By most European standards, Ireland The cost of travel can be quite high. Accommodation and food are usually offered at high prices, which means that a substantial daily budget is necessary.
However, there are plenty of ways to make your money go further when visiting Ireland, and if you're traveling on a budget, I've got a host of money-saving tips that will help you enjoy the best of what the country has to offer without missing out on the best experiences.
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your visit to Ireland.
Daily costs
- Hostel room: €40-70 (€50-120 in Dublin)
- Basic room for two: €80-100 (€100-150 in Dublin)
- Independent apartments (including Airbnb): €150 to €250
- Public transport ticket: €3.60
- Coffee: €3-€5
- Sandwich: €4-€8
- Dinner for two: €150
- Beer/pint at the bar: €6-€9
- Average daily cost: €150€250
Find out the cheapest time to go to Ireland
The peak season, May and August, is the most expensive time to visit Ireland, so you can save a lot by travelling outside of these months. Winter (excluding Christmas) is when flight and accommodation prices are at their lowest, but you're likely to encounter the worst weather and many seasonal closures, particularly along the west coast.
The best time to visit is during the low season, particularly in autumn (spring is marked by St. Patrick's Day and Easter, which are usually very busy and popular), when the crowds have thinned, prices are lower (especially for accommodation) and the weather can be surprisingly good.
Check the cheapest way to get there
Ireland is an island, so the vast majority of arrivals are by air. Dublin is the most popular arrival point, but if you are coming from North America, flights to Shannon Airport are generally cheaper. For arrivals from Europe, Ireland-based Ryanair is Europe's largest airline, with dozens of cheap flights to Dublin and Cork from most major European cities. The ferry is even cheaper. There are ferry ports in Dublin, Rosslare And Belfastin the service of arrivals from the UNITED KINGDOM, France And SpainA typical Sail & Rail ticket between London and Dublin can cost as little as €20.
Public transport is a good option for getting around
Ireland has a fairly extensive network public and private buses which are the most affordable way to travel. Transport to Ireland is a convenient route planner for all public transport services across the country, including buses; in rural areas, Local link Services are a convenient way to explore the local surroundings.
How to Save Money on Attractions
Many attractions offer discounted rates if you buy your tickets online in advance. You can also buy visitor passes that include entry to a number of attractions, such as the Dublin Pass. The Heritage Card includes free entry to all sites run by the Office of Public Works; it can be a good deal depending on how many sites you plan to visit.
Entrance to the four museums that make up the National Museum of Ireland (three branches in Dublin and one, the Country Life Museumin County Mayo), the national gallery in Dublin, the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork and the Ulster Museum in Belfast.
Where to find good food at low prices
In larger cities and towns with large working populations, many restaurants offer lunch deals that typically include a starter and a main course. Many Asian restaurants offer bento boxes as part of their lunch deals. Many restaurants also offer early bird menus, typically served between 5pm and 7pm. The menu is more limited but can offer considerable savings over the standard à la carte evening meal.
Start table is a great online service that allows you to book quick service at restaurants across the country. You have to buy credit from them, but the savings are huge, usually up to 50% off the regular price of the meal.
How to find cheap accommodation in Ireland
Accommodation will likely be the largest part of your travel budget. However, since many hotels use booking engines that work with dynamic pricing (meaning rates go up and down based on demand), booking early can often result in great deals. Calling a hotel directly – especially at the last minute – can also help you get a better price than what’s listed on a website.
Traditional B&Bs have long been the backbone of Ireland’s accommodation sector and, although many have been replaced by a plethora of mid-range hotels, they still offer surprisingly good value for money, with the added bonus of a home-cooked breakfast. Another option for saving on accommodation is to travel off-season, when prices are generally lower.
Find out where to join a free walking tour in Ireland
There are a handful of free guided tours that only require a tip. Visits with yellow umbrella organises free themed tours in Belfast, Cork, Dublin and Galway. Sandeman offers free tours in many European cities, including Dublin, where it offers a standard walking tour as well as a haunted evening tour, which explores the capital's darker histories.
The best entertainment in Ireland for the price of a drink is…
Irish traditional music is the most vibrant and dynamic folk music in Western Europe. It is performed throughout the country, mainly in traditional pub “sessions,” where many of the world’s best players in the genre will showcase their remarkable skills… at no cost to the audience. Just show up, buy a drink, and sit back and enjoy.
How to visit heritage sites for free
Unless you invest in a Heritage Card, visiting OPW (Office of Public Works, the government agency that manages Ireland's heritage sites) attractions can be expensive. However, try to plan your visit for the first Wednesday of the month, when many sites waive their entry fees by law. Wednesday free.
How to travel cheaply by train in Ireland
In Northern Ireland, the Sunday Fun Day Tracker ticket allows passengers unlimited train travel on Sundays for £9 (£4.50 for children). Tickets are available from all ticket offices, mlink ticketing application and the train driver.
Take advantage of the cap on transport rates
If you're planning to explore the area around Dublin, you'll save money by using public transport, which has a fare cap for travel to some of the region's suburban towns in counties Kildare, Meath and Louth. The standard fare for a one-way ticket to/from Dublin to many towns is €6.
Invest in a Leap Card for public transport in Dublin
If you plan to use public transport in Dublin, make sure you have a Jump card – a tap-and-hold card (similar to London’s Oyster Card) that reduces the price of a ticket by around 10% compared to cash and eliminates the hassle of having to provide exact change when buying a ticket. Leap cards can be purchased from most convenience stores. Topping up is a breeze: you can do it at train stations, Luas stops and any convenience store that sells them. You can also download the Leap top-up app for NFC-enabled iPhone 7 (or later) and Android phones. You then hold the card against the back of the phone and it will display your balance and options for adding value.
Continue planning the trip of a lifetime to Ireland:
- Start your Ireland bucket list with our list of best things to do.
- Having wheels, traveling: here are the best road trips to face in Ireland.
- Get out and enjoy the great outdoors in Ireland with these the best walks.
- Read on to find out when the best time to go in Ireland.
- Think outside the box with this guide to where locals spend their holidays in Ireland.
