Work

Quarterly GDP for Ireland since 1950

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We construct estimates of quarterly GDP (and GNP) for Ireland from 1950, linking to official data from 1995 onward, using a novel factor-augmented Chow-Lin interpolation. Compared to the only alternative series (OECD, 2025), our estimates exploit the variation in a large number of official quarterly economic data and are broadly consistent with contemporary reports. Our series permits a more granular identification of turning points in the Irish economy than was previously possible. The frequency and magnitude of quarterly contractions in the 1950s and 1980s dwarfed those of other decades resulting in lower average growth rates. In contrast, the 1990s are confirmed as a decisive period of higher growth and rapid convergence.

Source: Explorations in Economic History

DOI: 10.1016/j.eeh.2026.101766

Authors: Seán Kenny, Rebecca Stuart

Institutions: Queen's University Belfast, Lund University, University College Cork, University of Neuchâtel

Language: English

Topic: Historical Economic and Social Studies

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,280

Funder: Irish Research Council