The cost of having fun - like pretty much everything else - has surged in recent years.

When the cost of living crisis began in 2022, inflation soared to an eye-watering 10.6%. 

It dropped to 3.9% late last year but financial advisor John Lowe said the cost of social activities still remains high. 

“Every provider is getting the opportunity to increase their prices,” he told Josh Crosbie for Newstalk Breakfast. 

“You name it, they do it - hotels, concerts; right across the board." 

More and more, Mr Lowe said people people are getting into debt to pay for big social occasions.

“You’re talking really [about] credit card debt here, more than anything else," he said. 

“A lot of people don’t realise, if they’re just paying the minimum every month, it’ll take them 20 years to get rid of that credit card debt.”

A theatre. Image: Ed Rooney / Alamy

For those who feel under social pressure to take part in events but feel queasy about the price, Mr Lowe has this advice. 

“It’s not a question of, ‘I want to send my Johnny down the road to join all the other people,’” he said.  

“If you simply haven’t got the money, you’ve got to bite the lip and say no, ‘You’re not going.’” 

'We have to pick and choose what we commit to'

Phelim Warren from the You Boys in Green Ireland supporters group said the cost of a day out at the football used to be affordable – but now, the price of tickets can set a family back hundreds. 

Now, the price of tickets can set a family back hundreds. 

“I’ve had an Ireland season ticket for the last five years or so and they have gone up probably more than we expected,” he said. 

“The value for Ireland tickets, I think, was really good until last year. 

“I didn’t renew this year. We all get to the stage where we have to pick and choose our expenses. 

“Everything is on the increase so we have to pick and choose what we commit to.” 

Footballs, bibs and training equipment ahead of a League of Ireland match. Image: Ashley Cahill / Alamy Stock Photo

Even the cheapest ticket for League of Ireland matches have not been immune to price rises. 

“I think your cheapest ticket now, if you’re buying a one off ticket would be about €40, €45,” Mr Warren said.

“You’re not going to get much change out of a couple of hundred quid a match [for a family].

“Some fans have been turned off.” 

Inflation is expected to fall further to 2.2% this year and 1.9% in 2025.

Main image: Ireland fans during the Euros. Image: Sportimage / Alamy Stock Photo