Trip to Ireland Cost in 2026: The Complete Guide

Ireland's dramatic coastline

Trip to Ireland Cost #1: Flights✈️

• 🌈Due to Ireland's famed misty and rainy weather, the summer months are the high season for travelers, with June and July being especially popular. This makes flying to Ireland more expensive in the summer💲, with a return flight in economy from New York to Dublin averaging around US$1,200, with some cheaper options found at around US$900👍.
• ⛄️Winter is the low season, with February considered the cheapest month to go, as it can be quite cold and wet but it's not Christmas. In the winter, economy flights from New York to Dublin drop down to averages of around US$600 return, with some cheaper options found at around US$400.
• 🎇Another aspect to consider is the local customs, with flights naturally increasing with festivities such as Christmas, New Year, and of course, St Patrick's Day.

Cheap Flight from San Francisco to Ireland

Cheap Flight from Los Angeles to Ireland

Trip to Ireland Cost #2: Hotels🏨

🏨Accommodation in Dublin (based on two people for one night)

Staying in metropolitan Dublin means access to more options, from hostels to luxury suites. However, demand is high, making trip to Ireland costs higher here than in some less frequented cities.

The Morrison Dublin, Curio Collection by Hilton – from US$280 (or US$315 with breakfast)

• The Morrison Dublin is a central, five-star hotel with newly refurbished rooms, a fitness center, gourmet restaurants, and stunning views straight over the river.

Wren Urban Nest – from US$243 (or US$280 with breakfast)

• A slightly lower cost central option, the Wren Urban Nest is perfect for non-smokers looking for modern yet comfortable accommodation in the heart of Dublin. An easy walk to Trinity College and local cafés and pubs.

Crown Plaza Dublin Blanchardstown, an IHG Hotel – from US$118 (add US$11.75 for breakfast)

• This four-star hotel is award-winning and lower cost due to its proximity to the airport. It's a great option for those looking to reduce their trip to Ireland costs, or for those flying in for meetings or renting a car and heading straight out to explore Ireland. The center of Dublin is a quick 20 min drive away.Hyde Hotel, Galway.

👉 Source: Trip.com

🏨Accommodation outside Dublin (based on two people for one night)

Carrygerry Country House, Shannon – from US$116 (or US$144 with breakfast)

• A cozy country house set on spacious grounds with options to go out on horseback. This homestead hotel offers beautiful four-poster beds and rugs in the bedrooms, as well as a large and luminous dining room and garden.

Jurys Inn Cork, Cork – from US$165 (breakfast not included)

• This hotel in central Cork offers comfort and contemporary design right on the river at a relatively low price. You can grab breakfast in the hotel restaurant or walk straight into town and down to the famous English food Market, which is only 10 min away.

Hyde Hotel, Galway – from US$212 (or US$234 with breakfast)

• This hotel in Galway offers spacious and elegant rooms in soft pastel colors and has the highlights of an art-deco gin bar and tasteful dining spaces. It is central too, making it a great place to walk down the cobbled streets, stroll into colorful shops and stone-clad houses, venture out from the harbor by boat, or explore the surrounding landscapes and castles by car.

Castlemartyr Resort Hotel, Cork County – from US$371 (includes breakfast)

• For a real getaway, in Castlemartyr you can stay in a 17th century manor house on a 220-acre estate with its own ruined 800-year-old castle. It has 10 treatment rooms, an indoor swimming pool, a golf course, an award-winning restaurant, and so much more. With prices not that far off some city hotels, how could we not include this one in the listing for your trip to Ireland costs?

Trip to Ireland Cost #3: Transport

• City buses: A standard 90 min adult fare on a Dublin city bus is just over US$2, while in Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford, a standard adult single fare is just under US$1.50.
• City trams: In Ireland, standard tram fares depend on the zones. For adults, the cost ranges between US$1.80 and US$2.70, while for children, it costs between US$0.85 and US$1.05.
• Long distance coach: The price of coaches between cities varies depending on availability and distance, but the prices are very reasonable. To give an example, the coach from Dublin to Cork (a journey of 3 hours) starts from only US$16.
• Long distance rail: Train tickets in Ireland are also very reasonably priced, with variations depending on times and availability. To use the same example, the train from Dublin to Cork starts from only US$16 if leaving early in the morning and rises to US$20 or more if booked for more usual times.
• Car rental: You can rent a small car for as little as US$100 for a week during low season, or a little over US$300 for the same duration in high season. This trip to Ireland cost does go up with the size of the car, but if traveling with family, you'll be thankful for the extra space.

