An index which measures how consumers feel about the economic outlook has shown a slight improvement after hitting a record low in July.
The consumer sentiment index, compiled by IIB Bank and the Economic and Social Research Institute, was just over 43 in August, up from almost 40 in July.
The rise was the first since January.
IIB economist Austin Hughes attributed the pick-up to price cuts in the summer sales and falling oil prices.
Comments from the European Central Bank also eased fears of more interest rate rises.
He said the current figures still suggested a gloomy mood among consumers.
