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!
*******************************************************************************
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”
Seeing breakdowns like this are so helpful when planning a trip abroad! I thought I’d add a few things from our last trip to Ireland:
1. We went for 3 weeks in December and snagged plane tickets around $500 each — RT on Delta from Raleigh, NC to Dublin. We purchased our tickets in early October and were very flexible with dates.
2. We shelled out about 100 Euros for a tow truck to pull us out of a very dark and icy ditch on our second night driving in Ireland. If you rent a car, carry extra cash for unexpected car emergencies!
3. We rented a flat in Dublin for half of our stay (from Christmas to New Years). Cost-wise I think it was about the same as some of the B&Bs we stayed in outside Dublin, maybe a little less expensive. After 10 of B&Bs, we loved having a kitchen and the ability to cook, especially during the holidays when everything was closed!
Thanks for the fantastic tips Cate! I love the one about carrying extra cash. When we had our flat tire in Ireland, we were lucky that the garage accepted credit, otherwise we might not have had enough cash on us. Lesson learned–always keep an extra stash of cash in the currency of the country we are in. Reminds me of the emergency money my dad gave me when I was 16 for my wallet. The only two rules were: only for emergencies and always replace it after you need to spend it. Good advice for traveling too!
Enjoyed going over you notes above. We have been to Ireland 4 times started in 2006. I would move to Ireland in a snap, my husband really doesn’t want to :-( We really enjoyed our stay with Joe and Maura at Man of Aran Cottage. Our friend Bit suggested this place, which she had gone to many times. Did you stay in the main part or one of the cottages closer to the road? When we go again we are planning to stay in the main part, sure hope they haven’t retired by the time we make the trip again……The last trip we planned was for a month but had to return just after 2 weeks because of medical problems….we were planning on going from Shannon and follow the whole coast line to Dublin and cut across to Shannon. We have followed the coast, South, from Shannon to Cork and to Mitchells Town…..Thanks for having your wonderful site and I certainly will be checking it out more later on.
Hi Karen,
We would move to Ireland in a snap too! A few things are in our way (like jobs :-) but perhaps someday! We loved our stays with Man of Aran. Both times we were in the main cottage. Very rustic, but wonderful! You’ll have to go back and do the coastline! Our favorite parts of Ireland have been along the coast. Thanks for vising Infinite Ireland. We love chatting with new Irish-loving friends!
What a great post :)
This is what I love to read – real world stories and although perhaps a little more than you wanted to spend, a very enjoyable read and made me smile.
Budgeting does help to a degree and sadly because you are travelling around to different locations, the costs can mount up. Compare this to a couple of weeks all inclusive in Benidorm and it will always be more expensive.
Sounds like you had a grand time though :-)
Andy
We did have a great time! We had planned spending more than usual on this trip and it was all worth it! Lovely bed & breakfasts and manor houses, delicious food, and of course great sites all throughout Ireland.
This was very helpful! My husband and I are planning a 3 year anniversary trip and this will be our first time traveling outside the US. For our honeymoon, we stayed in Asheville, NC at a B&B and toured the Biltmore Estate. So we feel like Ireland will be an amazing experience, right up our alley.
We are planning our trip through AAA who uses CIE Tours for a “Go-As-You-Please” tour with a rental car and B&B vouchers where we pick from many different B&B’s throughout Ireland for August 2013. Do you have any experience, thoughts, advice and/or tips on this type of independent travel in Ireland. For an 8 day trip, I feel like the price is very affordable, but I am a little worried that we might be missing “hidden fees”.
Hi Katrina! It sounds like you will feel right at home in Ireland. What a perfect place for your 3 year anniversary!
As I haven’t worked specifically with CIE, I don’t have any specific advice for that company, but I can tell you that I generally would not prefer to work with B&B vouchers—for a couple of reasons. My husband and I like to book where we are staying before we leave. We had an incident one time when we were using vouchers that we had to unexpectedly postpone our entire trip. We were able to cancel all our other B&B’s (and even a castle stay) through a simple email exchange. Cancelling with the vouchers actually required us to pay money to the B&B. This was written in the fine print, but of course not thinking we would ever have to cancel, I ignored it before booking. If you don’t plan on booking ahead or CIE doesn’t charge cancellation fees, then this won’t affect you at all.
The other reason I am not a big fan of the vouchers is of the relatively little freedom you have choosing your B&B. While it may seem like there are a lot of B&B’s to choose from in your book, there are many, many more B&B’s in the towns you will be visiting. You may find you want to stay at a place not listed in your book. That is not to say that there isn’t lovely places listed–I am sure there are!
In my experience, most travelers are able to create their own trip about as cheaply or even less expensive than tour (even a go as you please tour). With all of the available information online now, it is easy to rent a car, and pick out B&B’s on your own (I like to use TripAdisor Reviews for a starting point). You have a lot more freedom this way.
My advice to you is read the fine print. Find out of their are any cancellation fees or extra taxes to pay. Either way–enjoy your trip! You will absolutely love it!
My wife and I spent 17 days in Ireland in 04. We loved it.We did the coast from east. Cork to Galway. I took every small road we could find.We even Drove the Gap of Dunloe! Not a lot of people do that.
I lost the love of my life to cancer last year. We were looking to go back for our fiftieth anniversary next year.
I think I would like to go my self,I know its costly but I have no other choice.
Here is my question, What is the sur charge on a single staying in a room by themselves?
Thanks great web sight
Hi Thomas! I am so sorry to hear about your loss. What wonderful memories you must have of your trip together. It sounds like a perfect tour of Ireland–those back roads are my favorite too!
Every B&B will be different so you will need to confirm when you make reservations or check in. In general though, if a B&B charges 30 Euro per person per night for two people I would expect to pay a single supplement of 15 to 20 Euro–making it approximately 45-50 Euro for one person. However—some B&B’s do have single rooms that can be cheaper. Also the higher the room for two people the higher the single charge will likely be. If you would like any specific suggestions for lodging along your route, don’t hesitate to ask!