FX.co ★ Ireland Retail Activity Rise the Most in 6 Months

Retail sales in Ireland rose by 1.3% month-on-month in July 2026, accelerating from an upwardly revised 0.5% increase in June and marking the strongest gain in six months. The largest volume increases were seen in the motor trade (+8.5%), fuel (+7.0%), and pharmaceuticals, medical, and cosmetic products (+3.4%). Fuel sales were particularly robust, climbing 2.4% in value and 7.0% in volume, as elevated fuel prices persisted amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. These advances were partly offset by notable declines in department stores (-1.3%), books, newspapers, and stationery (-0.3%), and other retail categories (-0.1%). On an annual basis, retail activity rose 2.2% in July, following an upwardly revised 0.9% increase in the previous month.