A British-sponsored survey has found that a fifth of Irish smokers are lighting up less at home since the smoking ban was introduced in 2004.
A total of 22% of respondants said they had reduced the amount they smoked at home since the legislation was brought in.
Six per cent reported smoking more at home after the ban, and 71% said their behaviour had not changed.
Professor Gerard Hastings, director of Cancer Research UK's Centre for Tobacco Control at the University of Stirling and co-author of the study, said: "This finding echoes the experiences of other countries and places that have gone smokefree. But it also just makes common-sense.
"Public support for the ban in Ireland is strong and awareness that second-hand smoke kills is high. Given that smokers accept it's dangerous and unfair to expose strangers to the poisons in their cigarette smoke, it would be illogical for them to go home and expose their families to the same toxic chemicals."
More than 500 smokers took part in the telephone survey between February and March last year.
A further 1,335 smokers from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland also participated in the research. Smoking in public and work places will be banned in England from July 1.
Jean King, director of tobacco control at Cancer Research UK, said: "The vast majority of people in England believe that all workers deserve an equal right to work in a safe environment and support going smokefree.
"These results from Ireland - one of our closest geographical and cultural neighbours - should allay any concerns that the new law will result in smokers in England lighting up more at home."
The study also found that smokers' alcohol consumption in Irish pubs after the introduction of the smoking ban was no greater than in UK.
Maura Gillespie, head of policy and public affairs at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) said: "It's excellent news that many Irish smokers have responded positively to the ban, and have cut down on smoking in their homes.
We hope that smokers respond similarly to the forthcoming ban in England, for the good of their health, and the health of their families."
PA