Vacation In Ireland Cost
Looking for a vacation in Ireland cost? If so, you may have already discovered that the price of vacations here can be significantly higher than those in other countries. This is especially true when it comes to hotels and other accommodations. Of course this makes sense considering the popular destinations in Ireland are sometimes booked well ahead of time. But don’t worry, because I have spent years hunting for great vacation deals for this beautiful emerald island. I will cover many different topics related to finding a great Irish vacation at a reasonable cost.
Vacationing in Ireland is a popular concept that has been around for some time now. Currently the country is experiencing a surge of new vacationers each year, many of whom are people looking to see the famous attractions within the cities, as well as the countryside. Here you will get some basic facts about costs associated with a vacation in Ireland.
If you are looking for vacation packages in Ireland, you have come to the right place. This post will guide you through the basic information about this tourist destination and help you plan your own tour package!
When people think of Ireland, they may first thing of Guinness, shamrocks and percy whiskey but few may realize how much of a vacation paradise our island is.
Vacation In Ireland Cost
Vacations are the best part of life. Travelling to a new destination can leave you exhilarated and refreshed. However, planning the vacation can be stressful especially if you have a budget to stick to. Travelling doesn’t have to cost a lot of money though. Below are some frugal ways to make your vacation an affordable one.
With its rolling green hills, pubs, and rich history, Ireland is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. But, just how much does it cost to go to Ireland? Well, there are several factors to consider including your travel style, what you want to see, and where you are flying from.
Ireland, known as the emerald isle, is not necessarily a big island. But there is a lot to see and do, especially when you consider that it is actually two countries: The Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland. From historical sights and attractions to picturesque villages, and tons of natural beauty, there are lots of things to keep you busy. For the purpose of this article, I’m going to suggest a one-week (7 days and 6 nights) itinerary in Ireland. Please note that this guide is based on the costs for a single person. If you are travelling as a couple, make sure to double these estimates (except for hotels).
Ireland trip cost for one week
| Estimated costs | |
|---|---|
| Airfare | $600 |
| Accommodations | $1,200 (prices vary by location) |
| Transportation and attractions | $300 |
| Food & drink | $385 ($55 per day) |
| Random Spending | $200 |
| Total | $2,685 |
The above estimate is in American dollars, so please use xe.com to find out the average costs in your home currency.
Also keep in mind that this is just an estimate. Ireland isn’t necessarily a cheap travel destination, however savvy travellers will be able to reduce their costs by using some of the tips and suggestions I share throughout this article.
The transportation and attraction estimate is based on travellers relying on public transportation and day tours rather than renting a car. However, information about renting a car can be found in the transportation section of this article.
Please note that this article assumes that travellers will be based in the Republic of Ireland (which uses the euro), rather than Northern Ireland (which uses the pound sterling).
Airfare
Airfare costs to Ireland can really fluctuate depending on the season and airline. The most expensive times to visit will be during the Christmas holidays (December), the summer months (June-August) and in March around St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th). The winter months, despite being off-season, can see some expensive fares as well because many airlines only have seasonal routes to Ireland. When it comes to airlines it’s definitely worth shopping around since there are quite a few carriers that fly to Ireland.
Your best bet is to travel in the shoulder season of Spring (April and May) and Fall (September-October). Personally, I think that these are the best times to visit Ireland anyway as you skip most of the crowds, the attractions and sites are open, and the weather can be beautiful.
Many major carriers, including Delta and Air Canada, fly to the Dublin airport, so air access is not an issue. Aer Lingus, Ireland’s national carrier also flies to many destinations in the United Kingdom and abroad, such as New York, and Chicago. Shannon airport also gets some international flights, but it’s not conveniently located.
If you’re Canadian, you may want to consider applying for one of the best travel credit cards in Canada to help offset your costs by collecting points. For example, the American Express Platinum Card gives you a signup bonus of up to 85,000 American Express Membership Rewards points which have a minimum value of $850 (potentially more if you transfer your points to Aeroplan or Marriott Bonvoy). There’s also the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card that has no foreign transaction fees and it comes with airport lounge access.
Accommodations
Accommodations in Ireland can range drastically, depending not only on what type of accommodation you are staying in, but also what city. Dublin is significantly more expensive than any other town or city in the Republic of Ireland. Your best bet is to spend maybe two nights here (maximum three if you are interested in a day trip to Northern Ireland) then leave and spend the rest of your time elsewhere, such as in Galway or Killarney (two of my favourite Irish cities).
*Insider tip: If possible, try to arrange your Dublin stay to be during the week rather than on a weekend. Prices, which are already high, tend to skyrocket in Dublin from Friday-Sunday.
For the purpose of this article, I have based the accommodation estimate on mid-range hotel prices. This estimate can be dropped if you choose to stay in B&Bs, hostels, or more budget-friendly accommodations. Of course, it can also be increased if you choose to stay in a luxury hotel or an Irish castle. Don’t forget to apply for a credit with no foreign exchange fees before you depart.
Here are some accommodation ideas and recommendations for three popular destinations in Ireland.
Hostels
If you are a solo traveller, backpacker, or on a tight budget then choose to stay in a hostel. You can get a bed in a dorm (cheapest option) or a private room. Not only is it the most affordable option for accommodations, but many hostels also offer discounts on day tours. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other travellers.
Recommendations: Barnacles hostel (Dublin), Snoozles Quay Street (Galway), Neptune’s Hostel (Killarney)
Irish B&Bs
The Irish are known for their hospitality, and this is very apparent in the homey B&Bs. Cozy, rooms, friendly owners, and delicious breakfasts make Irish B&Bs one of the most popular choices when it comes to accommodation. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that B&Bs aren’t always as central as other accommodation options. So if you aren’t renting a car, look into the location before booking.
Recommendations: Number 31 (Dublin), Abacus Guesthouse (Galway), The Gardens B&B (Killarney)
Mid-Range Hotels
Ireland has hotels for all budgets, but mid-range options promise good locations, clean rooms, and decent amenities at a fair price. Plus, mid-range hotels are easy to find everywhere you go. Again, keep in mind that a mid-range budget hotel in Dublin will be more expensive than elsewhere.
