Can you vape in Ireland?

The legal position for UK visitors

Ireland is a fellow EU member state with vaping laws shaped by the same Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) that gave the UK its rules. For UK visitors that means very little has to change. Your usual kit, e-liquid and bottles are all compliant with Irish rules.

• Legal purchase age: 18, same as the UK.
• Maximum nicotine strength: 20mg/ml, same as the UK.
• Maximum e-liquid bottle: 10ml for nicotine liquid, same as the UK.
• Maximum tank or pod: 2ml, same as the UK.
• Notification requirements: Products must be notified to Irish authorities under TPD.
• Personal import: Bringing your own vape and supplies for personal use is fine.

UK-bought TPD-compliant e-liquid is automatically compliant with Irish rules. You can bring your usual stock for a holiday or short trip with no issues.

The disposable vape ban

The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are in slightly different positions on disposables, so worth understanding both.

Where you can and cannot vape in Ireland

Ireland has a comprehensive workplace smoking ban (the original Smoking Ban came in 29 March 2004, before any other EU country) but no equivalent nationwide vaping ban. The decision falls to individual venues and operators.

• Pubs and restaurants: Most ban indoor vaping in the same way as UK pubs. Beer gardens and outdoor seating generally allow it.
• Hotels: Almost universally ban vaping in rooms. Outdoor smoking areas at most hotels allow it. Cleaning fees of €100 to €200 for breach.
• Public transport: Banned on Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Luas, DART and Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail). Same approach as UK operators.
• Workplaces: Up to the employer. Most have applied the smoking ban approach to vaping.
• Hospitals and HSE premises: Banned. The Health Service Executive applies the same rules to vaping as to smoking.
• Schools and colleges: Banned on premises. Strict enforcement particularly around secondary schools.
• Taxis: Banned. Same workplace status as UK taxis.
• Outdoor public spaces: Mostly fine, except where local council bylaws apply.

The Irish vape duty

Ireland introduced an e-liquid excise duty before the UK did. The rate has been adjusted in recent budgets and is currently set at a level that makes e-liquid in the Republic slightly more expensive than pre-duty UK pricing.

• Rate: Fixed amount per millilitre of e-liquid. Currently around €0.50 per ml, applied at point of import or manufacture.
• Applies to: All e-liquid, nicotine or otherwise. Both bottled liquid and the liquid inside pods.
• Effect on prices: A 10ml bottle of e-liquid in Ireland typically costs €8 to €10, similar to UK post-duty prices.
• UK comparison: Once the UK VPD starts on 1 October 2026, prices will be roughly similar. Before October 2026, the UK is cheaper.
• Personal import: Bringing UK-bought e-liquid into Ireland for personal use is generally fine but there are limits. Always check current customs guidance.

The 2026 Amendment Bill: what is coming

The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2026 was approved by the Irish government in early 2026. Several changes are working their way through Parliament. None have yet taken effect but they are likely to be in force during 2026 or 2027.

The flavour restriction is particularly significant. If implemented as proposed, popular fruit and dessert flavours would no longer be sold in Irish retail. UK visitors will still find their usual flavours at home but should not expect them in Irish shops once the law is in force.

Crossing the border: NI to ROI and back

The land border between Northern Ireland and the Republic is open, but the regulatory regimes differ in detail. A few practical points.

• Vape kit: Same kit is legal in both. No issues bringing a refillable pod kit or sub-ohm tank across the border.
• Disposables: Illegal to sell in NI from April 2025. Currently still sellable in ROI but you cannot resell ROI-bought disposables in the UK.
• E-liquid quantities: Personal use is fine. Large quantities (over a few hundred millilitres) may attract HMRC interest at the UK border once VPD is in force.
• Cross-border shopping: Has been a long-standing tradition in border towns. Vape products may follow the same pattern, with shoppers comparing prices either side of the border.

Buying vapes in Ireland

The vape retail sector in Ireland is well-developed. You will find dedicated vape shops in most cities and towns, plus availability in newsagents and convenience stores (though the new legislation will restrict the latter).

1. Dedicated vape shops

   Best selection and best advice. Concentrated in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Belfast. Staff can advise on Irish-specific rules.

2. Convenience stores and newsagents

   Limited selection of pod kits and 10ml bottles. Prices typically higher than dedicated shops. Soon to face stricter display rules under the new bill.

3. Online Irish retailers

   Several reputable Irish online vape retailers. Same TPD products as UK, prices vary by retailer and duty rate.

4. Petrol stations

   Usually have a small selection of pod kits and disposables (where still legal). Convenient but limited choice.

5. Pharmacies

   Some sell NRT products including nicotine pouches, gum and patches. Not generally a source for vape kit but useful for cessation alternatives.

The bottom line