EY Spring 2026 Economic Forecast: Growth ahead for Ireland and Northern Ireland

EY’s latest Economic Eye report shows both economies on the island of Ireland are set to grow in 2026. In the Republic, GDP is forecast to rise by 1.8% this year and 4.2% next year, with the domestic economy expanding by 2.7% and 2.5%, respectively. For Northern Ireland, growth of 0.7% is projected for 2026 and 1.3% in 2027.

The report, led by EY Ireland Partner and Chief Economist Dr. Loretta O’Sullivan, highlights how Ireland’s economy continues to perform well within a complex global landscape.

Ongoing geopolitical pressures underline the importance of economic resilience, with digital, energy and infrastructure all in scope and discussed in the report.

Download the full report to explore the latest forecasts.

The all-island economy: resilience to the fore


Economic Eye, Spring 2026



“If 2025 was the year of US tariff uncertainty, then 2026 is the year of global energy volatility. Having navigated the former well, the economy is now being challenged by the latter. Our spring forecast sees growth continuing in Ireland and Northern Ireland, while inflation is being revised up. But there is a lot of uncertainty about the outlook, and we are mindful of risks.”

 

Dr. Loretta O’Sullivan
Chief Economist and Partner at EY Ireland

Loretta O'Sullivan



The all-island economy: resilience to the fore


Economic Eye, Spring Forecast 2026


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