Tourist Fines & Rules in Ireland
Updated March 20261 city12 total rulesFines up to €3,000
Ireland was the FIRST country in Europe to ban indoor smoking in 2004, with fines up to €3,000. Uniquely, public drinking is legal — unlike most European countries. Pub closing times surprise visitors: traditional pubs close at 11:30 PM weekdays. Temple Bar in Dublin is a notorious tourist price trap (2-3x normal prices). There is currently no tourist tax in Ireland. Jaywalking is not illegal.
City Guide
Rules That Apply Everywhere in Ireland
Indoor smoking ban: €3,000 (Europe's first, 2004)
Public drinking: LEGAL (rare in Europe)
Pub closing: 11:30 PM weekdays, 12:30 AM weekends
Drug possession: criminal offense
No tourist tax currently
Jaywalking: NOT illegal
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink in public in Ireland?
Yes! Public drinking is legal — one of the few countries in Europe where this is the case.
When do pubs close?
11:30 PM weekdays, 12:30 AM weekends. Late bars until 2:30 AM. Nightclubs until 4 AM with late license.
Is there a tourist tax?
No. Ireland currently has no tourist tax.