In this article, we’re answering “What currency does Ireland use?” But, instead of keeping you waiting, the answer is the euro.
Below, we’re going to share everything you need to know about spending foreign money, converting to euros, and how to get the best rates possible.
We will also be answering common questions we receive from our members about money ahead of upcoming travel to Ireland.
This article is part of our free series on foreign currency accounts which you can access here.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- What Currency Does Ireland Use?
- Are US Dollars Accepted in Ireland?
- Irish Currency Exchange Rates
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Do You Want Help Opening Bank Accounts?
What Currency Does Ireland Use?
Ireland’s official currency is the euro with the currency symbol € and ISO 4217 code EUR. The euro has been legal tender in Ireland since 2002, when Ireland became a Eurozone member country.
As a result, Ireland’s central bank effectively became a branch of the European Central Bank, which handles Irish monetary policy along with the rest of the Eurozone. This includes the issuing and distribution of euro notes and coins in Ireland.
As a result, Irish monetary policy is no longer solely impacted by Ireland, or its central bankers. Instead, the Irish monetary system and Irish currency exchange (euros) relies heavily on the European Central Bank directly.
That said, the euro adoption in Ireland was not the first change of Irish currency. Looking back further in Irish currency history, you’ll find that currency in Ireland prior to the pound was the Free State pound, which existed from 1922 to 1928.
Are US Dollars Accepted in Ireland?
No, US dollars are not accepted in Ireland. That said there is a wide range of currency exchange options available in Ireland that will accept US dollars. However, it’s important to note that most foreign exchange services will charge rates that will be much higher than those available in the United States.
Alternatively, you may want to consider paying with a credit card, as they can offer you significantly better exchange rates than converting your cash through conventional providers. We’ll take a closer look at this now.
Can I Use USA credit cards in Ireland?
Yes, you can use a USA credit card in Ireland. In fact, depending on the credit card that you have, you may find that using your US credit card while traveling in Ireland is a more cost effective way to convert your money. That said, this isn’t always the case.
Instead, in order for your credit card to be a more cost effective method to convert USD into EUR, you will need a credit card that does not charge international transaction fees. Likewise, you will want a credit card that does not apply a premium to the market exchange rates.
Fortunately, there are a number of US credit card providers that offer cards matching this exact criteria. Not surprisingly, this includes cards from a few of the top travel credit card providers in the United States, including American Express and Chase.
When using a credit card without foreign transaction fees or premiums on foreign exchange fees, you can ensure that you will get the best exchange rates possible when converting your USD for Irish currency.
Irish Currency Exchange Rates
Irish currency exchange rates have been relatively stable against the United States dollar over the last five years. In fact, they have only varied during periods of economic or social uncertainty, such as the period during Covid and following the US fed rate hikes.
Outside of these two periods, EUR to USD has been a stable currency, especially when compared to a wide range of other currency pairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are three of the most common questions that we receive from people looking into what currency Ireland uses. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
Does Ireland Use the Euro or Irish Pound?
Ireland uses the euro. The euro has been the official currency of Ireland since 2002, when Ireland adopted the euro as part of the European union. That said, prior to the adoption of the euro, the official currency of the Republic of Ireland was the Irish pound.
What Was the Former Currency of Ireland?
The former currency of Ireland was the Irish pound, or what was known as the Punt Elireannach in Irish. The Irish pound was the official currency of Ireland from 1928 until 2002, when it was replaced by the euro. The Irish pound was preceded by the Free State pound, which existed immediately after Ireland’s establishment as a dominion of the United Kingdom in 1922 until the introduction of the Irish pound in 1928.
How Much is $100 US in Ireland?
Over the last five years, the value of $100 US dollars in Ireland has ranged from a low of EUR 81.30 to a high of EUR 103.93. That said, in recent years, the value of $100 United States dollar in Ireland typically ranges between EUR 90.00 and EUR 93.00.
Do You Want Help Opening Bank Accounts?
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