Consumer spending rose by 5% last month, according to AIB, as hot weather benefitted hotels, restaurants and amusement parks.
The bank’s latest Spend Trend report – which analysed 81.4 million card transactions by AIB customers in the month – recorded a 5% increase in overall spend, with in-store spending up by the same percentage.
Online spending by the bank’s customers fell by 1% in July, though.
The report said spending on accommodation rose by 9% year-on-year, while restaurant and dining spend was up 8%.
Spending at amusement parks and carnivals rose by 9%, pubs saw a 4% increase in AIB card transactions, while entertainment spend was up 6%.
That was boosted by the debut of two blockbuster films, with The Oddyssey and Spiderman: Brand New Day pushing cineman spend 13% higher year-on-year.
The data also captured activity around the All-Ireland football and hurling finals.
AIB said Kerry fans spent 50% more in Dublin than they did at the semi-final, while Mayo fans’ Dublin spend was up 30%.
And while Mayo triumphed on the pitch, on final day Kerry supporters in Dublin outspent their Mayo rivals by more than 20%.
In Co Mayo itself, spending in sports shops rose by 138% year-on-year as supporters stocked up on jerseys and flags.
Between All-Ireland final day and the following Tuesday, pub spending in the county was up 210% year-on-year, while restaurant spending rose 58%.
For the hurling final, Limerick fans spent 33% more in Dublin than was the case during their semi-final, however Galway supporters recorded a 6% drop compared to theirs.
