Money, Budget, and Shopping for Ireland

Money

Currency

Currency: Euro (100 cents).

Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 €.

Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents + 1 and 2 €.

Exchange:

It was in 2002 that the Republic of Ireland adopted the euro, replacing the Irish pound. As for Northern Ireland, it still uses the pound sterling as its currency.

Exchange

For those not in the Eurozone, banks (open weekdays from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM/5:00 PM on Thursdays) and exchange bureaus accept major currencies. ATMs are also widely available.

Payment Methods

You can, of course, pay in cash or by card (with no fees for euro accounts), just like in France.

Between Ireland and Northern Ireland

Each part of Ireland has its own currency. While in Northern Ireland, the euro may be accepted directly in some shops and services (though not always at a good rate), in the Republic of Ireland, pounds sterling are rarely accepted.

Budget

Ireland isn’t a particularly budget-friendly country, especially in summer or if you stay in Dublin. The biggest factor in your overall expenses will be the type of accommodation and meals you choose. With budget accommodation like camping or hostels (dormitories), plus quick meals or self-catering, you can manage on around 45 to 50 € per day per person (for two). However, if you prefer B&Bs and some meals in pubs, expect to spend closer to 65 to 80 €.

What Can Be Expensive

Accommodation in "proper" lodgings isn’t always budget-friendly.

Restaurants.

What Might Not Be Expensive

Airfare to get there.

Price Range

Budget accommodation: around 20 € per night for camping (for two) or about 40 € for a double room in a budget hostel (or around 15 € per person in a dormitory).

Double room in a hotel or B&B (tourist standard):

Snacks, cafeterias, and fast food:

Restaurant meals:

Budget car rental: around 200 € per week for a basic model.

100 km by bus: 6 to 8 € per 100 km traveled, though various passes are available, some including train travel.

100 km by train:

Urban taxi:

Urban bus:

Bargaining and Tipping

Bargaining isn’t customary in Ireland. As for tipping, taxes and service charges are always included in the listed prices, but a small extra tip is always appreciated in bars, restaurants, taxis, and elsewhere—though not obligatory.