Are you a traveler confused by the varying tipping rules around the world? Some places eagerly await tips, while others regard them as unnecessary or even impolite.
Tipping is a way of showing appreciation for good service, but it’s not the same in every country. In Ireland, tipping is optional and not very common.
That’s why it’s a good idea to learn where it’s okay to tip and where it’s not in Ireland. In this guide, we’ll explain how tipping works in Ireland to make things clearer for you.
Overview of the Tipping Culture in Ireland
You don’t have to tip in Ireland, unlike in the USA where tipping is expected. But if you have some extra cash and you liked the service, you can leave a tip as a nice gesture.
In Ireland, tipping is expected when you eat at a restaurant or a pub with table service. Tipping is also common when you go on tours that last more than one day.
The amount of tip you give in Ireland depends on who you ask. But a good guideline is to tip 10% for a small group and 20% for a large one.
In Ireland, certain restaurants add a 20% service charge for larger groups, typically more than 10 people. If no service charge is applied, consider adding a 20% tip.
It’s possible to tip in Ireland with your credit card, but it’s better to tip in cash so you can be sure the staff receives the money.
What is the “Luck Money” tradition?
In Ireland, sometimes when you pay a worker like a plumber or electrician, they might give you back a one Euro coin as a little extra gesture. This is called “luck money.”
It’s not very common, but it’s a friendly way to wish good luck and build a nice relationship. The connection to tipping is that both luck money and tipping are about being kind and making people feel appreciated.
Tipping is when you give extra money to service workers like waiters or taxi drivers to say thank you. Luck money is when the worker gives you a coin back to bring luck and show appreciation.
They’re both ways to be friendly and make people happy.
Tipping Etiquette in Ireland
Transportation
Tipping taxi drivers in Ireland is optional, as they already factor in high costs like insurance and taxes into their fares, making them relatively expensive. However, you can choose to tip if you wish.
Your taxi driver will give you a printed receipt at the end of your trip, without a service charge. If you need a receipt with tips, you can ask for a handwritten one.
As for bus or train drivers, tipping isn’t expected, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Who and how much should you tip:
Hotels
You don’t have to tip a lot in Irish hotels, because they already include all the costs in their prices.
If the hotel is small and run by the owners themselves, like a bed and breakfast or a guest house, you don’t need to tip at all.
Who and how much should you tip:
Tours
Tourism and sightseeing tours in Ireland are more likely to involve tipping, but there’s no clear rule about how much.
Some people, especially tour guides themselves, say that you should tip 10% of the total cost of the tour. But this can be very expensive, especially for long and pricey tours.
You can decide how much to tip based on your satisfaction and budget.
Who and how much should you tip:
Restaurants
You should tip in restaurants, cafes, and pubs in Ireland when you have a sit-down meal, as long as the service is good and there’s no service charge added.
Who and how much should you tip:
Pubs
You don’t usually tip at bars and pubs in Ireland, but there are some situations where you might. One is if you have a meal and the service is good.
Another is if you get table service. For example, if someone from the bar brings drinks to your table while you’re chatting with your friends, you can tip them.
Who and how much should you tip:
Spas and Salons
Tipping is a common practice at spas and salons in Ireland, so you should do it. However, make sure to check your bill before you pay, as they might have already included a service charge.
Who and how much should you tip:
“Tips” on Tipping in Ireland
Use the Local Currency
When tipping in Ireland, it’s crucial to use the local currency, which is Euros. This ensures that service providers can use the cash without incurring high fees for currency exchange.
If possible, have some small change in Euros ready before leaving the airport to tip drivers and hotel porters.
Verify service charges
Keep in mind that the tip may already be included in your bill. Restaurants, hotels, and bars in Ireland may automatically add service charges.
Before deciding whether or not to tip, double-check your bill. Different countries have different practices regarding service charges.
Exercise discretion when tipping
Tipping is a way to acknowledge and reward excellent service, so use your own judgement when it comes to tipping. If the service charge isn’t included in your bill, tipping is discretionary but always appreciated.
Remember that the staff working in restaurants and hotels in Ireland often have challenging jobs with lower wages. Consider this before canceling any gratuity tip requests on their payment terminals.