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Ireland

What can you expect from Ireland

Ireland, often called the Emerald Isle, is a country of dramatic landscapes, legendary folklore, and warm-hearted locals. From rugged coastlines and misty mountains to centuries-old castles and colorful villages, the scenery here feels straight out of a fairytale. While the weather can be unpredictable, the charm of the Irish countryside, the rich culture, and the traditional music make every moment memorable.

Whether you’re tracing your ancestry, hiking along the Wild Atlantic Way, exploring cities like Dublin and Galway, or just sipping a pint of Guinness in a quiet pub while locals play the fiddle, Ireland promises a soulful and scenic journey.

Things to See and Do in Ireland

Walk the dramatic Cliffs of Moher in the Wild Atlantic Way
Explore Dublin with its literary history and Temple Bar district
Visit the mystical Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland
Discover the cultural buzz and live music in Galway
Take a scenic drive around the Ring of Kerry
Visit the Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone
Enjoy traditional Irish food and folk music in Doolin
Tour Kilkenny Castle and stroll through the medieval streets
Explore the remote beauty of the Valentia Island

Typical Costs When Traveling

Accommodation: Dorm beds in hostels typically cost between $27–$43 per night. Budget hotels and guesthouses range from $65–$108 per night, while mid-range hotels can cost between $130–$195. In rural areas, B&Bs are a charming and affordable option.

Food: Eating out in Ireland can vary. A pub meal usually costs around $13–$20, while restaurant dining may range from $27–$43 per person. Groceries for a week can be about $43–$65 if you’re cooking for yourself.

Transportation: Buses and trains are reliable. Intercity bus fares range from $11–$32, while train tickets cost more depending on the distance. Renting a car starts around $32 per day (excluding insurance and fuel).

Suggested Daily Budget

$60–$95 USD

(Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel or budget guesthouse, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Following the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)

Money-Saving Tips

1
Book buses in advance Irish intercity buses often offer discounted online fares.
2
Free walking tours Most major cities have free tours (tips welcome) that offer great historical insight.
3
Use grocery stores Shop at Lidl, Aldi, or Tesco to save on meals and snacks.
4
Heritage cards If you’re visiting multiple castles and historic sites, the OPW Heritage Card offers great value.

Travel Tools for Ireland

If you’re planning to stay in budget accommodations, Booking.com and Hostelworld are excellent for comparing hostels, B&Bs, and guesthouses.

Google Maps is indispensable for navigating hikes, city streets, or country roads. Download maps to use offline before you go.

If you’re considering a road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way or through the countryside, DiscoverCars has competitive car rental deals with flexible pick-up locations.

Don’t forget to get a Holafly eSIM (-5%) to be 100% connected and a Heymondo travel insurance (-5%) because it’s always best to be on the safe side.

These are the platforms I trust and use on my travels, and some include exclusive discounts for my readers!

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05/24/2025

Marlene is the creator of Marlene On The Move. A journalist by profession, she created the blog to share her adventures around the world. It is not unusual for her to set off to discover new countries and cultures with a surfboard as luggage.

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