You can see Ireland on a budget by taking advantage of local deals and planning ahead. You can also save by staying in hostels, taking advantage of student discounts and skipping alcohol – Ireland's pub culture can be expensive!

A car is a good option for getting around Ireland. This allows you to take in the country's small roads that a bus might not be able to navigate.

Rent a Car

If you’re a traveler who doesn’t mind driving on the left side of the road and can afford to split the cost with a group then renting a car is one of the best ways to see Ireland. It gives you more freedom to visit the many smaller villages, pre-historic sites and UNESCO World Heritage Sites that Ireland is known for.

When you rent a car, always read the fine print to be sure what’s included in your rental. You can often find great deals on car rentals in Ireland if you book online and are aware of what you’re getting into. For example, you can rent a car in Cork from 18 eur per day, in Dublin - from 19 eur per day. When you get your rental, make sure to inspect it for damage before you drive away. Usually, you’ll be given a sheet that lists all of the damage present or someone will accompany you to inspect it. Always take your phone and photograph all damage INSIDE AND OUT of the vehicle to make sure there’s no surprises when you return it.

You can also save money by purchasing a city pass or hop-on, hop-off bus ticket. These passes can include skip-the-line entry to several popular attractions and will save you time and money. Keep in mind that public transit can be slower and may not always be able to reach some of the more remote places you might want to visit. It’s also worth considering a bus or rail pass for longer trips, although they can be pricey. It’s important to budget for drinks and souvenirs too. Especially when you’re visiting a place that is known for its pub culture, it can be easy to go overboard and spend more than you intended.

Stay in a Hostel

A budget trip to Ireland can be affordable, but a shoestring traveler will need to be careful and limit spending in some areas. Accommodation, for example, can be expensive and the cost of eating in restaurants adds up quickly. However, if you plan ahead, stay in hostels and use local discounts and vouchers for cheaper admissions to attractions, it is possible to visit the Emerald Isle on a budget.

Hostels in Ireland cater to backpackers and are a great place to meet fellow travelers. They usually have a lively social atmosphere, so you can easily meet people to go out with. In addition, many hostels offer free activities like pub nights, pizza nights, live music and guided tours. Isaacs Hostel in Dublin, for example, is a fun hostel with a musical theme. It is located in a central location and has state-of-the-art facilities.

It's also easy to save money on food by staying at a hostel and using the kitchen. You can buy groceries at a discount at stores such as Lidl and Aldi, and prepare meals at the hostel. In general, meals at restaurants in Ireland are quite expensive, but if you avoid them and eat at the hostel instead, you can save a lot of money.

Another option is to rent a car. This can be a good way to see the country, but only if you are comfortable driving on the left side of the road and have a valid driver's license. Be sure to check prices on rental cars before making a reservation. Bus travel in Ireland is also an option, but it takes longer and may not reach some of the more remote destinations that you may want to visit.

Stay in a Budget Hotel

While it may seem that Ireland would be an expensive travel destination, it’s actually quite affordable. In fact, Dublin offers a range of stylish but monetarily savvy hotels for the budget traveler, especially when staying during the shoulder season in spring and fall. This is when the weather is still warm and dry but not nearly as crowded as it is during peak season around St Patrick’s Day.

In the countryside, there are plenty of homey B&Bs offering rooms for less than $100 USD per night and often including a breakfast fit for royalty. There are also numerous Airbnb options throughout the country, ranging from private rooms to entire apartments that can save travelers an average of 100 EUR or more per night when booking well in advance.

Staying outside of Dublin is the best way to keep costs down while avoiding the worst crowds and inflated prices, especially during peak season. Many of the best budget hotels in Ireland are located in cities like Killarney and Galway, where you’ll find an enticing mix of cultural attractions and natural landscapes.

If you can’t avoid spending a couple nights in Dublin during your trip, try to book your hotel during the week rather than on the weekend. This will help keep costs down as hotel rates skyrocket during the weekend and make it difficult to find a room. Renting a car is a must when traveling to Ireland on a mid-range budget, as public transit can be limited and time-consuming. This allows travelers the freedom to explore on their own schedule and makes it much easier to visit some of the more remote places in Ireland that aren’t easily accessible by bus.

Eat at Local Restaurants

While Ireland is a top destination for pub culture and some of the best cuisine in the world, it can also be quite expensive. If you’re traveling on a budget, it’s a good idea to set aside an extra $20 a day for food and drink, just in case. Typically, you’ll need this to cover breakfast at your bed & breakfast or hotel (which is generally included in the price), dinner out one night and snacks during the day.

For the most cost-effective meals, opt for places with a lunch menu that are cheaper during the week. Some restaurants even offer student deals at off-peak times. For example, the Mongolian BBQ restaurant in Dublin offers students a meal for just EUR2.

Souvenirs are another expense that can quickly add up. While it’s tempting to buy everything that features a cute leprechaun or cuddly sheep, try to stick to items that will be enjoyed for longer than just a few weeks. If you want to buy souvenirs, make sure to shop around and check online for the cheapest prices before purchasing.

Lastly, it’s important to budget for transportation costs when planning your trip to Ireland on a budget. Renting a car is a great way to see the country, but it can be expensive. To save on car rental, be sure to book your reservation well in advance, especially during high season when prices and availability go up. Alternatively, you can also opt for buses and train tours to get around the country, but it will limit your flexibility.

Take a Tour

In addition to renting a car and staying in budget hotels, taking a tour is another great way to save money on your trip to Ireland. This is especially true if you’re interested in learning more about Irish history, culture, and cuisine. Tours often include an included full breakfast, tours of local attractions like the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery, and a meal out at a locally-owned restaurant.

Bus travel is also very affordable in Ireland and can be a good option for those who don’t want to rent a car. Bus passes can be purchased ahead of time or at the bus station, and tickets are cheap compared to other forms of transportation. Bus companies like Bus Eireann and Citylink offer services throughout the country, and you can find schedules and routes online.

Evening meals in Ireland can be expensive, so try to avoid eating out for dinner if possible. Many restaurants offer cheaper lunchtime menus, and some also offer take-out menus for an additional fee. In addition, if you have a student ID, ask for discounts at museums and attractions. And, of course, don’t forget to eat at the pubs for hearty, affordable food!

Lastly, consider visiting Ireland in the spring or fall. These seasons tend to be slower for tourism, and you can often find some great deals on airfare and accommodation. In addition, the weather is mild and comfortable, making it perfect for exploring the sights. Plus, there are plenty of festivals and events happening during these times!