Hi, I’m John from money-central.com, your trusted source for financial expertise, especially when it comes to travel. Planning a trip to the Emerald Isle? Figuring out your finances is key to a stress-free adventure. You’ve checked out our [Ultimate Guide to Ireland Travel]([invalid URL removed]) and finalized your [Ireland travel checklist]([invalid URL removed]), now it’s time to get down to brass tacks: your spending money in Dublin and throughout Ireland.
Get ready to dive into everything you need to know about Dublin Money and Irish currency!
💶 Navigating Irish Currency: Euros in Dublin and Beyond
Let’s clear up a common point of confusion right away: Ireland has two currencies, depending on where you are on the island.
For Dublin and the Republic of Ireland – which includes most of the popular tourist destinations like Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Kerry, Donegal, Mayo, and Waterford – the currency is the Euro (€). If Dublin is your entry point, Euros are your immediate need!
However, Northern Ireland, part of the UK, uses Pound Sterling (£). This includes cities like Belfast, Derry, Enniskillen, Armagh, and attractions like the Giant’s Causeway.
Crucially for most travelers: If your trip focuses on Dublin and the Republic of Ireland (like most tours!), you can simplify things: Euros are all you’ll need! You only need to think about Pound Sterling if your itinerary includes Northern Ireland.
💰 Smart Currency Exchange for Your Dublin Trip
A top tip for savvy travelers: avoid converting all your cash to Euros in your home country if the rates are unfavorable. The most cost-effective approach is often to exchange currency before you travel, locally if possible, and then have access to more Euros upon arrival if needed.
If you find yourself needing to exchange currency in Dublin or elsewhere in Ireland, steer clear of airport exchange desks and those near major tourist hotspots. These locations are notorious for less favorable exchange rates and added commission fees.
A convenient option is withdrawing Euros from ATMs across Ireland (and Pounds Sterling in Northern Ireland) using your debit or credit card. However, be mindful of potential fees. It’s wise to contact your bank before your trip to understand any ATM withdrawal fees or international transaction charges.
💡 Expert Advice: Don’t rely on Irish banks or post offices for currency exchange. Recent policy shifts mean Irish banks often require you to be an account holder to exchange currency. Post offices generally don’t offer a dollar-to-euro exchange service.
For up-to-the-minute exchange rates, resources like XE.com are invaluable. Keep in mind that the actual rate offered by banks or exchange services may include additional fees and less favorable rates.
For more detailed information, check out our dedicated guide on [exchanging dollars for euros in Ireland]([invalid URL removed]).
💳 Credit Card Usage in Dublin and Ireland: What to Expect
Good news: your credit card will most likely work in Dublin and throughout Ireland.
Irish payment terminals are generally equipped to handle both chip-and-PIN and swipe (signature-based) cards. Whether your card uses a chip or requires a signature, you should be able to use it for most transactions.
Often, Irish service staff will automatically expect a chip-and-PIN or contactless payment (‘tap’). If your card operates differently, simply inform them that you are visiting and explain your card type.
However, there are some important exceptions regarding credit card acceptance in Ireland. American Express (AMEX), Diner’s Club, JCB, and Discover cards are not widely accepted in Ireland. If you primarily use American Express, it’s essential to bring an alternative Visa or Mastercard for your Dublin and Ireland travels.
💡 Pro Tip: If you are given the option to ‘pay in your home currency’ (e.g., dollars) at the point of sale, always choose to pay in the local currency (€ Euros in the Republic of Ireland or £ Pound Sterling in Northern Ireland). Opting for the local currency almost always guarantees a better exchange rate.
💵 Cash vs. Card in Dublin: Finding the Right Balance
The choice between using cash or card in Dublin and Ireland is largely a matter of personal preference and your spending habits.
While credit cards are widely accepted, especially in Dublin and larger towns, ATMs may be less frequent in some of the more remote locations you might explore outside of Dublin.
To avoid the need to constantly search for ATMs, especially when venturing beyond Dublin city, it’s wise to have a mix of payment methods. However, carrying excessive amounts of cash is also not recommended for security reasons.
Important Pre-Travel Step: Always notify your bank of your travel dates and destinations before you depart. Unexpected international transactions on your cards can trigger fraud alerts and potentially freeze your account. If your itinerary includes Northern Ireland, inform your bank that you will be visiting both Ireland and the UK.
💡 Expert Advice: When you contact your bank, specifically inquire about international transaction fees. These fees can vary, typically ranging from 1% to 3% of each transaction. Understanding these fees will help you make informed decisions about when to use your card versus cash.
