Vacay AlchemistA trip to Ireland typically costs about $110 to $160 per person per day on a budget, $220 to $350 in the mid-range and $500 or more at the luxury level, excluding flights. Lodging and car rental are the biggest expenses, and prices peak in summer. These are estimates and vary by season.
What does a week in Ireland cost?
Excluding flights, rough totals per person for seven days:
- Budget: about $800 to $1,150, with hostels or budget B&Bs, pub meals and buses or shared car costs.
- Mid-range: about $1,500 to $2,500, with B&Bs or three-star hotels, a rental car and restaurant dinners.
- Luxury: $3,500 and up, with castle hotels, fine dining and private drivers or guides.
Round-trip flights from the U.S. commonly range from about $500 to $1,100.
What do the main expenses cost?
- Lodging: B&Bs commonly run about $120 to $220 per night for two, hotels more in Dublin and in summer. Book early for July and August.
- Car rental: often about $40 to $120 per day, plus insurance and fuel. Manual transmission is standard and cheaper, and you drive on the left.
- Food: pub meals typically cost 15 to 25 euros, and a pint is often 6 to 7 euros in Dublin.
- Attractions: sites like the Guinness Storehouse, Cliffs of Moher and castles usually cost between 10 and 35 euros, with cheaper online tickets in some cases.
What changes the price?
The season (June to August is peak), whether you rent a car, how much you stay in Dublin (more expensive) versus smaller towns and whether you pay for group tours. Public transport connects major cities, but a car opens up rural areas.
How can you save money in Ireland?
- Travel in spring or fall.
- Stay in B&Bs, which include breakfast and are often good value.
- Share a car with a group and compare rental companies.
- Eat one main meal a day and use pub lunches.
- Book attractions online in advance for discounts.
- Use free scenery: coastal drives, hikes, beaches and small towns.
Is Ireland worth the cost?
For many visitors, yes. The scenery, history, music and friendly local culture make it a very memorable trip. Plan carefully, and you can enjoy it without stretching your budget.
Frequently asked
Is Ireland expensive for tourists?
It is on the pricier side for Europe, mainly for lodging and dining, but careful planning helps.
Do I need a rental car in Ireland?
For rural areas and scenic drives, yes. For Dublin, Galway and other cities, public transport and tours can be enough.
What is the cheapest month to visit?
November through March is usually cheapest, but weather is wetter and days are shorter.
Get an Ireland itinerary that fits your budget
Tell us how many days you have and how you like to travel, and get a day-by-day plan with realistic drive times and costs.
Plan my trip