Corey from Irish Fireside, Jody from Ireland with Kids and I sat down to talk about travel apps for Ireland. Listen to it for some great tips for planning and traveling to Ireland with technology.

In addition to the traditional podcast, we tried a Google Hangout which video recorded our conversation. So you can choose to not only hear our voices but see our pretty faces too. Aren’t you lucky? :-)

The podcast, video, and show notes are on the Irish Fireside website. Feel free to leave comments or suggestions of your favorite travel app too!

In case you missed any of the travel tip goodness, we have posted them again here just for you!

Have any more hints for traveling through Ireland? What did we miss? Feel free to let us know in the comments.

Packing:

Don't be weighed down by too much luggage. Pack light to easily get around. Photo Credit: Flickr user waymorefunner

1. Pack only a week’s worth of clothes even if you are traveling for 2 weeks. You can always re-wear or have your laundry done for you at a laundrette located in many towns.

2. Bring a garbage bag for dirty clothes. It keeps clean and dirty clothes separate and it also is handy when dropping them off at a laundrette.

3. Roll your clothes. You can often squeeze a little extra space in your bag this way (read: more room for souvenirs).

4. Take one medium luggage and one carry-on per person and no more. It quickly gets tiresome lugging the “big guy” suitcase up and down Bed and Breakfast stairs.

5. Use packing cubes to separate out your clothes from electronics from make-up. Makes finding things much easier!

6. Don’t go out and buy packing cubes. Save the plastic packaging that sheets, pillows, etc. come in. They work just as well as expensive cubes, but don’t cost anything extra!

7. Pack old/worn out underwear or purchase some at a dollar store. As soon as you are done with each pair, throw them away. You’ll have a little more room for souvenirs at the end of your trip.

Car Rental:

Only by renting a car can you see hidden places like hill tops on Achill Island, Co. Mayo

8. Rent a car! So many travel Ireland by coach bus. This is okay if you are unable to drive, but if you have the ability be sure to rent a car to see the countryside and meet the people on your schedule.

9. Compare booking sites before you book your car rental! Not only check the primary American brands, Hertz, Alamo, Budget, etc., but check Dan Dooley, Irish Car Rentals, AutoEurope, Argus, and Sixt. Just know what you are getting before you reserve. Some companies are great at sneaking hidden fees.

Food:

Locals and tourists alike picnicking along the water next to the Spanish Arch in Co. Galway

10. Buy snacks at an Irish store. It’s always fun being a local and to check out the differences in food options—plus snacks will help tide you over until the next meal.

11. Get a Twix! (This is a special Stephanie tip–can you tell?). Twix candy bars in the US have all sorts of preservatives—not in Ireland! What a fun little treat.

12. Take snacks, lunch or dinner with you to the airport. Airport/plane food is expensive & not great on long haul flights. Enjoy your own food and make everyone else jealous!

13. Go for a picnic! There are lots of great deli’s in most towns. With a little cheese, meat and some crackers, you’ve got yourself a picnic (and a cheap meal).

Saving Money:

Cook up a storm in your own kitchen!

14. Try a self-catering cottage or apartment to save money. Usually rented by the week, you can save a bundle on accommodations and meals!

15. Sign up for Groupon or other social coupon email list for the areas you plan to visit. You might get some great deals on cheap meals, activities, or accommodations.

16. Eat the big breakfast that is served at your B&B. It will last you well  beyond midday—lunch is then often later without much need for a big dinner. Again saving you some $$.

17. Bring a water bottle for each person on your trip to Ireland. Fill up in the morning and ask your wait staff to refill throughout the day. You can save a bundle and it is better for the environment this way!

18. Use travel points. If you have a credit card that you use often but aren’t collecting any points, apply for a card that gets you lots of bonus sign-up points and use it! You may be able to get enough points to pay for a portion of your travel costs.

19. Don’t take much cash or bring traveler’s checks. Use the ATM to get Euros when you land in Ireland. You’ll get the best exchange rate this way.

20. Check your local credit union to see if they charge fees for international ATM transactions—many don’t!

21. Try AirBnB as an alternative accommodation. It can be even cheaper than even a traditional Irish Bed and Breakfast but still the same intimate experience with local expertise.

General Ireland Travel Planning Advice:

Can you think of a better place to be lost in?