Situations in Dublin and Ireland Where Cash is King
While card payments are prevalent, there are still instances in Dublin and Ireland where cash is necessary or highly recommended:
- Tips for Activity Guides: While many tours are prepaid, it’s customary to tip guides for exceptional service, and cash is generally preferred.
- Tips for Tour Guides: Similar to activity guides, showing appreciation to your main tour guide with a cash tip is a common practice.
- Paying for Certain Optional Activities: Some smaller, independent tour operators or activity providers, especially outside of Dublin, may only accept cash for optional activities.
Optional Activities in Ireland Where Cash is Useful (Examples):
(Note: Availability and payment methods can change, it’s always best to confirm with the provider)
- Black Cab Tour in Belfast (Northern Ireland)
- Dingle Folk Concert (Dingle, Co. Kerry)
- Kinsale Walking History Tour (Kinsale, Co. Cork)
- Slieve League Boat Trip (Co. Donegal)
- Surf Lesson in Spanish Point (Co. Clare)
- Horseback Riding in Dingle (Co. Kerry)
- Traditional Rowing in Dingle (Co. Kerry)
- Bike Hire in Killarney (Co. Kerry)
- Guided E-Bike Tour in Connemara (Co. Galway)
- Surf Lesson in Donegal (Co. Donegal)
- Sea Kayaking in Donegal (Co. Donegal)
- Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride (Various locations)
- Walking Tour of Derry/Londonderry (Northern Ireland)
- Horseback Riding in Mayo (Co. Mayo)
When Having Cash as a Backup is Smart in Dublin and Ireland
- Tips in Restaurants/Pubs: While many establishments allow you to add a tip to your card payment, it’s always wise to have cash for tipping, particularly in smaller pubs or if you prefer to tip in cash. Always double-check if a service charge is already included in your bill.
- Independent Shops in Smaller Towns: In villages and smaller towns outside of Dublin, some smaller shops may prefer or only accept cash.
- Food Trucks: Food trucks and street food vendors often operate on a cash-only basis.
- Craft Stalls in Markets: Charming craft stalls at local markets might be cash-only.
- Buskers (Street Musicians/Performers): Showing appreciation to talented street performers in Dublin and elsewhere is typically done with cash.
🤑 Budgeting for Your Dublin and Ireland Trip: How Much Dublin Money Will You Need?
Remember, when you book a tour with Vagabond or Driftwood Tours, many of your major expenses are already covered! Your accommodations, breakfasts, guided tours, transportation, and entry fees to key attractions are included.
However, you’ll still need to budget for personal spending. This includes:
- Lunch and Dinner: You’ll choose your own spots for lunch and dinner each day. We’re happy to provide recommendations to suit various tastes and budgets!
- Optional Activities: Enhance your experience by participating in some of our fantastic optional activities.
- Souvenirs: You might be tempted by beautiful [Irish crafts]([invalid URL removed]) and mementos to remember your trip.
To help you estimate your daily Dublin money needs and spending throughout Ireland, here’s a sample budget for a typical traveler who enjoys good food, participates in optional activities, and likes to buy souvenirs:
| Expense Category | Estimated Daily Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Lunch + drink | €25 |
| Dinner + drink | €35 |
| Optional activity per day | €25 average* |
| Souvenirs | €30 |
| Total Per Day | €115 |
*€25 is an average based on participating in all optional activities over a [12-Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure Tour]([invalid URL removed]). Some days you might spend more on activities, some less. This figure represents a daily average.
🛍️ 💚 GET YOUR IRELAND MERCH! | Explore our SUSTAINABLE VagaMerch
💚 Dublin City Spending: Estimating Your Dublin Money Needs
Since all of our tours begin and conclude in vibrant [Dublin]([invalid URL removed]), we highly recommend extending your stay to fully experience this fantastic capital city.
Here’s a sample budget for two people spending one night and two days in Dublin:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| 4-Star City Hotel (double room, 2 people) | €250-350 |
| 2x Taxi fares | €50 |
| Dinner and wine | €120 |
| Lunch | €60 |
| 2 x One Day Adult Dublin Passes* | €148 |
| ——————————————- | ——————– |
| Total (Dublin – 1 Night, 2 Days for 2 People) | €628-728 |
*The Dublin Pass offers access to top attractions like the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Zoo, Jameson Distillery Bow St., and hop-on hop-off bus tours. Learn more about the Dublin Pass.
🏨 Dublin Hotel Costs: What’s the Average Price?
If booked in advance, a 4-star hotel in Dublin city center typically costs between €180-€250 per night for a double room (two people sharing).
Booking your Dublin accommodation well in advance is strongly recommended. Ideally, reserve your hotel as soon as your tour is confirmed, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
Read our guide to the [best areas to stay in Dublin]([invalid URL removed]) for more accommodation tips.
