Irish food basket costs 20% more than EU average

IRELAND’S reputation as a rip-off destination has been reinforced after it was revealed that food, drink, hotel and restaurant prices are among the EU’s highest.

The tourist industry said the figures do not reflect the reality of doing business, or visitors’ experience here.

A Eurostat survey of the 27 EU states revealed a food basket here costs 20% more than the average across Europe, restaurants and hotels costs 29% more. We’re also 16% more expensive for cars and car parts.