Trip to Ireland Cost #4: Food

• Pub meal: Pubs are the heart and soul of Ireland, but they are not just for drinking and music. These warm and traditional settings are the staple of a good meal out, boasting hearty and warming dishes such as the renowned one-pot Irish coddled pork stew, filling and spiced black and white pudding dishes, colcannon and champ (or cabbage, kale, and mash potato with spring onion in English), or seafood chowder. Eating a meal like this in a pub will cost around US$15-17, while oysters and more meat-heavy dishes, such as a steak or ribs, will cost US$25-30 or more.
• Light bites: When exploring, we often just want a quick bite. Trip to Ireland costs for a sandwich or soup, or a fry-up of bacon, eggs, and soda bread will cost about US$6-14, with fry-ups being toward the higher end.
• Food markets: Food markets are perfect for sampling lots of different foods. You'll find food prices here are similar to or lower than in the pubs, but they can be higher if buying local, organic produce.

Trip to Ireland Cost #5: Sightseeing

📷 Trip to Ireland costs for Dublin sightseeing

The first stop on many Ireland trips is Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland. A low but important trip to Ireland cost is the hop-on hop-off city sightseeing bus tour in Dublin. From only US$30 pp, you'll have access to all the sights easily while enjoying an audio guide and the view from the open top bus. Use the bus to visit:

Guinness storehouse and brewery – from US$27

• The visit to the Guinness storehouse and brewery in Dublin is exciting from start to finish. Step into a giant beer glass to learn about the history and process behind the nation's signature and world-famous drink and finish with a complimentary pint and bird's eye view of the city from the seventh floor. Be sure to take part in a Guinness tasting session to set you up for a fun day.

Trinity College Dublin - FREE

• Trinity College Dublin is the oldest and best in the country and has served as the set for many movies, from Transformers to Ripper Street. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, its library is Ireland's oldest and houses the culturally precious Book of Kells and the Book of Durrow. Step through the doors of this historic institution to feel like a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Museums of Dublin - US$FREE

• National museums in Ireland are free, meaning you can learn about the history and culture of the country without adding a penny to your trip to Ireland cost. Visit the National Museum of Ireland for a walk into the archeology and natural history of the land, or head to the National Gallery for Irish art and culture. For something a little different, head to the Little Museum of Dublin, which will teach you about regular life in Dublin during the 18^th century for a cost from US$19.

Kilmainham Gaol – US$8.50 (or US$21.50 for a family ticket)

• The Kilmainham Gaol, or jail, was opened in 1796 and has housed some of the most important prisoners from Ireland's recent past. It is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in Ireland's struggle for independence and politically turbulent history. Following a guide, visitors will learn about the lives of ordinary criminals and political prisoners from the 1798 rebellion, the 1916 Easter Rising, the Anglo-Irish War, and the Irish Civil War. Make sure to book in advance as its places get filled quickly!

Ireland Attraction - St Patrick's Cathedral

📷Trip to Ireland costs for day trips outside of Dublin

Blarney Castle and Cork day trip from Dublin – from US$75

• Blarney Castle in Tipperary is considered one of the most important in Ireland. In charming Irish fashion, the castle offers visitors the opportunity to obtain the "gift of the gab," or the ability to charm and smooth talk your way into, or out, of anything, if they can bend over backward to kiss the Blarney stone. This trip also takes you to visit the striking Rock Cashel church that sits on a hill and overlooks rolling fields that look as though they haven't changed in hundreds of years. Finally, the trip passes through the city of Cork, where you can't miss the English food market (established in 1788) or the local Irish whisky.

Cliffs of Moher and Dingle peninsula day trips from Dublin – from US$70

• The cliffs of Moher and their sheer drop into the Atlantic Ocean are some of the most dramatic views in Ireland and are a main stop for any visitor. You can visit them on a day trip that also includes part of the longest coastal road in the world, the Wild Atlantic Way, as well as the lunar landscapes and black limestone cliffs of Burren. An alternative trip at a similar cost, if you're interested in seeing the cliffs of Moher from below, takes you to the ancient sites and stone houses of the Aran islands by ferry and then guides you on a cruise around the foot of the cliffs on the return journey.

