Dav... » I just got back from Ireland, and I'm starting to wonder if that
impression was wrong or out of date. We dined in restaurants and
usually paid with a credit card. At least twice I was asked if I
wanted to add a tip. Some other times, I was quoted the amount and
asked if that was okay, with a pause that made me think I was being
given the opportunity to volunteer that I wanted to add a tip. Is this
new? « I don't think it's totally new, nor do I particularly like being asked to give a gratuity. That said, below are a couple of comments regarding tipping in Ireland. Below is an excerpt from A Foodie's Guide to Tipping in Europe: Ireland
In some restaurants a service charge of around 10%---rising to 15% in
plush spots---is added to the bill. If in doubt, ask whether service is
included. In places where it is included, tipping isn't necessary
unless you have received outstanding service. If there's no service
charge, add a minimum of 10% to the total.
Below is an excerpt from Rick Steves' Tipping Tips from Europeans: Ireland
Source: Aine Hickey
Restaurants: First check that there is no service charge included (if
it is included it will generally be 12%). If there is no service charge
included then we would generally tip between 10% and 15%. I personally
include the amount in the money for the bill and hand it all together
to the waiter / waitress.Taxis: It is not compulsory to tip the taxi driver. €1 or €2
would suffice depending on the length of the journey. Generally I would
just round up. Hotels: Again check if there is a service charge included. If not we
might leave something for the housekeepers. Generally a couple of euro
(loose change), again depending on length of stay, generally would leave
in the room. Haircuts: We would normally give the person who washed your hair €2
or €3. Hand this to the girl directly as the cashier will not give
her the money! WC: No tipping, unless you are in an establishment where there is a lady
/ gentleman in the bathrooms providing toiletries (perfume, anti perspirant
etc). If we use the items they provide then we would give a small tip.
Hope that helps ... retroactively! <smile> Jim Edited to correct spelling of Dav's name. <blush>
Edited Sep-21 by Jamaica Jim Jordan | 
