Tipping in Ireland

This is a subject that i feel needs clarification as there seems to be a lot of confusion as to whether or not tipping is the norm in Ireland. I am led to believe that many tourists from the USA are being told before they come here that tips are not expected in Ireland. I would love to know how they came to that conclusion. Let me make it clear here and now....tipping is expected in Ireland and we Irish tip just the same as anybody else.
Maybe i should start by explaining just what i think tipping is all about. I would like to say that first of all i always tip when i think i have received good service no matter where i happen to be at the time. For me it has nothing to do whatsoever with whether i am in Ireland or the USA. It is solely because i am happy with the service i have received. I know that in the USA it seems to be looked on as compulsory to tip. Personally i do not like to look at it that way and if i am unhappy about the service i receive i sometimes will not tip at all. I find it embarrasing when somebody asks me if a tip is expected, and i believe that anybody would be if put in the same position. If you have to ask then it would appear that you really do not want to tip anyway. I do understand if somebody is unsure as to how much they feel they should give as their tip. My understanding is that in the USA 15% is pretty much the norm. In Ireland i think we tip according to how we feel about the service we have received. Use your own judgement and tip accordingly, that is my advice. It is a nice thing to do and it is also nice to be on the receiving end and to know that people feel that you have done a good job. It also helps to pay the bills.
Finally let be just say that if somebody goes that extra mile for you then maybe you should let them know that you have noticed. As a tour operator and private driver and guide i will always do my best with no strings attached. Your holiday in Ireland will be special and will not depend on your tipping me but it is always appreciated.
Your opinion would be appreciated.