Planning a trip to the Emerald Isle? One of the first things on your checklist, after dreaming of rolling green hills and cozy pubs, is sorting out your spending money. Understanding the currency situation in Ireland is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable trip. So, let’s dive into the essential question: Does Ireland Use Euro Currency?
Navigating Currency in Ireland: Euro vs. Pound Sterling
It’s important to clarify right from the start that the currency situation in Ireland isn’t quite as straightforward as some might assume. While the Republic of Ireland uses the Euro (€), the island is also home to Northern Ireland, which uses the Pound Sterling (£). This distinction is vital for travelers to understand to manage their finances effectively.
Euro Currency in the Republic of Ireland
When you’re exploring popular tourist destinations like Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Kerry, Donegal, Mayo, and Waterford, you’ll be using the Euro (€). If your flight lands in Dublin Airport, you’ll immediately need Euros for transport, food, and any initial expenses within the Republic. The Euro simplifies transactions across the Republic and aligns it with much of mainland Europe.
Pound Sterling in Northern Ireland
In contrast, if your itinerary includes Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, Enniskillen, Armagh, or the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, you will need Pound Sterling (£). Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, and therefore, it retains the UK’s currency. It’s essential to be aware of this difference, especially if your trip involves crossing the border between the Republic and Northern Ireland.
Best Ways to Exchange Currency for Your Ireland Trip
Planning your currency exchange strategically can save you money and hassle during your trip to Ireland. While you might consider exchanging currency upon arrival, it’s generally more advantageous to handle it before you travel or upon arrival using ATMs.
Exchanging Currency Before You Travel
The most recommended approach is to convert your currency to Euros locally before you depart for Ireland. Banks or currency exchange services in your home country often offer competitive exchange rates. This way, you arrive in Ireland with Euros in hand, ready for immediate expenses like transportation from the airport or a quick coffee.
Withdrawing Euros from ATMs in Ireland
Once in Ireland, ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) are a convenient way to withdraw Euros. ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns throughout the Republic of Ireland. You can use your debit or credit card to withdraw cash in the local currency. However, be mindful of potential fees. Check with your bank before traveling to understand any international transaction fees or ATM withdrawal charges that may apply to your card.
Important Note: Avoid currency exchange desks at airports or tourist hotspots if possible. These locations typically offer less favorable exchange rates and may add commission fees, diminishing the value you receive for your money.
Pro Tip: Do not rely on exchanging currency at Irish banks or post offices. Recent policy changes at Irish banks often require you to have an account with them to exchange currency. Post offices generally do not provide a dollar-to-euro exchange service.
For up-to-date exchange rates, resources like XE.com can be helpful. Keep in mind that the actual rate you receive from a bank or exchange service might include fees and be slightly less favorable than the mid-market rate shown online.
Credit Card Usage in Ireland: What You Need to Know
Using credit cards in Ireland is generally straightforward and widely accepted, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure smooth transactions.
Credit Card Acceptance and Systems
The good news is that most credit cards are accepted in Ireland. Irish card payment systems are equipped to handle both chip-and-PIN and swipe-and-sign cards. Whether your card uses a chip and PIN or requires a signature, it should generally work at most establishments in Ireland.
When making a payment, Irish service staff will often expect a chip-and-PIN or contactless ‘tap’ payment. If your card operates differently, simply inform them that you are a visitor and explain your card type.
Credit Cards with Limited Acceptance
While major credit cards are generally accepted, some exceptions exist. American Express (AMEX), Diner’s Club, JCB, and Discover cards are not as widely accepted in Ireland compared to Visa or Mastercard. If you primarily use American Express, it’s advisable to bring an alternative card, such as Visa or Mastercard, for your travels in Ireland to ensure broader acceptance.
Pro Tip: If given the option to pay in your home currency (e.g., dollars) or the local currency (Euros or Pound Sterling) at the point of sale, always choose to pay in the local currency. Opting for the local currency usually provides a more favorable exchange rate and avoids potential hidden fees or inflated rates set by the merchant’s payment processor.
Cash vs. Card in Ireland: Finding the Right Balance
Deciding between using cash or cards in Ireland often comes down to personal preference and the specific situations you encounter during your travels. Both have their advantages and disadvantages depending on where you are and what you are doing.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cash and Cards
While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas and larger establishments, cash remains essential, particularly when venturing off the beaten path. Smaller towns and rural areas may have limited card acceptance, and some establishments may prefer or exclusively accept cash.
