DUBLIN (Reuters) - Irish consumer sentiment dropped to its lowest level in nine months in March as the prospect of U.S. tariffs on the European Union made consumers more nervous about the outlook for the economy and their own finances, a survey showed on Friday.

The Credit Union Consumer Sentiment index fell to 67.5 from 74.8 in February, the largest monthly pullback in two-and-a-half years and well below its long-term average of 84.2.

Research co-authored by the Irish finance ministry this week found that Ireland faces a disproportionate hit from tit-for-tariffs.

Irish League of Credit Unions CEO David Malone said it was not surprising that the sentiment survey painted a picture of a much more nervous Irish consumer.