Key Highlights
Are you planning a trip to the Emerald Isle? Make sure you sort out your travel money before you go. Here’s what you need to know about currency in Ireland.
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The Republic of Ireland’s official currency is the euro (EUR).
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Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, and it uses the pound sterling (GBP).
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If you plan to see both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, you will need both euros and pounds.
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Credit cards and contactless payments are used a lot, mostly in the cities.
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It is a good idea to have some cash for small buys, mostly if you go to rural areas.
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You can get euros and pounds at ATMs, but watch out for any extra fees.
Introduction
Are you dreaming about Ireland’s green hills, busy pubs, and old castles? Whether you are walking in Dublin or checking the coastline, knowing about the official currency in the island of Ireland is important. It will help your trip go smoothly. This guide gives you the info you need about the money every person uses in Ireland. It will help you get everything sorted, so you can go enjoy the fun just like the legends say.
Understanding the Official Currency of Ireland
When you visit the Republic of Ireland, you will need to use euros (EUR) in your wallet. Ireland, as one of the eurozone countries and a member of the European Union, changed to the euro as its official currency in 2002. Before that, people used the Irish pound.
The euro is controlled by the European Central Bank. This means, when you go to cities like Dublin, Cork, or Galway, the euro is the only money you will need. We will look at the banknotes and coins you will use there, and also talk about what happens if you travel across the border into Northern Ireland.
The Euro: Ireland’s Main Currency Explained
The euro (EUR) is the single currency used in the Republic of Ireland. You will pay with euro for everything in Ireland. It is also simple if you are coming from other eurozone countries that use the same euro. The Central Bank of Ireland puts out special coins in the country, but euro banknotes are good anywhere in the eurozone.
Irish euro coins have their own look on one side. There is a Celtic harp on every Irish euro coin. The harp is a classic symbol of Ireland, so your change has a local feel. This makes the Irish euro coins stand out from coins made by other eurozone countries. Still, you can use them everywhere the euro is accepted.
Euro banknotes come in different denominations. This means you can pay for a pint of Guinness or your accommodation easily. These banknotes are the same through all eurozone countries. You can use a note from Spain, Germany, or any region in Ireland. Every note is valid at shops in the republic of ireland, and anywhere that takes euro banknotes.
Euro Banknotes and Coins: Denominations and Features
Getting familiar with the local currency can make your transactions smoother. Euro banknotes, issued by the European Central Bank, are consistent across all member countries and are available in several useful denominations. This standardisation simplifies travel within the eurozone.
On the other hand, the coins you receive might have a distinctly Irish feel. While one side of euro coins is standard across the eurozone, the other side features a national design. In Ireland, all Irish euro coins proudly display the Celtic harp, a beautiful homage to the nation’s heritage. It’s worth noting that 1c and 2c coins are no longer minted in Ireland, so cash prices are often rounded to the nearest 5 cents.
Here is a simple breakdown of the common euro banknotes and coins you will encounter during your trip to Ireland.
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Currency |
Denominations |
|---|---|
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Banknotes |
€5, €10, €20, €50, €100 |
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Coins |
1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2 |
Currency Difference: Republic of Ireland vs Northern Ireland
There is a big difference in the money you use when you travel around the island of Ireland. The Republic of Ireland uses the euro (EUR). Northern Ireland uses the pound sterling (GBP). This is because Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom.
If you plan to go to both Dublin and Belfast, you will need both currencies. Some shops or places in border towns may take the “wrong” currency just to help you out. But, they often use poor exchange rates. To get the most value for your money, it’s best to use the local currency in each region.
Where Euros Are Used and Accepted
The euro is the main and local currency used in the Republic of Ireland. You use euros in all Irish cities, like Dublin and Cork, and even in small towns and quiet villages. When you are paying for tours, meals, or buying something to take home, the euro is the currency you need every time.
You pay for your accommodation or a coffee with euros, and you use euros everywhere in the Republic of Ireland. If you drive along the Wild Atlantic Way, you will see shops and businesses in small towns and country areas all accept euro. You do not need any other currency for your trip in this part of Ireland.
