Tipping Guide: Do You Tip Bartenders In Ireland?

Ahhh, IRELAND. The land of Guinness, Irish dancing, Irish whiskey, and Leprechauns.

It’s a truly beautiful travel destination that is enjoyed by millions each year, but navigating tipping culture when visiting new destinations can be tricky, and Ireland is no exception.

Ireland is renowned for its thriving pub scene, with Temple Bar Street being at the very heart, but many visitors often wonder; do you tip bartenders in Ireland?

So whether you’re a first-time traveler to the Emerald Isle or are simply curious about different tipping cultures, by the end of this post you’ll know all there is about tipping bartenders in Ireland.

So let’s get cracking…

Do You Tip Bartenders In Ireland?

No, bartenders DO NOT expect to be tipped in Ireland, so don’t panic if you left the pub without leaving the bartender a tip as they wouldn’t have expected one.

Ireland and the United Kingdom as a whole do not have much of a tipping culture, and tipping the bartender isn’t customary like it is in the United States and Canada.

Whilst bartenders do receive the odd tip here and there, it’s certainly not something Irish bartenders rely on and expect from customers.

If the bartender has given you excellent service, it’s nice to leave a small tip, for example, if a drink costs €4, you may want to give them €5 and say keep the change, but that’s completely your decision.

The area of the pub may also play a role in whether or not the bartender expects a tip, as in more rural areas of Ireland it will be less common to tip than in Dublin center.

A good tip, pardon the pun, is to follow the lead of locals if you’re unsure and follow their behavior, if they tip the bartender then it’s likely common practice in that pub.

Is It Rude Not To Tip In Ireland?

No, it’s certainly not rude to tip as tipping is not mandatory in Ireland and they don’t have the same tipping culture as in the USA.

However, if you receive 5* service from a bartender then it’s always nice to show your appreciation by leaving a small tip, no matter the amount.

Unlike the US, there’s no standard percentage that is customary to tip, and any tip in Ireland will go a long way and may even make the bartender’s day.

Tipping in Ireland is a personal choice and should be based on the level of service you receive, if the service is satisfactory, there is no need to leave a tip.

But if you feel the bartender went above and beyond what was expected, leaving a tip is a way to appreciate their efforts and show that they are appreciated.

Tipping in Ireland is a discretionary practice that is quite rare in most parts of the country, but whether or not you leave a tip is down to you and the service you receive.

>>Read more: What is a bar tab?

Can You Tip Bartenders In Ireland?

Yes, you most definitely can tip bartenders in Ireland and it’s often very much appreciated. Irish bartenders don’t receive tips very often, so when they do it can light them up and make their day.

Leaving a tip is a great way to show your appreciation to the bartender, especially if they’ve provided exceptional service and you’ve enjoyed your time in the pub.

If you’ve received truly amazing service then it’s normal to tip around 10% of the total bill in Ireland, but anything more than a 15% tip is usually only given for outstanding service.

That said, there’s no obligation to tip when in Ireland, so if you’re on a budget or don’t feel that you want to tip, there is really no need to.

Personally, I always like to tip bartenders when traveling, not only does it show appreciation but it’s more likely that they will open up to you and provide you with recommendations around the city.

I’ve had some amazing experiences from recommendations of bartenders whilst traveling, so it’s a good way to have chat with a local who can provide you with some insights and good conversation.

More On Tipping In Ireland

Tipping in Ireland is discretionary and not mandatory, ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not you want to leave the bartender a tip.

Most bartenders that work in pubs in Ireland do not expect a tip, but this can change depending on which pub and part of the country you’re in, so follow the lead of locals as a guide.

Keep in mind that you should tip based on the level of service you receive and don’t feel forced to do so, if the service is subpar or poor then, of course, there is no need to tip.

If you are appreciative of the bartender’s efforts but are on a budget or don’t feel comfortable leaving a tip, there are other ways to show your appreciation.

Simply giving the bartender a compliment and showing thanks for their efforts can go a long way, as can leaving a positive review of the pub or recommending it to others.

Wrapping Up

To sum up, NO, it’s not common practice to tip in Ireland unless you receive service that is exceptional and the bartender has clearly gone above and beyond their duties.

Irish bartenders do not expect to be tipped, but it’s always nice to do so if you feel you want to show the bartender appreciation for their efforts.

It is common to tip Irish bartenders loose change, an odd couple of Euros when ordering a drink, but any more than 10 – 15% is usually only for outstanding service.

I hope this post has helped provide clarity on the tipping culture in Ireland and if it’s common practice or not.

Enjoy your trip!