Ireland is well known for its warm hospitality and friendly people. When visiting pubs, restaurants or taking taxis in Ireland, it’s customary to tip service staff. However, tipping etiquette in Ireland can sometimes be confusing, especially for foreign tourists. So is it actually rude not to tip in Ireland?
What is the tipping culture in Ireland?
Tipping is a common practice in Ireland. Locals regularly tip 10-15% at restaurants for good service. Tipping taxi drivers around 10% is also the norm. Most people tip hotel staff a few euro per night or per service. Many tourists aren’t aware that it’s also standard to tip tour guides, bartenders and hairdressers in Ireland.
While tipping is not strictly mandatory in Ireland like it is in some countries, it is generally expected for good service. Not tipping without good reason could be seen as miserly or rude by locals. Irish people view tipping as a reward for good service, not as an entitlement.
When do Irish people tip?
Here are the main situations when you should tip in Ireland:
- Restaurants – 10-15% tip for table service
- Taxis – 10% tip or round up the fare
- Hotels – €1-2 per bag for porters, €2-5 per night for housekeeping
- Pubs – Loose change or 10% for bartenders
- Tour guides – 10-15% of tour cost
- Hair and beauty salons – 10-15% tip for the staff
Tips may be given in cash or added to the credit card payment. Handing cash directly to the staff member is appreciated. It’s not usual to leave tips on the table in restaurants.
Is it rude not to tip in Ireland?
It’s generally considered rude not to tip without good reason in Ireland. However, there are some exceptions or valid reasons when it’s acceptable not to tip:
- Poor or mediocre service
- Some cafes and fast food outlets where table service isn’t provided
- All-inclusive packages where tips are included
- Not having any change for a cash tip
It’s fine not to tip if the service was bad or non-existent. Leaving a small tip or no tip sends a message about your dissatisfaction with the service. Many Irish people won’t tip if the service is rude or incompetent.
Cafes and self-service restaurants where you order at the counter often don’t expect tips in Ireland. But check any tip jars by the till just in case. All-inclusive hotel packages or tours that promise ‘no extra charges’ usually include tips, so you don’t need to tip again.
It’s also understandable for tourists not to tip if they have no change from large euro notes. But try to tip where you can, even if it’s just a coin or two.
What’s considered a good tip in Ireland?
The standard tip amount in Ireland is 10-15% of the total bill. Here are some tipping guidelines:
| Service | Tipping Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Restaurant meal | 10-15% of total bill |
| Drinks at a pub | €1-2 per round or 10% |
| Taxis | 10% of fare or round up |
| Tour guides | €10-20 for day tours |
| Hotel porters | €1-2 per bag |
| Spas & salons | 10-15% of treatment cost |
For exceptional service at nicer restaurants, locals may tip up to 20%. Bad weather or a large group are other reasons Irish people would tip generously. Tour guides who go above and beyond may be tipped 20% or more.
Do Irish people tip hotel staff?
It’s recommended to tip hotel staff in Ireland. Leave €1-2 per bag for porters who help with luggage when arriving and departing. Housekeeping should be tipped €2-5 per night, especially for longer stays. Concierges may be tipped for providing exceptional service like booking tours or making restaurant reservations.
Tip jars are becoming more common by hotel reception desks in Ireland too. While not obligatory, it’s a nice gesture to tip receptionists especially if they fulfilled any special requests or provided directions.
Should tourists tip taxi drivers in Ireland?
Taxi drivers in Ireland routinely receive tips from locals and tourists alike. The general etiquette is to tip 10-15% of the total fare or simply round up to the nearest euro. For example, if a taxi ride costs €12.30, tip €2 to bring it to €14.
It’s not necessary to tip if you are just taking a short €5 ride. But for longer journeys or if the driver provides bottles of water or helpful advice, a generous tip would be appreciated.
Do you need to tip bartenders in Irish pubs?
Tipping bartenders at pubs in Ireland is not always expected, but it is a nice gesture. Locals usually tip 10-15% of the total bar tab or leave the bartender a few euros after 2-3 rounds of drinks.
If you are just having one quick pint, tipping is not really necessary. But it’s good etiquette to leave your change or a small tip if you are spending more time at the bar. Bartenders remember good tippers and will serve them quicker next time!
Should you tip for counter service in Ireland?
Tipping for takeaway orders or at cafes with only counter service is less common in Ireland. As staff are just providing standard service with no table visits, tipping is not obligatory.
It’s fine not to tip for counter service. Although throwing your small change into any tip jars on the counter is appreciated. If the staff provide exceptional service, like arranging a large takeaway order, a tip would be polite.
Do you tip hairdressers and salon staff in Ireland?
It’s standard to tip hairdressers, beauticians and other salon staff in Ireland, usually around 10-15%. Some nicer salons may include a service charge, but it’s still nice to leave an extra cash tip for good service.
Tip individual staff like your hairdresser rather than leaving a general tip for the business. Hand the tip directly to the staff member when paying for the service, rather than leaving it on premises.
Should tour guides be tipped in Ireland?
It is customary to tip tour guides in Ireland, especially for full-day private tours. For large bus tours, check first if tips are already included in the tour price. But usually an extra 10-15% tip is appreciated.
For bespoke private tours, tipping is expected. Leave a tip of €10-20 for full day tours or €5-10 for shorter 2-3 hour tours. Exceptional guides who go above and beyond deserve an even more generous tip if possible.
Do Irish people tip food delivery drivers?
It has become more common to tip food delivery drivers in Ireland due to the rise in app-based services like Deliveroo and Just Eat. While not strictly required, many Irish people tip 10% or round up the bill for delivery drivers.
Bad weather, large orders or quick service would warrant a bigger tip. But even just tipping your spare change is a nice gesture. Some food delivery apps allow adding a tip when you order online too.
Should you tip at bed and breakfasts in Ireland?
It’s not obligatory but always appreciated to tip at smaller bed and breakfast accommodations in Ireland. Leave a tip of €2-5 per night for housekeepers, especially if you are staying for several nights.
You don’t need to tip the B&B owner directly. Although if they provide assistance beyond the normal service, a small token of appreciation is thoughtful. And be sure to write a positive review online mentioning any stand-out service!
Conclusion
While not mandatory, tipping for good service is part of Irish culture and etiquette. Locals tip around 10-15% to reward good service in restaurants, taxis, hotels, tours and salons. Not tipping without reason could be seen as rude or stingy.
Use your judgement to decide when a tip is deserved for good hospitality. Try to tip at least something, even if it’s just your spare change. But also feel no obligation to tip for mediocre or rude service. The bottom line is that tipping in Ireland should be appreciated, but never expected.