More people in Ireland believe going to the pub is more important than going to church, according to a new survey.
The poll, conducted on both sides of the border, found that regular churchgoing was also taking a back seat to watching TV and videos and going on frequent holidays.
The research, involving more than 2,000 adults for the marketing company Mintel, claims the Celtic Tiger years of record economic growth and plentiful jobs have "undermined many traditional values involving the home, family, religion, social status and leisure time."
Regular churchgoing appears to have declined considerably north and south of the border.
Only 23 per cent of people in Northern Ireland and 22 per cent in the Republic consider churchgoing to be an important part of their lifestyle.
In contrast, 35 per cent of those in the Republic and 20 per cent in the North said going to the pub at least once a week was their priority.
Watching TV and videos was even more popular, coming in at 52 per cent in Ireland and 58 per cent in North.
Traditional values of a successful marriage, children, financial security, and regular attendance at Sunday worship have all taken a back seat in many households, the survey says.
Owning an upmarket car and a mobile telephone, being a member of a private health club and having a home computer are the new symbols of success.
AFP