Tipping in Ireland: Why, When & What You Should Tip in Ireland in 2023!
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Tipping in Ireland: Why, When & What You Should Tip in Ireland in 2023!
Tipping in Ireland is one thing I get asked about time and time again. Those planning a trip to the Emerald Isle tend to get confused about the tipping etiquette here. Well, lucky for you, you found yourself a local guide. I’m here to clear up all your tipping worries you may have!
So, let’s dive into it, shall we? Before you pull out your wallet at a bustling Irish pub or after a lovely meal at a charming local restaurant, it’s worth understanding some basic tipping norms in Ireland.
Spoiler alert – it’s not as complicated as you might think, and I promise by the end of this article, you’ll become a tipping pro!
What is Tipping?
Tipping, in simple words, is giving a little extra to the people who serve us, as a way of saying ‘thank you’ for their service. It’s a common practice in many countries, and yes, it includes Ireland too! But we don’t tend to tip in the same way as say in the United States.
The Differences in Tipping in Ireland and the US
In the US, tipping is pretty much mandatory. It’s because service staff depend a lot on tips to make up for their low base salary.
But, in Ireland, it’s a different story. Here, tipping is seen more as a bonus, a nice little thank you for good service, rather than a necessity.
If the service was top-notch, feel free to leave a tip. But, if it wasn’t, don’t sweat it – no hard feelings!
So, in a nutshell, when in Ireland, tip as you please, not as you must.
Where should you tip in Ireland?
Alright, now we’ve tackled the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of tipping in Ireland, let’s get down to the ‘where’. You might be wondering – “Which places do I tip in Ireland?”. Let’s address this together.
Tipping in Ireland: Restaurants
Restaurants are probably the most likely place in Ireland to tip for service. And in my personal opinion, I think you should always tip once you receive a high level of service. However, it is not mandatory.
It is a common misconception that waiting staff are well-paid in Ireland. And, yes unlike the US there are regulations that ensure they receive minimum wage.
However, there are few opportunities to increase payment no matter how long they may be working in one restaurant.
And the minimum wage is ridiculously low considering the cost of living in Ireland. So, if you can afford to tip I highly recommend you do so. Only if course you received good service.
How much should you tip in a Restaurant in Ireland?
It is common to tip 10% of your bill to show your gratitude for the service. This, however, is not a set rule it can also be practised to round the bill up to the nearest 10. So, say the bill comes to €56.60 you’ll leave €60.
Should you tip in Cafe’s in Ireland?
Tipping in a cafe is less likely in Ireland however it is not unheard of. It is common to see a tip jar at the register as you pay for your coffee, tea or pastry. This practice is completely relaxed. If you’ve enjoyed a tasty cake with your coffee and you’re feeling generous, feel free to leave some loose change but its not rude to leave nothing either.
Do I Leave a Tip in Pubs in Ireland?
In Ireland, tipping in pubs isn’t as common as you might think, especially if you’re just having drinks. If you are being served food at your table, then a small tip, around 10%, is appreciated, just like in a restaurant. However, if you’re perched at the bar with a pint of Guinness, there’s no need to leave anything extra. Remember, as with anywhere, tipping is a way to express your gratitude for good service, but it’s not a must-do rule. So, relax, enjoy your drink, and when in doubt, just do what feels right to you!
What are the Tipping Rules in Hotels in Ireland?
Tipping in Hotels is not as common in Ireland but again I am sure the staff would very much appreciate it if it is something you decide to do. This doesn’t need to be a huge amount, perhaps €1 or €2 to say thank you for carrying your bags, housekeeping or a good concierge service. No matter what you decide the staff will not be offended.
Tipping in Ireland: Taxi’s
Tipping a taxi driver in Ireland is not common as the journey tends to be rather expensive to begin with. However, with that being said If the driver was friendly, took the quickest route, or helped with your luggage, it’d be a nice gesture to round up the fare or leave an extra euro or two.
Getting a taxi in Ireland is becoming increasingly difficult, especially in busy spots such as Dublin and Cork. So, I always appreciate when one eventually stops to allow me to get home. Situations like this is when I tend to round up my fair for a taxi driver. But other than exceptions like this I tend not to tip.