ATM availability can be less frequent in remote or less-visited locations. Relying solely on cards and needing to find an ATM daily might become inconvenient, especially if you are exploring the Irish countryside. However, carrying large amounts of cash can also be risky.
Before your trip, it’s crucial to notify your bank of your travel plans. Unexpected international transactions might trigger fraud alerts and lead to your card being blocked. If your itinerary includes Northern Ireland, inform your bank that you will be visiting both Ireland and the UK.
Pro Tip: When you contact your bank, inquire about international service charges. These fees can vary, typically ranging from 1-3% of each transaction. Understanding these charges helps you budget effectively for card usage abroad.
Situations Where Cash is Essential in Ireland
There are specific instances in Ireland where having cash on hand is highly recommended or necessary:
- Tips for Activities on Tour: Gratuities for activity instructors or guides during tours are typically given in cash.
- Tips for Tour Guides: While some tour companies may offer alternative tipping methods, cash is generally the most direct and appreciated way to tip your tour guide.
- Paying for Some Optional Activities: Certain optional activities, especially those offered by smaller, local operators, may require cash payment.
Optional Activities Often Requiring Cash
Many unique and enriching experiences in Ireland are often best enjoyed with cash in hand. These include:
- Black Cab Tour in Belfast (Northern Ireland – Pounds Sterling)
- Dingle Folk Concert
- Kinsale Walking History Tour
- Slieve League Boat Trip
- Surf Lesson in Spanish Point
- Horseback Riding in Dingle
- Traditional Rowing in Dingle
- Bike Hire in Killarney
- Guided E-Bike Tour in Connemara
- Surf Lesson in Donegal
- Sea Kayaking in Donegal
- Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
- Walking Tour of Derry/Londonderry (Northern Ireland – Pounds Sterling)
- Horseback Riding in Mayo
When a Cash Backup is Best
Even if you plan to primarily use cards, having some cash as a backup is always wise for situations like:
- Tips in Restaurants/Pubs: While many restaurants and pubs allow you to add tips when paying by card, it’s always good to have cash for tipping, especially in pubs where tipping might be more casual.
- Independent Shops in Smaller Towns: Smaller, independent shops, particularly in rural areas, might prefer or exclusively accept cash.
- Food Trucks: Food trucks and street food vendors often operate on a cash-only basis.
- Craft Stalls in Markets: If you are exploring local markets for crafts or souvenirs, cash is generally the preferred payment method.
- Buskers (Street Musicians/Performers): Showing appreciation for street performers is traditionally done with cash.
Budgeting Your Spending Money for Ireland
To effectively plan your finances for Ireland, it’s helpful to estimate your daily spending needs. Remember that many costs are often prepaid, especially if you’re on a guided tour.
What’s Included and What to Budget For
If you’re on a guided tour, like those offered by Vagabond or Driftwood Tours, your accommodation, breakfasts, guide services, transportation, and admission to major attractions are typically included. This significantly reduces your daily expenses.
However, you’ll still need to budget for:
- Lunch and Dinner: You’ll have the flexibility to choose your own spots for lunch and dinner each day.
- Optional Activities: Many tours offer optional activities that enhance your experience.
- Souvenirs: You might want to purchase Irish crafts or souvenirs to remember your trip.
Sample Daily Budget in Euros
To give you an idea, consider this sample daily budget for a traveler in the Republic of Ireland:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Lunch + Drink | €25 |
| Dinner + Drink | €35 |
| Optional Activity (avg) | €25 |
| Souvenirs | €30 |
| Total Per Day | €115 |
*This €25 average for optional activities is based on someone participating in most optional activities over a longer tour, such as a 12-day tour. Some days you might spend more on activities, and some days less.
Dublin Spending: A Sample Budget
If your trip includes time in Dublin, it’s useful to have a separate budget for this capital city, as costs can be higher than in other parts of Ireland.
Sample Dublin Budget for Two People (2 Days/1 Night)
| Expense | Estimated Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| 4-Star City Hotel (double room, 2 people sharing) | €250-350 |
| 2x Taxi Fares | €50 |
| Dinner and Wine | €120 |
| Lunch | €60 |
| 2 x One-Day Adult Dublin Passes* | €148 |
| ———————————————- | ——————– |
| Total | €628-728 |
*The Dublin Pass provides access to attractions like the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Zoo, Jameson Distillery, and hop-on hop-off bus tours. You can find more information at Dublin Pass.
