Card transactions in Ireland reached a record high of just over 80 million in May, with Metallica ticket sales and favorable weather driving increased consumer spending across multiple sectors, according to AIB data.
Overall spending increased 9% year-on-year and 2% month-on-month in May, with cumulative spending from January to May 2025 also up 9% compared to the same period in 2024. The bank said the figures indicate that consumer confidence remains strong across the country.
The surge in transactions was partly attributed to Metallica fans, who sparked a dramatic increase in ticket purchases when the band’s two-day Aviva Stadium concerts for June 2026 went on sale on May 30. Ticket transactions jumped 76% above the daily average, demonstrating the significant impact of major entertainment events on consumer spending patterns.
Entertainment and hospitality sectors showed particularly strong growth. Cinema spending increased 17% year-on-year, while hotel spending rose 8% in the same period. Saturday, May 31, recorded the “best day of the year” for hotel spending, particularly in Dublin, likely driven by the Bloom festival and VHI Women’s Mini-Marathon.
The pub sector benefited from improved weather conditions, with spending increasing 10% month-on-month nationwide. Limerick led regional increases with 16% growth, followed by Louth and Longford at 15%. The smallest increases were recorded in Wicklow, Roscommon, and Carlow at 7%, with AIB citing “beer garden weather” as a contributing factor to the overall increase.
Several sectors demonstrated robust year-on-year growth. Electric vehicle charging spending surged 83%, reflecting the continued adoption of sustainable transport options. Hardware spending increased 6% annually and 3% monthly, while grocery spending rose 8% year-on-year and 4% month-on-month.
Regional spending patterns revealed interesting variations, with Cavan residents spending the most per clothing transaction at €72.59 as overall clothing expenditure increased 8% month-on-month. Grocery spending showed regional differences, with the largest monthly increases of 6% recorded in Longford, Monaghan, and Galway, while Carlow, Laois, and Wicklow registered smaller 3% increases.
Adrian Moynihan, Head of Consumer at AIB, emphasized the significance of the data for business planning. “This information shows consumer confidence remains strong and is vital for businesses, enabling them to plan for both peak and off-peak periods throughout the year to effectively meet their customers’ needs,” he said.
The data analysis was compiled from 80 million anonymized and aggregated card transactions conducted by AIB customers both in-store and online during May 2025, providing comprehensive insights into Irish consumer behavior and spending trends.