Irish music industry contributes €1bn to national economy

On average, Irish adults spent €757 on music events last year, with concerts in high-capacity venues accounting for the largest share at €298

Tue, 08 Jul, 2025 - 14:05

Emer Walsh

Ireland's music industry has been highlighted as a significant contributor to the national economy, generating €1bn annually across live events and streaming services.

In the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) 2025 music report, CORE Research found that the industry employs more than 13,400 people nationwide, with the average adult spending almost €1,000 per year on music-related products and services.

Live events were found to dominate consumer expenditure, generating €786m annually, with the Irish public spending €375m on streaming services in 2024.

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, which the report said showcased their deeper engagement with live music.

Rising costs

Despite significant spending on music events, many consumers are feeling the pinch, the report warned, with two-thirds of adults flagging the cost of tickets as the main barrier to attending gigs. In addition, almost half also highlighted accommodation costs as an issue to going to music events.

The report also highlighted how engrained music is in the lives of Irish people, with almost two-thirds of people listening to music on a daily basis. The average adult listens to 84 minutes of music daily, though younger adults (18–34) engage more, averaging 92 minutes.

Streaming platforms remain the dominant mode of music access, with over half of the population subscribing to services such as Spotify, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music.

Spotify holds the largest share of the market, reflecting its strong appeal among users seeking an extensive music library and personalised experiences, the report said. Despite significant spending by Irish consumers on digital platforms, concerns have been raised by numerous musicians about how much of the €375m reaches their pockets.

Job uncertainty

An estimated 13,400 individuals work directly in the music sector, but employment within the music industry tends to fluctuate with seasonal opportunities, especially during the summer months, the report warned.

However, only 43% of those working in the music sector hold full-time positions, with the majority either working part-time or supplementing their income through jobs outside of the industry.

In fact, around 68% of IMRO members rely on additional sectors to sustain their careers, reflecting the widespread dependency on external income sources.

Despite the significant levels of interest and spending on music in Ireland, the dream of becoming a professional musician remains out of reach for many.

The uneven distribution of revenue in streaming, where artists and songwriters receive a disproportionately low share, further complicates the landscape, with many artists struggling to earn sustainable incomes despite widespread distribution.

To better protect the industry, IMRO is calling on the Government to enact several measures such as advocating for fair AI legislation, applying financial strategies for the film industry and replicating them in the music sector, and supporting Ireland's grassroots music venues.

"Generating over €1bn 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," said Alan Kelly, cathaoirleach of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture, and Sport.

"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.”