When traveling in Ireland, the question of tap water can sometimes arise. Is it safe to drink in Ireland? Is it safe to drink? Should I opt for bottled water? As a reminder, water is a fundamental resource, enabling us to hydrate, feed and wash ourselves. So it’s essential to make the right choices to avoid any problems. Here are our tips for making the most of Ireland’s resources!
In Ireland, water is a rather abundant resource. With its many showers, the island enjoys a temperate, oceanic climate, which means it never experiences drought. So there’s no problem in terms of water supply: Ireland is never short of it, thanks to its constantly abundant rivers.
Ireland also has an extensive drinking water distribution network. Its tap water comes from a variety of sources, including rivers, lakes and underground reservoirs. These natural springs are essential for meeting the population’s drinking water needs, and are fully potable once treated… with very few exceptions.
As a result, local authorities and water companies closely monitor the quality of these sources, regularly carrying out in-depth tests and analyses. These tests ensure that the water complies with the quality standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and national regulations.
As you can see, tap water in Ireland is perfectly safe to drink… As long as it depends on national distribution networks.
Unfortunately, many Irish people and travelers often admit that Irish tap water can have an aftertaste. Sometimes considered unpleasant, it can lead users to buy plastic water bottles in search of a more neutral taste.
Another fact sometimes criticized: depending on where you are, the water may be slightly tinted, with a yellowish or brownish color. This is due to the proximity of agricultural land or peat bogs, which can alter the transparency of the water.
In some cases, certain elements can seep into the pipe, causing the color to change. This is more likely to happen in rural or wilderness areas.
In this case, we also recommend drinking mineral or purified bottled water. Although their water is considered safe to drink, it may give you a slight stomachache if you’re not used to it.
Finding bottles of mineral or purified water is a childhood game in Ireland. You’ll find them in supermarkets and grocery stores, as well as in restaurants, bars and hotels.
Please note that their cost may vary depending on the brand selected… But the overall price remains reasonable, on a par with the rest of Europe.
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