Keep in mind that Dublin hotel prices can surge during major sporting events or concerts. Rooms also tend to fill up quickly during these times.
If you are having difficulty finding accommodation in Dublin City Centre, explore our [Alternative Guide To Dublin Hotels Outside The City Centre]([invalid URL removed]).
💸 Dublin on a Budget: Money-Saving Tips
Traveling to Dublin and Ireland on a tighter budget? Here are some expert tips to help you save money:
1. Consider Airbnb: Airbnb can be a more budget-friendly alternative to hotels. Private rooms in Dublin city center can range from €70-€150 per night, and you can find even lower rates if you are willing to share an apartment or stay slightly outside the city center.
2. Stay Outside Dublin City Centre: Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts located outside the city center generally offer more affordable rates. Dublin is a relatively compact city, so staying slightly further out can still provide easy access to Dublin attractions. Just factor in taxi or public transport costs (approximately €20-€50 for a taxi to the Grand Canal Hotel, our central Dublin pick-up/drop-off point).
3. Opt for Budget-Friendly Meals: Grab a delicious and affordable freshly-made roll or sandwich from a deli (often found in larger convenience stores) for around €4.50-€7. Pubs offer hearty “pub grub” menus ranging from €12-€18. Look out for “early bird” menus at restaurants, often available from 5-7 pm. These deals can offer great value, such as a two-course meal for two for around €30, sometimes including a soft drink.
💡 Expert Advice: Make the most of breakfast! All hotels and guesthouses on Vagabond and Driftwood tours include hot breakfasts.
These breakfasts are substantial and designed to keep you fueled for the day. Expect a generous spread, typically including sausages, bacon, eggs, hash browns, a variety of breads and pastries, as well as cereals, fruit, yogurt, and cold cuts.
Discover the delights of the famous [Irish breakfast in our guide]([invalid URL removed]).
👛 Tipping Etiquette in Dublin and Ireland: How Much to Tip?
Tipping in Ireland is not as ingrained as in places like the US or Canada. It’s considered customary to leave a tip of 10-15% of the bill in restaurants for good service, but it is by no means obligatory. Tips exceeding 15% in a restaurant are generally reserved for exceptional service or very large groups.
Tipping in Irish pubs is not expected in the same way as in restaurants, but it’s always appreciated. You typically don’t tip the bartender for each drink. Instead, you might tip when buying a round of drinks, for complex cocktail orders, or at the end of a longer evening if you’ve received good service. Or, simply if the bartender has a charming Irish accent!
For taxis in Dublin and Ireland, tipping is not mandatory. However, if your taxi driver has been friendly and helpful, rounding up your fare to the nearest €5 or €10 is a nice gesture. For example, for an €8 fare, you could round up to €10.
Expert Tip: Always check your restaurant bill. If a “service charge” is already included, there is no need to add an additional gratuity.
| When Tipping is Customary | Tipping is Optional/Appreciated… | When Tipping is NOT Expected |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants (10-15% for good service) | Taxis (round up fare for good service) | Bars (per drink) |
| Hotel Porters (a few euro per service) | Cafés (loose change is appreciated) | Hotel staff (except porters) |
| Tour Guides (at your discretion) | Bar/pub table service staff |
Do You Tip Tour Guides in Ireland?
Questions about tipping tour guides in Ireland are common, and understandably so.
Tipping tour guides is always a welcome way to show your appreciation for their expertise and service.
Driver/tour guides are typically tipped at the end of a tour. Sometimes, tips are collected communally from all tour participants and then given to the guide.
The amount you choose to tip is entirely at your discretion and will depend on the length of the tour and the quality of the service you received.
The industry standard guideline in Ireland is around €15 per person, per day for exceptional service. However, this is just a guideline, and the actual amount is always up to you.
For a more in-depth look at tipping customs, read our blog post dedicated to [tipping in Ireland]([invalid URL removed]).
Irish Sales Tax (VAT): Understanding Value Added Tax
In Ireland, the price you see displayed is the final price you pay, inclusive of Irish Sales Tax, known as Value Added Tax (VAT).
Unlike some countries (like the US), all taxes are already included in the prices shown on price tags and receipts. There are no additional sales taxes or other taxes added at the checkout.
If you are a non-EU resident, you can take advantage of the VAT Refund Scheme. You are eligible to claim back a portion of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on goods you purchase in Ireland. VAT rates in Ireland vary but can be as high as 23% on some items – essentially, it’s like getting a discount on your shopping!
Learn more about how to [claim back VAT]([invalid URL removed]) after your Ireland tour and save money on your purchases.
