5 Tips for Travel to Ireland on a Budget

Traveling abroad can seem out of reach for many people. A big reason people feel they can't travel is because of costs. However, it doesn't have to be as expensive as you might think. I traveled to Ireland three times while I was in college, and full disclosure I was working my way through college on my own. I will say I did have help through scholarships for a few of my trips, but those were for the longer ones. However, through those experiences I learned how to stretch my dollar in traveling. I want to share a few of these ideas to help you achieve your travel goals.

1. Don't be afraid of hostels

   I know that some people may feel uncomfortable sharing a room with strangers. I did, too, but then I tried it out. The hostels in Ireland that I have stayed at were safe and clean. As a woman traveling on my own I made sure to rent a bed in a female only room just to be extra safe. They often have community kitchens, so you can save a bit of money on food, which I'll discuss later.

   When booking a hostel, make sure to check reviews and pictures. The most important reviews to take note of are the most recent ones. In Dublin, South of the Liffey is generally a safer area. However, Dublin is a pretty safe city in general.

   A few particular hostels I would recommend in Dublin are Abigail's Hostel and the Ashfield Hostel. They are centrally located, and I had a good experience at both.

2. Don't eat at pubs for every meal

   I know, I know, but hear me out. If you choose to stay at a hostel, get some things from the grocery store for breakfast, which is the easiest meal to make for yourself. Try shopping at Lidl or Aldi for even cheaper prices. The food there is also fantastic, especially for the price.

   For lunch you can take advantage of the deals at places like Tesco. They have a meal deal where you get a sandwich, crisps, and a drink for around 5 euros, give or take. This can be a great option for a budget and also for on the go exploring of the city. Many tourist attractions close by 5 or 6, so spending time in the pubs is better reserved for after you get your tours in.

3. Get a Visitors LEAP Card

   The LEAP cards are used for bus transportation, and you can get a visitor's LEAP card for your stay. This will allow you to load money on it and swipe it to get on buses and the luas (tram). Using public transportation will greatly reduce your bill compared to taking taxis.

   Public transportation is very good in Ireland, and there's wifi on the buses. Don't be afraid to try it out. If you're unsure about if you're getting on the right bus, the bus drivers are very kind and helpful. You can also try using google maps or hittheroad.ie to tell you what bus routes to take.

4. Enjoy the walkability of Dublin

   Not only is public transport a good option, walking is also really easy in Dublin, and any other major city in Ireland. The cities are small and have sidewalks everywhere. Again, it's pretty safe, but always keep an eye out just in case.

   Walking around also gives you the opportunity to really take in the sights and also get your steps in. The amount of times I have stopped on a walk around the cities of Ireland to just enjoy the quaintness are more than I can count.

5. Don't drink too much and be picky where you get a pint

   I'm not someone who drinks, but I do still know my way around the Dublin drinking scene through friends.

   It can be really tempting to drink as many pints of Guinness as you can handle, but it can rack up your bill significantly. It can also make it harder to enjoy your visit as I have seen many people put back several pints and regret it the next day as they felt the effects of the hangover as we traveled. Now, it's okay to enjoy the taste of Ireland's culture, but also keep in mind that if you're coming from the US, Ireland's pints are about 25% larger than a pint in the U.S. (20 oz vs 16oz). If you have four pints in Ireland, that's equivalent to having 5 pints in the U.S.

   In addition to drinking responsibly, take note of where you're drinking. The closer you are to tourist spots, such as Temple Bar, the higher the price of a pint. If you want to experience drinking in Temple Bar, get a drink and then save the rest of the party for a cheaper spot. The places away from the tourist areas are also more authentic.

All in all, it doesn't have to break the bank to travel. Find ways to slim down and have fun. Enjoy seeing places that everyday people frequent, such as grocery stores and bus stops. You can travel to Ireland easily and on a budget, just hold yourself to it! Feel free to ask questions about your specific situation.