Retail sales in Ireland advanced by 1.3% month-on-month in July 2026, up from an upwardly revised 0.5% increase in the previous month, marking the strongest reading in six months. The largest volume increases were recorded in motor trade (+8.5%), fuel (+7.0%), and pharmaceuticals, medical, and cosmetic articles (+3.4%). Fuel sales also strengthened, rising 2.4% in value and 7.0% in volume, reflecting elevated fuel prices amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Meanwhile, gains were partly offset by notable declines in department stores (-1.3%), books, newspapers, and stationery (-0.3%), and other retail sales (-0.1%). On an annual basis, retail activity jumped 2.2% in July, following an upwardly revised 0.9% growth in the preceding period.