22. Don’t try to see the entire country in a week. Pick a couple of places and really explore!

23. Reach out to the locals—they have the best advice and it’s always great experiencing Ireland up close.

24. Get lost. :-) No really, taking a wrong turn in Ireland can lead to some of the best undiscovered small towns. It also gives you an excuse to stop to talk to the locals for directions or advice.

25. Learn a bit o’ Irish before you leave! It’s always fun to say Sláinte (Slan-cha: To Health) at pub and sound like a local.

26. Seek out hidden gems beyond the regular tourist spots. Don’t know where to start? Just ask your B&B owner. They will know where to go. Or Check out Ireland Travel Kit for off the beaten path, traveler tested, suggestions.

27. The Trip Advisor Ireland Forum is very active and helpful when planning your first trip. Take a look at Trip Advisor’s reviews of accommodations and attractions. Always drop the highest and lowest review to get more accurate evaluation.

28. Double check your flight times before you leave. If you book airfare far in advance the departure time can change.

29. Add at least a 1/3 more time to travel estimates between point A and point B. The roads are small. There will be many stops between for pictures. And you may enjoy a wrong turn or two. No worries though–You are in Ireland!

30. Bring a good pair of walking shoes. It will be really tempting to (and you should) get out of the car and explore the countryside.

31. No matter what. Above all else. Even if something doesn’t go as planned. Relax. Enjoy yourself. Because there will be a time that once again you will be dreaming of Ireland.

The Ultimate Ireland Packing ListPhoto courtesy of Flickr user Cake Walk

When going to Ireland for the first time, I wasn’t exactly sure what to pack. And apparently I wasn’t that good at it, because upon arrival I realized that I forgot my all-important toothbrush! Since then, I have become a master packer. I am pretty sure I could pack us up and be ready to go in under an hour.

Outlined below is the Ultimate Ireland Packing List. This is the one we actually used for the past three trips. It has everything that we could possibly need for a trip to Ireland.

I should mention however that an Ireland packing list is personal. Everyone has different needs. Use this one as a guide and write-in anything that you think you would need to add.

A couple of packing tips:

“Pack half as much and take twice the money.” If you think you need to bring more stuff, you very well may, but most people don’t.

You probably won’t even need to take everything on this list.

If you forget something, you can buy it in Ireland most of the time. It is always fun to act like a local anyway.

Don’t buy new if you don’t really need it—See something on here you would like but don’t already have? Improvise.

If packing for more than week, you won’t need any more than this. Drop off laundry at a laundrette in town and pick it up clean and folded at the end of the day.

Travel light. It makes things much easier in the long run.

And now…The List.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user Strawberrykoi

Clothing:

•         8 Pairs of Underwear & 3 Bras
•         8 Pairs of Socks
•         1 Sleepwear Set
•         3 Pants
•         6 Shirts & 4 undershirts
•         1 Sweater/Fleece
•         2 Sets of Comfortable Shoes (or 1 Walking & 1 Hiking)
•         1 Belt
•         1 Hat
•         1 Scarf
•         1 Waterproof jacket

Photo courtesy of Flickr user Atache

Toiletries:

•         Toothbrush
•         Toothpaste
•         Floss
•         Wash cloth
•         Shampoo
•         Conditioner
•         Body Wash/Soap
•         Deodorant
•         Razor
•         Shaving Cream
•         Hair Brush
•         Hair Ties
•         Hair Products (e.g. Gel, Hairspray)
•         Make-up
•         Chap Stick
•         Tissues
•         Hand sanitizer
•         Baby wipes
•         Earplugs
•         Cotton Balls (For Windy Conditions)
•         Sunscreen

Photo courtesy of Flickr user fragglerawker_03

First Aid Supplies & Other Toiletries:

•         Band Aids/Disinfectant
•         Pain Reliever (Tylenol/Aspirin)
•         Imodium/Pepto-Bismol
•         Motion Sickness Medication
•         Vitamins
•         Vitamin C Drops
•         Feminine Hygiene Products
•         Contact Lenses
•         Safety pins
•         Fingernail clippers
•         Q-tips
•         Tweezers
•         General Medications in original bottles with labels

Photo courtesy of Flickr user anikarenina

Travel Gear

•         1 Medium Size Suitcase
•         Daypack/Backpack or Purse
•         Luggage Tags
•         Money belt
•         Dirty laundry bag/trash bag
•         Packing Cubes
•         Extra plastic bags: Quart & Gallon

