Ireland Vacation On A Budget – Travel Tips, Advice, & Essentials

Believe it or not…there is in fact, an affordable way to experience your dream of traveling to the majestic land of the Emerald Isle!

It is true. Ireland is one of the more expensive countries to travel to, for vacation. However, with just a bit of creativity, research, and planning, visiting this beautiful European country can be done without breaking the bank!

When I began researching some of the costs associated with a visit to Ireland, it felt really daunting. After reading a few articles on planning a budget friendly trip, I started to see a pattern of an “out of the box” way of thinking that will ultimately help save a small fortune on the trip I would like to plan.

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I found there are various ways of saving a few dollars here and there, without sacrificing quality on your trip. This post will get you started on the right track to discovering all of the ways you can plan accordingly, frugally, and without feeling overwhelmed.

You will also walk away with several tips to help you pack and prepare for an international adventure. After all, the more prepared you are, the more relaxed your vacation will be!

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Planning Your Trip

When planning a trip on a budget that includes so many possible variables, it’s always best to plan at least a few months in advance. It gives you more opportunity to shop around for the best prices on airfare, accommodations, activities, etc., as well as time to make the ideal arrangements.

The first thing you will want to do, is come up with a general idea as to when you want to take your trip. If you plan to visit during off-peak or shoulder times of the year, you will automatically save on airfare, accommodations, and other expenses.

The off peak months of the year to visit Ireland are generally late September-February, with May, September, and October being the best months for flight and accommodation deals or packages.

One valuable tool you should implement when you begin your planning, is a Flight Price Alert. This is a free service offered by several travel companies, that notifies you (in real time) when flights, hotels, or car rental prices change for the criteria you are searching for.

Just set your parameters and the service will let you know when a deal comes up, so you can snatch it at a better price. Check out this article for more details.

This map below will be a great reference guide when it comes to planning airfare. (Courtesy of The Irish Road Trip)

Budget Friendly Accommodations

Accommodations can be very expensive in Ireland, especially within the more populated tourist areas. You’d think hotels would be the cheaper way to go, but that’s not always the case. They can be more expensive than B & B’s or Airbnb’s!

I found the majority of affordable and comfortable stays, happen to be Airbnb’s, Aparthotels, and traditional B & B’s, though sometimes a bit away from town. If public transportation or a car rental is convenient for you, those are the two categories I would start with. Not only do you get a better price, but you get more space and cooking potential along with it! Here are a few examples of affordable B & B’s, Aparthotels, and Airbnb’s.

On the other hand, if extra space is not a priority, there are some dorms or hostels that can be found in the budget friendly range. Here are some examples to get you started.

For accommodations that are entirely free, Couchsurfing, House Swapping, and Housesitting are all viable options. Click on the links above for more information!

Dining On A Budget

Before I say anything else on this topic, I have to say this… If you have never had a full Irish breakfast, you should do that at least once in your life.

Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way…

I’m a huge fan of cooking the majority of our meals, while on vacation. You can save so much money that way! Sure, it may cost a few extra dollars to stay somewhere with access to a kitchen area (self-catering accommodation), but it still cuts your food expense by a significant amount!

The best way to cut your food expense from the beginning, is to make a trip to one of the well known supermarkets, such as Dunnes, Tesco, Aldi or Lidl. You can prepare most of your meals from your rental and still enjoy the occasional meal out!

Here are a few good meal planning tips very similar to what I would follow when in Ireland. Check out this article, as well. Use your imagination and a week of careful planning will quickly scale down your food bill!

Likewise, when it comes to entertainment and pubs, keeping an eye on your drink intake is one way to save a bit as well. The average price of a pint is about €5.50/$5.79, which isn’t too far off American prices. However, if you enjoy yourself too much at the pub, the consequences are similar to that of America, as well.

A hefty liquor bill :/

You’re better off purchasing a case of stout from the local supermarket, wineshop, or other licensed establishment during permissable hours by law.

Tip – When it comes to eating out, pubs are well known for giving the most value at reasonable prices.

Tip – You will find that most B & B’s will offer a delicious breakfast in the mornings, for free. That cuts your food expense right there! Here is a list of B & B’s I found in Ireland, that offer free breakfast.

