| Provider | NextGen Gaming |
|---|---|
| RTP | 95.12% - Compare RTPs |
| Reels | 5 |
| Paylines | 25 |
| Bet Range | £0.01 - £125.00 |
| Features | Wilds, Scatters, Bonus Rounds |
Irish Eyes Slot Review
Irish Eyes is a classic-feeling video slot from NextGen Gaming that packs more depth than its simple look suggests. Released in 2012, it runs across 5 reels and 25 paylines, drawing on the familiar imagery of Irish folklore - shamrocks, rainbows, pots of gold, and a mischievous leprechaun. It has an RTP of 95.12% and medium volatility, which means wins arrive with reasonable regularity without being flat and boring. The top prize is 10,000x your stake.
The game plays at a minimum of £0.25 per spin (with all 25 lines active) up to a maximum of £125 per spin. Paylines are not fixed, so you can reduce the number of active lines if you want, though playing all 25 gives you the best coverage.
Symbols and Theme
The theme is exactly what you would expect - bright greens, rainbows arcing across a sunny sky, and the full set of Irish lucky symbols. On the reels you will find a pot of gold, a four-leaf clover, a rainbow, a leprechaun, and the Irish Lady. Lower value positions are filled by the standard playing card ranks from 9 through to Ace.
The Leprechaun acts as the Wild symbol. It substitutes for all other symbols except the scatter and pays 100x your line bet when you land five in a row. The Irish Lady is the Scatter - she pays 10x your total stake for five appearances anywhere on the reels and triggers the free spins feature.
Bonus Features
Free Spins
Land three or more Irish Lady Scatter symbols anywhere on the reels and you trigger 12 free spins. During the free games, a different reel set is used and all wins are tripled. The feature can be retriggered by landing another three Scatters during the round, so there is no hard cap on how many free spins you can accumulate in a single run. The 3x multiplier combined with the altered reel set makes this the main prize engine in the game.
Pick and Win
If the Wild Leprechaun symbol appears on reel 1 and reel 5 at the same time, you trigger the Pick and Win bonus. You select one of the triggering symbols to reveal a cash prize, which can be up to 100x your triggering bet. This bonus can also fire during the free spins round, stacking on top of the tripled wins already in play.
Gamble Feature
After any base game win you have the option to gamble it. Predict the colour of the next card correctly to double your win, or the suit to quadruple it. The usual advice applies - use it sparingly, if at all, and set yourself a hard limit on how many times you will gamble a single win before banking it.
How Irish Eyes Compares to Irish Eyes 2
NextGen followed this original with Irish Eyes 2, which built on the same framework with more volatile mechanics and a higher RTP of 95.26%. The sequel introduced expanding wilds and a more complex free spins setup. If you enjoy the original's straightforward structure, the sequel is worth trying - but it plays quite differently in terms of frequency of bigger wins.
The first Irish Eyes suits players who prefer a steady, medium-paced game. Irish Eyes 2 tilts more towards risk and reward.
Software Provider
Irish Eyes was developed by NextGen Gaming, a studio that built a strong catalogue of mid-weight slots throughout the 2010s before being absorbed into NYX Gaming Group and subsequently Scientific Games. NextGen titles are known for reliable maths models, clean mobile performance, and the SuperBet mechanic that appears in several of their games - though not in Irish Eyes, which keeps things simpler.
Verdict
Irish Eyes holds up better than you might expect from a 2012 slot. The core loop is tight - base game spins at medium volatility, free spins with a 3x multiplier and retriggering, and a Pick and Win bonus that adds an extra hit of unpredictability. The graphics are dated by today's standards but the mechanics are sound. The 95.12% RTP is on the lower end of what you would find in newer releases, so bear that in mind if you are sensitive to RTP differences.
If you enjoy Irish-themed slots, this is one of the genre's better-constructed originals. It lacks the complexity of modern releases but makes up for it with clean, no-fuss gameplay that does not try to overwhelm you with side mechanics.
Who made the Irish Eyes slot?
Irish Eyes was developed by NextGen Gaming, a software studio that produced a wide catalogue of video slots before being acquired by NYX Gaming Group. The game was released in 2012.
What is the RTP of Irish Eyes?
Irish Eyes has a return to player (RTP) of 95.12%. It is a medium volatility slot, meaning wins come with moderate frequency.
How do you trigger the free spins in Irish Eyes?
Land three or more Irish Lady Scatter symbols anywhere on the reels to trigger 12 free spins. All wins during the round are tripled, and you can retrigger the feature by landing three more Scatters during the free spins.
What does the Wild symbol do in Irish Eyes?
The Leprechaun is the Wild symbol. It substitutes for all other symbols except the Lady Scatter, and pays 100x your line bet for five on a payline.
What is the Pick and Win bonus in Irish Eyes?
If the Wild Leprechaun appears on reel 1 and reel 5 simultaneously, the Pick and Win bonus fires. You choose one of the triggering symbols to reveal a prize of up to 100x your bet. This can also trigger during the free spins round.
Is there a difference between Irish Eyes and Irish Eyes 2?
Yes. Irish Eyes 2 has a higher RTP of 95.26%, expanding wilds, and a more volatile structure with a bigger top win potential. The original Irish Eyes is the simpler, steadier game of the two.
Where to Play Irish Eyes
These online casinos carry NextGen Gaming games including Irish Eyes. Read our Lord Of The Spins review or browse all casino reviews.
Irish Eyes RTP and Variance
Irish Eyes has an RTP of 95.12%, which is around the industry average. See our highest RTP slots for the best returning games.
At the minimum bet of £0.01 per spin, a £10 deposit gives you 1,000 spins with a statistical expected return of £9.51. Read our slot betting strategy guide for tips on managing your bankroll.
More NextGen Gaming Slots
If you enjoy Irish Eyes, try these other NextGen Gaming games available at the same casinos.
