Low-Cost Vacations in Ireland

Ireland on a budget can indeed be complicated. After successfully catching up with other developed nations in terms of prosperity, the Irish are nearly accustomed to higher prices. Consequently, tourists may find themselves shocked when evaluating restaurant bills, especially when converting to dollars. So, is low-budget travel to and throughout Ireland still feasible?

It is possible; however, cutting corners and foregoing luxuries is necessary.

1. Coming to Ireland

Getting to Ireland is often the first challenge and can take a significant bite out of your overall budget. Unless you’re considering unique travel methods such as a Panamanian tramp steamer via Lagos and Murmansk, flying is typically the only choice. While flying could be costly, selecting the right airline can mitigate expenses.

If you’re coming from mainland Europe and feel adventurous, another option is hitching a ride on a long-distance truck and paying your ferry passage as a foot passenger. This could be a quicker and safer alternative to budget flights. Furthermore, if you’re traveling as a group, ferry travel with your own car might prove economical.

2. Traveling Around Ireland

A car is ideal for navigating Ireland, no question. However, if you do not bring your own vehicle, you’ll likely need to consider renting a car. Other alternatives can be less expensive, but how easy is it to get around Ireland without a car?

While hitchhiking is the cheapest option, it poses dangers. There’s a risk of being picked up by an inexperienced driver or someone with malicious intent.

If you’re up for short distances, walking is an option. Additionally, for the more adventurous, cycling across Ireland can be a great low-cost venture — provided you have your own bike, as renting one can be costly.

3. Lodgings in Ireland

When it comes to accommodations, unless you’re willing to camp (which we do not recommend), some expenditure is unavoidable.

Camping in a tent might seem like the most economical choice at first glance; however, camping laws require landowner consent. If the land is state-owned, this consent is often unavailable. Pitching a tent in unauthorized areas is illegal.

Opting for a hostel, which typically charges from €12 per night depending on location and amenities, can be more sensible than setting up camp illegally. Prices tend to increase near city centers and popular travel locations.

4. Irish Food and Drink

The mantra for budget travelers in Ireland is “self-catering” or finding cheap meals on the go.

A coffee and croissant from a café can easily set you back €5, while the same amount can secure more than a day’s worth of groceries from discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, or SuperValu.

Moreover, be mindful that alcohol prices can be extremely high in Ireland. Spending more in one night at a pub than what you allocated for meals over the week can be an easy mistake to make. Enjoying the local pub scene in a controlled manner is essential for budgeting.

5. Things to Do and See in Ireland

The Irish tourism industry has reached world-class standards, which can drive up costs for visitors. Be it the expensive parking at popular sites or the perception that certain landmarks require a fee, travelers need to be cautious with their finances.

Fortunately, Ireland boasts many free attractions that can be enjoyed without spending a dime, along with numerous cost-saving activities available, especially in Dublin.

6. Your Realistic Irish Budget per Day

The daily budget for your Irish adventure largely depends on individual preferences. Nonetheless, by traveling outside peak seasons, self-catering in hostels, and utilizing pedal power, it’s possible to manage on around €20 per day. While extra comforts will add to expenses, it is still feasible to explore the beauty of Ireland without straining your wallet.