Irish Inflation Rate Rises to 2-Year High

The annual inflation rate in Ireland surged to 3.6% in March of 2026 from 2.7% in the previous month, reflecting the highest inflation in over two years. The surge was aligned with faster price growth in all of Europe as the outbreak of war in the Middle East triggered a shock in the supply of energy that lifted its costs. Prices for energy products surged 12.3%, corresponding to nearly 19% of the Irish consumer basket and lifting costs for housing and utilities (7.2%) and transportation (2.8%). In turn, food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation remained relatively close to target at 2.3%. From the previous month, the Irish CPI jumped by 1.6% due to an 11.1% monthly surge in energy products.

Annual inflation rate in Ireland was unchanged at 2.7% in February, remaining at its lowest level since September 2025. Price growth slowed for food and non-alcoholic beverages (3.3% vs 3.9% in January), clothing and footwear (5.7% vs 7.3%), and recreation, sport and culture (4.2% vs 4.8%). In addition, costs decreased further for transport (-0.3% vs -0.1%) and furnishings, household equipment and maintenance (-1.1% vs -0.6%). Meanwhile, inflation picked up for housing and utilities (3.2% vs 3.0%), information and communication (1.0% vs 0.5%), restaurants and accommodation services (3.7% vs 3.3%), and personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods and services (0.9% vs 0.3%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.9% in February, rebounding from a 0.9% fall in January.

Annual inflation rate in Ireland edged down to 2.7% in January 2026, the lowest in four months, from 2.8% in December. Price growth eased for food and non-alcoholic beverages (3.9% vs 4.1% in December), housing and utilities (3% vs 3.3%), information and communication (0.5% vs 1.3%), restaurants and accommodation services (3.3% vs 3.6%), and miscellaneous goods and services (0.3% vs 3.1%). Additionally, costs decreased for transport (-0.1% vs 0.2%) and furnishings, household equipment, and routine maintenance (-0.6% vs -0.4%). In contrast, prices rose faster for clothing and footwear (7.3% vs 5.7%) and recreation, sport, and culture (4.8% vs 1.8%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices fell 0.9% in January, reversing a 0.5% rise in December.