NFL's Vikings V Steelers will hit Dublin's Croke Park this fall.GAA.ie

The standout driver for this increase was the hotly anticipated NFL clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park this September.

Ticket sales launched on 17th June and triggered a 143% spike in event-related spending compared to the daily average for the month.

The surge signals the strong appetite for major live events and demonstrates how international sporting fixtures can significantly stimulate domestic spending.

Beyond sport, several key sectors saw notable year-on-year growth:

  • EV charging spend rose by a remarkable 59%, reflecting the continued shift toward electric vehicles and Ireland’s growing green transport infrastructure.
  • Utility bills (excluding telecoms) climbed 13%, underlining the ongoing impact of cost-of-living pressures.
  • Digital games spend jumped 32%, with Roscommon (+61%), Monaghan (+58%), and Limerick (+48%) leading the way. Men accounted for 75% of this category’s spend, especially in the 25–34 age group.

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Other sectors also reported steady gains:

  • Restaurants and fast food spend rose 6%, likely boosted by June’s warmer weather – the fourth warmest on record, according to Met Éireann.
  • Jewellery sales sparkled with a 6% increase. Roscommon had the highest average transaction (€158), ahead of Dublin (€153) and Wicklow (€138). Interestingly, in the 25–34 demographic, men accounted for 62% of jewellery spend.
  • Grocery spend crept up 2% over the year.
  • Car rentals saw a 12% boost as the tourist season picked up, while toll and bridge fees increased by 5%.

Adrian Moynihan, Head of Consumer at AIB, commented: "June’s data shows continued consumer momentum across a diverse range of sectors.

“The NFL ticket launch provided a major boost to event spending, but we’re also seeing consistent growth in areas like EV charging, utilities, and dining.

“This kind of insight is crucial for Irish businesses as they plan ahead for seasonal demand and shifting consumer preferences."

Based on 75 million anonymised and aggregated card transactions, AIB’s data offers one of the most accurate reflections of real-time spending in Ireland.

For businesses, the message is clear: Irish consumers are spending confidently, and key events—like the NFL game—can create valuable opportunities for growth.

* This article was originally published on BusinessPlus.ie.