Ireland is one of the most visited countries in Europe due to its pubs, green hills, and rich history, it and most well-liked tourist destination on this side of the Atlantic, and for many people, it’s their first trip to Europe. Yet, Ireland isn’t always seen as the top holiday spot for travelers on a tight budget, particularly because Dublin, the country’s capital, is one of the most pricey cities in all of Europe.
Is Ireland expensive? How much for a trip to Ireland? You should think about your travel preferences, the sights you want to see, and the airport from which you are flying.
- For a single traveler, a 7-day trip to Ireland costs on average $1,305; for a couple, $2,014; and a family of four, $2,987.
- Ireland hotels average $99 per night and range from $56 to $310 per night, while the majority of holiday rentals run from $160 to $490 per night for the complete house.
- Between $545 and $1,593 per person on average for economy-class flights and between $1,711 and $5,002 per person for first-class flights, depending on the airport.
- For transportation and dining out locally, we advise allocating between $42 and $85 per person each day, depending on the activities.
Yet, that doesn’t imply that a trip to the Emerald Isle is out of reach for those on a tight budget. Read on to learn more about the prices in this lovely country if you’re interested in knowing how much the average cost of a trip to Ireland is and want to be able to budget your cost of Ireland vacation effectively.
When To Travel:
- Summer is the busiest travel season in Ireland because of the country’s infamously foggy and wet conditions, with June and July being particularly well-liked. The cost of a round-trip economy ticket from New York to Dublin over the summer has increased as a result; some less expensive options can be obtained for under $900.
- Winter is regarded to be the off-season, with February being the least expensive because it isn’t Christmas but can be rather cold and rainy. Wintertime economy airfares from New York to Dublin are roughly $600 roundtrip, with some less expensive options available for around $400.
- Local traditions are another factor to take into account, with flights inevitably rising during holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, and, of course, St. Patrick’s Day.
What’s The Average Expense Of A Trip To Ireland?
You have so resolved to travel to the land of scholars and saints. Every traveler will need to be aware of the prices of a few things, including:
- Making the trip (flights)
- Accommodation
- Transport for daily food
- Those things you went there to get (The sights, the museums, and the unforgettable experiences)
Let’s begin!
Flight Cost
When estimating the average cost for a trip to Ireland, the cost of flying into one of the country’s few airports must be taken into account first.
Depending on your departure city and the season, the cost of your flight will change. The price of airfares is likely to increase throughout the summer, during school breaks, and around holidays like Christmas.
We’ll look at a few instances below to give you a general idea of how much you might anticipate paying for your flights.
Flying From The USA
From several significant U.S. airports, there are daily direct flights (e.g. JFK in New York). We’ll use the cost to travel to Ireland flights from New York’s JFK Airport in this example since it provides the most consistent direct connections to Dublin.
Ireland’s official airline, Aer Lingus, offers flights to Dublin directly from numerous American cities, including New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Chicago, and Miami. When trying to cut the cost of your trip to Ireland, an airline is a good choice because it’s frequently one of the most affordable.
Of course, costs will vary according to the airline you pick, the seating class, and the amount of luggage you bring.
- December: From $296.42 for one adult, roundtrip
- March: Starting at $178.93 for an adult one-way
- June: Starting at $274.86 for an adult one-way
- September: From $208.03 for one adult, one-way
Travel From Germany
Many direct flights are available to Ireland from the most significant European cities. In general, prices will rise in proportion to the entire distance traveled.
As a result, we’ll examine airfares from Frankfurt Airport in Germany, which is more or less in the center, to Dublin Airport.
- Dec: Starting at $14.01 for one adult, one-way
- From $24.79 for one adult way in March
- From $33.41 for one adult way in June
- From $36.65 for an adult one-way in September
Flying From Canada
If you’re a Canadian, you might want to think about applying for one of the top Canadian travel credit cards to help defray your expenses by accumulating points. The American Express Platinum Card, for instance, offers a hefty welcome bonus that is frequently worth more than $900. (perhaps more if you transfer your points to Marriott Bonvoy or Aeroplan). A card with no foreign transaction fees and access to airport lounges is the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card.