Tipping Bus Drivers in Ireland
One thing I noticed while visiting the US is a lot of people tend to tip the bus drivers for tours and experiences. This is not common practice in Ireland however like all services it is appreciated. However, one thing you have to do when exiting the bus is thank the driver. This is a big cultural thing in Ireland and someone leaving without saying thank you will not go unnoticed.
Should I Tip Tour Guides in Ireland?
Tipping tour guides and representatives is a common thing to do in Ireland. However, I will say that this is more than likely common due to the high level of US tourists we get each year. I would be surprised to see Irish people tipping after a day tour from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher or the Giants Causeway.
Tipping in Ireland: Hair Dressers and/or Spa’s
When it comes to hairdressers you might feel the need to tip a little something extra if you’ve had a particularly good experience. This could be as simple as a fabulous haircut that makes your confidence peak.
Leaving a tip in a salon really comes down to personal preference and there is no set rule on how much you should or should not leave. I typically throw my hairdresser a €5/€10 depending on what I get done.
If you are planning on getting a relaxing spa treatment while in Ireland it can be nice to leave a little thank you as you leave. I typically go with €2/3 euros, but again this depends don’t the price and duration of the service. It is completely optional.
How Much Should I Tip in Ireland?
To summarise, the amount you should tip in Ireland is, like many places, subjective and can depend on the quality of service provided. As a general rule, a tip of 10 or a round-up of the total bill at a restaurant is considered a good tip. And will leave a big smile on your server’s face.
Where should you not tip in Ireland?
While tipping is appreciated in many instances in Ireland, there are certain situations where it’s not typically expected. For example, in fast food restaurants or coffee shops, where service is quick and transactional, tipping isn’t usually necessary.
Also, when using public transport such as buses or trams, it’s not common practice to tip the driver.
The same goes for most retail stores; service is part of the package and a tip isn’t expected. Lastly, in some pubs, particularly outside of the city centre, people often don’t tip the bartender unless they’ve gone above and beyond in some way.
Exceptions to Tipping in Ireland: Service Charge
I am seeing it become more and more common for restaurants to add a service charge to the bill. Its is a bit of a concern if staff actually receive this charge as a tip. I personally used to work as a waitress and only received 3% of the total service charge on the bill. Therefore, I would advise asking for the service charge to be removed and then leaving a tip that will go directly to your server.
Hope this Tipping in Ireland Guide Helps!
To wrap up, tipping in Ireland is all about appreciating great service. There’s no hard and fast rule, it’s more about what feels right for you. Following the general guidelines will help you navigate situations where a tip might be expected. But remember, at the end of the day, tipping is a personal decision based on your satisfaction with the service provided. So, enjoy your visit to Ireland, embrace the culture, and don’t stress too much about the tipping – just go with the flow!
Tipping Ireland Common FAQ’s
No, tipping isn’t generally expected in Ireland, but it’s a nice gesture to show appreciation for excellent service. While there’s no set rule, if you’ve enjoyed the service in a restaurant or a taxi ride, for example, leaving a few euros can express your thanks.
No, it’s not considered rude if you choose not to tip in Ireland. Since tipping is not mandatory here, people understand if you decide not to. It’s all about your comfort and satisfaction with the service you have received. So, don’t worry too much. Just enjoy your time in Ireland and the wonderful experiences it has to offer!
If you decide not to leave a tip in Ireland, nothing much will happen. We Irish understand that tipping is down to personal preference and circumstances. No one is going to come running after you questioning why you did not leave a tip.
The general rule for tipping in Ireland is pretty relaxed. If you’re in a restaurant and the service was good, a tip of around 10% is customary. But don’t feel obliged; if the service wasn’t up to scratch, it’s perfectly okay not to tip.
Tipping a bus driver in Ireland isn’t a common practice, but it can certainly be done if you feel the service was exceptional – maybe they helped with your heavy bags or provided some useful local tips. If you decide to tip, it’s entirely up to you how much you give. But in this case a euro or two would be enough to say thank you.
In Ireland, if there’s already a service charge added to your bill, there’s no need for you to leave a tip. This charge is meant to reward the staff for their service.
Yes, it is common to see card tipping in Ireland. However, I advise asking the staff if they actually get to keep the tips that go through this system as I have heard many different stories where the money is never carried over to the waiter. In this case, it is best to leave cash.
