The annual rate of inflation rose to a three-year high of 3.8% in April from 3.5% in March on the back of higher mortgage interest repayments and more expensive home heating oil as well as dearer petrol and diesel prices.
The latest figures from the Central Statistics Office show that consumer prices rose a stronger than expected 0.8% in April.
The CSO said that the annual rate of inflation for goods was 1.9% in April, while the corresponding rate for services was 5.3%.
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuel prices rose last month by 2.7%.
Mortgage interest repayments have been higher in recent months following the introduction of higher interest rates by most of the country's financial institutions after the European Central Bank increased euro zone rates in the last few months.
Home heating oil also rose last month.
In April, transport costs rose by 1.4% with higher prices for petrol and diesel as well as increases for car rental costs and bus fares. The CSO said these increases were partially offset by a decrease in air fares.
The cost of eating out and staying in hotels also rose 0.7% last month.
