Ireland is expensive, but costs vary around the country. If you're a true budget traveler, you could get by on about US$25 a day--assuming you stay at a hostel, eat a light pub lunch and cook your own meal in the evening. Once you factor in moving around the country (or a bit more comfort), you'll need to increase your budget. Added extras to watch out for include the pleasurable ruin of buying the assembled company a round of pints of Guinness.
The Irish pound (or punt) is made up of 100 pence. Ireland will be fully adopting European Union currency (called the "Euro") in 2002. The move toward the Euro has started; you will see shop prices marked in Euros, although at present only electronic transactions can be conducted in the currency.
Most brands of travellers' cheques are readily accepted in Ireland. Banks generally give the best exchange rates, but change bureaus are open longer hours. Many post offices offer currency-exchange facilities and they're open on Saturday mornings.
Credit cards are widely accepted, though many B&Bs and some smaller remote petrol stations will only take cash.
There's quite a good spread of cash-spewing ATMs in the both the North and the South. Many banks will accept PLUS and CIRRUS ATM cards; check with your bank before you go to make sure you'll be able to use your card in Ireland. Make sure to have enough cash on hand when youto more rural areas, where you might not find an ATM on every corner.
When you visit, you'll be entitled to a refund of the sales tax (called the "VAT", or value-added tax) on most of the things you buy. Simply ask for the tax-free shopping form every time you make a purchase. Save up your forms; at the end of the trip you can go to the VAT refund office at the airport to collect your cash.
Fancy hotels and restaurants often add a 10% or 12% service charge and no additional tip is required. Simpler places usually do not add service; if you decide to tip, just add about 10%. Taxi drivers don't have to be tipped, but if you want to, 10% is fine. Tipping in pubs is not expected.
Budget meal: US$4-8
Moderate restaurant meal: US$10-20
Top-end restaurant meal: US$30 and upwards
Pint of Guinness: US$3.50
Budget room: US$10-20
Bed and Breakfast:US $25-40 per person
Moderate hotel: US$40-60
Top-end hotel: US$70 and upwards