Ireland’s AI Readiness Gap

Over half of Irish adults haven’t started with AI, and only a few use it often enough to see real benefits.

Artificial intelligence is headline news in Ireland, yet most people still aren’t using it.

Authored by AI consultant Karen Howley in partnership with Amárach Research, this report surfaces two distinct gaps that demand attention now.

AI Adoption in Ireland

  • 57% of adults do not use AI at all
  • 72% of 18–24s use AI regularly
  • Just 15% of over-65s use AI

1. The workplace capability gap

Employees who achieve significant productivity gains from AI aren’t inherently more enthusiastic—they’ve simply had access to training, practical tools, and permission to experiment. Without structured pathways, many workers remain on the sidelines, missing out on real efficiency gains.

Workplace Productivity

  • Only 33% of employees use AI at work
  • Just 12% of regular users see strong productivity gains
  • Daily users are 7 × more likely to be highly productive

2. The emerging consumer gap

For younger adults, exposure to AI starts earlier—through education, personal planning, and informal experimentation. This research signals that the consumer journey itself is beginning to shift: younger consumers increasingly turn to AI first, changing how brands are discovered and decisions are made. Marketers must prepare for journeys that start inside AI tools, potentially bypassing traditional search or web touchpoints.

Emerging Consumer Gap

  • Many 18–24 year-olds rely on AI for coursework and everyday planning
  • AI-first behaviours are beginning to reshape how younger consumers research and decide
  • Brands must adapt to stay visible in AI-mediated journeys beyond search or websites
Most people aren’t resisting AI—they simply don’t yet see where it fits into their work or lives. The real challenge is giving people safe, practical ways to start, and building the skills and support that turn occasional use into real productivity gains.
Gerard O’Neill Chairman, Amárach Research
Those using AI daily in the workplace are seven times more productive than weekly users—yet most employees still haven’t been shown how to use these tools well. Closing the capability gap is Ireland’s fastest route to competitiveness, and it starts with hands-on training.
Karen Howley AI & Transformation Consultant