Ireland Unemployment Rate — 2026 Data, Trend & Forecast
Ireland's unemployment rate was 5.00% in August 2026, little changed from 5.00% the previous month. A year earlier it stood at 4.90%.
Ireland's unemployment rate stands at 5.00% as of August 2026. The unemployment rate currently sits at 5.00% (little changed from 5.00% in the prior month). Across the tracked window it has ranged between 4.10% and 9.60%, and is 0.10% higher than a year ago.
The trend
Among the 227 economies tracked on this platform, Ireland ranks #124 on unemployment rate by latest value. It was little changed from 5.00% in the previous month, and compares with a year-earlier 4.90%.
What's driving it
Joblessness tracks the business cycle, labour-force participation and structural shifts in industry, and tends to lag changes in output.
Recent readings
| Period | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|
| Aug 2026 | 5.00% |
| Jul 2026 | 5.00% |
| Jun 2026 | 4.90% |
| May 2026 | 4.90% |
| Apr 2026 | 4.90% |
| Mar 2026 | 5.00% |
| Feb 2026 | 5.00% |
| Jan 2026 | 5.00% |
Data: Source: OECD (terms permit extract/distribute, incl. commercial, with citation). Figures carry an effective date; confirm with the source before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
What Is the Unemployment Rate in Ireland in 2026?
Ireland's unemployment rate was 5.00% in August 2026, little changed from 5.00% the previous month. A year earlier it stood at 4.90%.
Is the unemployment rate rising or falling in Ireland?
It was little changed in the latest reading — 5.00% in August 2026 versus 5.00% a month earlier. Year on year it is higher.
What is unemployment rate?
It measures the share of the labour force that is without work but actively seeking a job.