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Your Guide to Old Irish Pound Notes Value

Posted by: Ian • 30 Oct 2025

So, you've stumbled upon a stash of old Irish pound notes and are wondering if they're worth anything more than a trip down memory lane. The good news is, they absolutely are. While the Irish punt was officially swapped for the euro back in 2002, those old banknotes can still be turned into real, spendable cash with our fast, easy, and hassle-free service.

Don't Let Your Old Irish Currency Go to Waste

Finding old money always feels a bit like uncovering buried treasure, doesn't it? Whether you found them tucked away in a dusty travel wallet or inherited them from a relative, those old Irish pounds still hold genuine value. It's a common myth that once a currency is taken out of circulation, it becomes worthless paper. That couldn't be further from the truth.

The trouble is, dealing with obsolete currency can feel like a bit of a maze. Your local high street bank won't touch them, and any official exchange deadlines have long since passed. This is where our specialist service comes in, giving you a dead-simple and 100% guaranteed way to convert your old notes into money you can actually use today.

From Punt to Euro: A Quick Look Back

The Irish pound, affectionately known as the punt, first appeared in 1938 and was the country's currency for over 60 years. For most of that time, its value was pegged one-for-one with the British pound sterling, a link that was only broken in 1979 when Ireland joined the European Monetary System.

This chapter of Irish history closed on 1 January 2002, when Ireland and eleven other EU countries adopted the euro. The punt was phased out, but its legacy lives on in the beautiful, intricate designs of the banknotes left behind.

A Fast and Easy Way to Exchange

We’ve designed our service to make exchanging your Irish pound notes completely painless. We get it—you just want a simple, trustworthy way to handle your leftover foreign currency. That's why we offer a 100% guaranteed service that’s relied upon by major brands, from well-known charities and supermarkets to airports and even police forces.

Forget spending ages sorting through different denominations or series. With our service, there's no need to sort coins or notes. Just gather up all your old foreign currency, and we'll handle the rest. It's the simplest, most hassle-free way to get cash for your currency.

Our mission is to give you a fast, easy, and secure way to unlock the value in that forgotten money. For more tips on what to do with various old currencies you might have, take a look at our guide on what to do with old foreign currency. We’re here to help you turn that old cash into new funds, with total peace of mind.

The Story Behind Irish Punt Banknotes

Every old Irish pound note tells a story. It's more than just obsolete currency; it's a little piece of Irish history, capturing the nation's cultural and political journey on a miniature canvas. Looking through these notes is like flipping through a family album, with each series reflecting a different chapter in Ireland's story.

From the birth of the state to its modern, European outlook, the artwork on these banknotes gives us a window into the nation's soul.

To really appreciate the value these notes hold—well beyond their face value—it helps to understand the designs. Let's take a closer look at the three main series—A, B, and C—to see how they mirrored a changing Ireland.

To give you a quick overview, here's a simple breakdown of the three main series of Irish banknotes.

A Quick Guide to Irish Pound Banknote Series

Banknote Series	Circulation Period	Key Design Theme	Nickname
Series A	1928–1976	An allegorical figure of Ireland (Lady Lavery)	Lavery Notes
Series B	1976–1992	Key figures from Irish history and mythology	Historical Series
Series C	1992–2002	Architects of modern Ireland	Celtic Tiger Notes

Each series offers a fascinating glimpse into how Ireland saw itself at different points in the 20th century.

Series A: The Iconic Lavery Notes

The very first series of Irish pound notes, known as Series A, appeared in 1928, not long after the Irish Free State was established. These banknotes are affectionately called the 'Lavery Notes', named after the celebrated portrait artist, Sir John Lavery.

The standout feature is the beautiful portrait of Lady Lavery, the artist's wife, reimagined as an allegorical figure of Ireland. She's pictured with a Celtic harp, one of Ireland's most powerful national symbols. This was a clever move. It helped create a distinctly Irish identity, setting the new currency apart from British sterling, all while sidestepping any politically charged figures from the recent Civil War. On the back, each note had a unique 'River God' mask, representing one of Ireland's main rivers.

The use of Lady Lavery's portrait was a masterstroke in cultural diplomacy. It created a symbol of a serene, unified Ireland at a time of immense political change, making the notes instantly recognisable and widely accepted.