Travel Documents/Money:

•         Plane Tickets
•         Passport
•         Copy of Passport in Separate Safe Location
•         Driver’s license
•         Health Insurance Information
•         Travel Insurance Information
•         Wallet
•         100 Euros cash
•         Credit/Debit Cards
•         Current Bank Statement
•         Front & Back Copies of Credit/Debit Cards including Contact Info in Separate Location

Photo courtesy of Flickr user ds598

“Keeping You Organized” Ireland Binder:

•         Ireland Itinerary
•         Directions
•         Bed and Breakfast Reservations
•         Car Rental Reservation Information
•         Michelin or OSI Ireland Map
•         Key Attraction Information and Coupons
•         US & Irish Emergency Numbers
•         Journal/Notebook
•         Pens
•         Receipt Holder
•         Business Cards/Contact Info
•         Addresses to Mail Post Cards

Electronics:

•         Cell phone & Charger
•         Camera & Charger—If Batteries are Required Bring Extra!
•         Memory Cards
•         Ireland Adapter
•         Alarm Clock Device (Cell Phone/iPad)
•         E-reader/Notebook
•         Associated cables

Random Bits:

•         Travel Books/Guides
•         Snacks
•         Empty Refillable Water Bottle
•         Airplane Entertainment
•         Waking Sticks
•         Small flashlight
•         Umbrella
•         Sunglasses
•         Music CD or 2 for the Car
•         Plastic Cutlery for Picnics
•         Extra Space!

Write Your Additions: 

• _______________________________________________
• _______________________________________________
• _______________________________________________
• _______________________________________________

In the Weeks Before You Leave:

•         Check passport does not expire within the next six months
•         Check credit/debit card expiration dates
•         Call credit card/banks & set travel notification to Ireland
•         Check out what hospitals are covered by health insurance and understand claim process
•         Decide of travel insurance is right for you
•         Get about 100-150 Euros from your bank
•         Hold Mail
•         Pay all bills due while gone
•         Re-confirm reservations with bed and breakfast owners/Indicate time of arrival
•         Leave itinerary, contact information with loved one at home

The Day Before You Leave:

•         Clean-out wallet (no need to take everything)
•         Charge all camera batteries
•         Clean out Fridge/Wash the dishes/Take out trash
•         Pack food for airport and plane
•         Unplug electrical items at home
•         Check-in for flights online

Photo courtesy of Flickr user Concert_Photos_Magazine

Double/Triple Check in the Moments Before You Leave:

•         Passport
•         Plane Tickets
•         Driver’s License
•         Camera
•         B and B Information
•         Car Rental Information
•         Map

We are pretty darn good at the traveling to Ireland thing. We have helped friends, family and complete strangers plan their trips to the great country. We can tell you where to go, what towns to maybe give a miss or spend a little extra time in. We can even tell you some about some extra special amazing attractions.

But….

Can you read this? Don't worry, neither can we. Inis Mor, Aran Islands, Co. Galway.

We can’t pronounce a lick of Irish properly. When you are supposed to be an Ireland expert and you can’t pronounce anything right, you don’t sound very credible. But language is hard and Irish is really hard. It’s not that we haven’t tried, but when all five possible vowels are in a 6 letter word, your guess is as good as mine on how to say it.

Learning Irish bite by bite!

We always practice our Irish while in Ireland, learning new words with conversations with locals. But we struggled to do it at home. That is until now…We’ve recently discovered Bitesize Irish Gaelic, an online Irish language school. With their informative blog and free one month course, we really had no excuse not to practice at home and get a better grasp on the language.

Oh my goodness, we learned so much within just the first few lessons. And guess what? It was fun! (Should I mention that we were laughing at how bad we were pronouncing some of these words before?).

I should note here that you don’t need to know Irish before going on your first trip, but if you are going to a Gealtacht (Irish-speaking) area it would be great to be able to say a few key words.

The first steps to learning Irish: Bitesize Irish Gaelic's new Irish language album.

And just in time for Christmas and perhaps your first trip to Ireland in 2013, we have teamed up with Bitesize Irish Gaelic to giveaway their new album to our readers!! The generous team is giving away not one, but 15 lessons all housed on their new album. Yay! Learn Irish with Eoin will teach you all the basics, greetings counting, and more. With this giveaway, you’ll get over 2 hours of language lessons from a native speaker right to your e-mail inbox. It is so informative and helpful, we wish would have had this before our travels. What a great way to prepare!

