Is cash still widely used?
Rarely in cities. Dublin and larger towns have excellent card infrastructure. Traditional pubs in rural Ireland and some smaller businesses still prefer cash, but the overall trend is strongly cashless.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs are widely available. AIB and Bank of Ireland machines are the most common.
- Fees for foreign non-EU cards are around 3 EUR per withdrawal
- Good availability in Dublin and larger towns; limited in very rural areas
- Ireland’s rural west (Connemara, Donegal) has fewer ATMs
Card acceptance
Excellent in cities. Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost universally. Contactless is standard. Rural pubs and guesthouses may still prefer cash.
Tips for travelers
- Carry some cash for traditional pubs and rural travel
- Ireland is expensive — especially Dublin
- Tipping 10-15% is appreciated in restaurants
- The Wild Atlantic Way passes through areas with very few ATMs — plan ahead