Headline inflation in the Irish economy eased slightly to 1.8 per cent in February, down from an annualised increase of 1.9 per cent in January, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI).
On a monthly basis, prices rose by 0.9 per cent in February after falling by 0.8 per cent the previous month.
The hospitality sector saw a 3.1 per cent annual increase, driven by higher prices for alcoholic drinks and food in restaurants, cafes, and licensed premises, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
Transport costs climbed 2.4 per cent, mainly due to rising airfares, petrol, diesel, and vehicle maintenance expenses, though a drop in car prices helped offset some of the increase.
Meanwhile, clothing and footwear (-4.1 per cent) and furnishings, household equipment, and routine household maintenance (-0.8 per cent) were the only sectors to record a decline compared to February 2024.
Excluding energy and unprocessed food, underlying inflation stood at 2.2 per cent over the past year.
The latest Irish inflation data comes as concerns grow over a potential euro zone trade shock from new US tariffs.