Spending on outdoor activities rises as summer holidays count down

Spending on campsites, amusement parks and boat rentals increased during August, despite unsettled weather, data shows

Spending in sports clubs, including GAA, soccer, tennis, among others, increased by 50% compared to the same period last year.

Irish consumers have been spending a lot more money on sports, outdoor activities, beauty spas as well as entertainment during the first few weeks of August, as the summer holidays continue to wind down and the new school term approaches, new data shows. 

According to data from the latest Bank of Ireland Spending Pulse, which was taken during the two weeks between August 5 and August 18, spending in sports clubs, including GAA, soccer, tennis among others, increased by 50% compared to the same period last year.

Despite weeks of unsettled weather so far this month, many consumers still sought to make the most of the great outdoors, with spending on boat rentals up 23%, while spending on campsites and trailer parks was also up 14%. Spending in amusement parks was also up 9% year-on-year.

There was also a 6% increase in car rentals.

The release of Marvel Studios' Deadpool & Wolverine as well as the Irish film Kneecap also led to an increase in spending in cinemas. Overall spending at the movies increased by 10% compared to the same period last year, when the hype around Barbie and Oppenheimer died away. 

The increased spending was not just seen in activities that might keep children busy, it also showed spending on beauty spas went up 25% compared to last year. 

Record stores also notched a 10% increase in spending during those two weeks.

With schools back soon, spending in family clothing stores also saw an increase — up 11%.

Some food sectors also saw a rise. Spending in bakeries increased by 20%, while spending on fast food increased by 6%.

Overall, total spending over the two week period was up 3% with social spending up 4%. Retail spending was also up 3% compared to last year.

Head of small and medium enterprise markets at Bank of Ireland Jilly Clarkin said as parents struggled to keep children entertained over the summer “it is not surprising to see spending in sports clubs and cinemas spike during August, and the general uptick in consumer outlay provided a welcome boost for businesses across Ireland”.

“Those who pitched their tents or bundled into mobile homes in campsites nationwide are also to be applauded, with the lack of sunshine evidently not proving to be a hindrance as long as a change of scenery was provided,” she said.

The spending pulse's data is derived from credit and debit card payments made by customers.