LivingTravelHow to visit Dublin on a budget

How to visit Dublin on a budget

The opportunity to visit Dublin should not be missed. Many factors go into building an itinerary, such as timing of a visit, available accommodation, quality of attractions, and weather. Dublin serves as the entry point for many of Ireland’s visitors. It offers a major airport and the best selection of accommodations in the country. But a visit to Dublin can be expensive. Learn about some strategies for inexpensive travel in this capital city and throughout Ireland.

Ireland is very much a rural nation, made up of smaller towns and villages that attract visitors with old world charm. Dublin rules as the nation’s dominant city, both in terms of population, services, and transportation options.

But this Irish metropolis is not without its own charms, and it’s easy to spend days exploring its museums, castles, and churches. Budget travelers will want to plan carefully, as hotel stays and meals here can be more expensive than expected.

When to visit

Summers tend to be mild in Ireland, but the trade-off is that crowds peak with temperatures. Therefore, if you are visiting June-August, it makes sense to think about tour and accommodation reservations.

Spring and fall are usually comfortable periods, with cool nights and pleasant daytime temperatures. Winter is the lowest point of the tourist season, but prices for some services will drop with demand, so a winter visit is worth considering for travelers on tight budgets. If you opt for a winter visit, make sure the attractions you want to visit the most are open. Some will close to restore during slow times.

Where to stay

Dublin offers an excellent selection of houses to rent for a short stay, as well as hotel and bed and breakfast options, but make sure the location fits your sightseeing plans. Sometimes a low-priced B&B is too far from the best attractions to be practical. Searches for chain hotel options in Dublin will yield quite a few options, but the prices can be steep. Dublin hostels offer some great alternatives, but discover the main focus of running a hostel before committing to a stay.

How to navigate

Dublin is undoubtedly the transport hub of Ireland. It is connected by air with other major European cities and those of North America. Ferries carry travelers to the UK and other parts of Ireland. Dublin is also the center of the national rail service, known as the Irish Rail or Iarnród Éireann .

Traveling by bus in Dublin is inexpensive but requires a bit of patience and a lot of pocket change. LUAS is a tram system that operates on two lines (red and green). One-way rates start at about € 2, with even lower off-season rates. There is no train service to the airport, but Dublin Bus offers cheap (and slow) service between the airport and the central city for € 7 ($ 7.85 USD) and € 12 for a round-trip ticket ($ 13.45 USD).

If your time is limited in Dublin, consider the cost savings of taking the bus versus the amount of precious time you will spend staring at the seat in front of you. There are situations where a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber might make a better budget sense.

See The Book of Kells for less

At Trinity College, a major tourist attraction, you’ll find the Book of Kells on display. This is a masterfully illustrated version of the Gospels in the New Testament, but because it is under glass, you will only see two pages. Still, people are lining up to see what is legitimately a work of art.

Instead of paying just to see the Book of Kells alone, book a more extensive tour that includes the site. A Trinity College Tour, as part of Dublin’s largest introductory walking tour, will provide a view of the Book of Kells and the university’s impressive library. Please note that these tours fill up quickly during the summer months.

The National Gallery is free

Topping the list of free attractions in Dublin is the National Gallery, which houses a wide range of art objects and some priceless works by artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, and Goya. There are also free lectures and tours, so check the museum’s hours to see what’s available during your visit. The museum is located on Kildare Street, near Merrion Square.

Take advantage of a free walking tour

Quality guided walking tours can be quite expensive. Many would say that the investment is justified, even on a budget. After all, you’ve already put in a good amount of money just to get to your destination.

Budget travelers are very interested in tours that offer quality and at no cost.

Dublin Free Walking Tour is a company that offers five such tours. Groups form at 11 a.m. M. And at 3 p.m. M. Daily at Spire on O’Connell Street. So, as your budget allows, reward them if they offer a good tour.

Consider a Dublin pass

A Dublin pass for one day starts at approximately $ 55 USD for adults. A two-day pass costs approximately $ 78, with three- and five-day passes also available. It offers free entry to more than 30 of the city’s top destinations and free transport in the form of a tour bus that also runs trips to Dublin Airport. The pass qualifies holders for discounts at area stores. You need to determine if the store discounts represent real bargains and also check the list of covered attractions. If many of the offerings don’t appear on your independently constructed itinerary, the pass might not be of much value.

Avoid Temple Bar

You will find that many guides recommend Temple Bar as a “must do” experience while in Dublin. The area was once run-down, but has since revived, serving small bars and restaurants, hostels, art galleries, and entertainment venues. During the day, it is simple and no more bustling than other parts of the city. The nightlife transforms the place. Beware of pickpockets at peak times, because they have this area guarded.

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