Accommodation Cost
You need to think about the expense of lodging as the first and frequently largest component of an Ireland vacation cost. Your daily budget will likely be most heavily impacted by the price of a place to sleep each night.
You’ll discover that depending on where you are in the nation, costs might vary greatly. Dublin is by far the most costly city in terms of lodging rates, particularly if you want to be in the middle of things. Unsurprisingly, prices are typically higher in urban locations like Cork and Galway than they are in rural Ireland.
Hostel
If you are a solitary traveler sleeping in hostels or a couple splitting a private room on Airbnb, you should budget approximately $35-40 per person per night. If you intend to spend your time in Ireland at mid-range B&Bs or hotels, this will rise to about $52–75 per person each night.
If you’re planning to vacation in Ireland on a budget, you’re in luck because the country’s hostel culture is well-established. In Irish cities, there are countless hostel alternatives and smaller villages typically have one or two.
Don’t expect to pay less than $37–45 per night for the cheapest dorm bed in cities if you’re planning to stay in hostels while traveling, and $32–40 per night in more rural areas.
Renting a private room on Airbnb is frequently less expensive than staying in a hostel dorm if you’re traveling in a group or as a couple. The cost of a night in a city center often ranges from $65 to 100.
B&B
Consider staying in a B&B or guesthouse if you have a bit more money to spend than the average traveler. If you’re traveling on a moderate budget, these are widely available throughout Ireland and can be a fantastic alternative. Depending on the location and the time of year, these can cost an average of $108-150 per night.
The Halt B&B in Galway and Island View B&B in Roundstone were two accommodations we reserved through Booking.com at reasonable rates.
Mid-Range Hotels
All price ranges of travelers can find lodging in Ireland, although mid-range hotels tend to offer decent locations, tidy rooms, and reasonable amenities. Moreover, midrange accommodations are accessible everywhere. Remember once more that a mid-range budget hotel in Dublin will cost more than one elsewhere.
Luxury Hotels
The Irish castle hotels, which provide a genuinely one-of-a-kind experience, are the true lure, while Ireland has its fair share of lovely luxury hotels. Unfortunately, a rental car is required for this adventure because the majority of the castles are located in remote areas without access to public transportation.
Irish Farm Stays
A taste of Ireland’s renowned hospitality can be had by staying on a farm there. You can experience the warmth and kindness of the country if you decide to stay on a farm. surrounded by the breathtaking Irish landscape. The ideal way to experience Irish country living and get away from the pressures of daily life is to stay on a farm. Also, they are reasonably priced, coming in at only about $70 per night (breakfast included). Fresh food and pure air will be all around you. Therefore, you won’t need to be concerned about other tourists obstructing your path.
Food & Drinks Cost
Food and beverage prices are yet another inevitable factors that can significantly affect the expense of a trip to Ireland.
There are many locations to find affordable, high-quality food, yet you might easily spend more than $100 on a supper for two.
- Pub food: Pubs are the life and spirit of Ireland, but they are not only places to get drunk and listen to music. With dishes like the well-known one-pot Irish coddled pork stew, filling and spiced black and white custard dishes, colcannon and champ (or cabbage, kale, and mashed potatoes with spring onion in English), or seafood chowder, these cozy and traditional settings are the cornerstone of a good meal out. A lunch like this in a pub will run you about $15–17, while oysters and heavier fare like steak or ribs will run you about $25–30.
- Light eats: When we are touring, we frequently only want a fast snack. The price of a sandwich, a bowl of soup, or a fry-up with bacon, eggs, and soda bread in Ireland will range from US$6 to $14, with fry-ups being on the higher end.
