Bank of Ireland Spending Pulse: Live Events and Music Drive Localised Expenditure Spikes

Bank of Ireland’s latest Spending Pulse reveals a 2% year-on-year increase in consumer expenditure for September, driven largely by high-profile entertainment events and a strategic shift toward value-based retail. For fintech professionals, these localized spending spikes and the surge in online marketplace activity highlight the critical role of real-time data in tracking shifting consumer liquidity and merchant demand.

What was announced

The September data highlights how specific cultural events can trigger significant localized economic shifts. Westlife’s residency at the 3 Arena between September 10th and 26th resulted in a 40% increase in hotel spending and a 16% rise for bars in the Dublin 1 area. Overall in-person spending in the district grew by 12% compared to the same period in 2025. The demand for live entertainment was further evidenced by the "Oasis effect," as tickets for the band’s 2027 Slane Castle concerts went on sale between September 25th and 27th.

This ticket release drove a 137% increase in spending on Ticketmaster compared to the previous year. Geographically, Louth and Meath saw the most dramatic surges at 341% and 303% respectively. Notably, the average spend per customer among the 26-45 age demographic on Ticketmaster more than doubled during this specific window, rising from €234 to €549. Regional festivals also moved the needle; the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival boosted the local economy by 30%, with bar spending up 53% and restaurant expenditure soaring by 150%.

Beyond events, the data shows a clear pivot toward the "circular economy" and discount retail. Spending in charity and vintage stores rose by 134%, while online marketplaces saw an 89% jump. Leisure categories also remained resilient, with health and beauty spas up 11% and amusement parks increasing by 15% compared to the same period last year.

"While overall spending was slightly up this September compared to last, consumers continue to search for deals as well as good experiences. Live events are driving spend locally, while consumers are shopping for better value in charity stores and online marketplaces. As we enter the final few months of 2026, it will be interesting to see if this trend continues; influencing pre-Christmas spending in shops and online."

Owen Clifford, Head of Retail Sector, Bank of Ireland

The companies involved

Bank of Ireland is one of the "Big Two" commercial banks in Ireland, maintaining a dominant position in both retail and corporate banking across the island. Historically a pillar of the Irish financial system, the bank has navigated significant market shifts over the last decade, evolving from a traditional high-street lender into a more digitally-focused institution. It operates a full range of banking services, including personal accounts, mortgages, and specialized business lending, with a particular focus on the retail and hospitality sectors through its dedicated sectoral divisions.

The bank’s Spending Pulse data has become a key economic indicator in Ireland, leveraging its vast cardholder base to provide granular insights into consumer behavior. This data is increasingly vital as the Irish market faces unique inflationary pressures and a rapidly changing retail landscape. Unlike many of its European peers, Bank of Ireland has maintained a significant physical footprint while simultaneously investing in digital infrastructure to compete with neo-banks and international payment processors. Its role in the national economy extends beyond lending, as it frequently partners with global tech firms to modernize the domestic financial ecosystem.

What FF News has reported before

FF News has closely tracked Bank of Ireland’s recent efforts to integrate advanced technology into its core operations. In September 2026, we reported that Bank of Ireland and Stripe Partner to Supercharge AI-Driven Payments Innovation, a move designed to enhance the bank's merchant services. This followed the significant appointment of a new leadership role, as Bank of Ireland Names Prag Sharma as Chief AI Officer to Lead 2028 Strategy. Additionally, the bank has demonstrated a commitment to supporting the broader business community through digital education; in July, we covered how Bank of Ireland and Google Launch 10,000 AI Scholarships for Irish SMEs, highlighting the bank's focus on future-proofing the Irish retail and service sectors.

What this means

The September data illustrates a widening "experience gap" in consumer spending. While the 2% overall growth is modest, the triple-digit surges in event-related spending and charity retail suggest that consumers are aggressively prioritizing high-impact experiences while simultaneously cutting costs on everyday goods. This creates a challenging environment for traditional mid-market retailers who lack the "event" draw of a concert or the "value" appeal of a vintage store. For the fintech sector, this volatility underscores the need for more dynamic credit scoring and merchant lending models that can account for these localized, event-driven liquidity spikes. The massive jump in Ticketmaster spending specifically highlights a potential concentration risk for payment processors during major cultural on-sales.