Taxes

When leaving the Irish Republic, U.S. and Canadian visitors get a refund of the value-added tax (V.A.T.), which currently accounts for a hefty 23% of the purchase price of many goods and 13.5% of those that fall outside the luxury category. Accommodations and restaurants charge 9% V.A.T., while most items of interest to visitors, right down to ordinary toilet soap, are rated at 23%. Value-added tax is not refundable on accommodations, car rental, meals, or any other form of personal services received on vacation.