- Food markets: These are great places to try a wide variety of foods. The cost of food is comparable to or less expensive here than it is in pubs, but it may be more expensive if you choose to purchase local, organic vegetables.
The location has an impact. For instance, meals in Dublin are typically more expensive than in other cities, whereas prices in cafés and restaurants in smaller towns are typically lower.
1. Breakfast
It’s generally a good idea to book a place that includes breakfast if you can. In this manner, you may save money on your trip to Ireland while avoiding the stress of having to find somewhere to eat.
If your lodging doesn’t provide breakfast, a decent meal and a cup of coffee can usually be had for between $10 and $15 per day at a cafe.
2. Lunch
In Ireland, lunch can be pricey, but it doesn’t have to be.
You can frequently have a satisfying lunch, such as a soup and sandwich, Irish stew, or fish and chips, for between $10 and $15 if you stop by a cafe or a pub.
3. Dinner
The evening meal is typically the largest of the day for most individuals, so budget a bit extra.
In general, $15 to $25 per person ought to be adequate for lunch in a respectable pub or low- to the mid-range restaurant.
4. Beverages
When traveling to Ireland, many individuals may wish to stop by an actual Irish bar. But, it’s the “events” that take place at night that often drive up the cost of a trip to Ireland.
The following is a list of what we believe to be the typical prices for a variety of drinks in Dublin:
- Guinness pint: $9.70
- A large wine glass costs $10.78
- Irish whisky standard: $6.50 per glass
- Spirits and a mixer cost $6.47
- Irish coffee: $2.71-$4 per cup
Transportation Cost in Ireland
Depending on what you intend to do, transportation costs will vary in Ireland. Most cities and towns are connected by coaches or railroads, while major cities have an abundance of buses and even trams. Renting a car is the way to go, though, if you’re an independent traveler eager to explore Ireland’s secret attractions. In terms of transportation, the price of traveling to Ireland is as follows:
City Buses
An adult 90-minute standard fare in Dublin costs just over $2, whereas adult single standard fares in Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford cost just under $1.50.
Once more, these are reasonably priced, and a decent transportation system ensures that you can get to practically any place with relative ease. This is an example of what to expect:
- A 24-hour adult ticket for the Dublin hop-on-hop-off bus costs $29.10, while a 48-hour ticket costs $34.49.
- Bus fares in Dublin range from $1.70 to $3. (30-day and 5-day tickets available)
- Dublin Airport Express Transfer: $7.55 one-way or $9.70 roundtrip.
- Dublin to Sligo $22.64 (single), $31.80 (return)
- Cork to Galway: (single), $22.64, $36.65 (return)
City Trams
The normal tram rates in Ireland vary according to the zones. Children pay between $0.85 and $1.05. The price for adults is between US$1.80 and US$2.70.
Long-Distance Coach
Costs for coaches between cities vary depending on availability and distance, but they are still relatively affordable. As an illustration, a 3-hour coach ride from Dublin to Cork starts at just $16.
Long-Distance Rail
Depending on the schedule and availability, train tickets in Ireland are also quite inexpensive. Using the same example, a train from Dublin to Cork costs as little as $16 if it departs early in the morning and as much as $20 or more if it is scheduled for more common hours.
Almost always, buying your ticket online and in advance will be less expensive. Below are the normal prices for the most well-traveled routes:
- Belfast to Dublin: $19
- Cork to Dublin: $16.17
- Galway to Dublin: $16.17
Vehicle Rental
In low season, a modest automobile may be rented for just $100 per week; in high season, it will cost to go to Ireland a little more than $300. Although the expense of this journey to Ireland increases with the size of the vehicle, you’ll appreciate the extra room if you’re taking a family.
We’ll consider how much it would Ireland travel costs to rent a car for a week from Dublin Airport, which is typically more expensive than other locations.
