Exchange old or damaged Irish banknotes

Please note: There are no appointments available for the exchange of banknote/coin applications in person at the Central Bank from 19 December 2024 to 3rd January 2025, inclusive. Our Teller service will remain operational until 1pm on 24 December 2024 to facilitate the exchange of high denomination banknotes only.

To exchange old or damaged Irish banknotes (punts) please follow the steps below.

Step 1. Prepare your notes

IR£ pounds: Old or damaged banknotes 

You can exchange old IR£ pound banknotes into euro.

The exchange rate is IR£1 = €1.269738.

You can also exchange damaged old Irish IR£ pounds. Examples of damaged banknotes include those that are partially burnt, cut or decomposed.

Read how to prepare and package your money below, including some special conditions.

Step 2. Download and complete the application form(s).

IR£ pounds

Step 3. Prepare supporting documents

For a personal application worth over £150

Using the exchange rate of IR£1 = €1.269738, if the value of your old or damaged IR£ notes is worth over £150 you must include a high-quality photocopy of an official identity document which reflects the name on the bank account details you provide with your application form. This can be either your:

• Passport or
• Driver’s licence

The photocopy must clearly show your full name, photograph and date of birth. You are also required to provide proof of address and proof of ownership of the bank account into which the funds will be exchanged (e.g. a redacted bank statement).

• In the event you are submitting in excess of £750,
• You must be able to demonstrate where the banknotes came from, i.e. you must provide reliable and independent data, documents and/or information to evidence the source of funds (i.e. the physical banknotes) and/or proof of your ownership of the banknotes. This may include:

• Proof of gift/inheritance
• Bank account statements/bank withdrawal receipts where applicable
• Legal documents, (e.g. if proceeds of deceased’s Estate, proof of grant of probate, solicitor’s letter on behalf of executor etc.). Please contact [email protected]
  in advance to confirm the documentation needed

Failure to provide this information may result in delays to your submission being processed.

For a business or charity application worth over £150

Include the following information with your application:

• CRO (Companies Registration Office) number
• High-quality photocopy of a redacted bank statement for the company bank account included on your application form
• Letter from the Company or Charity authorising you to act on their behalf

Step 4. Check other application conditions

You may also have to meet other conditions to apply for an exchange. This includes circumstances where your notes:

• Have less than 50% of the note presented
• Are contaminated, e.g. with blood or chemicals
• Need extra testing
• Need special handling due to the nature of the damage or contamination

Read the full application conditions below.

Step 5. Submit your application

There are three options when submitting your application to the Central Bank:

Option 1: Via a Retail Bank Branch

In some cases, you may be able to apply to exchange old or damaged money via your bank branch. You must complete the appropriate Central Bank exchange form at a retail bank branch, and they may submit the application directly to the Central Bank on your behalf. Contact your bank directly to ask about this option.

Option 2: Registered Post

Applicants within Ireland may complete the appropriate form and send it by Registered Post directly to the Central Bank address listed on the form.

Please see the An Post website for further information on sending restricted items by post. Applications submitted to the Central Bank by post are at the sender’s risk.

If you are unsure as to what documentation to submit, please contact [email protected] to discuss further. You may be invited to submit the completed application form and documentation in advance of the banknotes being accepted for processing.

Option 3: At the Central Bank's Public Office [By appointment]

Public access to our offices and teller services in North Wall Quay, Dublin 1 is currently limited and by appointment only.

How to make an appointment:

To inquire about the availability of a date and time for an appointment, please email [email protected] or telephone +353 (1) 224 5969.

Step 6. After you apply

When we receive your application, we will check that you have included the:

1. Completed application form(s)
2. Money to be exchanged
3. Supporting documents (if required)

We will also check other conditions where relevant, e.g. weight, contamination, etc.

We will then process your application. This may involve sending the notes for testing and engaging with the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, An Garda Siochana and other competent authorities.

Contact and help

If you have any queries about this service please read our Frequently Asked Questions or contact us at [email protected].

See also:

• Exchanging Old or Damaged Money – Frequently Asked Questions