The 2025 IMRO Ireland: Music Report, compiled by CORE Research, revealed that Ireland’s music industry contributes €1 billion annually to the economy and employs over 13,400 people. The report, launched by Alan Kelly TD, highlighted the nation’s deep connection to music, with Irish adults spending nearly €1,000 per year on music-related products and services.
Live events are a significant driver of consumer expenditure in Ireland, generating €786 million annually, with streaming services also playing a crucial role as consumers spent €375 million on platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music in 2024. Despite this, many Irish artists struggle to make a living, with full-time music professionals earning almost 40% less than the national average income.
The research unveiled that Irish adults spent an average of €757 on music events in the past year, with concerts in high-capacity venues and music festivals being the top spending categories. Dedicated music fans, who attend more live events than the general public, are key contributors to the Irish music scene, showcasing a deeper engagement with live music.
Despite the significant spending on music events, many individuals find the cost of tickets and accommodation to be barriers to attending gigs, according to the report. Music is integral to the lives of Irish people, with nearly two-thirds listening to music daily for an average of 84 minutes, with younger adults listening even more.
With streaming platforms dominating music access in Ireland, over half of the population subscribes to services like Spotify and YouTube Music. These platforms have enabled Irish artists to reach global audiences, although concerns have been raised about the equitable distribution of revenues to musicians.
While streaming and digital platforms play a vital role in the music market, traditional mediums like radio, CDs, and vinyl still hold significance for many music enthusiasts. The report highlighted the need for better financial support, international marketing, and protections for music creators to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Irish music industry.
The report also shed light on the challenges faced by individuals working in the music sector, where employment tends to fluctuate with seasonal opportunities. Only 43% of those in the music industry hold full-time positions, with many relying on supplementary income from non-music jobs to sustain their careers.
The recommendations put forth in the report aim to better nurture the indigenous music industry in Ireland and protect it from emerging threats such as AI. Advocating for fair AI legislation, implementing successful financial strategies from the film industry, and continuing support for grassroots music venues are among the proposed measures to strengthen Ireland’s music sector.
Commenting on the findings, Alan Kelly TD emphasized the cultural and economic value of music in Ireland, stressing the need for government support to address the financial challenges faced by artists and songwriters. Eleanor McEvoy, IMRO Chairperson, highlighted the essential steps required to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for Irish music, including fair compensation in the streaming economy and protection from emerging risks like unregulated AI.
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