Irish Consumer Sentiment Remains Low Despite Economic Growth
Irish consumer sentiment slightly improved to 61.2 in December 2025 but remains near two-year lows. Despite a 4.1% economic growth, living cost concerns persist.
In December 2025, Irish consumer sentiment saw a marginal rise to 61.2, according to the latest Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Survey. This slight uptick from November's 61.0 reading does little to alleviate concerns, as the index remains significantly below its long-term average of 83.6. The persistent low sentiment reflects a paradoxical situation where robust economic growth is failing to translate into consumer confidence.
Ireland's economy, as measured by the government's preferred metric, modified domestic demand (MDD), grew by 4.1% year-on-year in the first nine months of 2025. Despite this strong performance, the sentiment index hovers near the two-year low of 58.7 recorded in April 2025. This decline was partly attributed to U.S. tariff concerns, which impacted markets across Ireland 
IE, the eurozone, and Britain 
GB. However, while consumer sentiment in the eurozone and Britain has recovered since then, Ireland's has not.
IE, the eurozone, and Britain GB. However, while consumer sentiment in the eurozone and Britain has recovered since then, Ireland's has not.