The public flocked to the coast during the Easter break with spending up in Donegal, Sligo and Kerry as punters spent their hard-earned cash in hotels, restaurants and pubs.
A survey released today by AIB showed consumers made the most of the holiday as coastal breaks topped the poll, with spending up 27% in Donegal, closely followed by Sligo up 26% and Kerry up 25%.
The three coastal hotspots have long been a favourite area for staycations for families here.
Dublin, of course, saw the biggest overall hotel spend in April.
People across the country were happy to splash out on hotels, where spending rose by 19%, with over €63,000 being paid out per hour in the sector.
Meanwhile, restaurants saw a 9% increase in purchases and transactions in pubs were up by 4%.
Fashion and clothing jumped by 11% as consumers return to the workplace and begin to enjoy a social calendar again.
On the other side of the coin, spending on airlines dropped by -3%, while health and beauty also fell by -3%.
The bank’s survey compiled data from more than one million card transactions during April.
And while consumers preferred cash, digital wallets continue to be popular and this method of payment rose by 8%.
But overall, online transactions dropped by 4% in April.
Spending among those under the age of 25 was down during the month (-2%).
But spending among all other age groups was up, with the highest increase from those between the age of 55 and 64, (+4%).
On average, Irish people spent over €80 million a day on cards throughout April – the same amount as March, but with two million fewer transactions.
AIB’s John Brennan said: ”April consumer spending was flat overall when compared with the previous month.
"Consumers also transacted over two million times less than March despite spending the same amount.
"This means that their average transaction was higher during April, likely due to bigger ticket spend over the Easter break.
"The hospitality and staycation sector enjoyed a positive April with school holidays driving a rise in consumer spending in seaside towns and hotels across the country.”
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