Getting Euros for Your Trip to Ireland

Ireland is wonderfully easy for UK visitors when it comes to money. The payment culture is very similar to the UK — contactless is ubiquitous, cards are accepted almost everywhere, and ATMs are plentiful. The main difference is you'll need Euros instead of Pounds.

Ireland adopted the Euro in 2002, making it straightforward for travel. Dublin is thoroughly modern with excellent card infrastructure, and even rural pubs and B&Bs increasingly accept cards.

Important note: Northern Ireland (Belfast, Derry, the Causeway Coast) is part of the UK and uses British Pounds. If your trip includes both the Republic and Northern Ireland, you'll need both currencies.

Best Ways to Get Euros for Ireland

1. Multi-currency cards (Wise, Revolut) — Perfect for Ireland. Contactless works everywhere, and you can withdraw from Irish ATMs when needed.
2. Order Euros online before travel — Good for having cash ready. Useful for tipping and small rural businesses.
3. Irish bank ATMs — AIB, Bank of Ireland, and Permanent TSB ATMs generally don't charge fees. Combined with a fee-free card, very cost-effective.
4. UK specialist bureaux — Good rates for Euros before travel.
5. UK banks — Convenient but rates typically 3-4% worse.
6. Airport exchanges — Poor rates at both UK and Dublin airports. Avoid.

Using Cards in Ireland

Ireland is one of the most card-friendly countries in Europe:

Where Cards Work Perfectly

• Pubs: Almost all accept cards, even traditional village pubs
• Restaurants: Universal card acceptance
• Hotels & B&Bs: All accept cards
• Shops: From boutiques to corner shops, cards accepted
• Supermarkets: Tesco, Dunnes, SuperValu — all accept cards
• Public transport: Dublin Bus, Luas, DART — Leap cards or contactless
• Tourist attractions: All major sites accept cards

Where Cash Might Be Needed

• Very small rural businesses: Some remote B&Bs or shops
• Buskers and street performers: Cash tips appreciated
• Some taxis: Most take cards, but cash is safer for smaller firms
• Market stalls: Farmers markets sometimes prefer cash

ATMs in Ireland

Best ATMs

• AIB (Allied Irish Bank): Green ATMs. Generally no foreign card fees.
• Bank of Ireland: Blue ATMs. Fee-free for most cards.
• Permanent TSB: No fees for foreign cards.

ATMs to Watch

• Euronet: Less common than mainland Europe but avoid if you see them.
• Some independent ATMs: May charge €2-3. Use bank ATMs when possible.

Decline DCC: If an ATM offers to charge you in GBP, always decline and choose Euros for the best rate.

Northern Ireland: Different Currency

If your trip includes Northern Ireland (Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Derry), remember:

• Northern Ireland uses British Pounds (GBP), not Euros
• Your UK cards work normally — no exchange needed
• Some border areas accept both currencies at poor rates
• ATMs in Northern Ireland dispense GBP

Pro tip: If travelling both sides, keep your GBP and EUR separate to avoid confusion. Use a multi-currency card that handles both without fees.

How Much Cash to Bring

• Dublin city break: €50-100 backup sufficient
• Wild Atlantic Way road trip: €100-200 for rural areas
• Week-long trip: €100-150 backup

Daily Spending Guide

• Budget: €60-90/day — hostels, supermarket meals, free walks
• Mid-range: €120-200/day — good B&Bs, pub meals, attractions
• Comfortable: €200-350/day — nice hotels, restaurants, tours

Note: Ireland is relatively expensive, especially Dublin. Accommodation and dining out cost similar to or more than London.