Here’s where you’ll use euros:
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Major cities like Dublin, Galway, and Cork
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Small towns and rural villages
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Shops, restaurants, pubs, and hotels
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Tourist attractions and tours
British Pounds in Northern Ireland: What Travellers Should Know
If you go to northern ireland, you have to use pound sterling (GBP) as your official currency. northern ireland is part of the uk, so it has the same money as england, scotland, and wales. If you want to see places like the Giant’s Causeway or Titanic Belfast, make sure you have GBP for what you want to buy.
The banknotes you get in northern ireland are still pound sterling, but they are printed by local banks. These banknotes can look a bit different from the notes in england. You can use them in the uk, but shops in england may not want to take them. Still, you can use Bank of England notes in northern ireland without any trouble.
To make your trip easy, remember:
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You must use pound sterling (GBP) for all things you buy in northern ireland.
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Euros (EUR) are not used here, except maybe in some towns close to the border, and they exchange for a poor rate.
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If you plan to visit all parts of ireland, bring both EUR and GBP.
This will help you enjoy your travel in northern ireland, scotland, england, and more.
How to Obtain Euros for Your Irish Trip
Getting euros for your Irish trip is simple. You can get your travel money in a few ways. Some people like to exchange cash before they leave New Zealand. Others take money out from ATMs when they arrive in Ireland. Most travellers find it handy and safe to use more than one method.
A travel money card is also a good option. You can add euros to it before you travel. It is smart to carry some euro banknotes for quick things, like paying for a taxi or buying food right after you land. We will look at the good and bad points of getting money before you go, or when you get there, and the best ways to use cards and ATMs.
travel money, euro banknotes, travel money card, euro, Irish, banknotes, ATMs, travellers
Exchanging Money: Before Departure or Upon Arrival
Deciding when to swap your New Zealand dollars for euros comes down to what feels easiest for you and what the exchange rate is like. If you get a bit of euro banknotes sorted before leaving, you will have travel money on hand when you land. It helps you pay for things like a ride or food at the airport and means you do not have to hunt for ATMs right away. This can make your first day less stressful.
But, for most of your cash, you could find the best deal and better euro exchange rates if you wait to get money in Ireland or use other ways. Airports in New Zealand and Ireland both have higher fees and do not give the best rates. You should check a few places to look for a good exchange rate.
What works well is to grab enough euro banknotes for one or two days before you fly. Then, use ATMs or a travel money card for the rest of your time in Ireland. This mix can give you both value and safety, and it helps you get the most out of your travel money.
Accessing ATMs, Using Travel Cards, and Card Payments in Ireland
Ireland has a modern way to pay for things. You can use your credit cards for most of your spending. It is easy to make contactless payment in Irish cities and in most small towns too. Cards like Visa and Mastercard are accepted in a lot of shops, many restaurants, and most hotels. This is a good way to keep track of your travel money. You will not have to carry a lot of cash with you.
You can find ATMs in Irish cities without much trouble. They are in banks like the Bank of Ireland and also inside some supermarkets. In small towns or outside the city, there might not be many atms, so plan ahead in case you need cash. Make sure you know the fees that your home bank has. Some Irish atms can also have a fee of their own.
A travel money card can be a good idea. You are able to put euros on it before you leave home. This can lock in a set exchange rate, which might help your budget. A travel money card works like a debit card when you buy something or try to take cash out of an ATM.
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Credit cards and debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) get accepted in a lot of places.
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You can often use contactless payment for small things.
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ATMs are everywhere in the city but not in all small towns.
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Try a travel money card so you lock in the rate and keep your spending in check.
Conclusion
Knowing which currency is used in Ireland is important for New Zealand travellers. You will need Euros in most of Ireland, and it helps to know what the euro banknotes and coins look like. There are differences in the money you will use in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, so understanding this will make your trip easier and help you not get confused. Try to get Euros before you leave, or be ready to use ATMs when you arrive in Ireland. With this information, you can enjoy your time in Ireland and be ready for anything. If you need help or want more details about planning your trip, you can ask any time.