With Ireland's eating out market having expanded greatly in terms of both quality and variety on offer, complementing a long-established social pub tradition, it would seem that there is a thriving entertainment sector in Ireland. Cinema is the leading form of commercial entertainment venue outside the home, with 11.3 million regular cinema-goers in the whole of Ireland, and a strong bias towards young adults. The increasing number of multiplex cinemas in Ireland has greatly influenced this situation and gives an example of investment paying dividends. However, Ireland's entertainment supply structure is very fragmented and there is a division between the heavily subsidised arts projects and entrepreneurial commercial projects such as cinema, theatre and pop concerts. Does this have an effect on the offer presented to the Irish customer, and are consumers really being catered for? With an increase in entertainment for the incoming tourist, in the shape of Irish 'concept' venues, is there a gap between what is being offered and what consumers want?

With Ireland's eating out market having expanded greatly in terms of both quality and variety on offer, complementing a long-established social pub tradition, it would seem that there is a thriving entertainment sector in Ireland. Cinema is the leading form of commercial entertainment venue outside the home, with 11.3 million regular cinema-goers in the whole of Ireland, and a strong bias towards young adults. The increasing number of multiplex cinemas in Ireland has greatly influenced this situation and gives an example of investment paying dividends. However, Ireland's entertainment supply structure is very fragmented and there is a division between the heavily subsidised arts projects and entrepreneurial commercial projects such as cinema, theatre and pop concerts. Does this have an effect on the offer presented to the Irish customer, and are consumers really being catered for? With an increase in entertainment for the incoming tourist, in the shape of Irish 'concept' venues, is there a gap between what is being offered and what consumers want?

· Ireland's eating out market has grown considerably in both variety and quality of food on offer.



· The popularity of new multiplex cinemas reflects the increased success of modern investment in Ireland.

· Despite a wealth of apparent options, are Irish consumers being given the entertainment choices they want?



This report examines the Irish market for out-of-home entertainment. Concentrating on the 'evening out', Out-of-home Entertainment, Irish Series, looks at how adults spread their leisure time between activities such as going to bars and pubs, restaurants, cinema/theatre and watching sport, and considers the factors that are responsible for driving or limiting growth. Looking particular at the supply structure, this report asks consumers in which activities they regularly participate, and compares and contrasts this with a 'wish list' showing which activities consumers would like to do more often, if given the opportunity. Out-of-home Entertainment, Irish Series, considers the future prospects of the entertainment industry in Ireland and determines the factors that will continue to shape demand.

Other Mintel reports of relevance include:

- The Eating Out Market, Irish Series, December 1999

- In-home Entertainment, Irish Series, October 1999

- Entertaining the Under 16s, Leisure Intelligence, September 1999

- Health and Fitness Facilities, Irish Series, September 1999

- Irish Lifestyles, Special Report, 1999.

In response to increasing demand for data concerning the dynamic economy and growth markets of Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland, Mintel has developed a series of reports covering a wide variety of sectors within both of these dynamic regions. Each one provides detailed coverage of key drivers as well as providing the very latest volume and value data. Also included are assessments of emerging trends, the activities of existing market players, brand ownership details, supply structures, future scenarios and statistical forecasts.

The Irish Series is segmented according to three of Mintel's existing report definitions, namely Leisure, Retail and Market. This provides unparalleled coverage and will be a must for all companies who are either already active in this region, or will be looking to enter this distinct marketplace in the future.

This series is now produced and sold in Ireland exclusively through The OCO Consultancy - established by Mark O'Connell who has previously worked on a number of key consultancy projects for Irish companies.