I have lived in Ireland for many years and I have seen the cost of living rise quite a bit lately. It is true that the price of a vacation here can become very high if you do not plan. Budget Travel Tips Ireland are now more important than ever for anyone who wants to see the beauty of the “Emerald Isle” without losing their life savings. I want to share my personal experiences with you. Pure magic. That is what Ireland offers. But you need to be smart.
First of all, let us talk about timing.
The time of year you choose to visit is the biggest factor in your total cost. If you visit during the peak summer months of July and August, you will face the highest prices and the biggest crowds. Budget travel ireland is much easier if you look at the “off-season” or “shoulder season”. First of all, experts and locals like me know that November to February is the cheapest time to visit. You can find much lower hotel rates during these months. You might even catch the Northern Lights if you head to a peninsula in Donegal in January.
However, there is a trade-off. The weather can be cold and wet during the winter. If you prefer flowers and coastal drives, April to June is a wonderful time. March is a very expensive time because everyone wants to be here for St. Patrick’s Day. I suggest you avoid March if you are on a tight budget. Similarly, the weeks around Christmas and New Year are pricey.
How much does it really cost?
You might ask, how much would a round trip to ireland cost? It depends on where you start. For my friends in the United States, the cheapest way to travel to ireland from us is to set price alerts on websites like Skyscanner. Return flights from the US in March can cost around $709, but those same flights might jump to $1,058 in June. That is a saving of nearly $349 just by changing the month.
Therefore, you should plan your itinerary before you book those flights. Ireland has several airports. You need to know which one is the best starting point for your road trip. Now, let us look at a cost of trip to ireland for 2. A low-budget trip for two people coming from JFK in the US for a week in June can cost about $2,679. If you are a solo traveler, a 7-day budget trip usually starts at around $1,950.
You may also wonder how much money should i bring to ireland for 10 days. If you follow the budget tips in this guide, you can keep your costs down. Additionally, remember that your unavoidable costs like flights and a place to sleep will take the biggest bite out of your wallet. You can control your “avoidable costs” like pints of beer, fancy dinners, and souvenirs.
Choosing where to sleep: B&B or Airbnb?
This is a big debate for travelers. For a long time, the traditional Bed and Breakfast was the main choice for tourists. Gradually, Airbnb became popular too. But which offers the best value?
I often recommend a B&B for mature travelers. First of all, most B&Bs are approved by Fáilte Ireland, which is the national tourism board. They have a shamrock sign outside to show they meet high standards. A big perk is the Full Irish Breakfast. It usually includes sausages, bacon, eggs, pudding, and tomatoes. If you eat a huge breakfast at your B&B, you can skip an expensive lunch. A breakfast in a café can cost between $16 and $26. Therefore, the B&B saves you money every single morning.
The average price for a B&B for two people is about $200 per night, but it can be lower in rural areas. On the contrary, an Airbnb might not include breakfast. You can buy food at a local shop and cook in the Airbnb kitchen to save money. However, some people find Airbnbs a bit impersonal because you might never meet the owner. In a B&B, you get local knowledge from the host. They might tell you about a hidden walking trail or a cheap local pub.
Getting around the island.
The cheapest way to travel within Ireland is to use public transport. It is much cheaper than renting a car. For example, a return bus from Dublin to Galway is only about $31. A train from Dublin to Cork is about $80. Additionally, if you book your train tickets online and in advance, they are much cheaper.
However, there is a catch. Public transport is great in cities like Dublin, but it is hard to reach rural spots without a car. Places like Donegal have a very limited bus network and no trains at all. If you do rent a car, use a comparison tool like DiscoverCars to get the best deal. A car rental for a week in June can cost around $627.
If you stay in Dublin, you must get a Leap Visitor Card. It costs only about $16 for a 3-day pass. It gives you unlimited travel on city buses, the Luas tram, and the DART train. It is a massive money saver. Also, the Dublin Pass can save you between $24 and $54 on entry fees for top attractions.
Dublin on a budget: Free things to do.
Many people think Dublin is too expensive. Gradually, I learned that you can see the best parts of the city for zero dollars. There are over 26 free things to do if you know where to look.
First of all, the national museums are free. You can visit the National Gallery of Ireland and see amazing art. The National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology is home to ancient gold and famous “bog bodies”. Additionally, the Natural History Museum, which locals call the “Dead Zoo,” is a quirky and free place to visit. These are all near Merrion Square.
Later, you should take a stroll through Phoenix Park. It is one of the largest city parks in Europe. It is completely free to enter. You can see a herd of over 400 wild deer wandering through the fields. On top of that, you can take a free tour of Áras an Uachtaráin, which is the house of the President of Ireland, on Saturdays.
If you like history, visit Glasnevin Cemetery. It is the final resting place of famous Irish leaders like Michael Collins. It is free to walk around and very peaceful. Right next door are the National Botanic Gardens, which are also free to enter. They have beautiful glasshouses and quiet paths.
For a unique experience, find Sweny’s Pharmacy. It is no longer a working pharmacy, but it looks exactly like it did in the Victorian era. It has a connection to the famous book Ulysses by James Joyce. It is run by volunteers and there is no entry fee, though they have a donation box. You can even buy the famous lemon soap mentioned in the book.
Cheap places to visit in Ireland beyond the capital.
You do not have to stay in the city to have fun. There are many cheap places to visit in Ireland along the coast. First of all, take the DART train to Howth. It is a 30-minute trip from Dublin. Howth is a fishing village with a stunning Cliff Walk. It costs nothing to walk the cliffs and the views of the sea are incredible. You might even see seals in the harbor.
