@WhereinDublinIf you’re planning to spend some time in Dublin, there’s one thing that often confuses visitors more than the bus routes or figuring out which pub serves the best Guinness, tipping. How much do you tip? Do you even need to tip at all? Ireland isn’t like the United States, where tipping feels almost mandatory, but it’s also not a place where you can just skip it completely.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about tipping in Dublin, from restaurants to taxis, and even hair salons. Based on my overall experience, this guide will help you avoid awkward moments and understand what’s actually expected of you.
Let’s Understand Tipping Culture in Dublin
Tipping in Dublin is much simpler than you might think. While it’s appreciated, it’s not something people stress about. The Irish have a relaxed attitude toward tipping. You’re not expected to give a fixed percentage like in other countries. Instead, tipping here is a small gesture to show appreciation for good service, not a social obligation.
In many places, especially outside tourist areas, you’ll notice that locals don’t tip at all unless the service was exceptional. So, if you leave a small tip, it’s seen as kind and thoughtful, not something taken for granted.
Do You Have to Tip in Dublin?
Here’s the short answer: no, you don’t have to tip everywhere, but you can if you want to. In Dublin, tipping is a personal choice, not a strict rule. The key is understanding when it’s common and how much is considered polite.
Generally, tips are given in situations where someone has gone out of their way to make your experience better, like a friendly waiter, a helpful taxi driver, or a hairdresser who spent extra time getting your look right.
Tipping at Restaurants in Dublin
Sit-Down Restaurants
If you’re dining in a restaurant where you’re seated and served by waitstaff, tipping is standard but not mandatory. The usual amount is 10% of the bill for good service.
However, before you leave anything, check your receipt. Some restaurants in Dublin include a service charge, especially for groups. If you see “service charge included,” there’s no need to leave more unless you really want to.
For smaller places or cafés where you order at the counter, tipping isn’t expected. You might see a jar on the counter, and if you toss in a euro or two, it’s always appreciated but never demanded.
Example:
Let’s say your dinner costs €60. A €6 tip is more than fair if you enjoyed the service. If it’s a casual meal, even rounding up the bill to €65 is perfectly acceptable.
Cafés and Coffee Shops
Coffee shops in Dublin are everywhere — and people here take their coffee seriously. Most cafés have a small tip jar near the till. You can drop in your change or a euro if the barista was particularly friendly or made your drink quickly.
No one expects you to tip in cafés, though. It’s seen more as a friendly gesture than an obligation. Locals rarely tip here unless the service really stands out.
So, if you get a perfect flat white and a smile with it, adding a euro or two is a nice way to show your appreciation.
Pubs and Bars
Now, let’s talk about where most visitors in Dublin spend a lot of their time — the pub.
Ordering at the Bar
In Dublin’s pub culture, you typically go up to the bar to order your drink. Since you’re serving yourself (no table service), tipping isn’t expected. Most locals don’t tip for drinks in this setting.
That said, if the bartender is especially friendly, remembers your drink, or you’ve had several rounds, you can offer to “have one yourself.” This means you’re buying the bartender a drink (usually they’ll take the money equivalent instead).
For example, if your round costs €20, you might hand over €22 and say, “And have one yourself.” It’s a nice local way of saying thanks for the service.
Table Service in Bars
If you’re in a more modern bar or a restaurant-style pub where drinks are brought to your table, a small tip of 5% to 10% is considered polite.
Tipping in Hotels
Dublin’s hotels range from cozy boutique stays to luxurious five-star options. Tipping here depends on the service and the type of hotel.
Housekeeping
Leaving €1–€2 per night for housekeeping is a kind gesture if your room was kept tidy and comfortable.
Concierge or Porters
If someone helps you with your luggage, you can give €1–€2 per bag, depending on how much they help. For special assistance — like booking tours or making hard-to-get reservations — a €5–€10 tip shows real appreciation.
Room Service
If the bill doesn’t include a service charge, adding a few euros directly to the person delivering your food is a thoughtful touch.
Tipping Taxi Drivers
Tipping taxi drivers in Dublin isn’t mandatory, but rounding up the fare is common. Most people just round up to the nearest euro or leave 10% for a friendly driver or one who helps with luggage.
Example: If your taxi fare is €18.60, just round it up to €20. The driver will appreciate it.
If you’re using an app like Free Now, you’ll get an option to add a tip digitally. A few euros go a long way in showing gratitude for good service.
Tipping Hairdressers and Beauty Salons
For hairdressers and beauty treatments, tipping is quite normal in Dublin. The usual rate is 10% of the total bill.
If your stylist spent extra time getting your color just right, or your therapist gave a relaxing treatment, a tip is a simple way to show your appreciation.
For example, if your haircut costs €50, leaving €5 is polite. If the result was outstanding, you can go a little higher.
Tipping Tour Guides
Dublin is full of walking tours, day trips, and guided experiences. Tour guides here work hard to make your day enjoyable, so tipping is a kind way to say thanks.
For group tours, tipping around €5–€10 per person is common if you enjoyed it.
