The first CSO consumer price index for 2026 has shown that prices continue to rise in Ireland, with a rise in third-level education prices leading to the highest jump in one sector.
It showed that prices, on average, were 2.7% higher in January 2026 than they were at the same time last year. The area that had the biggest affect on the annual rise were restaurants and accommodation, followed by housing and utilities, food and non-alcoholic beverages and then recreation, sports and culture.
This was down from the annual increase in the 12 months from December 2025, which was 2.8%. If excluding energy and processed food, the the CPI grew by 2.8% in the 12 months to January 2026.
Anthony Dawson, Statistician in the CSO Prices Division, said: “Today’s release of the CPI shows that prices for consumer goods and services in January 2026 rose by 2.7% on average when compared with January 2025. The most significant increases in the 12 months to January 2026 were seen in Education Services (+8.9%) and Clothing & Footwear (+7.3%). The annual change in Education Services reflects a rise in costs associated with third-level education which came into effect from October 2025.
"Furnishings, Household Equipment & Routine Household Maintenance (-0.6%) and Transport (-0.1%) were the only divisions to show a decline when compared with January 2025. Consumer prices in January 2026 fell by 0.9% in the month compared with January 2025, when prices were down by 0.8% in the month. In January 2026, the most significant monthly price decreases were in Clothing & Footwear (-7.2%) and Recreation, Sport & Culture (-3.1%). The decrease in Clothing & Footwear was due to sales.
"Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+2.7%) and Health (+0.3%) were the divisions to show the largest increases when compared with December 2025."
The reasons for price changes included:Restaurants & Accommodation Services rose mainly due to higher prices for alcoholic drinks and food consumed in licensed premises, restaurants, cafes etc., and an increase in the cost of hotel accommodation.Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas & Other Fuels increased primarily due to a rise in the cost of rents, mortgage interest repayments and electricity.Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages rose due to higher prices across a range of products such as meat, confectionery & desserts and cereals & cereal products.Recreation, Sport & Culture increased primarily due to a rise in the cost of recreational & sporting services, package holidays and audiovisual media.Furnishings, Household Equipment & Routine Household Maintenance fell mainly due to lower prices for household textiles and furniture, furnishings & loose carpets.Transport decreased primarily due to lower prices for petrol and diesel. This decrease was offset by a rise in the cost of airfares.The average price of products in January 2026:The national average price for bread (large (800g) white sliced pan) increased by 4 cents in the year to January 2026, while the same size brown sliced pan decreased by 1 cent in the year.The national average price of 1kg of sirloin steak rose by €4.68 in the year, while the average price for 2.5kg of potatoes was down 22 cents.The national average price of full fat milk per 2 litres was up 6 cents in the year, while butter per lb rose by 34 cents and the average price of Irish cheddar per kg increased by 45 cents.The national average price of a take-home 50cl can of lager at €2.42 was up 2 cents from January 2025, while a take-home 50cl can of cider at €2.71 was also up 2 cents.In January 2026, the national average price of a pint of stout in licensed premises was €6.10, up 28 cents in the year, while a pint of lager was €6.52, up 25 cents compared with January 2025.
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