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Ireland on a Budget

I'm a blogger who loves to talk about travel to Ireland. Subscribe and join over 1,000+ newsletter readers every week!

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February Is for Planning: How to Lock in an Affordable Ireland Trip

Muckross House, Killarney, Co. Kerry. ReaderFebruary might not feel like travel season. However, it’s one of the best months for planning a budget-friendly trip to Ireland. Here's why planning now can save you money and be kinder to your wallet. ✈️ Flights: Prices are often lower before the spring demand kicks in. I suggest that you subscribe to your favorite airline with the hope of securing deals into Dublin and Shannon. Aer Lingus is usually my go-to airline. Belfast and Ireland West...

Halloween Parade, Derry. ReaderAutumn in Ireland can be a great time to visit. Prices are down, the crowds have evaporated and believe it or not, you can experience some beautiful fall foliage in various parts of the country. Together with the crisper air and colorful landscapes, you can also expect to find a packed calendar of festivals that celebrate food, culture, and music. Here are some festivals that are worth checking out during the months of September and October. As always, if you...

The Signal Tower on Dursey Island, Co. Cork. ReaderIreland is full of iconic sights—but what if you could explore the magic of it without the crowds? What if you could explore some off-the-beaten-path destinations like charming little towns and villages, a large park in the West of Ireland that provides thrills and adventure for families, or a windswept island that is not overrun with tourists? That's just a fraction of what you could find in Ireland if you are willing to go beyond the bucket...

ReaderNow that we’re into summer and the more expensive tourist season, I thought it might be a good time to share some experiences that are free. Yes, you heard me right. Even though Ireland isn’t exactly the cheapest destination on the planet, there are some things that you can enjoy without spending a Euro, or pretty close to it. Below you’ll find some of my favs, and if you've discovered some free Irish gems that I didn't mention in this email, do let me know. As always, if you have any...

ReaderCan you believe that summer is nearly here? If you're planning a visit over the next few months and you're hoping to include lively pubs, visits to historic castles (maybe even a stay in one of Ireland's beautiful castle-hotels), experience the Irish food (lots of great choices available), and have chats with the locals, I've got you covered. Below you'll find some ideas for excellent summer experiences to enjoy in Ireland.If you have any questions about getting around Ireland, be sure...

ReaderEven though Ireland is small, figuring out how to get around the country can be daunting if you don't have a lot of experience driving outside of your home country (remember, everyone drives on the left in Ireland). If you choose not to drive a rental car, getting your head around the public transportation system can be equally frustrating. If you do decide on public transport, you'll need to know that Ireland is a bit different than say other countries in Europe due to the fact that...

ReaderThe goal of creating Ireland on a Budget was always to offer my followers a way to see Ireland in an affordable way. Knowing that Ireland is not exactly on a list of budget-friendly destinations in Europe and realizing also that everyone's budget is different depending on economic circumstances, the challenge for me in promoting Ireland as a destination has always been a balancing act. There's no way I can get away from highlighting certain facets of the Irish tourism business, most...

ReaderI can’t believe that St. Patrick’s Day is almost here. Where did the last few weeks go to? I’ve been busy working on the blog, the Facebook group, and I also have another job outside of this – it’s a marketing business that I run for small businesses, so to say I’m busy is an understatement! But I digress. Some of you may be traveling to Ireland in the next few days and if so, I wish you a magical vacation in Ireland. But even if you’re celebrating Ireland’s patron saint from your home...

ReaderShould you do a tour of the Old Library/Book of Kells at Trinity College? Given the restoration project that is still ongoing and with the majority of books gone from shelves, many tourists are wondering if it’s even worth it. The Book of Kells is one of Dublin’s — and Ireland’s — most popular attractions and for good reason. The 9th-century, 680-page manuscript, which documents the four gospels of Jesus Christ’s life (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), is different from many other...

ReaderThere are lots of things to love about train travel. But perhaps the most enjoyable one is the ability to sit back and relax without having to worry about navigating roads with a car. That’s especially important for tourists who are hesitant about driving in Ireland or who simply don’t want to spend the extra money on renting a car. And I totally get it. I love train travel myself and have fond memories of journeys taken in Ireland and on mainland Europe. Clean and comfortable,...