Ireland on a Budget: Tips All Travelers Should Know! [2023]

Dotted with scenic coastlines, roaring pubs, and a few lively leprechauns, Ireland is a landscape that's woven with wonder. If you want a taste of this top-notch treasure trove, you may be wondering whether or not it's feasible on a budget. 

Threaded with thriving natural splendor, buzzing beer culture, time-worn castles, and fascinating history, Ireland is a bucket list destination. Hugging the westernmost edge of Europe, this distinct landscape offers plenty of exciting pursuits. 

Whether you want to road trip along the crashing coastline or discover the quaint countryside villages, there's a lot to do in Ireland.

If you're strung on a tight budget, you might be speculating over whether or not it's possible to see the best attractions. You won't want to miss out on a thing! 

A little planning can go a long way if you've got the right tricks up your sleeve. Save this in-depth guide on budget traveling in Ireland for your upcoming trip. Let's go, lassy! 

Why Ireland? 

Pinned with a display of puzzling ruins, picturesque scenery, and a vibrant city scene, Ireland is a unique destination. Home to Guinness beer and locations straight out of a Harry Potter and Game of Thrones series, this country is genuinely captivating. 

This European gem hones in on a huge haul of exciting adventures. Whether you want to keep things low-key or kick it up a notch, you're sure to find something suitable to your tastes. If you're planning a trip to Ireland, you really are spoiled for choice! 

Get Going in the Low Season 

You guessed it! The best time to visit Ireland for wallet-conscious travelers is during the shoulder seasons. During fall, September to November, and the springtime, March to May, you'll be able to score low prices on flights, accommodation, activities, and transportation. 

While the weather is rather wild, you can still enjoy outdoor activities dashed with a few rays of sunshine. These low seasons are ideal for backpacking in Ireland, especially if you're trying to keep costs down. 

Get Prepped with a Travel Budget 

Of course, if you want to know how much a trip is to Ireland, you're going to have to whip out the good old friend, the trusty calculator. Budget travel in Ireland can be done, but it can also be done in style. To keep things on the affordable side of the spectrum, it's best to plan ahead. 

When compiling your travel budget, make sure to include accommodations, flights, activities, transportation, food, and miscellaneous items. For a one-week trip, the average cost for a solo budget traveler is as follows: 

Accommodation: $47 to $56 per night 

Flights: $309 to $1,390 return 

Food and Sightseeing: $21 to $42 per day 

With this in mind, plan accordingly!

Hop on Public Transport 

Although it may not sound the most fabulous, public transport is by far the most feasible. Trust me, your bank account will thank you later. If you're set on budget traveling Ireland, ditch the cabs and Ubers at all costs. 

Opt for buses, trains, and trams wherever possible, and remember to factor in the time, cost, and availability. If you arrive at the airport at some ungodly hour, you may have no choice but to take a taxi. 

Save yourself the hassle and plan accordingly! If you're arriving at the main international airport, be sure to save this Dublin Airport guide for later. 

Choose Budget Accommodations 

If you want to keep things centrally located in the capital city, you might be wondering where the best area to stay is. Plan your trip with this basic breakdown of all the nifty neighborhoods in Dublin.

Ireland is woven with a wealth of whimsical accommodation options and some of them aren't all that expensive. From fairytale-like cottages to backpacker hostels, there's a slice of everything here. 

A key move for budget travel in Ireland is to keep your accommodations basic. 

Opt for hostels, Couchsurfing, and Airbnb rentals. Here are some of the best places to stay in Ireland: 

• Jacobs Inn in Dublin 
• Bru Bar and Hostel in Cork 
• Ashfield Hostel in Dublin 
• Galway Hostel and Bar in Galway 
• The Grapevine Hostel in Dingle 
• The Black Sheep Hostel in Killarney 
• Kinlay Eyre Square Hostel in Galway 
  

Cost-Effective Tours and Activities 

As the vibrant capital of the Republic of Ireland, you can bet your bottom dollar that there are plenty of things to do. To keep your travel budget in order, plan for low-cost tours, activities, and landmarks. 

Here are some ideas to add to properly budget travel in Ireland: 

• Explore the best things to do in Dublin
• See free events at the Cork Jazz Festival
• Tour the Guinness and Jameson Irish Whiskey Factory 
• Meander through Dublin's museums 
• Take a free walking tour in Dublin
• Admire the scents of Belfast's Botanic Gardens  
  

How to Plan an Unforgettable Trip to Ireland & Scotland

If you're planning a getaway, think about lapping both Ireland and Scotland into your itinerary. Nestled in Europe's northwestern corner, these two countries are crowned by captivating landscape pursuits. 

This step-by-step guide on how to plan a trip to Ireland and Scotland winds you through the wealth of opportunities. Covering specific destinations, travel seasons, and visa restrictions, you'll be set for gold.

From Dublin to Galway: Your Ultimate 4-Day Guide 

Ireland is jam-packed with jolly-good activities, rugged scenery, and hidden gems. If you've got a short getaway planned, don't waste any more time. Take advantage of this free 4-day Ireland guide.

Dabbling in Dublin's best finds, you'll find Galway's gorgeous landscapes and Wicklow's wonder-packed parks, you can be sure of all the highlights. Capped with tried-and-tested tips, ways to get around, and an average travel budget, you'll have all the nitty gritty details down pat!

If you've seen what's on offer in Ireland, you might be wondering how to squeeze it all into one trip. There's no need to fear! Explore the ethereal expanse of the Emerald Isle with this ultimate Ireland itinerary. You can expect the trip of a lifetime! 

From top-notch attractions like the soaring Cliffs of Moher to the eerie ends of the old Kilmainham Gaol, make the most of your time in Ireland with this carefully curated guide. 

Lush Landscapes, Lovely Villages, and Beyond! 

Now you know that budget travel in Ireland is totally possible, start planning your trip with Pilot today. Make the most of your time and start the countdown now!