To enter the contest all you need to do is one of the following: tell us your favorite Irish phrase in the comments, like Infinite Ireland or Bitesize Irish Gaelic on Facebook, or share the giveaway on Twitter. You can do all four and get even more entries to win. All of this is organized by the form below so don’t forget to check the boxes to win.

Need some help with your favorite Irish phrase? Bitesize Irish Gaelic has a list of a few fun phrases here.  Our favorite is Sláinte, pronounced SLAHN-cheh, an Irish toast meaning health to you.

The enter today and every day until December 24. Good luck!!

Sláinte!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas is coming! What are you giving this year?

We have put together a list of the top 20 things to give (or get!) this Christmas from our very own Ireland travel experiences. Most of these items we have personally bought or are on our Christmas wish list too.  We love to buy things that remind us of our time in Ireland.

We hope these gifts (in no particular order) do the same for you or your loved ones.  Happy Holidays!

1. Celtic Symbol Clocks: Jack Dolan WoodCraft hails from County Mayo and produces beautifully hand carved wood products. While Jack creates night lights, lamps, wall hangings, and other gifts, we particularly like the mini clocks with Celtic symbols. Grab them at the bargain price of  20€ with 4€ shipping worldwide (about $31.00 US).
2. Barry’s Tea: Our favorite Irish tea takes us right back to Ireland with just a whiff of the package. We like the gold blend in the red box. It has now become a tradition to have a cuppa Barry’s every Sunday morning while curled up in our Aran blanket.
3. Aran Patchwork Throw: Speaking of Aran blankets, we love ours!! It is so incredibly warm and it matches our couch perfectly.
4. Celtic Photo Frames:  Need somewhere to show off your pictures of Ireland? Island Craft Studio Products are in all the souvenir shops in Ireland for good reason. They make quality wood pieces with intricate designs. We have a couple of photo frames that house our very own pictures of the Slieve League cliffs in Co. Donegal.
5. Irish Book of Poems: The Irish know literature, especially poetry.  This collection includes works from W. B. Yeats, Oscar Wilde, J.M. Synge, Patrick Kavanagh and many more. It rarely sits on our bookshelf because my husband is always pulling it out to look for inspiration.
6. Irish Tales of Mystery and Magic: Ever since our very first trip we have picked up a new Irish fairytale book. This is our absolute favorite one. For a child or child at heart, this book is full of folklore, fantastic artwork and is just plain fun to read.
7. Claddagh Ring: Every girl likes to feel special with a little bit of jewelry. When visiting Galway, we absolutely loved Thomas Dillon’s Claddagh Gold shop. It is a tiny little storefront with a small Claddagh museum in the back. They had a lovely selection of Claddagh rings and a variety of other Celtic jewelry designs.  For such a small operation, we were surprised to find they have a website to order Claddagh ring that fits every price range (and you get free gift wrapping to boot).
8. Van Morrison, Into the Music: Every vacation needs a soundtrack and nothing says Ireland to us like Van the Man. Van Morrison is well-known for his hits like Brown Eyed Girl and Wild Night, but his repertoire is huge. Whenever we need a pick me up or just want to hear some great music we reach for Into the Music, a fan favorite.  A standout song is Among the Rolling Hills, which always make us feel like we are in Ireland, wherever we are.
9. Peat: There is nothing in the world like the smell of peat burning in a fireplace to warm the heart. We love the McAllister’s story of an American family finding long-lost relatives at Killofin House in County Clare.  After many more visits filled with fireside chats, the family began bringing the warmth of peat to America with their business, Killofin Home.  We don’t have a fireplace, but the McAllister’s thought of that too, peat incense!
10. Irish Woollen Scarf: Is it getting chilly where you are? It is in Pennsylvania and I am so glad I have a scarf to bundle up in. Foxford Woollen Mills is well known throughout Ireland and beyond. They have a great studio in Co. Mayo with a visitor’s center, tours of the working mill and, of course, a gift shop.
11. Irish Accent: Ok, Ok, we had to throw in at least on gag gift into the mix. Call it a stocking stuffer, what you get for the person who has everything, or just a generator of laughs. Instant Irish Accent Mouth Spray has to be the most original item on here.  Note: we haven’t tried this one so we can’t report on its tastiness.
12. Guinness T-shirt:  A Guinness t-shirt is a great bet. It’s an easy gift that is hard not to like.  As the product description says it “can be worn as badge of your Irishness and fondness for Guinness.”  We have only just retired my husband’s Guinness tee from 6 years ago. It was time, but perhaps a new one will be under the tree this year.
13. Aran Zip Cardigan: For me, I’d rather wear something that will keep me cozy warm in the winters between our visits. I’ve put this cardigan on my wish list this year. I am hoping Santa won’t mind the price tag and will appreciate the free worldwide shipping.
14. Packing Cubes: We have learned a few things about traveling in the last few years. One of them is the magic of packing cubes. We wouldn’t travel without organizers for all of our clothes, toiletries, or electronics again. They are truly helpful at keeping everything orderly even if we jump between bed and breakfasts every couple of days.
15. Waterproof Jacket: Another Item for the wish list this year, a new waterproof jacket with a liner. I’ve had great luck with Columbia waterproof jackets. They are sturdy and keep the moisture out. This year, it would be great to have something with a removable interior liner. In Ireland, you never know what the weather will be like. It will assuredly rain and sometimes the Atlantic wind can be cold. Wearing layers is really the only defense for fluctuating climate.
16. Tayto Crisps: Taytos are practically an institution in Ireland. If you like flavored potato chips these are for you. You could select traditional varieties like cheese & onion, beef & onion, and salt & vinegar. Or if you are adventurous, you could try wuster sauce, prawn cocktail, or pickled onion. The choice is yours!
17. Map of Ireland: No trip is complete without getting lost (either accidentally or on purpose), but it’s always a good idea to have an up-to-date map. We keep ours out all year-long to mark where we have been and to dream about where we want to go next.
18. Butler’s Chocolates: Butler’s Chocolates is our favorite chocolatier in Ireland. You can find stands almost anywhere throughout the country and their individually wrapped bars make great gifts (just ask my co-workers). Or you can treat your loved one to some hot chocolate with their chocolate cups that perfectly melt into a warm cup of milk. For sake of research, we drank some last night and it was delicious!!
19. Skelligs Chocolates: Can you tell Stephanie is writing this post? Two chocolate recommendations! It is the holidays, right? Skelligs Chocolates is a little chocolate company next to St. Finian’s Bay along the Ring of Kerry. With a café you can visit during the spring and summer months and custom-made chocolates, they know how to do it right. Their hampers (baskets full of chocolate goodies) are a perfect Christmas gift with only 10€ for international shipping.
20. Galway Crystal: One of the world’s favorite makers of crystal products, Galway Crystal doesn’t disappoint. Their Christmas collections are beautifully crafted and are passed down generation to generation.  I am sucker for tradition and there seems no time like the present to start a collection of Galway Crystal bells.

