Bank of Ireland debit and credit card analysis for May revealed a 13% overall monthly spending increase, as many consumers parked their inflationary fears and boosted sales across a variety of business areas.

Social spending in May rose by 14% (following a 4% drop in April), with pubs enjoying a 21% spending spike, outlay in fast-food outlets going up by 15% and restaurant spend rising by 14%. The spending data also revealed that people were keen on enjoying their home comforts by getting back into ‘hosting’ mode, with catering spend increasing by 17%.

Accommodation spending went up by 12% in May, as camp sites filled up nationwide (+170%) and hotels experiencing an 8% spending boost. Boat Rentals went up by 50%, car rentals by 26%, and outlay on Toll Bridges and Roads rose by 11%. There was also a drive in demand for some pampering amongst many consumers, with Health and Beauty Spas recording a monthly spending hike of 13%.

May was a more positive spending month nationwide, following on from April where only one county (Longford) posted a spending increase. Consumer outlay in Offaly (+14%), Cork (+13%), Kerry (+11%) and Monaghan (+11%) all rose much higher, with Longford once again leading the way with spending in the county during May rising by 18%. On an international level, spending in some of the traditional holiday destinations remained steady, whilst a host of travellers flocked to the likes of Croatia (+65%), Norway (+65%) and Sweden (+21%) looking to broaden their horizons.

Commenting on May’s spending data, Jilly Clarkin, Head of Customer Journeys & SME Markets at Bank of Ireland said: “Whilst April’s spending levels painted a mixed picture consumers certainly didn’t hold back in May, sparking an overall spending rise of 13% and boosting social, retail (clothing spend rose by 16%) and accommodation businesses amongst others.”