Trains, Planes, & Automobiles

When it comes to the best and most affordable transportation options, I’ve seen a variety of opinions on this matter. Some folks claim public transportation is the way to go when visiting Ireland. Others say renting a car is more efficient and budget friendly. Still, others say your best bet is to use a combination of public transportation and guided tours.

I say it all depends on your budget and itinerary. Let’s break it down…

Buses and Trams:

If you are staying in Dublin (or other city) and plan to primarily explore the local area, the bus system may be the most economical way to go And apparently, one of the most comfortable!

With on board WiFi, comfortable seats, power sockets, and reliable drop off/pick up times, exploring the city by bus seems to be a very nice option.

There are two main bus companies that operate throughout the entire country at reasonable prices. They are Bus Éireann and Translink.

For bus lines that have more specific destinations such as landmarks, suburbs, and major destinations, smaller bus lines may be worthwhile checking into. (The most popular are AirCoach, JJ Kavanaugh, and CityLink.

Trams are another way of getting around locally, in city areas. The Ireland Tram network is called Luas and serves the Dublin area, as well as a few areas to the South of Dublin. You can find their schedules and rates here.

Trains

I have always wanted to take a train ride, and there could be no better place to experience such an adventure, than the Emerald Isle!

There are two major rail systems in Ireland, Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) and Translink. With routes extending outward from Dublin to all areas and corners of the country, there’s no place you can’t reach by train! And with so many picturesque sights to be seen along the way, the rail systems are the one mode of transportation you won’t want to miss out on, if only for a quick ride!

For travel tickets in the Republic of Ireland, check out Irish Rail’s website. For Northern Ireland locations, you’ll want to visit Translink’s website.

If you are planning on using public transportation for a lot of your trip, it may be worthwhile for you to check into purchasing a Leap Visitor Card.

For a detailed explanation and breakdown as to what this card can do for you, click here.

Rental Car

Renting a car during your stay, is an option you should carefully consider for a few reasons. First and foremost, are you 25 years of age or older AND have a valid driver’s license in your country that coincides with Ireland’s driving requirements? You will need to check that before renting a car.

(For complete guidelines and instructions, read here.)

Knowing my husband and I, and our propensity for random adventures, a rental car probably makes more sense for us. I’m not quite sure if that will be a combination of transportation methods, or the sole method we rely on.

If you’re unsure as to whether or not you should rent a car for a portion or all of your trip, keep in mind that the cost will depend on the duration of the rental. You can expect to pay $10-15.00/day for an intermediate economy car with unlimited mileage, but excluding additional fees and insurance.

Exploration & Activities

One of the best things about a vacation to Ireland, is there are so many naturally beautiful sights to see absolutely for free. The entire island is a wonderland of breathtaking views!

The coast of Ireland provides so many attractions alone, it would take days to explore the entire Wild Atlantic Way coastline!

Here are some suggestions for natural wonders, museums, and other attractions that you can visit absolutely free. Then, below that, you will find the top most reccommended sights and attractions that cost a small fee to visit. This should give you a good start on what attractions can fit within your budget, and thus plan your itinerary accordingly.

Attractions Free Of Charge

• Slieve League • County Donegal
• Knocknarea • County Sligo
• Croagh Patrick & Clew Bay • County Mayo
• Hill of Tara • County Mayo
• The Dark Hedges (& other Game Of Thrones Sights) • County Antrium
• Giant’s Causeway (Park Access Only) • County Antrium
• Botanic Gardens • County Antrium
• The Ulster Museum • County Antrium
• Temple Bar District • County Dublin
• The National Museum of Ireland • County Dublin
• Trinity College and Science Gallery • County Dublin
• Watch Street Performers • County Dublin
• Phoenix Park • County Dublin
• Connemara National Park • County Galway
• Eyre Square (aka John F. Kennedy Memorial Park) • County Galway
• Cliffs of Moher • County Clare
• Killarney National Park • County Kerry
• Drive the Countryside • All Ireland Counties

Attractions W/ Small Entrance Fees

• Giant’s Causeway (w/ Use Of Facilities and/or Parking) • County Antrium
• Temple Bar District • County Dublin
• Guinness Storehouse • County Dublin
• Kylemore Abbey • County Galway
• Aran Islands • County Galway
• Celtic Church Dun Aonghasa • County Galway
• Cliffs Of Moher (w/ Facility Access) • County Clare
• Rock of Cashel • County Tipperary
• Lismore Castle Gardens • County Waterford
• Curraghmore House • County Waterford
• The Viking Triangle • County Waterford

Tip: Depending on which national parks and historical sites you wish to see, the Heritage Card Ireland may be worthwhile for you to look into. It could save you and your family a substantial amount of money during your stay. For more details, click here.