P.S. These recommendations are based solely upon our travel experiences. We were not paid to endorse the products listed. Infinite Ireland is an affiliate member of Amazon.com. All proceeds from Amazon purchases help develop and maintain InfiniteIreland.com. Thank you for your support of fellow Ireland fans!

Our wish for you on this Thanksgiving Day. Thank you for reading Infinite Ireland.

We appreciate all the support we received this year. We hope blessings abound for you today and always.

Stephanie and Joe

Truly Amazing Errigal Mountain

This week we were given the great opportunity to share our experience of climbing Errigal Mountain in Co. Donegal with Walking and Hiking Ireland, Ireland’s online walking and outdoor pursuits magazine.  

We love poking around their website to dream up where we are going to walk next. Each of our trips have centered around immersing ourselves in the beauty of the countryside. And after we discovered their site, our hiking wish list doubled!

Hop on over to hear our story and dream up a hike for your next trip to Ireland.

How many euros do you need to travel Ireland?

(Spoiler Alert!) It doesn’t cost a million dollars. It doesn’t even have to cost several thousands of dollars. Traveling to Ireland can be expensive, if you make it expensive, but it can be very affordable too. If you plan a vacation every year, then you can likely afford a trip to Ireland.

We tracked all of our expenses for a 11 day trip in September of 2012 to give you a real life example of the cost of a trip to Ireland. If you are seriously considering traveling to Ireland, but don’t know if you can afford it, this was written for you.