Bend of the Boyne and castles day trip from Dublin – from US$81

• Ireland's history goes back 10,000 years, and this tour will take you to its oldest surviving structures located in the Boyne Valley. You'll visit the UNESCO world heritage site of Newgrange and learn how these ancient burial chambers are lined up with the sun, in accordance with Pagan traditions. You'll also visit the ancient high seat of the Celtic Kings, known as the Hill of Tara, where 142 Irish kings are said to have held their reign. Finally, you'll take a step into a more recent past to visit the castles of Slane and Trim, historical locations used for the filming of a U2 album and the Braveheart movie, respectively.

The Cliffs of Moher

Trip to Ireland Cost #6: Souvenirs

1. Aran fisherman's sweater or cardigan: Aran yarn is thick and slightly itchy, but expertly knitted together, it becomes a very warm, long-lasting sweater or cardigan traditionally worn by the fishermen of the Aran Islands. Irish Aran sweaters cost from US$60 to US$ 170, depending on the style and knit. There are also lower cost options, such as scarves, hats, baby blankets, and throws.
2. Claddagh ring: The modern form of the Claddagh ring has been part of Irish culture since the 17^th century and you'll see it worn by many Irish (and non-Irish) women and men, and girls and boys. The ring is traditionally made from silver and represents love, loyalty, and friendship. It is the perfect gift to take home for those special to you, as it is said that it is bad luck to buy one for yourself. A silver Claddagh ring costs around US$50-100, but it can be more expensive if using gems or pure gold, or as little as US$15 if only silver plated.
3. Connemara marble: Connemara marble is known as the "Irish gemstone" thanks to its unique green coloring and the fact that it is only found in Ireland. The marble is often added to jewelry, such as Celtic silver earrings with Connemara marble gems, Connemara marble pendants on necklaces, and striking Connemara brooches. The cost of Connemara jewelry depends on the level of work, the coloring of the marble, and the other components, however, you can find prices from as little as US$40 for earrings or into the thousands of dollars for something truly unique.
4. Irish tartan: Many believe that tartan is exclusively from Scotland, but as a Celtic country, Ireland also has its own tartans (although they do not have as much history as the tartans of Scotland). You can buy Irish tartans belonging to names and areas of Ireland, so if you have Irish heritage, buying your clan's tartan can mean taking a bit of your own ancestral heritage home with you. If you don't have Irish heritage but love the styles and fabrics, that's fine too. You can add tartan to your trip to Ireland costs from around US$30 up, depending on if you are buying a pocket square, sash, cap, blanket, or something else. Better quality tartans will of course cost more.
5. A book of Irish poetry or fiction: Ireland is famous for smooth talking, dramatic landscapes, and a turbulent history, so it is hardly surprising that it has birthed some of the world's best writers and poets — including Oscar Wilde. Take home a book of poetry or a story and keep learning about Ireland even after you've left. Irish literature will vary in price, but a copy of James Joyce's renowned "The Dubliners" will cost about US$10-15 while a copy of Irish poetry and folklore will cost about US$15-20.
6. Guinness memorabilia: One of the cheaper souvenir options, Guinness memorabilia (and especially the old advertising billboards and cards), are witty and fun, as well as lightweight, making them an easy gift to bring back on the plane. Guinness memorabilia can be found across Ireland for as little as US$3 or less, but in the Guinness storehouse, you'll find items such as personalized Guinness glasses and pint sets from around US$15.

Trip to Ireland Cost #7: Keeping in Touch

Staying in touch while abroad is easy these days. If you need a local sim card, it does not have to be a high trip to Ireland cost. Find sim cards with unlimited data from Three for just over US$21 for one month. Other options include pre-paid sims with Vodafone and Eir.

Trip to Ireland Cost #8: Document Preparation

Traveling to Ireland means leaving your home and heading off to new lands with different laws and governing bodies. So, you'll need to be armed with the right documents, from passports to visas.

