This wave of the Ipsos B&A Consumer Confidence Barometer was conducted from the 10th to the 20th of March 2026.
This latest survey took place against the backdrop of the Iranian war erupting on the 28th February, and the findings reflect public anxiety of what this will mean for the Irish economy. All metrics have suffered a downturn.
Overall consumer confidence has seen a sharp decline in March, with a net rating of -58 (those feeling downbeat versus those feeling more upbeat). This compares with -45 in February, and signals nearly a year-long low (when the Trump Tariffs were mooted last April, sentiment sank to -61).
69% believe that the country will be worse off in the year ahead (up 10 points), while just one in ten (11%) expect the country’s economy to improve.
Relatively speaking, Dubliners continue to be most upbeat. As seen previously, confidence is lowest among Females and those over the age of 35. Interestingly, the gap between ABC1s and C2DEs has narrowed noticeably; both cohorts are quite similar in their levels of pessimism.
The proportion of households that claim to be “coping” with the rising prices now stands at 62% (down four points). Over one in five (22%) say that they are struggling to some extent – the section of the population that are in financial distress has been relatively constant.
Inflation has also increased from +2.7% to +3.6%. The largest contributors to the March inflation figures were the Clothing and Footwear sector (9.0%) followed by Education (+8.9%) and Utilities and Fuels (7.2%). That said, unemployment remains below five per cent (4.7%).
Just over one in five (22%) believe their personal disposable income will increase over the next 12 months, compared to nearly half (46%) expecting it to decline.
Those outside the capital are less confident about the next 12 months. Over half (54%) of those living in Conn/Ulster feel their income will be less. However, 43% of 16–24-year-olds expect their income to increase.
In total, over half (51%) think they will spend less over the year ahead, versus one in seven (15%) planning to spend more. 34% feel that their spending patterns will remains steady, thus leading to a net gap of -37.
In terms of savings, 53% expect to save less, with just one in five planning to boost their reserves.
With all this trepidation seeping through the economic psyche, it is not surprising that the proportion of householders who feel that their net asset wealth will increase over the next year has slipped – Sentiment toward asset growth over the next 12 months, while still positive, has fallen ten points, and now stands at +6.
Survey results are based on a sample of 1,010 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.
For more information, please contact Paul Moran (Director): paul.moran@ipsos.com