This was our actual spending. No holding back. We are being completely honest, putting ourselves and our spending out there for your benefit.If you get to the numbers and want to scream out I can never save that!!! Don’t worry! This was a super special trip for us and we specifically saved extra to cover our expensive splurges. You can make it a much cheaper experience and we explain how at the bottom of this post.

Let’s Get to it: The Itinerary

Our view from the bedroom window of Orchid House B&B in Fanore, Co. Clare

Day 1-2: Stayed at Orchid House Bed and Breakfast in Fanore, Co. Clare

• Fanore Beach
• Burren National Park
• Poulnabrone Dolmen
• Dysert O’Dea Castle and Grounds
• Kilmacduagh
• Lough Bunny
• Loop Head Drive

Day 3-4: Stayed at Corrib House in Galway City, Co. Galway

• Walking and Shopping in the city
• Galway Cathedral
• Spanish Arch
• St. Nicholas’ Cathedral
• Galway Museum
• Dunguaire Castle

West End Pier, Inishmore, Co. Galway

Day 5-6: stayed at Man of Aran Cottage on Inis Mor, Co. Galway

• Cycled the Island
• Seven Churches
• Dun Aengus
• Clochan Na Carraige
• Seal Colony

Day 7-8: Stayed at Rosleague Manor in Letterfrack, Co. Galway

• Walking and Shopping in Clifden town
• Driving the Sky Road
• Kylemore Abbey and Gardens
• Climbing Diamond Hill

Keem Bay, Achill Island Co. Mayo

Day 9-10: Stayed at Stella Maris in Keel, Co. Mayo

• Killary Harbor
• Walking Westport town
• Atlantic Drive
• Minaun Heights
• Grace O’Malley’s castle
• Keem Bay
• Abandoned Village

Day 11: Stayed at Bunratty Courtyard, Bunratty, Co. Clare

• Galway City
• Bunratty Castle Banquet

What We Spent to Travel to Ireland September 2012

(US/Euro exchange 1.3 Dollars to 1 Euro; 2 Adults):

Airfare: $415.20

CLE-EWR-SNN; SNN-JFK-LGA-CLE

We flew United Airlines.  The total cost of two economy tickets was only $115.20. But we had to cancel our flight in June and reschedule for September. So in turn, we had to eat a hefty$300.00 change fee.

You may ask how was the cost of two international tickets with multiple legs only $115.20?  We used United miles to pay for the bulk of the ticket price, 120,000 points. By applying for two credit cards (United Mileage Plus and Chase Sapphire Preferred), we were able to acquire 180,000 points, which was more than enough to cover the tickets.

Obtaining airline miles through credit card applications is not for everyone. For us, it is a great option. We have great credit and always pay off any charges on a card. For more information about points acquisition (and how it works with your credit, not against), go to Help Me Travel Cheap. Craig has a fantastic free service that helps decide which card will help you travel where you want to go.

Transportation one of the most costly expenses

Car Rental: $1002.69 (€771.30)

We rented an automatic Nissan Micra, an economy car, for 11 days from Dan Dooley at Shannon Airport. We pre-paid the cost of the vehicle including all compulsory charges (basic insurance, taxes, and fees), excess insurance (to bring our deductible to 100 Euro), and one extra driver. By using the coupon code “dochara” we received a 5% discount.

The only major advantage to purchasing from Dan Dooley is knowing that we wouldn’t have any other charges upon arrival. We have used a variety of car rental companies and had generally good experiences. The most important tips here are to be informed about what you are paying for before you leave the parking lot, check for all damages, and get the excess insurance.

Gas: $157.43 or (€121.10)

Gas (or petrol) is expensive in Ireland. It is sold by the liter rather than the gallon. We drove well over 700 kilometers (430+miles) and had 2 fill-ups (one at the start of the trip and one in the middle of the trip).

The road less traveled. Biking on Inis Mor, Aran Islands, Co. Galway

Bicycle Rental: $39.00 (€30.00)

We also rented bicycles on Inis Mor. If you are going to go to any of the Aran Islands exploring by bike is the best option. Just don’t lose your rental agreement slip or you will have to pay the refundable €20 deposit like we did. Oops!

Parking: $26.00 (€20.00)

While in Galway City we parked our car in a city lot which cost €4/day. We also had to pay for parking at Rossaveal Ferry Car Park after returning from Inis Mor.

Some of the best meals on our trip! Man of Aran Cottage, Inishmore, Co. Galway

Accommodations: $1420.61 (€1092.78)

We stayed at some absolutely beautiful places in the west of Ireland. We always choose at least one splurge location each trip. This time we picked several, which extended our budget much more than usual.