Series B: Celebrating Irish History

By the 1970s, Ireland was ready for a fresh look. Series B, rolled out between 1976 and 1982, moved away from allegory to celebrate real, influential figures from Irish history. This series was a direct nod to the nation's rich past, honouring the people who shaped its cultural, literary, and political identity.

Each denomination felt like a mini history lesson, creating a timeline in your wallet:

• £1 Note: Featured the mythical Queen Medb from the Ulster Cycle.
• £5 Note: Honoured the 9th-century philosopher Johannes Scotus Eriugena.
• £10 Note: Showcased Jonathan Swift, the legendary author of Gulliver's Travels.
• £20 Note: Celebrated the world-renowned poet W.B. Yeats.
• £50 Note: Featured the blind harpist and composer Turlough O'Carolan.

This series was a bold statement of national pride. It put historical icons front and centre in daily life, reflecting a country that was confident and proud of its heritage. If you're interested in other old European money, you can read our overview of the former currencies of Europe.

Series C: A Modern, Forward-Looking Ireland

The last-ever series of Irish pound notes, Series C, was issued between 1992 and 1996. These banknotes truly captured the spirit of a modern, forward-looking Ireland, right on the cusp of the 'Celtic Tiger' economic boom. The designs were contemporary and focused on key figures who helped build the modern Irish state.

This series highlighted the architects of modern Ireland:

• £5 Note: Featured Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy.
• £10 Note: Showcased the groundbreaking writer James Joyce.
• £20 Note: Honoured Daniel O'Connell, "The Liberator."
• £50 Note: Featured Douglas Hyde, the first President of Ireland.
• £100 Note: Celebrated Charles Stewart Parnell, a pivotal nationalist leader.

The design of Series C was distinctly modern, almost European in feel, signalling Ireland's growing integration with the continent. It was the final chapter for the Irish punt before the country adopted the euro in 2002, bringing a fascinating era in currency design to a close.

So, How Do You Figure Out What Your Notes Are Worth?

Right, you've found a stash of old Irish pound notes. The big question now is, what are they actually worth? The good news is that pretty much all of them still have some value. Let's walk through how to identify which notes you have and understand the difference between their simple exchange value and a potential collector’s value.

For most people, the notes tucked away in old drawers or travel wallets will be worth their face exchange value. That's the guaranteed cash amount you get when you use a service like ours. Still, it's always fun to check if you've stumbled upon something a little bit special.

Exchange Value vs Collector Value

Think of it like this: exchange value is the straightforward, guaranteed cash you'll get for your currency. It's based on the fixed conversion rate set when the Irish pound was replaced by the euro. This is the value we provide—a fast, simple, and 100% guaranteed way to turn old banknotes into money you can actually spend.

Collector value, or numismatic value, is a different beast altogether. This is all about rarity, condition, and how much a collector is willing to pay. While it's less common, some Irish pound notes can be worth a whole lot more than their face value to the right person.

Our service is built for the 99% of people who just want to exchange foreign coins and notes without any faff. We make it easy to get paid for leftover currency, but we also think it's important you know how to spot a rare find if one lands in your lap.

How to Spot a Potentially Rare Note

While our hassle-free service is perfect for cashing in most leftover currency, it’s worth giving your notes a quick once-over for a few key features. You never know, you might have something a collector would treasure.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Star Notes: Take a look at the serial number. If you spot an asterisk (*) at the end, you've got what's known as a 'star note' or replacement note. These were printed to replace faulty notes during production, making them much rarer than the standard ones.
• Early or Low Serial Numbers: A note with a really low serial number, like '000001', is always a winner with collectors. Notes from the very first print run of a new series can also attract a lot of interest.
• Pristine Condition: Is your note crisp, clean, and unfolded? A banknote in 'uncirculated' condition is always worth more than one that's been passed around for years. Any creases, stains, or tears will seriously reduce its value to a collector.

Identifying Your Banknote Series

To get a better idea of what you're holding, you can quickly identify the series by its main design. As we covered earlier, Irish currency came in three distinct series, each with its own unique artistic flair.

