The Irish have traditionally always drunk tap water, but in recent years have introduced filter systems to combat the presence of potentially toxic chemicals called trihalomethanes (THMs) in the water supply, which have exceeded EU-sanctioned levels in various parts of the country, including Kerry, Cork, Kilkenny city, Waterford, Wicklow, Meath, Mayo, Roscommon, Donegal and Galway.
Although the potential issues are only associated with long-term exposure to THMs, you should make sure to drink only filtered or bottled water while in Ireland, and never drink from the bathroom tap.