Average Hotel Prices in Dublin
Hotel prices in Dublin can vary significantly based on the season, events, and location. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for accommodations in Dublin city center.
A 4-star hotel in Dublin city center, booked in advance, might cost approximately €180-250 per night for two people sharing a room. It’s advisable to book your Dublin accommodation as soon as your tour or travel dates are confirmed.
Traveling Ireland on a Budget: Cost-Saving Tips
Ireland can be enjoyed on a range of budgets. If you’re looking to save money, here are some effective tips:
- Use Airbnb: Consider Airbnb for accommodation as an alternative to hotels. Private rooms in Dublin city center can range from €70-150 per night, and rates can be lower if you stay slightly outside the center or opt for shared accommodations.
- Stay Outside Dublin City Center: Accommodation outside the city center, including hotels and B&Bs, generally offers more affordable rates. Dublin is relatively compact, so you can still easily access city attractions with public transport or taxis. Factor in transportation costs (€20-50 for a taxi to the city center or Grand Canal Hotel, a common tour meeting point).
- Opt for Cheaper Lunches & Dinners: Choose delis for lunch where you can find freshly made rolls or sandwiches for €4.50-7. Pubs offer hearty meals at reasonable prices, typically ranging from €12-18 for pub grub. Look for ‘early bird’ menus at restaurants, often available between 5-7 pm, which can offer set two-course meals for around €30 for two people, sometimes including a soft drink.
- Maximize Hotel Breakfasts: Take advantage of the complimentary hot breakfasts offered at most hotels and guesthouses in Ireland. These breakfasts are substantial and can keep you full until lunchtime, reducing your need for mid-morning snacks. Irish breakfasts are typically generous, featuring sausages, bacon, eggs, hash browns, bread, pastries, cereals, fruits, yogurt, and more.
Tipping Etiquette in Ireland
Tipping customs in Ireland differ from places like the US or Canada. While tipping is appreciated for good service, it’s not as deeply ingrained or mandatory.
When and How Much to Tip
- Restaurants: It’s customary to tip 10-15% of the bill in restaurants for good service. However, it’s not obligatory. Tipping above 15% is usually reserved for exceptional service or for large groups.
- Pubs: Tipping in pubs is not expected. However, it’s always appreciated. You don’t need to tip for each drink. Tipping might be appropriate when buying a round of drinks, ordering complex cocktails, or at the end of a longer evening if you received good service.
- Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory. If your driver is helpful and friendly, you can round up the fare to the nearest €5 or €10 as a gesture of appreciation. For example, for an €8 fare, you could pay €10.
- Tour Guides: Tipping tour guides is always appreciated. The standard industry guideline is around €15 per person per day, but the amount is entirely at your discretion and depends on the length of the tour and the quality of service.
Important Tip: Always check your restaurant bill to see if a service charge has already been included. If a service charge is listed, you are not expected to add an additional tip.
| When To Tip | It’s Up To You… | When NOT To Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants (10-15%) | Taxis (round up) | Bars (per drink) |
| Porters in Hotels (few euros) | Cafés (loose change) | Hotel staff (except porters) |
| Tour Guides | Bar/Pub Table Staff |
Understanding Irish Sales Tax (VAT)
Sales tax in Ireland, known as Value Added Tax (VAT), is handled differently than in some other countries. The price you see displayed in Ireland is the final price you pay, as VAT is already included. There are no additional taxes added at the checkout.
VAT Refunds for Non-EU Citizens
If you are a non-EU citizen, you may be eligible to claim back VAT on purchases you make in Ireland. VAT rates in Ireland vary but can be as high as 23%. This can represent a significant saving on eligible goods. To claim a VAT refund, ensure you obtain the necessary documentation from retailers when making purchases and follow the procedures for claiming back VAT when leaving the European Union.
Enjoying Your Trip to Ireland, Currency Ready!
Understanding the currency situation in Ireland, whether it’s the Euro in the Republic or Pound Sterling in Northern Ireland, is a key aspect of trip preparation. By planning your currency exchange, being mindful of card usage, and budgeting effectively, you can focus on enjoying the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality that Ireland offers. So, pack your bags, exchange your currency, and get ready for an unforgettable Irish adventure!
