How much does it cost to go to Ireland and what budget do you need?

What is the average cost of a trip to Ireland?

Your final bill in Ireland is dictated entirely by your travel style—a backpacker's expenses look nothing like a luxury tour. Most of your budget will go toward these five areas:

• Flights
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Transportation
• Activities

The time of year and your specific route also affect the final price. Instead of a strict buffer, set aside some extra cash for spontaneous detours or unexpected fun—like an extra pint or a last-minute gift.

What is a daily budget for a budget traveler?

If you're watching your wallet, expect to spend about $120 (€100–€150) per person each day. A one-week trip for a couple usually comes to around $2,000 to $2,500, excluding trans-Atlantic flights. To stretch your budget further, try booking beds in hostels or budget B&Bs instead of hotels.

Use public transportation and free walking tours to avoid expensive car rentals. Buying supermarket meals saves a ton compared to restaurant dining. Solo travelers often spend between €600 and €1,000 for a week-long trip by traveling this way.

What is a daily budget for a mid-range traveler?

A daily budget of $196–$285 (€169–€245) is the sweet spot, balancing comfort and cost. This budget works well for most visitors—giving you the privacy of a B&B and the freedom of a rental car without the high cost of castle stays.

You'll be able to enjoy pub meals and sit-down restaurants, not just groceries. Data from The Irish Road Trip suggests a one-week trip for two averages $7,120. Travelers in this bracket generally spend between €1,200 and €2,500 on a 10-day trip for flights, lodging, and attractions.

What is a daily budget for a luxury traveler?

Luxury travelers should expect to spend at least $450 per person each day. You'll stay in premium rooms in 5-star hotels or historic castles, and enjoy exclusive options like private drivers. Fine dining and private tours will increase the total cost significantly.

A fully inclusive luxury week for two averages around $7,000 to $9,000—roughly $1,000 to $1,300 per day for top-tier service. A more standard comfortable package with 4-star hotels costs between €2,500 and €5,000 for a week-long trip.

How much do flights to Ireland cost?

Flights are often your biggest upfront expense. Prices range from $200 to over $1,000 depending on when you book. While prices spike during summer and December, you can often find deals under $350 by aiming for shoulder months like February or October.

East Coast hubs like Boston and Newark often offer the best rates, typically averaging between $700 and $900 on Kayak, though peak summer fares can easily double that. To get the best price, try booking 2 to 10 weeks early. Flying on Tuesdays or late at night often saves money.

What are the accommodation costs in Ireland?

Lodging costs depend on your location and travel dates. Dublin is generally pricier than smaller towns like Killarney or Cork. Booking well in advance helps secure better rates. It's especially important during the summer when crowds arrive.

Hostels and B&Bs are the best options for strict budgets. Self-catering rentals offer great value for groups. They allow you to cook your own meals and save on food.

What are the typical prices for hostels and B&Bs?

Dorm beds cost €25 to €50 ($27–$54) per night. Private rooms in hostels run between €80 and €120 ($86–$130). Dublin accommodation costs about 30% more than in smaller cities.

B&Bs have a comfortable, homey feel. A double room usually costs between €90 and €150 ($97–$162). Breakfast is often included in the price. Rural B&Bs often offer better value and a more authentic experience than city options. In my experience, the hosts are also a goldmine of local travel tips you won't find in guidebooks.

What are the typical prices for mid-range and luxury hotels?

Three-star hotels are a good mix of price and quality. Standard double rooms generally range from €120 to €180 per night. Luxury 4 or 5-star hotels charge significantly more. You'll pay between €200 and €400 nightly for these upscale stays.

For a true once-in-a-lifetime treat, try waking up in a converted historic castle. These exclusive stays often exceed €400 per night. A central 4-star hotel in Dublin costs €180 to €250. Prices in popular spots like Galway increase during the peak season.

How much does transportation in Ireland cost?

Deciding between a rental car and public transit will make the biggest difference in your budget. While a rental car gives you freedom, the mandatory insurance can double your daily rate.

Buses and trains reduce daily expenses. Bus Éireann and Irish Rail connect major cities efficiently. Dublin has the Luas tram and DART for affordable travel.

What is the cost of renting a car?

A one-week rental typically costs €300 to €500, which is essential if you want to drive scenic routes like the Wild Atlantic Way. Insurance is a major extra cost that can exceed the rental price itself.

Plan on spending €100 to €200 per week for fuel and tolls. Manuals are cheaper, but only book one if you are comfortable shifting with your left hand while navigating narrow roads on the left side. Take it from me: those narrow country lanes can be unforgiving if you aren't fully confident behind the wheel.

What is the cost of using public transport like buses and trains?

