How to Travel Ireland Without Overspending

Let’s be real, Ireland isn’t exactly famous for being a budget destination. Between the Guinness, castles, cozy pubs, and car rentals, it can feel like your wallet is in a constant game of tug-of-war. But the truth? You can travel Ireland without going broke.

This was one of my bigger trips of the year, but I didn’t spend big. And I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything. Here’s exactly how I kept costs down while still soaking up the best parts of the Emerald Isle, pint in hand.

Where we saved

Housesitting

I cannot recommend TrustedHousesitters enough if you’re trying to stretch your travel budget.

We got over two weeks of accommodation completely free just outside the Burren, staying in a cozy Irish home with two independent (and adorable) outdoor cats.

All we had to do was top off their food bowls and enjoy the countryside. Having a full kitchen and a local neighborhood made it feel like a home base, not just a stopover.

Bonus? You get access to towns that aren’t touristy (and ones that are too!), which often means more authentic experiences and lower prices all around.

Try it out for 15% off your first year membership (it costs less than one night at most hotels), when you use my link to sign up!

If you want more advice on how to sign up and get chosen for your first few shifts, check out my Guide to Becoming a Housesitter.

Cooking at “home”

We didn’t eat out every night. A few strategic grocery runs let us cook easy meals, think pasta, soups, and big breakfasts, and that freed up money to enjoy pubs and restaurants we were really excited about. Nothing like cooking your own meal with Irish butter and local veggies, honestly.

Phone plan

Instead of switching my U.S. phone plan to international (which would’ve cost me around 5x more), I used an Airalo eSIM and paid just a fraction of that. I had data right when I landed, no SIM card swap needed, and no surprise charges. It was the easiest win of the trip.

Free activities

Ireland is an outdoor playground. We prioritized scenic drives, hikes, and beach days. Some of our favorite moments, like Coumeenoole Beach (pictured), the Wild Atlantic Way, and walking around the Burren, were completely free.

We got plenty of use out of our car rental, and were able to enjoy these places for much longer than if we took a structured tour.

Pro tip: Even the Cliffs of Moher have a free option if you are willing to do the long hike in from the trail instead of parking at the visitor center.

If you don’t want to worry about the planning though, here’s an affordable tour option that will show you the best sights in this area.

Where we spent

Car rental + gas

Driving around Ireland is its own kind of adventure (hello, left side of the road and teeny tiny windy roads). It gave us the flexibility to see small towns, chase views, and explore at our own pace, worth every euro.

If you need a little help (like I did), check out my article with tips on driving in Ireland. From insurance to narrow roads to tolls to driving on the left, I share everything I learned.

We booked ahead through DiscoverCars, a platform that helps you find the best rental car rates, and found one for super cheap! That said, car rental insurance can really bump up the cost unless you’ve got a credit card that includes CDW (collision damage waiver) coverage.

If you do, you can skip the pricey add-on at the rental counter, more on that in the tips below! I highly recommend renting a car, especially if you’re traveling with others, you’ll save a ton AND see a lot more.

Gas ended up costing us a few hundred euros total, less than $150/per person by the end of the trip, and we went on almost daily trips to sites that were between 1-3 hours away. In 3 weeks, that can seriously add up, but we wanted to make sure we made the most of our car rental, so it was worth the additional gas expenses.

Entry fees for sights

We definitely paid to enter a few must-see spots like the Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, and Cliffs of Moher, and they were 100% worth it. Entry fees are pretty affordable, but it was better to bundle them with packages like this, and many spots offered student discounts (yes, even if you’re an older student… bring that ID!). If you don’t have a car, you should really access Cliffs of Moher with a tour, and these full day ones are a great value.

One memorable meal per region

Rather than eating out constantly, we picked one pub or restaurant in each area where we could really indulge. In Dingle, that was Murphy’s Pub with some of the best fish and chips I’ve had in my life (it also doubles as a Bed & Breakfast if you need a place to stay). These meals felt extra special because they weren’t everyday expenses, more like travel treats.

In Doolin it was a bit more of a splurge, but probably the best meal of my life, and that was the Homestead Cottage. It’s a Michelin Star restaurant close to the Cliffs of Moher.

Lunch is cheaper than dinner, but it’s all an incredible value for what you get. With views of the ocean, and the family-owned vibes, I was blown away by the experience.

It was less than €100 for a 5 course meal (per person) at the time of writing this, and combined with the ambiance and the lovely staff, that was a total steal. Don’t forget to book it WELL in advance, since reservations are usually booked out months ahead of time!

Quick tips for first-time travelers to Ireland

These are the little things that made a huge difference for us, both in terms of money and sanity:

• Bring a credit card with CDW rental coverage
  If you’re renting a car, this can save you hundreds. Chase Sapphire cards are great for this. Just double check your policy: my Capital One card didn’t cover Ireland or Jamaica (although it’s still my favorite card)!
• Pack a rain jacket, not an umbrella
  Irish rain doesn’t mess around. Umbrellas flip. Jackets win. I never left the house without mine… after I broke my umbrella.
• Use an eSIM like Airalo for data
  You’ll need mobile data for maps, restaurant hours, and everything in between. I used Airalo for affordable eSIM data, it worked great across Ireland and saved me from getting gouged by roaming charges.
• Download offline Google Maps
  Once you’re out of the cities, service gets patchy. Download maps for your route so you’re not stuck guessing where that left turn went.
• Always keep coins for parking
  Some smaller towns still use old-school coin meters. We kept a stash in the car just in case, it saved us a couple of fines.
• Get to the big sights early
  You’ll beat the tour buses and get better lighting for photos. Especially true at the Cliffs of Moher and Blarney Castle. Even if you’re on a tour, you should aim for ones that start early like this one!
• Check pub hours
  Not every town is bustling at night. We learned the hard way that dinner at 9PM isn’t always a thing in rural Ireland.
• Bring your Student ID (if you have one)
  A surprising number of places offer student discounts, which cuts down a few bucks off most tickets. Always worth asking. I forgot mine, but some places let me show them my email!
• Tipping isn’t mandatory, but appreciated
  It’s not like the U.S., most locals don’t tip much, but rounding up or leaving 10% in restaurants is a nice gesture.

Final thoughts

Ireland is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever visited, and honestly, one of the most doable for budget travelers if you plan it right (I spent less than $1,000 for my 3 week visit). You can eat well, explore stunning natural landscapes, stay comfortably, and even rent a car without draining your savings.

The key? Be flexible, prioritize experiences over luxuries, and find those small wins (like cooking your own breakfast and finding cheaper gas) that add up in the long run.

Want to check out the full itinerary? Here’s some information on everything I did during my visit.

Have some questions about the adventure? Drop them in the comments or DM me on Instagram at @LizsGreatPerhaps!