Similarly, Dún Laoghaire is just 20 minutes away by train. You can walk the long pier for free and enjoy the sea air. Bray is another great seaside town about 40 minutes from the city. It has a long beach and a lovely walk along the promenade.
If you have a car, you can explore the Wild Atlantic Way. This is a famous 1,500-mile coastal route. You can follow an 11-day itinerary that takes you from Cork all the way to Donegal. There are many “Discovery Points” along the way that are free to visit. Also, places like Slieve League in Donegal have some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, and they are free to see.
Eating and drinking without breaking the bank.
Eating out in Ireland can “banjax” (damage) your budget quickly. Dinner in a restaurant usually costs between $29 and $53 per person. Therefore, you must be careful.
First of all, shop at discount supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi. They have great prices on food. Additionally, Tesco and Dunnes Stores are good options. You can get a Tesco meal deal for about $4.49. This includes a sandwich or salad, a drink, and a snack. It is a very cheap way to have lunch while you are exploring. Plus, many grocery stores have salad bars or delis where you can get a hot roll or a sandwich for a few dollars.
However, the biggest cost for many travelers is the pub. The price of a pint can be as high as $10.50 in the Temple Bar area. Therefore, I suggest you avoid drinking in Temple Bar. It is a “rip off” for locals. You can find much cheaper pints in local pubs outside the main tourist zones.
One of my favorite Budget Travel Tips Ireland is to find “trad” music sessions in pubs that do not have a cover charge. Places like The Cobblestone in Dublin have musicians who sit in the corner and play for the love of it. There is no stage and no ticket price. You just buy a drink and listen. Pure Irish soul. That is what you get there.
Also, remember that tap water is free in Ireland. You can ask for it in any restaurant or pub if you are also ordering food. But do not sit in a pub and only order water. That is considered mean.
The magic of the Heritage Card.
If you love visiting old castles and historic sites, you must plan a trip to ireland that includes the Heritage Card. This card gives you free admission to over 45 of the best heritage sites in the country for a whole year.
It costs $43 for an adult and only $32 for a senior over age 60. If you are traveling as a family, a family card is about $97 and covers two adults and five children. You can use it at famous places like Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin Castle, and the Rock of Cashel. Additionally, it works at the Brú na Bóinne visitor center where you see ancient tombs.
Finally, many sites managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) are free on certain days or have been free in recent years to help tourism. Always check the official website to see which spots are free before you go.
Is Ireland cheap to live or visit?
You might wonder, is ireland cheap to live? The answer is no. The cost of living has skyrocketed. Therefore, tourists feel the high prices too. However, you can still have a wonderful trip if you focus on free experiences.
Additionally, if you are from outside the European Union, you might be able to get a VAT refund on some of your purchases. The standard VAT rate in Ireland is a huge 23%. If you buy expensive souvenirs or clothes, you can save a lot of money by claiming this tax back at the airport when you leave.
Practical tips for the road.
First of all, do not pay high roaming charges on your phone. Use an eSIM like Airalo. You can get an affordable data plan for about $10 or $20. This helps you use maps and find cheap places to eat without using expensive hotel Wi-Fi.
Later, make sure you have travel insurance. It is an absolute must. If something goes wrong, a small cost for insurance now can save you thousands of dollars later. I use a tool like VisitorsCoverage to compare cheap plans.
FAQ
How can I travel around Ireland cheaply?
Public transport is the most affordable choice for your journey. Buses and trains save you more money than car rentals. You should book your tickets online and early to get the best price.
How much money should I budget for a trip to Ireland?
A budget trip for one person for a week starts at about $1,950. A couple should plan to spend around $2,679 for a seven-day trip in June.
What are some tips for traveling on a budget?
Travel during the shoulder or off-season months to find lower hotel rates. Use supermarket meal deals from Tesco or Dunnes Stores to keep your food costs down. Stay in B&Bs because they include a large breakfast in the price of the room.
What is the cheapest month to travel to Ireland?
The cheapest months to visit are between November and February. Prices for places to sleep are at their lowest during this time.
What not to do in Ireland as a tourist?
Do not visit a pub and order only tap water because it is rude to the owner. You should avoid drinks in the Temple Bar area as they are very expensive. Do not eat at restaurants for every meal if you want to save money.
What I wish I knew before going to Ireland?
Many rural areas like Donegal do not have train networks or many buses. You will find that the price of food and drinks in cities can be very high if you do not plan.
What are your top 10 travel tips?
- Choose off-season travel months. 2. Book all transport online in advance. 3. Stay in B&Bs for the free breakfast. 4. Buy food at discount shops like Lidl or Aldi. 5. Get a Heritage Card for free site visits. 6. Use the Leap Visitor Card in Dublin. 7. Visit free national museums and galleries. 8. Avoid the high prices in tourist bars. 9. Ask for free tap water only with a meal. 10. Set a firm budget for your fun and drinks.
Can you go on a trip with $500?
A short trip of two or three days might be possible if you are very careful with $500. A standard one-week budget trip is much more expensive.
How much would a 7 day trip to Ireland cost?
It starts at around $1,950 for a solo traveler.
Concluding words
Ireland is a beautiful place that can be expensive for those who do not plan. You can save money by choosing the off-season and using free attractions like national museums. Local secrets like supermarket meal deals and the Heritage Card keep your costs low. Smart travelers use public transport and stay in B&Bs to stay within their budget. Be careful with your money. You will have a wonderful time.
