New research finds that snacks, games and the right company are at the heart of Irish festive fun with key findings being:
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87% of adults play board games with family or friends; for 27% it’s an annual ritual, while 38% play frequently.
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38% admit to being the most competitive person in the room.
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44% will offer a drink refill and 25% a snack to restore harmony when tensions rise.
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24% say their sibling is the most competitive, 19% point to a partner or spouse.
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33% get so caught up in the craic that they forget whose turn it is.
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22% are secretly keep score while pretending to be indifferent.
Research commissioned by Centra has uncovered what truly makes a memorable Irish Christmas games night, highlighting everything from the competitive streak running through Irish households to the snacks that keep the peace. Christmas game nights are a long-standing tradition in Ireland, bringing together family, friends, neighbours and blow-ins for hours of laughter, light-hearted chaos and competitive spirit.
The research captures the true Irish style of playing: the tactics and cheeky rule-bending, paired with the snack spreads and drink top-ups that keep the atmosphere joyful rather than volcanic.
Drawing inspiration directly from these findings, Centra has launched a limited-edition Christmas board game called ‘Monop-Deli’. Players can land on Superquinn Sausage Street, swing past Jambon Junction or pick up properties on Chicken Fillet Roll Row. The playful, snack-themed universe celebrates Centra’s most iconic deli favourites and brings a fun twist to festive family game nights. The game is not available for purchase; it will be given away exclusively through Centra’s social media channels.
Games night is a Christmas ritual for many families and friend groups, and curating an epic spread of bites and snacks is absolutely essential. Recognising how central these moments are to Irish households, Centra created ‘Monop-Deli’ as a playful celebration of its deli heritage and of the role snacks play in festive get-togethers. The launch is paired with a delicious range of festive food, from healthy treats by The Happy Pear to tasty tipples and seasonal favourites, making game-night prep easier than ever.
The research results are in....
Perfect games night = craic + snacks: Research commissioned by Centra uncovers the secrets to the ultimate Irish games-night, confirming that a winning combination of craic and snacks is key! For 66% of adults, the 'right crew' takes top priority. An equally vital ingredient for over half (53%) is a stellar snack table, featuring everything from crisps and dips to festive pizzas and convenient party trays. Choosing the best games also landed at 53%. Interestingly, music scored only 26%, proving that good company and lively banter are all the entertainment required.
Healthy competition: Board games are a Christmas staple in Ireland, with 87% of adults playing with family or friends. For 27%, it’s an annual ritual; 38% play frequently. Board games can unearth our competitive streak and more than one third of adults (38%) admit to being the most competitive person in the room. 24% claim their sibling is the most competitive, while 19% point the finger at a partner, spouse, or significant other. Bending the rules however is a family tradition as thirty percent of adults say their sibling is most likely to cheat, 20% blame the slightly annoying relative who only shows up once a year, and 19% admit ‘it’s me’. When passions flare, 44% will offer a drink refill and 25% a snack offering. Clearly, nothing restores harmony quite like a well-timed treat or a refreshing top-up!
The most Irish move? Forgetting the game entirely: Irish humour is at its finest during games night as 33% of adults get so caught up in the craic and chatter that thoughts of whose turn is it simply fade away. Meanwhile, 22% are sneaky scorekeepers, feigning indifference while secretly plotting their victory. And 14% will deliberately let someone win, handing out morale boosts like festive confetti.
Who’s Who in Irish Games Night: The research also explored the nation’s games-night personalities and the results revealed the top three personas. The Grazer, making up 32% of players, juggles one hand on the board and the other permanently in the dips, while the Feeder, the quiet MVP at 26%, tops up bowls, slicespizza, and keeps moods and blood sugars steady while chaos unfolds around them. And of course, the Rulebook Royalty, 17% of the crowd, who memorises every rule and penalty, dramatically calling out every technicality you “definitely ignored”. Without them, Christmas games would descend into total anarchy.
When it comes to picking sides, Irish couples divide into three distinct camps, proof that board games can test even the sturdiest of partnerships. Around 26% always stick with their partner, choosing love over logic, while another 34% team up depending on mood, the game, or how the last round of Charades went. And then there’s the fearless, 17% who never pair up, proving that nothing says “I adore you, but…” quite like a fiercely competitive Irish Christmas.
Centra created Monop-Deli to elevate Irish Christmas board nights, turning them into the ultimate snack-powered adventure. A limited number of Centra Monop-Deli sets will be available this Christmas, with social media giveaways, influencer collaborations. This year, Centra isn’t just feeding Christmas, it’s saving it, one snack-fuelled roll of the dice at a time.
