Those visitors who come to Ireland from America may consider that the tipping culture in Ireland is similar to that which operates in their country. It isn't, even though those who benefit from it would wish it were. In Ireland, the cost and occasions of tipping are far less than in the United States and even European countries.

America has a very generous tipping regime where people who offer services to the public such as bartenders, waitresses/waiters, taxis and so forth, rely on tips for a substantial part of their income. As a percentage of the cost of service provided, tipping in America ranges from 10 - 20% with the latter being more of the norm. A 10% tip to an American waitress is considered almost an insult and would be regarded as evidence of very poor services being proffered to the customer.

In Europe, there is a stronger tipping culture than Ireland but nonetheless would still not be on a par with America. Britain operates much like Ireland in that tipping is very much at the discression of the customer.

Here are a few tips to steer the first time visitor in the right direction about tipping in Ireland.

• Tipping is expected in the restaurant business with 10% being considered acceptable and anything above that generous.
• 15-20% is really never expected and should only be given if impeccable service has been provided.
• Running a tab and then tipping the bartender is not done in Ireland. You pay for your drinks as you get them. If you are buying a "round" which is a group drink and common way of buying drink in Ireland, it may be appropriate to leave some change as a tip, but it is not expected.
• If leaving a tip in an Irish restaurant, beware of the practice of many restaurants in adding a service charge of between 12% and 15% per collective bill. In such cases do not tip as you are only paying twice.
• Where a service charge is applied to a restaurant bill, it is supposed to go the waiting staff, but many unscrupulous restaurateurs keep this income for themselves.
• 10% is considered a fair tip to a taxi driver.
• In self-service restaurants, tipping is not expected although there might be a small change jar at the counter.
• Guides and tour bus drivers will usually have a basket handy for tipping and will mention it near the end of the tour - it is up to you as to what you give in accordance with well you enjoyed their services. A nominal amount of EUR1 is okay for most situations.
• Opportunistic tipping is, as anywhere, always useful and dictated by the circumstances. This can occur where you pre-tip the concierge to get a booking in the best restaurant, theatre or whatever you need. As such the amount is determined by the value you place on the service they provide.

Further Information: Seamus invites you to take a virtual tour of Ireland through Look Around Ireland - the Ireland Travel Guide. Check out our Map of Ireland