should I buy euros in advance of going to Ireland?

You will get the best exchange rate if you use ATM's to obtain Euros once you are there but it might be a good idea to have some cash on you before you go. (You should also inform your bank you will be using the ATM in Ireland before you leave on your trip and determine if you want to increase whatever daily limit they may have on withdrawals).

thanks Michael

No you should not. Check the website of the airport you will arrive in and locate the ATMs -- they should be right outside the exit from customs. Hit those and BANG! you have money.

Just a waste of time and your money to get euros before you go from your bank with its horrific exchange rate.

thanks Big Russ

My bannk does not have an horrific exchange rate. And I feel more comfortable arriving with some Euro. I always bring some home with me so have only actually paid the "horrific" bank exchange years ago.

thanks Avalon greta advice I think I will take a few and then get the rest there as I need them

I do like having a few Euros on hand when arriving, since I tend to catastrophize (what if the ATM's out of euros? What if the power's out, etc.) But then I was stuck overseas a week (in Ireland, actually) on 9/11.

If you are nervous about having some on hand you can get some at your bank or even a few (enough for a taxi to hotel, say) at the departure airport which *will* have horrendous rates!! I usually have some on hand from a prior trip but I gave some to a nephew for a gift before his big trip this summer and only have a 10 Euro note and some change left. But I checked with my bank and it's a 250 Euro minimum order, so forget it; I will be taking my chances. It's all about your comfort level.

In general, after initial arrival issues, it is far better to get the dough out of the ATMs as mentioned above; you might check with your back about withdrawal charges because that may determine how much you take out at a time.

Big Russ is right in that you'll get the best exchange rate his way.

But I hate having to look for and line up at an ATM upon landing. My one and only goal is to exit the airport as quickly as possible.

So getting a hundred euros in advance (since I'm bound to be passing my bank anyway it's hardly a drain on my time) is what's right for me. I'll be in a taxi and Russ will still be in line at the ATM! ;^)

I always bring some with me..You never know the ATM machines may not works.I still had some left from last month when I was in Rome.