twanda49
Unregistered User
(3/3/04 12:06 am)
 
Tipping

---

Now that March is here, I can say that we only have 4 months left until we leave for Ireland the end of July. I'm wondering about gratuities. What is customary in Ireland? We will be staying at B&B's and eating most evening meals in pubs (or in gas stations, depending on the price of Euros!) Can anyone help me out with this one? Thanks!!!
Marsha

Clodagh Ni 
Posts: 2
(3/3/04 8:48 pm)

Re: Tipping

---

It is a VERY common misconception that Ireland is not a country for tipping. This has changed dramaticaly in the last 3 years.

€2-€4 in your bedroom after a stay is very fair, depending on how happy you were.

And 10% your restaurant bill is average, but again, depends on the level of service.

Be prepared to be shocked at the price of things in Ireland. It is a very expensive country to visit which I'm sure you know already if you've researched accommodation prices.


It is NOT customary to tip taxi drivers as they are extortionists anyway. If you are ever going to use a taxi, get your hotels receptionist to ring for you and agree on a price. When they hear an American accent, or any accent other than an Irish one, they tend to fleece you.

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 2227
(3/4/04 12:20 am)

Re: Tipping

---

Hi Marsha,

My thanks to Clodagh Ni for her on the spot insights. Actually, I would give a taxi driver something, perhaps 10% unless you feel that he overcharged. And it is a good idea to get a ballpark estimate of how much the taxi trip will cost beforehand.

At B&Bs if you are staying at a place that is run and cleaned by the owners, generally a tip is not in order unless they do something extra for you like make a phone call, make you a reservation, let you use their computer to check email, etc. If they have outside help for serving breakfast and/or cleaning then you can leave a small amount as suggested by Clodagh Ni.

Restaurants: 10-15%. Some restaurants add a service charge (though most are getting away from this now) and if they do you don't need to leave extra unless you get exceptional service.

Pubs: 10% for table service.

And you can buy ready-made or deli sandwiches at most supermarkets. I'm planning on plenty of dinners from Tesco when I go next time. The dollar is really taking a beating.

Michele

twanda49
Unregistered User
(3/4/04 8:18 am)

tipping

---

Thank both of you so much for your insight. We'll stay out of cabs if possible. When we go to Dublin, we want to take the train in and use buses to get around. Michelle, I can't thank you enough for this valuable website!
Marsha

Mbarnes
Unregistered User
(3/4/04 2:14 pm)

Budgeting

---

Ok I have to ask, I'm trying to have some sort of budget for our trip in 46 days! I figured around 100.00 euros a day for meals. We will be having breakfast at our B&B of course.

Should I be planning on it being even more than that?
Family of 4. Kids 10/8 (not big eaters but big snackers)

Thanks for your feedback

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 2237
(3/5/04 1:21 am)

Re: Tipping

---

Hi Mbarnes,

Is that 100 euro per day per person or for all four?

Michele

P.S. Marsha, it is my pleasure to help one and all with their trips to Ireland. Please pass my web site on to someone you know who is going also. Word of mouth is the greatest advertising!

Mbarnes
Unregistered User
(3/5/04 9:27 am)

Budgeting for meals

---

Thant was for all 4? Is this unrealistic?

Dude
Unregistered User
(3/5/04 5:36 pm)

Meals

---

The weather should be conducive to having picnic lunches in July. Just stop at a c-store, grocery or neighborhood bodega and get some fruit, cheese, and of course the wonderful bread, and soda or bottled water. You can always find some scenic spot for a picnic in or out of the car. That's one way we kept expenses down on our first two trips.

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 2247
(3/6/04 2:25 am)
 
Re: Tipping

---

Hi Mbarnes,

Dude's advice for squeezing pennies was good. Be sure to try Club orange soda (called minerals in Ireland) and Tayto cheese and onion crisps (potato chips). When you order sodas at a restaurant they are pretty expensive. Instead tell everyone you will be enjoying the delicous Irish water. Ask for a jug of ice water at restaurants.

I think that 25 euro per person a day for food is very low. Food in Ireland is going to be one of your most expensive purchases. It is easy to spend 25 euro on just dinner, if not more. For budgeting I suggest eating in pubs more than in restaurants. For instance at a nice hotel that my husband likes to eat at, you can get basically the same meal in the pub for half the price of the restaurant. Also, stop at the local tourist offices for a "Value Meal" brochure, which lists restaurants offering lower cost meals. Eating earlier in the evening also brings cheaper prices. Look out for early bird menus. Check out these web sites for pricing and menus:

www.dinequick.com/
www.adlib.ie/

Michele