Consumer Rights in Ireland 2026: What the Law Protects You From
Irish consumer law has undergone its most significant overhaul in decades with the Consumer Rights Act 2022, which came into effect on 29 November 2022. This Act significantly expanded and updated consumer protections — including new rights for digital products and services that did not previously exist in Irish law. This guide explains your key consumer rights in Ireland in 2025.
The Consumer Rights Act 2022
The Consumer Rights Act 2022 consolidated and updated the law on consumer contracts in Ireland, implementing two major EU Directives — the Sale of Goods Directive and the Digital Content Directive. It applies to contracts between traders and consumers concluded on or after 29 November 2022.
Your Rights When Buying Goods
When you buy goods from a trader in Ireland, those goods must be:
- Of satisfactory quality: Safe, durable, free from defects, and acceptable in appearance and finish
- Fit for purpose: Suitable for the use for which goods of that kind are normally bought, and for any specific purpose you told the seller before buying
- As described: Matching any description, sample, model, or digital content shown to you before purchase
If goods do not conform to these requirements, you have a hierarchy of remedies:
- Repair or replacement (at the trader’s choice initially, but you can insist on replacement if repair fails)
- Price reduction or rescission (full refund) if repair/replacement is not possible, takes too long, or has failed
You have 6 years to bring a claim for non-conforming goods (the statute of limitations under Irish contract law).
Your Rights for Digital Content and Services
A significant new development in the 2022 Act is the creation of specific rights for digital content and digital services — previously an unregulated area. Digital content includes apps, games, software, e-books, and streaming services. Your rights include that digital content must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, as described, and kept up to date for the duration of the contract.
Your Right of Withdrawal — Distance and Off-Premises Contracts
When you buy goods or services online, by phone, or away from a business premises (e.g., at your home), you generally have a 14-day right of withdrawal — a cooling-off period during which you can cancel the contract without giving any reason and receive a full refund. Key exceptions include: custom-made goods, sealed goods that have been opened (e.g., hygiene products), perishable goods, and digital content that has already been downloaded with your consent.
Unfair Commercial Practices
The Consumer Protection Act 2007 (as amended) prohibits unfair commercial practices — including misleading claims, aggressive selling tactics, and false urgency techniques. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) enforces these rules and can take action against businesses that engage in unfair practices.
How to Complain
If a trader refuses to honour your rights, you can: contact the CCPC for guidance; refer the dispute to the Small Claims Court (claims up to €2,000, €25 filing fee); or seek legal advice about civil proceedings. Many disputes can be resolved by a well-drafted solicitor’s letter. See our Letter Before Action service.
Need advice about a consumer dispute? Read our guide to a 30-minute consultation with a solicitor of your choice with a solicitor of your choice — a solicitor can advise on whether you have a valid claim and the most effective way to pursue it.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