• For US citizens, passports must remain valid for the whole duration of the stay (max 90 days without a visa). A new US passport for your trip to Ireland costs between US$130 and US$195, depending on the requirements. If you need an expedited service, add a fee of US$80 for fast track and postage.

Passport fees for US citizens. (Source: US Department of State)

Trip to Ireland Cost #9: Travel Insurance

When planning out your trip to Ireland costs, you should factor in travel insurance. This cost will range depending on your age and health, as well as your plans and itinerary ­– if you intend on doing any extreme sports (or just drinking too much of the local booze), you may want to consider adding on some extra cover.

Since your travel insurance costs will vary depending on your individual preferences and situation, it is impossible to give an exact price. With this in mind, here are some example travel insurance prices based on our research of trip to Ireland costs in 2023:

US$80 for a 10-day trip / US$119 for a 30-day trip / US$169 for a 364-day trip:

• Emergency medical and hospitalization costs - US$50,000
• 24-hour accidental death - US$25,000 (body repatriation - US$1 million)
• Trip delay – US$2,000 plus accommodation
• Trip interruption – US$7,500
• 24/7 Emergency Assistance – Included

US passports. (Source: Photo by Global Residence Index on Unsplash)

Average Trip to Ireland Costs: 2- and 3-Night Holidays

Trip to Ireland cost for 3 days, 2 nights – Around US$,1500 per person (based on two people)

• Return flights: As we've seen, flight prices to Ireland vary massively depending on the season. For this example, we'll choose to fly economy during a weekend in September. Direct flights in economy from New York City to Dublin cost US$806 per person. Total cost US$1,612.
• Travel Insurance: It may only be a short trip, but considering possible flight delays, cancellations, theft, and general health, basic travel insurance is always a good idea. Total cost US$23.
• Keeping in touch: It is unlikely that your phone won't work in Dublin and there is certainly no shortage of Wi-Fi, however, should you need to purchase a local sim card, set aside a total of US$21.
• Hotel: It's a short trip, so the likelihood is that we'll stay in Dublin and do a day trip or two. So, booking 2 nights in the Wren Urban Nest Hotel in Dublin for the same dates comes to $599 without breakfast. Total cost US$599.
• Dublin trips: Visiting Dublin will be largely free as you can easily walk around and see the museums. However, if we include the hop-on hop-off bus (US$30 pp), Guinness storehouse (US$27 pp), the Little Museum of Dublin (US$19 pp), and the Kilmainham Gaol (US$8.50 pp), that takes the total Dublin costs to US$169.
• Day excursions: Considering that this is a short trip, there will probably only be time for one day excursion. Being that Blarney castle is one of the most important in Ireland and Cork is the second city, offering a wealth of history and cuisine, this seems the obvious choice. Additionally, it isn't too much driving. This trip costs US$76 pp, taking the total for two people to US$152.
• Food: The hotel does not include breakfast, so this will have to be factored in too. So, for three days, we would need 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners, plus snacks and drinks. If we consider dinners at the price of pub meals and lunches and breakfasts at the price of light bites, this comes to a minimum of US$162 for two people, plus snacks and drinks. An average pint of Guinness in Ireland costs US$6, so if we consider quite a few of those (let's be realistic) plus coffees, water, soft drinks, and snacks, two people will easily spend a total of US$250-300 on food and drink over three days.
• Souvenirs: Finally, you may want to take some souvenirs home. Perhaps something special like Connemara marble jewelry for yourself, a book of Irish poetry for your partner, and some fun memorabilia for family and friends. If this is the case, it would be wise to set aside a total of about US$100-150 for souvenirs. This trip to Ireland cost will vary depending on your tastes and how many souvenirs you want to buy.

👉 In total, the trip to Ireland cost for three days and two nights, for two people, would come to about US$1,500 per person.

