Budgeting for a Trip to Ireland: What It Really Costs

I had two objectives in mind when I began organizing my first vacation to Ireland: seeing as much of the nation as I could while staying within my means. Ireland isn’t the most affordable place to go in Europe, but I found that you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the magic of the Emerald Isle if you plan ahead and learn a few things along the way.

What I actually spent, where I saved, where I spent, and how I managed it all—hint: it involves a very durable wallet that my boyfriend gifted me from Gaelsong.

Flights: The Big One

Let’s begin with the most important thing: getting there.

I planned roughly three months in advance and took a flight from the East Coast of the United States to Dublin. At $580 for my round-trip ticket, I felt like I had won. Depending on the season, I’ve seen prices range from $400 to $900; therefore, if you have the flexibility, book your trip during the shoulder seasons (March–May or September–October).

The round-trip flight cost was about $580.

Accommodations

There are many lodging alternatives in Ireland, ranging from upscale castle hotels to comfortable B&Bs. I spent most of my time at local guesthouses and Airbnb cottages because they were more intimate and cost less.

I was able to find individual rooms with breakfast in Galway and Killarney for between €55 and €75 per night. Dublin was more expensive; my small accommodation close to the city center cost around €120.

I spent ten nights there. I paid roughly €80 a night on average, which came to about $880.

Cost of accommodation: about $880 for ten nights.

Transportation

Although Ireland has good public transportation, I rented a car in order to really see the countryside. The freedom made driving on the left side of the road an adventure in and of itself.

For a week, I rented a compact, manual automobile for roughly €250. Gas costs an additional €100, and parking and tolls cost €60.

I used public transportation and a little walking when I was in Dublin. Trams and buses were covered by a Leap Visitor Card (€16 for 72 hours).

Cost of transportation: about $470.

Food and Drinks

Ireland’s culinary landscape has advanced significantly, and happily, it is now possible to dine well on a tight budget.

Whether it was a filling stew in Donegal or seafood chowder in Dingle, I always made it a point to eat one delicious meal every day. I spent the remainder of the time munching on sandwiches, little café snacks, and local markets.

Breakfast (typically included in housing) and light lunches cost €10 to €15, while a typical pub dinner with a pint cost around €20 to €25.

Cost of food and drinks: about $400.

Fun

I chose my paid activities well, choosing a few guided tours and a few admission passes to historical locations such as the Rock of Cashel and Newgrange.

Both the Cliffs of Moher tourist experience (€10) and the Guinness Storehouse tour in Dublin (€26) were essential. I also paid €40 for a small-group trip of the Ring of Kerry, which was well worth the money.

Cost of activity: around $180.

Final Thoughts

Could I have cut back on my spending? Of course. Was there anything else I could have spent? With ease. However, I had a trip that changed my life for less than $2,600, and I didn’t feel like I was continually taking shortcuts.

Ireland proved to be one of the most fulfilling and budget-friendly vacations I’ve ever experienced, thanks to a little preparation, some travel tips, and a reliable wallet to keep me honest.

And go if you’re considering it. The craic, the quaint pubs, and the cliffs are all worth every cent.