Ireland still lags on AI despite rising adoption, with gaps widening between personal use and workplace integration

  • AI adoption continues to grow in Ireland, but remains behind global benchmarks and lacks depth of engagement
  • A clear divide is emerging between personal experimentation and workplace integration
  • Progress is being driven by increased usage and trust, but declining comfort and acceptance point to a more cautious and conflicted public mindset

On May 17th, 2026, the Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research (WIN), the leading global association of independent market research and polling firms has unveiled the second wave of the WIN World AI Index.

In collaboration with ESOMAR, they’ll be drawing on insights from over 39,000 respondents the second wave of the WIN World AI Index builds on last year’s baseline to track how AI adoption, attitudes and behaviours are evolving over time, offering a clearer view of where progress is being made- and where gaps are widening.


HEADLINES – IRELAND

Ireland’s AI journey is progressing but not yet translating into meaningful transformation. While more people are now engaging with AI, usage remains shallow and uneven, with a growing disconnect between consumer curiosity and organisational adoption.

  • AI in Ireland is still not embedded in everyday life or work, with usage often limited to occasional or experimental interactions rather than habitual behaviour. This suggests that while awareness barriers have largely been overcome, the challenge has shifted to demonstrating consistent, practical value that drives regular use.
  • A significant gap is emerging between personal and professional adoption, with AI far more present in people’s personal lives than in the workplace.
  • Ireland continues to lag global peers across most AI measures, reinforcing the risk of falling behind in digital competitiveness. While progress is being made, the pace of change is not matching that seen in leading markets, particularly in terms of embedding AI into core economic and workplace activity.
  • A widening generational divide is shaping the future of AI in Ireland, with younger people driving adoption and older groups remaining more hesitant. Without intervention, these risks creating longer-term inequalities in digital skills, confidence, and access.
  • Despite increased usage and growing trust, declining comfort and acceptance highlight a more cautious public mindset. Concerns around misinformation, job security, and data use are becoming more pronounced, suggesting that adoption alone will not be enough to sustain momentum without addressing these underlying anxieties.
  • The opportunity for Ireland lies in converting openness into action. While people are increasingly engaging with AI, there is still a gap in turning this into consistent, meaningful usage that delivers real productivity and societal benefits.

 

Sara Eslami, Director, RED C Research, said:

“What we’re seeing in Ireland is a market that is engaging with AI but not yet transforming through it. The real challenge now is not awareness, but integration—particularly in the workplace, where adoption is still lagging. At the same time, rising concerns around trust and impact mean that progress cannot be taken for granted. To fully realise the benefits of AI, Ireland needs to focus on building confidence, demonstrating value in everyday contexts, and ensuring that no groups are left behind as adoption accelerates.”

 

HEADLINES – WORLD

The 2026 WIN World AI Index reveals a fundamental shift in how people engage with AI globally, from experimentation to everyday dependence; bringing both opportunity and growing tension.

  • AI has crossed a behavioural threshold globally, becoming embedded in daily routines rather than used occasionally. This signals a step-change in how technology is shaping decision-making, productivity, and everyday life.
  • A new global divide is emerging, with leading markets accelerating rapidly while others lag, widening the gap.
  • Workplace adoption continues to lag behind personal use, suggesting that governance, trust, and organisational inertia are potentially slowing the full realisation of AI’s productivity potential across business environments.
  • Despite increasing reliance on AI, public sentiment is becoming more conflicted, with rising concerns around misinformation, job displacement, and data privacy.
  • Regional differences in AI adoption and sentiment are becoming more pronounced, with APAC markets leading in engagement and integration, while Europe adopts a more cautious and sceptical stance.
  • The generational divide in AI usage is widening globally, with younger populations driving adoption and embedding AI into everyday behaviours, while older groups remain less engaged. This raises longer-term questions around digital inclusion and workforce readiness.
  • As AI becomes more embedded, the challenge is shifting from adoption to adaptation; ensuring that individuals, organisations, and societies can keep pace with the speed of change while maintaining trust, transparency, and responsible use.

 

Download the full WIN AI Index report

Download the press release


*END*

Media enquiries:

IRELAND DATA

Ciara Reilly, MD, RED C Research

Sara Eslami, Director, RED C Research

+35318186316

[email protected]

 

WORLDWIDE DATA

Elena Crosilla, WIN Coordinator

+39 335.62.07.347

E-mail: [email protected]