Barrels of Guinness in Dublin. (Source: Photo by Jessica Johnston on Unsplash)

Trip to Ireland cost for 4 days, 3 nights – Around US$1,600 per person (based on two people)

• Return flights: Total cost US$1,612.
• Travel Insurance: With no change for an extra day, the total cost stays at US$23.
• Keeping in touch: Total of US$21.
• Hotel: It's a short trip, so the likelihood is that we'll stay in Dublin and do a day trip or two. So, booking 2 nights in the Wren Urban Nest hotel in Dublin for the same dates comes to $599 without breakfast. Total cost US$599.
• Dublin trips: Visiting Dublin will be similar, so the total cost stays at US$169.
• Day excursions: The average day trip costs US$75-80 pp, so we could add another day excursion on. Taking the total cost to around US$300. Alternatively, you may choose to rent a car, however, we would then need to consider fuel costs (nearly US$5 a gallon today), as well as entry tickets. For two days of driving plus the car hire, the price may not be so dissimilar, although it will likely be a little less.
• Food: If adding on another day, we can add 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, and a few more snacks and drinks. Using the same calculations as above, that gives us an additional US$54 for food plus another US$40 for snacks and drinks (so say an additional US$100). This takes us to a total of US$350-400.
• Souvenirs: No change here, so we'll keep a total of about US$100-150 for souvenirs.

👉 In total, the trip to Ireland cost for four days and three nights, for two people, would come to about US$1,600 per person.

Average Trip to Ireland Costs: Families, Couples, and Singles

Galway Cathedral

Trip to Ireland costs for families: some things to keep in mind

• Hotels: Look for hotels that offer family rooms. Depending on your budget and the children's age, you can find large rooms with sofa beds, interconnecting rooms, or two rooms that are next door to each other. Another great option is to consider aparthotels, as these will usually offer enough beds for a family, as well as a kitchen and sitting room – great for saving money on food or relaxing if the weather takes a turn.
• Day trips: When traveling as a family, it is definitely worth considering hiring a car. This will give you greater flexibility and will keep costs down as you won't need to pay for coach trips for everyone.
• Tickets: Many attractions will offer family tickets with discounts.

Trip to Ireland costs for singles: some things to keep in mind

• Hotels: Traveling alone means you can't split the cost of a hotel. Depending on your budget, you could consider hostels to bring the price down – these are also a great way of meeting people.
• Day trips: Depending on how long you're traveling for, you may want to consider taking coaches and trains to the next cities and towns. Traveling solo means you have more flexibility, so you can explore without as much structure. This is a great way to keep costs down and meet more locals.

Saving Money on Your Trip to Ireland Costs

• Flights: Travel out of season to keep costs down (spring and autumn are best).
• Hotels: Stay a little out from the center and take a bus or tram, or bike or walk into town to explore. If being central is important, consider hostels.
• Transport: Check if your hotel has free bicycles and explore the city that way. For long distances, jump on a coach or train instead of a guided tour.
• Food: If you can, share dishes so that you can try more for less. You also don't need to eat a big pub meal every night, consider soups and sandwiches in cafés, buy some supplies from a supermarket (definitely buy soda bread!), or even treat yourself to some fast food.
• Souvenirs: Don't buy from the tourist areas.
• Sightseeing: Some things just aren't worth skipping, but remember that most national museums, churches, historic libraries, castle grounds, and of course the landscapes, are all free in Ireland. Additionally, you can save money on castles and other cultural and historical sites by buying a heritage card from the Office of Public Works. They only cost around US$25 and will get you in to many places for the whole year.
• Travel insurance: Choose a basic package, ensuring it covers medical costs.

Ha'penny Bridge

Tips for Your Trip to Ireland

Must-knows:

• Pack for all weather, as Ireland is notorious for being sunny one moment and rainy and windy the next.
• If you rent a car, be sure to drive on the left side of the road. You will also find that manual transmissions are much more common than automatics.
• Make sure you know the difference between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. It is also best to avoid topics of conversation that revolve around politics with the United Kingdom, and the relationship between Catholicism and Protestantism.
• There is no need to tip your bartender, the taxi driver, or anyone else when in Ireland. Establishments that have tips will usually include them on the bill. If you want to add a tip for exceptional service, however, you can of course do that.

How to see the local side:

• Go and watch a Gaelic football match.
• Head to a local pub that is hosting a "jam session" and you will find an amazing atmosphere with Irish music sung and played spontaneously and with great talent and fun.
• Go and take an Irish dancing class. You'll have fun, learn about the culture, and get a workout!
• The locals will absolutely love it if you learn a few words before you head over the water.

Trip to Ireland - FAQ