Maynooth University International Office

You can only open an Irish bank account once you arrive in Ireland and complete your student registration with the university.

The quickest way to open a bank account is online with AIB - further details here: Quick sign up with AIB   

The other Irish banks in Maynooth are Bank of Ireland and PTSB. These banks will require you to make an appointment to see them in person to open an account and you will also need to request a bank letter from the International Office.  This process may take 2-3 weeks to complete.

Click here to find useful information relating to managing your money and budgeting your expenses as a student at Maynooth University

ISIC - International Student Identity Card 

Unidays - Student discounts

StudentBeans - Student discounts

Too Good to Go app - download the app and find food bargains at local businesses

Olio app - find food bargains and people giving away various items 

Cost comparison sites:  www.bonkers.ie; www.switcher.ie

Buy and sell secondhand items - www.donedeal.ie and www.adverts.ie 

Tipping in Ireland is common, however there isn't really a tipping culture here like other countries such as the USA, etc.  In all cases, tipping is not required and is at your own discretion.

Common places for tipping:

Dining out - usually 10% after dining at a restaurant, pub or café if the service is good.  Large groups often have a service charge attached to the bill, so check that before you tip as it can often be 20% of the bill.

Pubs - no tips required for bar service, you can add a euro or two for table service.  A tip of 10% for a sit down meal is the usual rate, at your discretion.

Taxis - it is usual to round up the fare to the nearest euro, tipping is not necessary however if the driver has been particularly helpful or accommodating a small tip will be appreciated.

Tour guides/guided tours - tipping is not required, it at your discretion, again if service has been particularly good you may wish to leave a small tip of 5-10 euro depending on the cost and length of the tour.

Hotels- Irish people tip after a meal in a hotel, if the service was good, but usually do not tip room service, porters or housekeeping staff. You may do so at your discretion, it is not required. 

Hairdressing/beauty services:  Barbers are generally not given tips. If you develop a good relationship with a hairdresser or beauty therapist over time and you are pleased with their service you can leave them a small tip (10%).   Usually, Irish people who have a regular barber/hairdresser/beauty therapist with whom they have a good relationship will give them a good tip (5-10 euros) or a box of chocolates/bottle of wine at Christmas time.