Reading remains a strong part of family life in Ireland, with 80% of families identifying as moderate or avid readers and 92% of parents describing themselves as readers, according to new national research commissioned by Eason and conducted by Amárach among 500 parents of primary school children.
At the same time, parents say busy schedules and modern distractions can make it harder to consistently protect time for reading. More than four in ten (41%) cite “too many distractions” as the main challenge in keeping children engaged in reading, while 28% point to lack of time.
The findings also show that nearly three in ten children spend two hours or more on screens during a typical school day underlining why many parents are looking for practical ways to maintain reading routines, particularly in the evenings and at bedtime.
In supporting families to build and maintain reading habits, Eason provides a range of practical supports designed to make reading easier to start and sustain, including curated children’s book recommendations that feature a strong selection of Irish children’s authors, alongside in-store guidance and value-focused offers available across its nationwide store network and online. Eason is also launching a dedicated Children’s Reading Hub with the goal of bringing together age-based recommendations, interest-led book curations and practical advice to help families engage children with reading at every stage. The Hub also shares insights and strategies inspired by parents, offering real-life approaches that help make reading a natural and enjoyable part of daily family life.
Reading most often happens in the evening and at bedtime, with routines playing an important role. Parents say children are most engaged when being read to and when they can choose their own books, while engagement tends to decline during the secondary school years.
Key Findings – Children’s Reading Habits in Ireland
· 80% of families identify as moderate or avid readers
· 92% of parents say they are readers themselves
· Evening and bedtime are the most common reading times
· 7 in 10 parents say letting children choose their own books is one of the most effective ways to keep them engaged in reading
· Libraries and bookshops are primary discovery locations
· 41% cite “too many distractions” as the biggest barrier
· 28% cite lack of time
· Nearly 3 in 10 children have 2–3+ hours of screen time on school days
· Reading engagement drops in secondary school years
The research also identifies four distinct types of reading households ranging from highly engaged daily reading families to those working to build routines around busy schedules and higher screen use. This suggests families benefit from different types of reading supports and guidance depending on their habits and pressures.
Patricia Forde, Laureate na nÓg 2023-2026, said:
“This latest research offers valuable insights into the very real challenges families face in nurturing a love of reading in the home as we all compete with the digital distractions of social media and the internet. However, these findings also offer us some effective strategies that can help us as adults to support our children and young people to develop a love of reading – whether that’s taking the time to read together side by side or carving out a comforting ritual of bedtime reading.”
“We want children to read, and to read from an early age. But if we are to help them develop a love for reading and become lifelong readers, what they read truly matters. Ensuring that every child gets to choose their own book, can utterly transform their relationship with the act of reading, making it a more personal and enjoyable experience for them.”
“We know that even small, consistent reading moments accumulate into measurable long-term benefits – shaping not just literacy skills but a lasting connection to the power of stories. Children who read for pleasure will do better in school, do better in life and be happier. What more could we ask for our children?”
Lisa O’Brien, Group Head of E-Commerce and Marketing at Eason, said:
“It’s very positive to see how strongly reading continues to feature in family life in Ireland, with so many parents modelling reading at home. At the same time, families are telling us that time pressures and everyday distractions can make it harder to protect those reading moments.
At Eason, our role is to help families protect and sustain that love of reading. We’re proud to connect young readers with one of the widest selections of children’s books in Ireland, championing both internationally loved titles and outstanding Irish authors. Through curated recommendations in-store and online, value-led promotions, and our new Children’s Reading Hub featuring age-based booklists and practical guides, we’re making it easier for parents to discover the right books at the right time, and to keep children engaged at every stage of their reading journey.