Tucking into leftovers, watching sport or 'doing nothing' – Ireland's ...

TUCKING into leftovers, watching sport or just simply "doing nothing" are among Ireland's top St Stephen's Day traditions.

The findings come from a recent national survey by Lottoland.

The survey was carried out this month and has shed a light on some of the festive traditions enjoyed among the population.

As the festivities wind down on Stephen's Day a whopping 46 per cent of people will spend the day tucking into the Christmas leftovers.

Enjoying the Christmas dinner a second time around takes the top spot for how Irish people across the country will spend the St Stephen's Day.

It is also the most widely celebrated tradition across all Irish demographics, which Lottoland say reinforces "the Irish love for hearty, home-cooked meals".

And coming in a close second is getting out and visiting loved ones.

The roads could be busy that day however as 41 per cent of people surveyed say they plan to visit friends and family throughout the day.

And while some are out visiting, 31 per cent will be relaxing at home "doing absolutely nothing".

A further 29 per cert will be watching sport on TV for the day.

This tradition of sitting down to watch the sports is made up predominantly by men, with three times more males than females opting to spend the day keeping scores.

Those over 35 are most likely to be spending the day visiting family or relaxing.

And more men than women are planning to head to the pub on St Stephen's Day.

The survey found that one in five Irish people will spend the day boozing in pubs the day after Christmas.

While this is the fourth most popular tradition the population will engage in after Christmas passes, twice as many men than women will be heading to the local or into town.

Dubliners are the most likely lot in the country to head out for a pint in the pub on St Stephen's Day.

And while the rest are relaxing, eating or partying, 16 per cent will be hitting stores to nab something in the sales.

Shopping is particularly popular among the younger age group with those aged 18 to 34 most likely to engage in some festive retail therapy.

But just six per cent of the population will opt to see a pantomime in the immediate aftermath of Christmas.

And even less popular is Hunting the Wren and heading for a sea swim.

The Hunting the Wren tradition spans back years in Ireland and sees group processions and music make their way from house to house or pub to pub.

However, this year just four per cent will head out to take part in the old tradition.

Despite the crowds flocking to water to do a Christmas Day swim this morning just four per cent will opt to brave the cold on St Stephen's Day.

And among the small percentage taking a dip, Dubliners are most likely to spend the day taking a dip.