👋 Hi, I’m John, Reservations Supervisor at Vagabond & Driftwood Tours.
Are you one of the many people who are confused about tipping in Ireland?
You're not alone!
Tipping etiquette is one of the most frequently asked questions from beloved guests on our Vagabond Small-Group Tours of Ireland.
Speaking as a Sales & Reservations Supervisor and also as an experienced former tour guide, tipping in Ireland can be perplexing — especially if you're visiting.
The main thing to remember is that tipping for service is not as deeply-rooted a practice in Ireland as it is in North America.
But don't worry! I'm here to help.
Read on, to get the lowdown on tipping in Ireland...
When To Tip In Ireland
| When To Tip | It's Up To You... | When NOT To Tip |
| Restaurants (10-15%) | Taxis (round up to closest €5 or €10) | Bars (per drink) |
| Porters in hotels (a few euro) | Cafés (loose change is fine) | Hotel staff (except porters) |
| Tour Guides | Bar/pub table staff | |
😋 Do I Tip in Irish Restaurants?
It’s normal to leave between 10-15% of your bill as a tip after dining in Irish restaurants, bistros, cafés or pubs.
Leaving a tip higher than 15% of your bill after dining in Ireland is really only given for outstanding service.
💡 Tip-Top Tipping Tip: Don't tip unless you enjoyed the service. Wages are higher in Ireland than in North America. There are exceptions, but generally speaking, servers, waiters and other service staff don't rely wholly on their tips to make a living
Tipping in Irish Restaurants for Larger Groups
Dining with a large group (more than 6 or 8 people) is a special case. In this case, most restaurants in Ireland will add a 20% service charge to your bill automatically. Ask your server if a service charge has been added.
Another way to check for a service charge is at the bottom of your restaurant bill. If there is a % service charge added to your bill, then you don't need add an extra gratuity.
💡 Tip-Top Tipping Tip: Don't confuse service charge with VAT (Irish sales tax) on your restaurant receipt. Confused? Find out more about VAT including how to get money back on our blog.
🍹 Should I Tip Bar Staff in Irish Pubs?
The golden rule of tipping in Irish pubs: don’t tip per drink or order (unlike in the USA). Your barman/barwoman will not expect anything for serving you a small drink order.
However, you should tip in Irish pubs and bars if...
💁 You've ordered a round of drinks at your table. Your server may expect a small tip (€1 or €2 euro) for bringing your drinks to you;
🍻 You've ordered a large round of drinks at the bar. Your barman/barwoman may appreciate a small tip (a few small euro coins is fine);
🍹 You've requested multiple, complicated cocktails. Your barman/barwoman may expect a little something;
🕓 You've spent a considerable length of time in the pub. A few euro coins left on the bar or at your table will be appreciated;
😉 Your barman/barwoman has a cute accent.
💳 Can I Use A Credit Card To Tip?
Nightmare scenario: you've enjoyed a meal at one of our off the beaten track hotels or pubs. It's time to settle the bill.
Suddenly, you realise you don't have any cash. The nearest ATM is over the hills and far away.
Aaaarrrgh!!!
The good news is that, yes, you can normally leave a tip on your credit card or debit card.
Simply check with your server if this will be possible.
🚖 Do I Tip Irish Taxi Drivers?
Taking a taxi in Dublin? Tipping is in no way mandatory.
If your taxi driver has been friendly and helpful, you can round up your bill to the nearest €5 or €10 euro.
For example, for an €8 taxi fare, you could leave your taxi driver with €10.
🛎️ What About Hotel Staff?
Tipping Irish hotel staff is, once again, not mandatory or expected.
Our high quality hotels and family-owned guesthouses offer amazing breakfasts.
However, don't feel like you need to tip your server at breakfast. It's really not expected.
The one type of Irish hotel staff who may expect a tip are porters.
If someone carries your luggage to or from your room, they'll appreciate a small tip. Around €5 is perfectly adequate for normal luggage.
😎 How Much Do I Tip My Tour Guide?
Tipping of tour guides is always appreciated.
Drivers/tour guides are usually tipped at the end of a tour. Sometimes this happens as a communal tip, collected from all guests on tour.
The amount is up to the individual, and will depend on the length of the tour and the quality of the service.
The industry standard in Ireland is €15 per person, per day. But this is, of course, at your discretion.
🛶 Should I Tip Activity Suppliers On Tour?
Active Vagabond Cultural Adventure Tours feature lots of adventure activities such as kayaking, biking and horse-riding.
These are independent businesses, usually located in remore communities around Ireland.
Should you tip these activity supplier? It's really up to you.
If you've had a fantastic experience — our goal is this will always be the case! — supplier staff will no doubt appreciate the gesture of a small tip.
Money, Money, Money! Read more about spending money and budgeting
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