This is the fifth annual Irish Lifestyles report published by Mintel, bringing out consumer perception regarding the impact on lifestyles of the current economic and social climate. The report examines whether Irish consumers have managed to reap the reward of a successful economy through improving their lifestyles and financial situation or, in fact, have high prices had a damaging effect with Irish consumers instead “feeling the pinch”. The report also examines leisure choices and financial priorities whilst attempting to measure the impact of rising costs on lifestyles in Ireland.

Key highlights include:

‘RoI lifestyles suffer as more feel the pinch (over four in ten people in RoI find that the cost of living forces them to stick to a strict financial budget, compared to just a quarter in NI)’

‘Few happy with the current political and economic climate’

‘Retailers get the blame for “Rip-Off Ireland”’

‘Traditional leisure choices are in decline’

‘The “Nest egg” a key priority’

‘The social gap widens’

Using exclusive consumer research and the latest market analysis, Mintel’s findings offer you a unique and highly original snapshot of the Irish consumer of 2005.

By helping you understand their lifestyle decisions, Mintel’s revealing report offers you all the insight you need to tap into the consciousness of key consumer groups and to devise clever, innovative and highly targeted marketing campaigns that will grow your customer base.

This report has been produced as part of Mintel's Irish Series and is sold in Ireland exclusively through our sales agency OCO Consulting based in Belfast. For more information, please contact Jamie Mulholland on 028 90 241 849 (NI/UK) or 048 90 241 849 (ROI).

Alternatively, please visit www.ococonsulting.com for further details of OCO Consulting and Mintel’s progressive relationship.

If you are working outside of Ireland and are looking for more details about this particular report, please contact the Mintel information team on +44 (0)20 7606 6000 or email them at info@mintel.com.