Credit Card usage in Ireland

We were in Ireland last fall, and in Northern Ireland in May, using Apple Pay on our iPhones for most transactions, including for petrol. The few times we used a credit card, we weren’t asked for a pin, although we have pin numbers handy. Have a great trip!

Hi, i am in Ireland now. No, i was not asked for pin when tapping my card.
A few time when i inserted the card into the card reader, i was asked to sign.

I was in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales in the summer of 2022. I tapped my credit card(s) for almost every one of my purchases -- even including taxis and buses. No pin was ever needed.

You didn't ask about cash, but I'll add that the only time I needed any cash was coins in rather primitive self-service laundries. I paid cash (€20 or £20) for laundry services just because I had it and I used € or £ cash to tip the cleaning staff of the various places I stayed.

I usually book at least one B&B that requires cash for which I use a debit card & PIN at a walk-up bank kiosk.
Except for that I never find anything for which I can't use my phone to Tap & Pay. I happen to have an Android w/Google Wallet rather than iPhone.

You likely can not get a PIN for your card for purchases, only for a cash withdrawal at an ATM. But, no, if you use the tap feature, no PIN is needed, that should work up to 50 euro, if over, then you might have to insert your card and and a slip will print out for you to sign. The only place you might have issues is larger purchases (Gas/Petrol, Tickets, Tolls) at an unmanned kiosk, but not much of that in Ireland.

Apple Pay is also an option, either phone or watch, with the benefit that larger transactions will go through (your phone activation takes the place of a PIN).

Ditto Hollys comments—
We were there a few weeks ago. Used everywhere even in small bars in the countryside. When over a certain amount they ask you to sign.

Thank you all for the feedback. Greatly appreciated. Only five days to go before my trip!

What others said. You can use your credit card for all purchases without pin (based on our experience). Use your debit card with pin at bank machines to take out cash if needed (very minimal is needed). Have fun!