• Series A (Lavery Notes): These are the oldest ones, featuring a portrait of Lady Lavery as an allegorical figure representing Ireland. If her face is on your note, it’s from this series.
• Series B (Historical Figures): These notes celebrated key figures from Irish history and mythology, like the poet W.B. Yeats or the writer Jonathan Swift.
• Series C (Modern Ireland): The final series had a more modern look and featured the architects of modern Ireland, including James Joyce and Daniel O'Connell.

The Easiest Way to Get Paid

Found some notes, but they don't seem to be rare? That's brilliant news because it means you can easily turn them into cash. Our service is the simplest way to convert foreign coins and banknotes.

There's no need to sort through everything or identify every single note. We've built a solid reputation for trust and credibility with major UK brands, including charities, supermarkets, airports, and even police forces, who all count on us for their currency exchange.

All you have to do is send us your mixed collection of leftover foreign currency, and our fast, easy, and hassle-free process ensures you get paid promptly. End the clutter and unlock the value in your old money—just visit our homepage to get started.

So, you've found a stash of old Irish pound notes and figured out what they are. What's next? The best part: turning them into actual, spendable cash. You might think it's a complicated ordeal, but we’ve made the whole thing incredibly straightforward. Let's walk through just how easy it is to unlock the value hidden in that obsolete currency.

Our service is designed to be fast, easy, and completely hassle-free. We promise you won't need to spend hours sorting through different notes or coins. That’s often the biggest headache when dealing with old money, and it’s a problem we completely eliminate. Just gather up all your leftover currency, and we'll take care of the rest.

From Your Drawer to Your Bank Account

The entire journey is designed with your convenience in mind. Forget queues, complicated forms, or confusing rules. Our system is built to get you paid quickly and efficiently, with a 100% guarantee that gives you complete peace of mind. We're trusted by major organisations across the UK—including well-known charities, supermarkets, airports, and even police forces—who rely on us for their currency exchange needs.

This simple infographic breaks down the initial steps of identifying your Irish pound notes before you send them off.

As you can see, the process starts with identifying the series, checking the condition, and understanding its potential value. Getting this bit right prepares you for a smooth and easy exchange.

The Four Simple Steps to Get Paid

Ready to convert your foreign coins and banknotes? It really is as simple as it gets. We've boiled it down to four easy-to-follow steps that take you from finding your old money to getting paid.

1. Find All Your Currency: This is the fun part. Gather up all your old Irish pound notes and any other leftover foreign currency you might have tucked away. Remember, there is absolutely no need to sort anything. Coins, notes, different currencies—just pop them all in together.

2. Fill Out the Online Form: Head over to our website and complete our simple online exchange form. It's quick, easy, and guides you through everything you need to provide. This is where you’ll let us know how you’d like to be paid, whether by bank transfer or PayPal.

3. Post Your Currency to Us: Once the form is submitted, you’ll get instructions on how to post your currency to us. Package it up securely and send it off. For extra security and peace of mind, we always recommend using a tracked service.

4. Receive Your Guaranteed Payment: As soon as your currency arrives, our team gets straight to work verifying everything. We’ll then process your payment directly to you within five working days. It's that simple—a fast, secure, and guaranteed transaction.

Why It’s Simpler Than You Think

The move from the Irish pound to the euro was a massive logistical undertaking. The final changeover was completed back in 2002, marking the end of the Irish pound's long history. This process, managed by the Central Bank of Ireland, involved distributing huge amounts of new euro currency while withdrawing the old punt notes to ensure a smooth transition for everyone.

Our service effectively picks up where the official channels left off. We provide a modern, easy-to-use platform for anyone who still has obsolete currency, turning what was once a complex issue into a simple, rewarding task.

This dedication to simplicity is why so many people choose us. It doesn't matter if you want to exchange foreign coins and notes from a single trip or have a mixed bag of currencies from years of travel—our process is exactly the same. The same hassle-free approach applies to other obsolete currencies, too. If you've got old British banknotes, you can check out your options in our guide to exchanging old Bank of England notes.

You can even choose to donate foreign coins to charity through our service, turning forgotten cash into valuable contributions for a good cause. Our trusted, straightforward process ensures your old money finds a new purpose, whether it's in your bank account or supporting a charity you care about.

Why Choose a Professional Exchange Service

So, you’ve found a stash of old Irish pound notes. What now? You quickly discover your options are pretty limited. Your local high street bank won’t touch them, and the official deadlines for exchange at the central bank are long gone. This is exactly where a professional exchange service becomes your best bet.

