Are you on a budget and want to travel to Ireland? It can be done, despite the fact that Ireland has long held the unsavory nickname ‘Rip-Off Republic’, reflecting the impression that prices are not low. And they are by no means (unless you’re a Scandinavian flying in search of beer and whiskey). But the savvy traveler is a prepared traveler… with good advice, coupons, and a keen eye for a bargain. Here are some tips to help you stay within your budget.
Book in advance
By booking in advance you can be on a tight budget and survive. Yes, you won’t be able to get last minute bargains this way. But you can find the most suitable shopping mix without too much stress. And also be safe from sudden price increases (although be careful of fluctuations in the exchange rate, which can also be deadly). Plus, you will certainly be able to budget better once the costs of flights, accommodation, and car rental are out of your reach.
Drop the extras
Not every deal is as good as it sounds – a German travel agency advertises the cheapest car rental in Ireland, but includes extras like a second driver and an infant seat. If you don’t need these extras, you can get a much cheaper rental car. Also try to reserve the right rental car for your needs, not a huge model full of extras you won’t need.
Focus on the essentials
Try to determine what you really want to see and where to go, then discuss this rough plan. Are you primarily focused on indoor attractions, or are you unfazed by frequent weather changes? Then travel outside of the tourist season. Are you planning to stay in Dublin for a few days? So don’t rent a car these days.
Compare bargains
On the Internet and in tourist offices you will find a lot of offers for cheaper tickets or other reductions: printing the Cultural Explorer discount pass for free, for example, can save you up to € 400!
Don’t dine out
It’s easy to spend € 30 or more to dine in restaurants in Ireland. If you’re traveling on a budget, just skip dinner: most restaurants offer cheaper lunchtime menus, some also have an ‘early bird special’ in the late afternoon. Also, consider “carveries” in pubs or “family restaurants” (often glorified to go with a simple interior and a simple menu). Take-out menus are available at many fish and chip stores, Chinese and Indian restaurants, or take-out.
Use your plastic
If possible, use your credit card for larger purchases and insist that you be billed in euros (or pounds in Northern Ireland). This will usually ensure a much more favorable exchange rate than exchanging money or even letting the seller apply their own rates. Please note that some small businesses (such as guest houses) may want to apply a credit card surcharge.
Use an ATM
Getting cash from an ATM (or “hole in the wall”) usually has the advantage of a good exchange rate, regardless of your bank credit card provider or may pose a fee for each transaction.
Claim VAT
Did you know that you can save more than $ 17 for every one hundred dollars you spend on products in Ireland… if you are exporting these products to a destination outside the European Union? Recovering the high-value Value Added Tax will give you some bargains.
Hit the supermarket
For all your daily needs and even a few souvenirs, big-box supermarkets like Tesco, Dunnes Stores or (in Northern Ireland) Asda and Sainsbury’s are the places to go – prices are much lower and you can even buy Irish whiskey to go. home. Invest in bulk up front if your trip pays dividends: six 2-liter bottles of spring water will cost you € 2.10, the same amount purchased in smaller bottles at convenience stores will cost about € 30, even in tourist shops! € 40 or more!
Consider the Heritagecard
If you plan to visit several of the state-owned sites like Newgrange or Glendalough, consider getting the Heritage card, this will give you ‘free’ entry to all of the sites for one payment!