Ireland and the euro

— last modified 03 February 2008

Ireland joined the European Union in 1973 and was one of the first-wave EU countries to adopt the euro on 1 January 1999.

Ireland at a glance

Surface area: 70 300 km²
Population: 4 209 019 (Eurostat 2006, provisional figure)
Joined the European Union: 1 January 1973
Currency: Euro since 1 January 1999 (formerly Irish pound/punt, IEP)

Euro information

Status: Euro-area member since 1 January 1999.

Fixed conversion rate: 1 = 0.787564 IEP

Adoption of the euro: The euro banknotes and coins were introduced in Ireland on 1 January 2002, after a transitional period of three years when the euro was the official currency but only existed as ‘book money’. The dual circulation period when both the Irish pound and the euro had legal tender status ended on 9 February 2002.

Exchange of former national currency: The Central Bank of Ireland continues to exchange Irish pound banknotes and coins for an unlimited period.

Euro-related queries: webmaster@finance.gov.ie