•  Orchid House: $221.00 or €28/person/night for three nights; Grade: A+
• Always reserve a room for the night before your arrival so you can rest for a couple hours in the morning after your flight (you may even get a discount like we did on the first night since you won’t be there until morning).
• Fantastic location directly across from the ocean with the Aran Islands in view, nicely furnished rooms and a great overall value.
• Best part: The hosts and the breakfast room for great chats with new friends.
• Corrib View House and Tea Rooms: $260.00 or €50/person/night for two nights; Grade: A+
  • Amazing location, delicious food, luxurious accommodations and free wireless.
  • Best Part: The food!! It was so good we decided to come back for lunch at their Tea Room (twice!). The water also made a distinct impression. It was flavored with fresh mint, lemon and lime…yumm!
• Man of Aran Cottage: $208.00 or €40/person/night for two nights; Grade B
  • Thatched cottage in the middle of Inis Mor with rustic accommodations and delicious food.
  • Best Part: The food! While breakfasts are always included, Maura makes the best dinners around and only available to guests of the cottage.
• Rosleague Manor: $432.61 or €166.39/room for two nights; Grade: A
  • Beautiful Irish manor house with lovely gardens, tasteful suites and gorgeous views of the Connemara Mountains.
  • Best Part: The sitting room with a crackling peat fire, grandfather clock ticking away, and wireless. It doesn’t get much better than that. Although, the amazing service we received when we realized we had a flat tire was as a close second.

• Stella Maris: $208.00 or €40/person/night for two nights; Grade: B-
• A rather large bed and breakfast in downtown Keel on Achill Island with nice views of the cliffs and beach.
• Best Part: The view from our bedroom window of the Minaun cliffs and a short walk to the only couple of restaurants in Keel.
• Worst Part: Beware of the over the top furniture and lilac candles in main areas. These can be a little off-putting, but the rooms are nice and really not worth your avoidance if you are not allergic to floral scents.
• Bunratty Courtyard: $91.00 or €35/person/night; Grade: A
• Perfect B & B for the night before your flight home out of the Shannon airport. Spacious rooms, great breakfasts and within walking distance of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
• Best Part: The hosts. We have stayed three times and they have remembered us every time. Always asking how we are doing and generally catching up until the next time.

Even if you don't stay at the Corrib House, it is a wonderful spot for breakfast or lunch!

Food and Drink: $535.76 (€412.12)

Every day we had breakfast provided by our B&B. Most of the time they are so filling we don’t eat until much later in the afternoon or early evening. We do however buy some snacks to eat in case we get hungry on the road. Of course dinner is then gobbled up most every night. Food almost always consists of delicious pub grub: soups, stews, chips (fries) or pies (savory and sweet).

We don’t drink too much, but our favorite treat in Ireland is Bulmers, a delicious hard cider that comes in apple or pear. The average cost for a drink depends on where you go. In big towns or tourist bars it will be more expensive. Off the beaten path places with the locals are usually better bets for a good deal. It depends on the drink, but expect to pay three to five euros per glass. Always remember the more you drink, the more expensive your trip!

Entertainment/Attractions: $194.35 (€149.50)

Kylemore Abbey. Co. Galway

We did plenty of things while in Ireland, but most of them did not cost a penny, such as hiking Diamond Hill or walking towns and beaches. Below are the items we did purchase for two adults.

• Dysert O’Dea Castle: $13.65 (€10.50)
• Dunguaire Castle: $15.60 (€12.00)
• Galway City Museum Donation: $1.95 (€1.50)
• Buskers on Shop Street Galway Donation: $2.60 (€2.00)
• Dun Aengus (Student Rate): $2.60 (€2.00)
• Kylemore Abbey and Gardens: $32.50 (€25.00)
• Bunratty Banquet: $125.45 (€96.50)

Souvenirs: $267.84 (€206.03)

It is difficult to go to Ireland without wanting to buy everything in sight. We refrain and try to remember our pictures are usually most treasured souvenirs. However, we gravitate towards books, woolen items, and of course chocolate.

Miscellaneous: $151.32 (€116.40)

Emergencies do happen, even in Ireland.  This time that meant replacing a flat tire, paying for toilets, and buying new umbrellas.