For private tours, you can give 10% of the tour price.
If the guide was particularly entertaining, shared great local stories, or went above and beyond to help, they’ll really appreciate your gesture.
Tipping Delivery Drivers
Food delivery services like Deliveroo and Just Eat are popular in Dublin. Delivery riders usually get paid per drop, so a €2–€5 tip for prompt service or a long trip in bad weather is fair.
If you’re paying online, the apps allow you to tip directly. Most locals round up or leave a small amount depending on the size of the order.
When You Shouldn’t Tip
Sometimes, tipping just isn’t necessary — and no one will think twice about it. Here are a few examples:
- Fast-food restaurants like McDonald’s or Supermac’s
- Self-service buffets or cafeterias
- Grab-and-go counters
- Budget hostels or basic accommodations
Tipping in these settings would feel out of place, and locals don’t do it either.
How to Tip Politely in Dublin
If you do want to tip, do it casually. Irish people aren’t flashy about tipping — they do it quietly and with good humor.
You can leave cash on the table after your meal, round up your card payment, or say something like “keep the change.”
There’s no need for big gestures. The Irish tend to see over-tipping as unnecessary or even a bit awkward. A small, thoughtful tip is always the best kind.
Digital Payments and Tipping
Dublin is increasingly cashless, especially since the pandemic. Most places take cards or mobile payments. If you prefer tipping digitally, ask the staff if it’s possible to add a tip on the card machine — many places have that option.
However, smaller cafés or pubs may still prefer cash tips, as they go directly to staff without deductions. If you want to be sure the person gets your tip, a coin or note handed personally works best.
Tipping Etiquette Summary
Here’s a quick summary of how much to tip in Dublin:
| Service Type | Typical Tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurants | 10% | Check if service charge is included |
| Cafés | Optional, €1–€2 | Drop in jar if service was great |
| Bars (no table service) | None | Offer “have one yourself” for good service |
| Bars (table service) | 5–10% | For attentive service |
| Hotels | €1–€2 per bag/night | Concierge €5–€10 for extra help |
| Taxi drivers | Round up or 10% | More for extra help |
| Hairdressers/beauty | 10% | For good results |
| Tour guides | €5–€10 per person | 10% for private tours |
| Delivery drivers | €2–€5 | More for long or bad-weather trips |
Local Insight: What Dubliners Think About Tipping
Most Dubliners don’t tip automatically. They see it as a reward for genuine service, not a built-in cost.
If the service is friendly, fast, and feels personal, a tip is deserved. But if it’s average or rushed, no one feels pressured to add more.
From my own personal experience, Dubliners appreciate politeness and honesty more than anything. A simple thank you or friendly chat with your server can mean as much as a tip.
Tourists’ Common Mistakes with Tipping in Dublin
Even though tipping is simple, tourists often make a few mistakes. Here’s what to avoid:
1. Overtipping
Some visitors treat Ireland like the US, where 20% is standard. That’s unnecessary here and can even feel awkward to locals.
2. Forgetting to Check the Bill
Always look for “service charge included” before tipping at restaurants. You might end up tipping twice.
3. Assuming You Must Tip Everywhere
You don’t. Cafés, bars, and casual food spots don’t expect it.
4. Handing Tips to the Wrong Person
If you leave cash at a bar or counter, make sure it’s clear that it’s for the staff who served you.
5. Forgetting Small Change
Keep a few coins handy. Not everywhere accepts card tips, and small amounts go a long way.
Cultural Tip: Appreciation Over Obligation
Ireland’s culture values friendliness over formality. A smile, a thank you, or a kind word is often seen as equal to a tip.
Dubliners don’t expect tips to measure respect — they see them as a little extra. The main thing is to treat staff kindly, make eye contact, and be genuine. That alone leaves a great impression.
Tipping for Group Activities and Special Events
If you’re joining a group dinner, pub crawl, or organized event, it’s polite to chip in for a shared tip if someone else pays the main bill.
For example, if you’re out with friends and the server does a great job, the group might leave 10% collectively.
The same goes for private events like weddings or functions — tipping isn’t required but appreciated for outstanding service.
Should You Tip in Euros or Foreign Currency?
Always tip in euros. Staff can’t always exchange foreign coins or small notes easily. If you only have another currency, it’s better to skip the tip than hand over unusable money.
For digital tips, stick to the app or card method to avoid confusion.
When Service Is Poor
If you experience bad service, you’re under no pressure to tip. Dubliners rarely leave tips when service is rude, slow, or careless.
A polite but honest word to the manager is better than leaving a forced tip. Remember — tips are for appreciation, not obligation.
Final Thoughts on Tipping in Dublin
Tipping in Dublin is relaxed, easy, and based on genuine appreciation. No one’s keeping score or judging you if you don’t tip every time.
If you had a great experience, leave a little something. If the service was average, a smile and “thank you” are enough.
The best approach is simple: tip when it feels right, not because you feel pressured to.
And remember, it’s the small, thoughtful gestures that people in Dublin remember most.