Winter: Starting at $412.89 (basic insurance) or $460.88(full insurance)
Seasonally: Starting at $150.44 (basic insurance) or $198.43 (full insurance)
Miscellaneous car expenses: You should include expenses like parking fees and tolls in addition to fuel. Ireland doesn’t have many toll roads, and those that do aren’t particularly expensive. A lot of Ireland’s attractions also offer free parking. It’s good doing your research because some places charge exorbitant prices (looking at you, Giant’s Causeway!).
Seeing Attractions And Taking Tours
As seen by the breathtaking natural landscapes and free national institutions brimming with history and culture, Ireland is a country where sightseeing is frequently free. Certain attractions will cost you a little more; small-group day trips from Dublin often cost $70; nevertheless, they are unquestionably worthwhile.
In Ireland, there is a tonne of things to do. Based on the attraction, this can vary considerably. But below, we’ll cover some of the more well-known locations to give you a general idea of what to anticipate.
1. Heritage Sites Of Ireland
Heritage Ireland is in charge of conserving some of the most significant historic and cultural monuments and structures in Ireland, and it has more than 70 fantastic visitor attractions spread around the nation.
These include well-known sites like Br na Bóinne and Newgrange, Dublin Castle, Glendalough, Sligo Abbey, and many more.
A few Historic Ireland attractions are free to enter. Others charge a basic admission price (between $5 and $15), while others give guided tours at an additional fee.
2. Independently Run Attractions
Throughout your journey to Ireland, several other privately owned sites are highly recommended (e.g. Kylemore Abbey and the Guinness Storehouse).
The cost of admission varies greatly based on the venue and the amenities provided, but you should budget between $7 and $35.
3. Planned Day Trips
In Ireland, there are innumerable organized day tours available. They often provide a relaxing coach ride that stops at a variety of locations before returning you to your starting point.
It is one of the greatest ways to visit Ireland if you are not hiring a car. Any of the main cities, including Dublin, Belfast, and Galway, will have a wide selection of day tours available to you.
You should budget between $30 and $120 depending on the tour’s specifics.
4. Museum
National museums in Ireland are free, so you can explore the nation’s past and present without increasing the price of your trip there. For a look at the archaeology and natural history of the region, visit the National Museum of Ireland; for Irish art and culture, visit the National Gallery. Visit the Small Museum of Dublin for something a little different. For a price starting at $19, you can learn about everyday life in Dublin during the 18th century.
5. Castle
One of the most significant in Ireland is believed to be Blarney Castle in Tipperary. For those who can bend over backward to kiss the Blarney stone, the castle offers visitors the chance to acquire the “gift of the gab,” or the capacity to charm and smooth talk their way into or out of anything.
Along with seeing undulating fields that appear to haven’t altered in centuries, this excursion also brings you to the striking Rock Cashel church, which is perched on a hill and overlooks them. Last but not least, the journey goes via Cork, where you can’t miss the English food market (founded in 1788) or the native Irish whisky.
6. Cliff Of Moher
One of Ireland’s most striking sights and a must-see for any visitor is the cliffs of Moher and its abrupt descent into the Atlantic Ocean. You may travel there in a single day along with the lunar landscapes and Burren’s black limestone cliffs, which is a portion of the world’s longest coastal route, the Wild Atlantic Way.
If you’re interested in seeing the Cliffs of Moher from below, an alternate tour that costs around the same takes you by ferry to the historic ruins and stone houses of the Aran Islands and then leads you on a boat around the base of the cliffs.
7. Hiking
The breathtaking natural environment of Ireland can be enjoyed without cost. One of the best things to do in Ireland is to go hiking or hill walking, both of which are free to do.
Ireland’s Cost of Entertainment
Without accounting for the expense of entertainment, no cost breakdown for a trip to Ireland would be complete. Without a pint or dram of Irish whisky every so often, what good is a trip to Ireland?
However, Ireland doesn’t exactly have cheap alcohol, so if you’re hoping to stay within a strict travel budget, I’d advise limiting your pub visits.