Total Ireland Travel Expenses (US $): 

• Transportation: $1640.32
• Accommodation (12 nights): $1420.61
• Food & Dink: $535.76
• Entertainment/Attractions: $194.35
• Souvenirs: $267.84
• Miscellaneous: $151.32

TOTAL: $4210.20

Do you really, really want details? Click here to download every Infinite Ireland expense for September, 2012 in PDF format. Listed is every restaurant, toilet, flat tire, B&B, etc., and how much it cost us.

Lessons Learned:

Simply put, we spent a lot on Ireland for 11 days. You don’t have to spend that much! Please know, you don’t have to spend that much!!!  We didn’t budget. We tracked, but didn’t add expenses until we returned home. We ate when we were hungry, bought souvenirs when we were inspired, and stayed at places we knew we would love.

On our first few trips, we absolutely budgeted. We tracked and worried if we could afford it. We have experience on all ends of the spending spectrum and learned how to scrimp and save every penny to afford those extra special experiences.

However, every time we go we learn new things (or are reminded) that help us better manage our money. These are some of the lessons we learned this time around.

• Pay attention to your documents: if you have coupons use them, if you put a rental deposit down–don’t mislay the slip.
• If you paid for all day parking but leave early, pass it on. Give your ticket to the person searching for a spot.
• Don’t leave your umbrellas in the room–you might end up spending money on new ones just for the day.
• Book early if you can. Originally, we were leaving in early spring, but illness pushed back our plans till September, which means we booked our car later than usual and spent a little more than we have in the past.

Budgeting for Travel to Ireland

How Much You Budget for Your Trip to Ireland?

When beginning to plan their trip to Ireland, most travelers have no idea what the middle of the road averages are per day. You could spend much more or a lot less than the estimates below.

There are many tips for lowering your total cost to travel Ireland, which we will continue to cue you in on (feel free to sign up for our updates!).

This is an average cost of a seven day trip to Ireland for two adults renting a car at 1.3 dollars for every euro (adjust according to the current exchange rate). Keep in mind, your airfare, car rental and accommodation prices could fluctuate depending on where you are departing from and when you book.

Extra Tip: Going for longer than a week? Add $150.00/day.

• Airfare from NYC or BOS: $1500.00
• Car Rental (Automatic with Excess): $525.00
• Accommodations: $637.00 (€35/person/night)
• Food: $369.00 (€40.5/day without drinks)
• Entertainment/Attractions: $118 (€13/day)
• Souvenirs: $100.00 (€77)
• Miscellaneous: $250 (€192)

Grand Total: $3499.00

Remember this is a rough estimate for an average (read: you can spend much less or much more if you like) trip for two. You can maximize your dollar more than this with smart savings, such as 3 or more nights in one location, self-catering rentals, Groupon coupons, pre-paying attractions online, and so many other ways.

You can make your Ireland trip affordable. We hope this gives you a base line to stop dreaming and start planning your first trip to Ireland.

Have you tracked your expenses in Ireland before? How much have you spent? How much have you saved? We would love to hear from you!

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Infinite Ireland help’s first timer’s traveling to Ireland plan the perfect trip. We share our best travel tips, give great planning advice and send you inspiration from our own travels through Ireland. Join us now!

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We had visited during this time of year on our very first trip, our honeymoon. I am pretty sure I was so enamored with the massive beauty that is the country of Ireland that I must not have taken notice of all the little things around me.

This time I made a distinct effort to soak it all in. It has been a difficult year personally and professionally and I was looking forward to this trip more than I ever. I knew that those couple of weeks would fly by and I would soon be back to my daily routine.

I was adamant about capturing everything—even the little things, especially the flowers.

It was as if I was trying to bottle it all up. The colors, the smells, and what I felt during those moments of complete and utter freedom from stress, illness and loss.

Now that we are back, I look at these pictures, and I am thankful for their joyful display and their vibrant colors.  They cheer me.

Do they cheer you too?

Infinite Ireland help’s first timer’s traveling to Ireland plan the perfect trip. We share our best travel tips, give great planning advice and send you inspiration from our own travels through Ireland. Join us now!

Just enter your email below and click “Subscribe”

Great Blasket Island, Co. Kerry

Head on over to Santa Fe Travelers to read about our experience on Great Blasket Island near the Dingle Peninsula in Co. Kerry. We loved our experience and hope you love reading about it. Enjoy!