Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Ireland

Accommodation

$25-60 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, budget guesthouses, shared accommodations, or camping options

Food & Dining

$30-65 per day

Self-catering from supermarkets, pub lunches, takeaway meals, local cafes, and occasional restaurant meals

Transportation

$10-25 per day

Public buses, walking, occasional trains, hitchhiking, and cycling

Activities

$5-20 per day

Free walking tours, hiking trails, free museums, public beaches, and occasional paid attractions

Shop at local supermarkets and self-cater breakfast and lunch - typically saves 40-60% compared to eating all meals out

Use public buses instead of taxis for transportation - generally costs 70-80% less than private transport

Book accommodation well in advance or look for last-minute deals - can save 20-40% on standard rates

Take advantage of free attractions like hiking trails, coastal walks, and many museums - saves $20-50 per day on activities

Eat your main meal at lunch rather than dinner at restaurants - lunch menus typically cost 30-50% less

Stay in smaller towns and villages rather than Dublin - accommodation usually costs 40-60% less outside the capital

Travel during shoulder season months - prices generally drop 25-40% compared to peak summer rates

Eating and drinking only in tourist areas and city centers - typically costs 100-150% more than local neighborhoods

Relying solely on taxis and ride-shares instead of public transport - can increase daily transport costs by 300-500%

Booking accommodation without comparing rural vs urban options - Dublin rates typically 2-3x higher than countryside locations

Not accounting for Ireland's high alcohol prices - pub drinks can easily add $40-80 per day to food budgets

Underestimating fuel costs for car rentals - petrol prices typically 20-30% higher than US rates plus toll roads