Retail sales in Ireland fell by 0.2% month-on-month in April 2026, following a downwardly revised 0.5% decline in the previous month. The largest volume decreases were recorded in clothing, footwear, and textiles (-2.9%), fuel (-2.3%), department stores (-2%), and electrical goods (-2%). Meanwhile, the overall decline was partly offset by stronger gains in books, newspapers, and stationery (+4.6%), food, beverages, and tobacco in specialised stores (+3.9%), pharmaceuticals, medical and cosmetic articles (+3.6%), and bars (+1.8%). On an annual basis, retail activity declined by 0.5% in April, reversing a downwardly revised 0.9% increase recorded in the preceding month.