Public transport is a cheaper option. Bus Éireann covers many urban and intercity routes. A single bus fare in Dublin is €2 to €3. The Leap Visitor Card is great for extensive city travel.

This pass offers unlimited access to buses and trams for a fixed price. Trains are generally more expensive than buses. A return ticket from Dublin to Cork averages €40 to €60 via Irish Rail. Long-distance coaches are a cheaper way to get from county to county.

How much does food and drink cost in Ireland?

Food costs range from budget-friendly groceries to expensive fine dining. Tourist areas like Temple Bar charge a premium. Pub meals offer excellent value and culture. Honestly, sitting by a turf fire with a hearty stew is often better than any Michelin-star experience. A Full Irish Breakfast is filling and can replace a heavy lunch.

Soup and a sandwich typically cost €8 to €10. Alcohol adds up fast. A pint of Guinness is about €5.50 in Dublin and €4.50 in rural areas. A Gin & Tonic costs around €7.00. Cooking simple meals at your accommodation saves a lot. A family of four mixing pub lunches with grocery store breakfasts typically spends around $1,300–$1,500 over a nine-day trip.

What is the cost of activities and attractions in Ireland?

Plan on spending about €18 to €21 ($21) per person daily for entertainment. You can mix paid fees with free natural sites. While the main Visitor Center charges entry, the coastal walking trail from Doolin or Hag's Head offers equally spectacular views of the Cliffs of Moher for free. I highly recommend this route; the crowds are thinner and the photos are just as stunning. Sticking to the outdoors will save you money.

Paid attractions often charge between €15 and €30. Top sites include the Guinness Storehouse and Blarney Castle. A family of four might spend around $800 for activities on a nine-day trip. Consider the Dublin Pass or OPW Heritage Card to save on entry fees.

How can you stay connected and avoid roaming fees in Ireland?

Roaming fees from your home provider can be huge. Buying a local SIM card upon arrival saves money. For convenience, choose a dedicated eSIM card for Ireland to secure coverage before you fly.

This option means you don't have to swap physical cards. You connect right away for maps and apps. Use free Wi-Fi in hotels for heavy downloads to keep your data usage low.

How can you save money on your Ireland trip?

Your biggest savings will come from strategic timing rather than cutting corners on daily expenses. Book flights and accommodation well in advance. You can reclaim up to 23% on purchases through the VAT refund scheme. Enjoy free activities like hiking to keep daily expenses manageable.

When is the cheapest time to travel to Ireland?

The cheapest time to visit is the low season from November to March. Prices take a dip in February and October. December and the summer months are the most expensive times to travel.

The off-season has shorter days and more rain. But saving money is easier during these months. The shoulder seasons of April or September strike the ideal balance between mild weather and manageable prices.

Which travel passes offer the best value?

Travel passes help reduce your overall budget. Three main options have different perks:

• Leap Visitor Card
• Dublin Pass
• Heritage Card

The Leap Visitor Card gives unlimited public transport access in Dublin. It covers buses, trams, and trains. This is perfect for travelers exploring the capital without buying individual tickets. The Dublin Pass covers entry to over 30 attractions. It includes the Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Castle.

The Heritage Card is best for exploring historical sites nationwide. It gets you into places like Kilmainham Gaol. Compare pass prices against standard entry fees to see if you save. The Dublin Pass is great for city breaks, while the Heritage Card suits longer journeys.

What are some tips for eating on a budget?

Cook your own meals to save money. Discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl offer affordable ingredients. Many B&Bs include a large breakfast, which keeps you full until dinner.

Local pubs serve real Irish food at lower prices than restaurants. A lunch special often costs between €8 and €10. Look for "Early Bird" menus between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM for reduced prices on full meals.

What payment methods should you use in Ireland?

Visa and Mastercard are the most reliable cards. They work at hotels, restaurants, and gas stations. American Express is rarely accepted outside luxury venues. Contactless payment is the norm everywhere.

You still need to carry some cash. Small shops and rural B&Bs may not take cards. I always keep a stash of coins handy for this exact reason. ATMs offer the best exchange rates. It's better to pay in the local currency to avoid bad exchange rates and hidden fees.

What currency is used in Ireland and Northern Ireland?

The island has two different currencies. The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro (€). Northern Ireland uses the Pound Sterling (£). You must keep this in mind if visiting both regions.

You need the correct cash for each jurisdiction. ATMs only dispense local money. Exchange rates at border shops are usually pretty bad. Carry a mix of Euros and Pounds to avoid headaches.

Sources

• https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/trip-to-ireland-cost/
• https://www.kayak.com/flight-routes/United-States-US0/Ireland-IE0
• https://www.irishrail.ie/rail-fares-and-tickets/fares-info/dublin-cork