A basic cocktail like a gin and tonic often costs between $10 and $12 depending on where you are in Ireland, and the average cost of a pint at a pub or restaurant is between $5 to $6.
As is customary, the cost of most alcoholic beverages will be higher in larger cities and in locations where visitors are more prevalent. Price differences between bars and pubs in touristy locations and those that are more popular with locals can be seen even in Dublin.
Avoid drinking anywhere near Temple Bar because the costs are just too high if you’re attempting to travel to Dublin on a tight budget.
Yet as always, it is far less expensive to purchase alcohol from a grocery shop or liquor store or to abstain altogether.
On average, anticipate spending roughly $5–15 per person per day on entertainment if you want to enjoy a few beers at the pub in the evenings while visiting Ireland but don’t want to binge drink or order anything top shelf.
Travel Insurance Cost
Travel insurance is the last component of your trip’s expense to Ireland. Yet, it’s also worthwhile protecting yourself in case something goes wrong while you’re away. There are a variety of reasons why you might need to completely postpone your trip.
Your peace of mind will be increased by a good travel insurance plan that guarantees your protection in the event of the worst-case scenario.
Travel insurance for two persons that covers shorter trips can be purchased for under $20 with an excess of between $100 and $150.
Depending on the level of coverage and the excess you’re willing to pay, annual coverage can range from roughly $30 to more than $100.
Few Things To Consider For A Budget-Friendly Trip:
You can cut the cost of your trip to Ireland in a few different ways:
Flying: To reduce costs, go when it’s off-season (spring and autumn are best).
Hotels: Stay a little outside of the action and explore the city by bus, tram, bike, or on foot. Consider hostels if being in the center is vital.
Transportation: Use the free bicycles provided by your hotel to explore the area. Use a coach or train rather than a guided tour when traveling large distances.
Food: Share plates when you can sample more foods at a lower cost. Also, you don’t have to have a substantial pub meal every night. Instead, think about ordering soups and sandwiches from a café, picking up some necessities at the store (get soda bread, without a doubt! ), or even treating yourself to some fast food.
Sight-Seeing: Certain sights are simply not worth seeing, but keep in mind that most national museums, cathedrals, old libraries, castle grounds, and, of course, the natural scenery are all free in Ireland. By purchasing a heritage card from the Office of Public Works, you can also get discounts on castles and other historical and cultural locations. They will grant you access to numerous locations for the entire year for only about $25.
Make sure your travel insurance includes medical charges by selecting a basic package.
FAQs
How Much Cash Do You Need For A Trip To Ireland?
For a single traveler, a 7-day vacation to Ireland costs $1,305; for a couple, it costs $2,014; and for a family of four, it costs $2,987. Hotels in Ireland cost between $56 and $310 per night on average, whilst the majority of holiday rentals range from $160 to $490 per night for the whole house.
In Ireland, What Method Of Payment Works Best?
The quickest and universally accepted mode of payment is cash, while major credit cards are also routinely accepted.
Which Area In Ireland Has The Cheapest Flights?
Dublin is now the most affordable city to fly into, and Dublin Airport is the most affordable airport serving Dublin.
How Many Days In Ireland Are Sufficient?
Dublin, the Rock of Cashel, Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle Peninsula, and Northern Ireland can all be seen in ten days, which is just about enough time. It’s a fantastic trip but be prepared for busy, action-packed days.
Final Words
So what is the cost of traveling to Ireland? A one-week Ireland trip cost will probably be around $2,685 per person, including airfare, lodging, meals, transportation, attractions, and some extra spending cash. Having said that, there might be some supplemental expenses, such as travel insurance and currency conversion rates.
It’s completely easy to stick to limited-budget travel in Ireland; it doesn’t have to be an exorbitant experience. The expense of your trip to Ireland shouldn’t be prohibitive if you are wise about where and how you spend your money.