Choosing a dedicated service like ours turns a potentially confusing chore into a simple and rewarding process. We’ve designed everything to be fast, easy, and completely hassle-free. No complicated forms, no long queues, and no uncertainty—just a straightforward way to turn that old money into real, usable cash.

The Power of a 100% Guarantee

One of the biggest worries we hear about is sending money through the post. What if it gets lost? What if there’s a disagreement over what it’s worth? We get it. That’s why we offer a 100% guarantee. This is our promise to you: you will get paid the full, agreed-upon value for the currency you send us.

This guarantee is there to give you complete peace of mind, making the whole thing risk-free. It’s a cornerstone of our service, built to give you confidence and ensure a transparent, trustworthy experience from start to finish.

A Reputation Built on Trust

When you’re dealing with money, credibility is everything. We’re incredibly proud to be trusted by some of the biggest brands and organisations in the UK. Our partners include:

• Leading UK Charities: Who rely on us to handle their currency donations efficiently.
• Major Supermarkets: Who trust us to process foreign currency collected in their stores.
• International Airports: Partnering with us for their currency collection programmes.
• Police Forces: Who use our services to manage seized or found foreign money.

These partnerships speak volumes about our reliability and professionalism. When organisations like these choose to work with us, you can feel confident that you’re dealing with a service that operates with the highest standards of integrity.

Your One-Stop Solution for All Foreign Currency

Our expertise goes well beyond just Irish pound notes. Think of us as your all-in-one solution for any leftover foreign currency you might have tucked away. Whether it’s a handful of American quarters from a business trip, some old Spanish pesetas, or a mixed bag of banknotes from holidays past, we handle it all.

A huge advantage of our service is its simplicity. There is absolutely no need to sort your coins and notes. We know what a time-consuming headache that can be, so we’ve eliminated it. Just gather it all up, and we'll do the rest.

This makes us the perfect choice for anyone looking to clear out their drawers and exchange foreign coins and notes in one easy go. You can even choose to donate foreign coins to charity through our platform, turning that forgotten change into something meaningful.

We specialise in both obsolete and current foreign money, making it easy to unlock the hidden value in your collection. Ready to turn that old currency into cash? Get started by visiting our homepage and see just how simple it is.

Your Irish Pound Questions Answered

Got a few questions about your old Irish pounds? You're not alone. Here are the answers to some of the most common queries we get, helping you figure out what to do with that forgotten currency.

Can I Still Take Old Irish Pounds to a Bank?

In short, probably not. Most high street banks stopped accepting old currencies like the Irish pound a long time ago. The official window at the Central Bank of Ireland has also closed for the public. That’s where we come in – our service offers a fast, easy, and 100% guaranteed way to get cash for your old notes without any fuss.

How Do I Know If My Irish Notes Are Rare?

It’s a great question, but the truth is, most notes will be worth their exchange value. However, some special notes are worth more to collectors. Keep an eye out for "star notes," which have a little asterisk in the serial number. Notes with very low serial numbers or those in absolutely pristine, uncirculated condition can also be more valuable.

For the vast majority of notes people find tucked away, our service is the simplest way to exchange foreign coins and notes and get that cash in your bank.

We’re a trusted partner for major UK organisations, from well-known charities and supermarkets to airports and even police forces. They rely on our credibility and efficiency to handle their foreign currency collections, and you can too.

What If I Have Other Old Foreign Money?

Perfect! We specialise in exchanging both current and obsolete foreign coins and banknotes from dozens of countries. One of the best things about our service is that you don't need to sort anything. Just pop all your leftover currency into one package, send it over, and our expert team will take care of the rest.

Can I Donate My Old Irish Pounds to Charity?

Absolutely, and it’s a fantastic way to make a difference. We work with major charities to turn forgotten money like Irish pounds into crucial donations. You can easily choose to donate foreign coins to charity through our simple process, turning money you thought was worthless into something truly valuable for a good cause.

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Ready to convert your old Irish pound notes and other leftover currency into cash? With We Buy All Currency, the process is fast, easy, and guaranteed. Visit our homepage to fill out your free online form and get started today. Learn more at https://www.webuyallcurrency.com.