Traveling Ireland On A Budget (How to Explore More for Less)

Ireland is truly not a cheap destination. The rich and lively Irish culture, rolling green scenery, and magnificent castles are worth a visit.

But can you travel to Ireland on a budget? Yes, you can. It all boils down to planning and some important tips from personal experience.

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Tips For Traveling Ireland On A Budget

We love traveling and made an exciting discovery the other day.

When you go to Ireland, one of the simplest ways to save money is to drive yourself and explore the enchanting landscapes.

An overnight stay in the cities is lovely, but you will get the most out of your trip by finding countryside gems.

There are plenty of historic castles, picture-perfect seaside destinations, and traditional pubs to catch a few pints undisturbed.

While you may not clean up your bank account, spending while on vacation in Ireland can get out of hand. There are ways to have an affordable holiday without going over budget or getting into credit card debt. Find out here Is Ireland expensive to visit?

Below are a few thoughtful tips for a cost-friendly trip to Ireland.

Plan, Plan Some More And Save

Proper preparation before any trip means you source for the best deals. Ideally, your Ireland journey should begin with finding flight deals, where to stay, food, and excursions to take. But first, save as much as you can.

While backpacking through Europe seems fun, you will need more than a few hundred Euros to spend a few days in Dublin.

Spending a little more to have a great time requires discipline, and saving up for travel is the only way to achieve this.

First, understand your budget and the experience you want to strike a good balance. Next, make a travel itinerary to have a better chance of sticking to your budget.

Lastly, scour the internet for bargains in Ireland, such as cheap accommodation options and public transport passes.

Get a Prepaid Debit Card

While cash is necessary, especially for local spots that may not take credit cards, having a prepaid multi-currency debit card is a plus.

It may seem convenient to have cash from home, but mainland Ireland transacts in Euros while the North uses Pounds. Converting your American dollars to the local currency will keep you going for a few days while your debit card provides safe backup money.

Of course, you can use your credit card, but there are higher chances of incurring more costs. If your goal is to travel to Ireland on a budget, the idea is to cut costs as much as possible.

Check out any travel perks your card issuer provides and make the most of them, especially travel insurance.

Read before you go to Ireland 📖

Early Booking Is The Best

It is common knowledge among frequent travelers that early bookings save time and money.

early booking Ireland budget travel — Consider early booking

If it is your first time traveling, especially to Ireland, I’ll let you on a few secrets. Well, they aren’t new, but they will be helpful.

You can get cheaper flights and hotel accommodations if you book months before your holiday. Especially during the peak tourist seasons, rent a car in advance, and you will pay way less than on arrival.

However, if your trip to Ireland is unplanned, you will dig deeper into your pockets. For every extra coin you spend on travel expenses alone, save more by finding cheaper solutions once you get to your location.

Bring a Friend or Five

Having travel companions is always cheaper, unlike taking solo trips. Whether it is your spouse, children, parents, or group of friends, the more of you there are, the more money you save.

Group travel also attracts better rates, especially for transport and housing. If you share rooms, you can similarly split bills such as car rental and food costs.

Hire A Car For Moving Around Ireland

While finding public transport, especially in Dublin, is simple, renting a car is cheaper, especially if you are in a group. You will also be able to visit more places which offer a variety of things to do in Ireland.

The winding Irish countryside roads are popular with tourists, and you can travel further, even with a short itinerary.

Make time to visit all the favorite spots on the map, with a few surprisingly unknown ones, and make memories to last a lifetime.

Skip The Hotels

Hotels tend to take a substantial chunk of all holiday expenses, and if you are traveling to Ireland on a budget, consider skipping them. Hostels are perfect alternatives, especially for students and solo travelers.

For those with children, or if you prefer privacy, an Airbnb will offer the comforts of home with a dash of Irish tradition and hospitality.

Book a stay at some of the renowned castles in the countryside that have been converted into intriguing guesthouses.

Try The Great Outdoors

If you are an adventurous traveler, why not hike rural Ireland’s breathtaking, lush rolling hills?

Most parks do not charge entry fees; besides sightseeing, you will put in much-needed physical exercise. The perfect opportunity to burn calories and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

In summer, especially, the cities are packed with tourists and visitors from all over the world. Taking a day or two hiking trip gets you away from the crowds, and you will spend less money discovering new sights.

One Or Two Pub Visits Is Enough

The Irish pub culture is equally exciting as it is pricey.

With a single pint averaging 5 Euros, it is best to save money by spending less time in the pubs. Instead, drive to a local store and buy a case or two to enjoy in your guesthouse.

If your friends insist on a night out, have a strict budget that you will stick to. Alternatively, distract them by visiting the traditional Irish pubs that play catchy folk music to dance along.

Countryside vs. City Stays

The picturesque coastal views of the Irish countryside beat the street-packed cities every time.

A day trip driving along the rural roads is several times cheaper than a Dublin city tour. Take advantage of the panoramic views without spending a dime.

Moreover, accommodation in villages and small Irish towns is fair, and you will get more value for your money.

For instance, if you are a group of friends, a house in the country will cost less than city hotel rooms.

Purchase And Dine Local

You’ll want to try a hearty traditional Irish meal or two during your stay, but buy from small outlets to save on food costs. Eating each meal in a restaurant can be expensive, even on vacation.

Instead, shop at chain stores or supermarkets for groceries and snacks. In addition, ensure you have enough supplies if you visit or stay in the countryside.

The local neighborhood farms also sell fresh produce you can pick up daily, such as milk and eggs.

Travel During Low Season

Visiting Ireland in summer is costly, and the streets are packed with tourists.

With the high demand, prices of basic needs such as accommodation and transport increase. For those working with a budget, it may not be the best time to visit.

visiting Ireland off season — Visit Ireland off season

During the rest of the year, it gets less busy, and you can choose which season to go, between spring and fall.

Although the weather may be unpredictable, it is better than winter, and the costs remain unchanged.

Freebies Are Equally Attractive

While most tourist attractions and activities in Ireland charge a fee, a few locations have free access.

Hiking trails in national parks and seaside locations tend to be free for all, especially those away from the city.

Night strolls along the cliffs or historic streets of medieval Irish towns will take you down memory lane.

Their charm lies in the untouched local architecture and the friendly locals that have tales of living there most of their lives.

Save The Rest For Next Time

The beauty of travel is that you can visit the same place ten times and have a different experience with each visit.

Keeping your itinerary short helps you make the most of your travels. Besides, you will also spend less as you do not have to visit everywhere in one go.

Read next – What is Ireland known for?

Conclusion

With all the above tips for traveling Ireland on a budget, you and your loved ones should have the best time without worrying about money.

The Skyscanner site is one of the best travel resources we recommend for affordable flights. Also you can check out deals on Expedia.com. Once your travel schedule is confirmed, the rest will fall in place, but only if you plan effectively and stick to your budget.