Must Have Essentials

When it comes to packing for a trip to Ireland, there are certain things you really don’t want to leave at home. Sure, there are the typical items we all pack when going on any trip, but if you forget one of these important items, it could turn your lovely dream vacation into a nightmare.

That having been said, I am only including in this list, items you would not typically think to pack when traveling in your own country.

The second list will be items you would maybe pack normally, but perhaps carry a bigger significance when traveling to Ireland.

Must Have Essentials For Ireland Travel

• Passport/Documents/Driver’s License/Student I.D.
• Photocopy of documents/I.D
• Travel insurance
• Prescription medication
• Wind And Waterproof rain jacket or poncho (Light weight for May-Sept./ Heavy For Oct. – April)
• Waterproof, supportive hiking shoes/boots
• Extra socks!!
• Scarf, hat, gloves for colder months/ Scarf and hat for warmer months
• Waterproof case/cover for phone, wallet, backpack, etc.
• Crossbody day backpack
• Packing cubes
• Refillable water bottle
• Universal world travel power adapter Kit
• Electronics Organizer
• Plenty of memory cards for your phone or camera
• Earbuds
• Road map and/or travel guide for Ireland

Typical Items That Carry Weight

• Sweater or hoodie
• Casual clothing (Jeans, t-shirts, sneakers)
• Versatile and interchangeable tops, skirts, slacks, etc.
• Minor first aide (tylenol, dramamine, band-aids, neosporin, anti-gas, tums, etc.)
• Favorite toiletries specific to your country (shampoo, skincare, etc.)
• Sunglasses
• Sunblock
• Swimsuit (It’s common for hotels to offer complimentary access to their spa services.)

Other Packing Tips & Information

#1. The weather can be a bit unpredictable. Dressing appropriately and in layers is of utmost importance. Try to pack clothing that is also breathable.

#2. Prioritize versatility. Clothing should be interchangeable to an extent. This will allow you to plan for evenings out as well as casual activities, without causing you to over pack.

#3. Depending on where you are traveling from, you may need to invest in certain electronic essentials for charging phones and other devices. (For Example: You may need a travel converter for anything that uses a motor or produces heat, such as electric razors, hair dryer, etc. Read more here.)

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Other Important Advice

– Most cell phone companies offer temporary international cell coverage. It would be wise to make arrangements with your carrier, for such service while out of the country.

– Be aware of all local laws and customs, including those referring to alcohol use and purchase.

– Tipping at restaurants, bars, etc. is not expected in Ireland, though it is thoughtful to include. Use your own discretion, in other words. Don’t feel too pressed, though.

– Be sure to make copies of passports, I.D.’s, licenses, and other documents, in case you loose your originals.

– The currency for The Republic Of Ireland is Euros and pound sterling in northern Ireland counties.

– Currency converting stores charge crazy rates. It’s better to withdraw cash from an atm.

– Many European vehicles are manual, not automatic.

– If you plan to rent a car, take a few minutes to check out this informative guide on car rentals in Ireland.

– Depending on your itinerary, you may want to investigate purchasing a Dublin pass. For a one time fee, the pass will give you Free access to more than 25 different attractions and discounted access to many others.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, your dream trip to Ireland doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With an itinerary in place, a little bit of research, and some strategic planning, you can discover so much during your stay in Ireland and without returning home broke! All of a sudden, it seems entirely possible to make your dream a reality a lot sooner than you may have thought 🙂

Let us know in the comments, if I missed any important budget tips you recommend for an affordable Emerald Isle vacation And don’t forget to share with your friends! They could use the tips too!

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