Dublin is the country’s main entry point, a confident capital with raw, modern energy perfectly complemented by rich and colorful traditions, boasting outstanding medieval monuments and wide variety of museums and exhibits. With this, Dublin is understandably the most expensive city in Ireland for accommodation and especially dining, which is why most travelers on a strict budget choose to spend most of their stay outside the capital. However, avoiding Dublin is not the only way to experience Ireland on a limited budget.
With beautiful cliffs, rolling green hills, castles and of course, the world-famous Guinness beer and the local’s hospitality, Ireland is easily one of the most beautiful countries you can visit in Europe. Its cities, especially Dublin, are always lively, making it hard not to have a good time. The country is small, which makes it easy for any guest to explore and have fun. But having fun comes with a price. How do you stay on top of your expenses? If you’re on your way for a vacation in Ireland on a limited budget, then you have come to the right place. This entry will share to you some of the best ways to get the most out of Ireland without spending big. Check out these tips.
Suggested Daily Budget
For your daily budget, you will spend around 40 to 60 EUR or $42 to $63 (note that this is only a suggested budget, assuming you stay in a hostel, cook your own meals and use the local transportation). Should you go fancier, look for a nicer hotel and/or eat more often outside, then expect your expenses to be higher.
Take Advantage of Student Discounts
Bring your valid student ID with you and get discounts of up to a whopping 50% on so many attractions, muses and even public transport throughout the country, such as buses.
Eat at the Pub
Pubs are all over the country, and they are the best place to experience authentic Irish cuisine. Most of these pubs offer good, hearty Irish food for a very affordable price.
Drink Less
Though it’s hard not to drink and get drunk in Ireland, especially in Dublin, where pub culture is strong, you don’t want to spend all your money on drinks. You can of course, drink at home or maybe skip drinks altogether.
Share a Ride
If the schedule of your stay and daily itinerary is flexible, you can always use ridesharing services such as the BlaBlaCar and catch those rides the locals from one city to another. You don’t only save tons of money with ridesharing, you can also meet lots of interesting people along the way, learn more about the locals, or possibly even make new friends. No need to be worried about such services, as drivers are verified and they’re perfectly safe. Again, you need to be flexible, as sometimes, rides may not show up.
Couchsurf
Couchsurfing have become a popular alternative for travelers around the world. It connects you with the locals, lets you experience their life right at their own home, and the best part about it is, you get to have a local guide who can introduce you to the best places to see in his and/or her city. It’s free accommodation, which means you get to save big chunk of money.