| Those visitors who come to Ireland from America | | | | - Running a tab and then tipping the bartender is not |
| may consider that the tipping culture in Ireland is | | | | done in Ireland. You pay for your drinks as you get |
| similar to that which operates in their country. It | | | | them. If you are buying a “round” which is a |
| isn’t, even though those who benefit from it | | | | group drink and common way of buying drink in |
| would wish it were. In Ireland, the cost and occasions | | | | Ireland, it may be appropriate to leave some change |
| of tipping are far less than in the United States and | | | | as a tip, but it is not expected. |
| even European countries. | | | | - If leaving a tip in an Irish restaurant, beware of the |
| America has a very generous tipping regime where | | | | practice of many restaurants in adding a service |
| people who offer services to the public such as | | | | charge of between 12% and 15% per collective bill. In |
| bartenders, waitresses/waiters, taxis and so forth, | | | | such cases do not tip as you are only paying twice. |
| rely on tips for a substantial part of their income. As | | | | - Where a service charge is applied, it is supposed to |
| a percentage of the cost of service provided, tipping | | | | go the waiting staff, but many unscrupulous |
| in America ranges from 10 – 20% with the latter | | | | restaurateurs keep this income for themselves. |
| being more of the norm. A 10% tip to an American | | | | - 10% is considered a fair tip to a taxi driver. |
| waitress is considered almost an insult and would be | | | | - In self-service restaurants, tipping is not expected |
| regarded as evidence of very poor services being | | | | although there might be a small change jar at the |
| proffered to the customer. | | | | counter. |
| In Europe, there is a stronger tipping culture than | | | | - Guides and tour bus drivers will usually have a |
| Ireland but nonetheless would still not be on a par | | | | basket handy for tipping and will mention it near the |
| with America. Britain operates much like Ireland in | | | | end of the tour – it is up to you as to what you |
| that tipping is very much at the discression of the | | | | give in accordance with well you enjoyed their |
| customer. | | | | services. A nominal amount of €1 is okay for |
| Here are a few pointers to steer you in the right | | | | most situations. |
| direction about tipping in Ireland. | | | | Opportunistic tipping is, as anywhere, always useful |
| - Tipping is expected in the restaurant business with | | | | and dictated by the circumstances. This can occur |
| 10% being considered acceptable and anything above | | | | where you pre-tip the concierge to get a booking in |
| that generous. | | | | the best restaurant, theatre or whatever you need. |
| - 15-20% is really never expected and should only | | | | As such the amount is determined by the value you |
| be given if impeccable service has been provided. | | | | place on the service they provide. |