Consumer spending sees notable drop despite Irish victories at Rugby World Cup

Monthly pub spending was down 19% in total, with outlay in restaurants and fast-food outlets falling by 17% and 14% respectively

“Ireland’s victories at the Rugby World Cup didn’t produce a social spending boost at home." Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Bank of Ireland debit and credit card spending in September fell by a total of 8% when compared to the previous month, maintaining a trend which has seen spending in September fall back by between 6% and 8% throughout 2021, 2022 and 2023. 

While the back-to-school period seems to have dampened spending, the lender says Irish consumers’ expenditure in France jumped 9% which is "no doubt" driven by rugby fans.