Although still in the doldrums, consumer sentiment in Ireland may be stabilising with Dubliners continuing to be the most positive, according to the latest Ipsos B&A Consumer Confidence Barometer.
Overall consumer confidence has improved marginally, from -52 in July to -51 in August (those feeling pessimistic versus those feeling more upbeat). This compares with the low point of -65 in April. The Ipsos B&A Consumer Confidence Barometer was conducted from the 24th July to 5th August 2026.
That said, we are still very much in the doldrums, but at least we have recovered somewhat from the springtime.
62% believe that the country will be worse off in the year ahead while just 11 percent expect the economy to improve. However, negativity has trended downwards for the fourth month in a row.
Dubliners continue to be most positive. As seen previously, confidence is lowest among females. The middle-aged cohort (35-54) are also more downbeat. Interestingly, the gap between ABC1s and C2DEs has narrowed.
Yet unemployment hovers at five per cent.
Those households who claim to be “coping” with the cost-of-living now stands at 64%, compared to 65% in July. As seen previous, there is a consistent proportion of the population who are struggling to manage with rising prices – around one in five.
Just over one in five (22%) feel their disposable income will improve this year, but this is eclipsed by the 42% who feel that their income will drop.
Just over half (51%) think they will spend less over the year ahead, versus just one in eight (12%) planning to spend more, leading to a net gap of -39; A dis-improvement of three points since July.
In terms of savings, 46% expect to save less, with a fifth planning to keep more money aside. Again, the net gap (-26) closely matches July results, when the net gap was -24.
Anticipated asset growth over the next 12 months has remained steady in August, driven by those living in Dublin – overall there is a positive score of +18, with Dublin residents standing at +32, versus +13 outside the capital.
Survey results are based on a sample of 1,029 adults aged 16+, quota controlled in terms of age, gender, socio-economic class, and region to reflect the profile of the adult population of the Republic of Ireland. All interviewing was conducted via Ipsos B&A’s Acumen Online Barometer.
READ AND DOWNLOAD the full Ipsos B&A Consumer Confidence report: https://www.ipsosbanda.ie/ipsos-ba-consumer-confidence-august-2026/
For more details and the full report or more information, please contact Paul Moran: Paul.Moran@ipsos.com
