Tipping in Ireland

To tip or not to tip – that is the question! Tipping is one of those things that vexes travelers the world over. Do you tip at the bar? Do you tip your waitress? Do you tip the taxi driver? Is there an automatic tip added onto your bill? These are all questions which can confuse and confound, but don’t be confused about the issue anymore – here is what you need to know about tipping in Ireland.

• Tipping has traditionally been considered not necessary, but a nice gesture in some cases (with a particularly nice meal or helpful waiter).
• More recently, tipping has become more common – perhaps due to the large percentage of foreign tourists who tip as a matter of habit at home – although 12-15% is considered the upper end of the scale.
• Some restaurants will automatically add a service charge of 10% or more on to the bill, and this should be noted clearly on the menu.
• If a service charge is added automatically, no additional tip is necessary unless you want to reward outstanding or exceptional behavior.
• Tipping at the pub is another matter, and requires a bit more subtlety!
• Taxi fares are regulated on a national basis, and tips are generally not expected. But tips of roughly 10% are nice for drivers who have been especially helpful. You can also just hand over a bill or two and let the drive keep the change.

Don’t fall into the trap of feeling badly about not tipping your waiter, or about tipping less than you might at home. Employees in Irish restaurants are paid more of a living wage than the people who work in restaurants in the United States, so they don’t rely on tips the way US workers do.

If you don’t see a notice on the menu about whether service is included, be sure to ask your waiter. And if you’re ever in doubt about whether to tip, pay attention to the diners around you – are they leaving a few spare coins on the table before they go? Or are they walking away guilt-free without leaving a single coin? Following the lead of the locals is always a good bet!