalty.
Faced with these pressures, forward-thinking restaurateurs throughout Ireland are turning to AI automation to streamline service, reduce overheads, and defend profit margins. AI-powered ordering, staffing solutions, and digital guest management are quickly shifting from buzzwords to essential tools delivering real, measurable benefits across the country.