| Cover | Jun. 16, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Jun. 16, 2021 |
| Entity File Number | 001-37820 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Cardtronics plc |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001671013 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-1304627 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | X0 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2050 W. Sam Houston Parkway South |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 1300 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Houston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 77042 |
| City Area Code | 832 |
| Local Phone Number | 308-4000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Ordinary Shares, nominal value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | CATM |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
