The annual inflation rate in Ireland edged up to 3.7% in April 2026 from 3.6% in the previous month. This marked the highest reading since January 2024, lifted by higher costs for alcoholic beverages and tobacco (2.7% vs 2.3% in March), housing utilities (8.1% vs 7.2%), transportation (3.8% vs 2.8%), information and communication (1% vs 0.7%), restaurants and hotels (3.9% vs 3.5%), and miscellaneous goods and services (1.5% vs 0.9%). Additionally, prices declined at a slower pace for furnishing and household equipment (-0.6% vs -0.9%), while price growth remained steady for education (8.9%). In contrast, costs moderated for food and non-alcoholic beverages (2% vs 2.3%), clothing and footwear (7.9% vs 9%), health (1.6% vs 1.7%), and recreation and culture (1.2% vs 4.2%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices grew by 0.5% in April, easing from a 1.6% gain in the preceding period.