Ireland
Last checked:
- Capital
- Dublin
- Currency
- EUR · Euro
- Languages
- English, Irish
- Plugs
- Type G · 230 V
Emergency numbers
Top 5 places
- Trinity College and the Book of Kells · Dublin
Illuminated medieval manuscript and the Long Room library; book timed entry.
- Guinness Storehouse · Dublin
Ireland's most visited attraction, ending at a rooftop bar with city views.
- Cliffs of Moher · County Clare
Atlantic sea cliffs over 200 m high; stay behind the barriers in wind.
- Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park · Killarney
Scenic coastal loop with lakes, mountains and small villages.
- Galway and Connemara · Galway
Lively city with traditional music pubs and wild landscapes to the west.
Getting around
Public transport
Leap Visitor Card / TFI Go
Leap Visitor Card gives unlimited travel on Dublin buses, Luas trams, DART and commuter trains (1, 3 or 7 days) plus Airlink options. TFI Go app sells mobile tickets; contactless is accepted on Dublin buses (varies by operator).
Taxi
FREENOW
The most used taxi app in Ireland, booking licensed taxis at the metered fare. Licensed taxis have a yellow-and-blue roof sign and a driver ID displayed.
Ride-hailing app
Uber
Uber in Ireland books licensed taxis (and some premium cars), not private drivers, so prices are similar to taxis.
Trains
Irish Rail (Iarnrod Eireann)
Intercity trains from Dublin to Cork, Galway, Limerick, Killarney and Belfast. Book online ahead for cheaper fares.
Buses
Bus Eireann / Citylink / GoBus
Intercity and rural buses, often cheaper than the train; Citylink and GoBus run frequent Dublin-Galway services.
Car rental
Car rental
Best way to see the west coast. Drive on the left; rural roads are narrow. Check insurance carefully: many US credit card policies are not accepted, and the desk excess hold can be large.
Bike share
Dublin Bikes
Docked bike share in central Dublin with a 3-day ticket for visitors.
Money and cash
Currency: EUR · Euro
Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere, including pubs and most taxis. Carry a little cash for rural B&Bs, small shops and tips. Near the Northern Ireland border some places accept pounds but give change in euros; Northern Ireland itself uses GBP.
Tipping
Tipping in Ireland is appreciated but not mandatory. Around 10% in restaurants for good table service is common. In pubs, people do not usually tip for drinks at the bar.
| Restaurants | About 10% for good table service if no service charge is on the bill. Many restaurants add a service charge (often 10-12.5%) for larger groups. |
|---|---|
| Cafés and bars | No tip for drinks at the bar; leave coins for table service if you like. |
| Taxis and ride apps | Round up to the nearest euro; not expected. |
| Hotels | 1-2 EUR per bag for porters; housekeeping tips optional. |
| Tours and guides | Tip guides and coach drivers a few euros per person if you enjoyed the tour. |
| Food delivery | Small tip of 1-2 EUR is common. |
Service charge: what’s true
Some restaurants add a service charge, especially for groups of 6 or more; it is shown as a separate line. Since a 2022 law, tips paid electronically (by card) must be passed on in full to staff, and businesses must display their tips policy, including whether a service charge goes to staff (check the notice).
Pressure tactics to watch for
No widely reported pressure tactics. Card terminals may suggest tip amounts; check whether a service charge is already on the bill before adding a tip.
Useful phrases
- An bille, le do thoil. (Irish) The bill, please.
- Go raibh maith agat. (Irish) Thank you.
Etiquette
- Pub rounds are common in groups: if you join a round, buy your turn.
- Queue patiently at bus stops, shops and bars; do not push in.
- Friendly banter and teasing are normal and meant warmly.
- Do not assume Ireland is part of the UK, and avoid strong opinions on Northern Ireland politics.
- Thank the bus driver when getting off; it is customary.
- Dress for rain and wind year-round, even on sunny mornings.
Scams and how to handle them
Unlicensed taxis
Where: Dublin city centre and airport at night
How it works: Unlicensed drivers offer rides and overcharge.
How to avoid it: Use only licensed taxis with yellow roof signs and displayed driver ID, or book through FREENOW or Uber.
Fake charity collectors
Where: Dublin: Grafton Street, O'Connell Street, Temple Bar
How it works: Collectors with fake IDs or buckets ask for donations or card details.
How to avoid it: Give only to registered charities directly; do not hand over card details on the street.
Pickpockets in crowds
Where: Dublin: Temple Bar, Grafton Street, Red Luas line, busy pubs
How it works: Thieves take phones and wallets from bags, jackets on chairs and tables.
How to avoid it: Keep valuables in front pockets, do not leave phones on tables.
Fake rental and accommodation listings
Where: Online, especially Dublin
How it works: Fake listings ask for deposits by bank transfer for flats or rooms that do not exist.
How to avoid it: Book through established platforms, never pay deposits by bank transfer to people you have not met.
Temple Bar overpricing
Where: Dublin: Temple Bar district
How it works: Pubs and restaurants in Temple Bar charge much more than elsewhere in Dublin.
How to avoid it: Check prices first or drink in nearby neighbourhoods.
Safety
- Ireland is generally safe; most theft happens in larger cities.
- In Dublin, O'Connell Street has open drug dealing and anti-social behaviour; take care, especially at night.
- Watch belongings on the Red Luas line and in crowded pubs.
- Lock cars and use secure car parks; do not leave valuables visible.
- Coastal cliffs and beaches can be dangerous in wind and waves; stay behind barriers and swim at lifeguarded beaches.
How widely English is spoken
English is the everyday language everywhere. Irish (Gaelic) is official and appears on signs; it is spoken daily mainly in Gaeltacht areas in the west.
Sources
- GOV.UK Foreign travel advice: Ireland, safety and security
- Wikivoyage: Ireland
- Wikivoyage: Dublin
- Wikipedia: List of tipping customs by country
- Rick Steves: Tipping in Europe
We check these guides against official and well-known sources, but rules and prices change. Spot something out of date? Email support@tourits.app.