Retail sales in Ireland fell by 0.4% month-on-month in September 2026, reversing a downwardly revised 0.5% rise in the previous month and marking the first decline since March. The decline was mainly driven by notable drops in sales of books, newspapers, and stationery (-3.4%) and clothing, footwear, and textiles (-1.9%). Fuel sales also weakened, falling by 0.8% in volume, while increasing by 2.7% in value. On the other hand, the declines were partly offset by increases in sales of department stores (+2.2%), furniture and lighting (+1.1%), and other retail sales (+1.0%). On an annual basis, retail activity grew by 2.9% in September, easing from a downwardly revised 4.1% rise in the preceding period.