The Cost of a Trip to Ireland for 2: My Budget Break Down

The cost of a trip to Ireland for 2 for 1 week typically costs between €1,200 and €3,500 per person, excluding flights, depending on when you visit, where you stay and how you get around. For a comfortable mid-range trip in May 2027, for example, I’d budget around €2,150 per person, based on two people sharing accommodation and transport.

In May 2026, my girlfriend and I spent 7 nights travelling through Kerry, Clare and Galway. We spent more than we needed to, particularly on drinks, and I deliberately paid extra for a rental car with a lower security deposit.

Below, I’ll break down the costs incurred on our trip and I’ll also break down how much it costs to go to Ireland in 2027 on a low, mid-range or high budget.

The cost of a trip to Ireland for 2 for 1 week

Expense	Cost for 2
Accommodation (7 nights)	€1,352.00
Car rental	€368.69
Petrol, tolls and parking	€216.00
Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)	€676.00
Wine, beer and cocktails	€317.80
Coffees	€119.00
Daily refreshments	€78.40
Tips	€61.60
Attractions and activities	€202.00
Taxis	€45.00
Unplanned shopping	€45.00
Souvenirs and gifts	€141.00
Total for 2 people	€3,622.49
Per person	€1,811.25
Per person per day	€258.75

How much does a trip to Ireland cost for 7, 10 and 14 days?

As you can see from my own trip above, it’s very easy to overspend in Ireland. We spent far more than we needed to on things like coffees, bottled water and drinks.

If you’re wondering how much does it cost to go to Ireland in 2027, I’d budget around €2,150 per person for 7 days for a comfortable trip with a rental car.

Getting around Ireland on a tight budget is getting increasingly difficult, particularly when it comes to accommodation. I live in Ireland and, like most, have noticed prices skyrocket in recent years.

The table below gives you a rough idea of what to expect for 7, 10 and 14 day trips. I’ve based the figures on May 2027, with two people sharing accommodation and transport. All prices are per person and exclude flights.

The cost to go to Ireland across different budgets

Travel style	7 days	10 days	14 days
Budget	€1,250	€1,800	€2,450
Mid-range	€2,150	€3,050	€4,200
High-end	€4,950	€6,950	€9,600

I’ve left flights out of the table above, as the cost will vary depending on where you’re travelling from. If you’re flying from the US, I’d allow around €700 per person for return economy flights as a starting point.

That would bring the estimated cost of 7 days in Ireland on a mid-range trip to around €2,850 per person, including flights. The figures above are based on travelling in May, in my opinion the best time of year to visit Ireland.

If you’re visiting in July or August, you may need to allow more for accommodation and car rental, particularly in popular places like Killarney, Dingle and Galway.

I’ve also based the estimates on two people sharing a room and, where applicable, renting a car in Ireland. If you’re travelling alone, expect to pay more per person.

Booking late can make a big difference too. I’d recommend sorting accommodation and car rental as early as possible, particularly if you’re visiting during the summer.

1. Budget trip to Ireland

Travelling around Ireland on a budget is possible, but you’ll need to be careful about where you stay, particularly in popular towns like Killarney and Dingle.

Places that I’d have considered budget accommodation a few years ago are now charging prices I’d associate with much nicer hotels. I’ve allowed €120 per night for a double room, but finding somewhere decent at that price in places like Killarney or Dingle isn’t easy.

I’ve also allowed €40 per person per day for food and drink and €25 for public transport. If you’re travelling without a car, keep some money aside for organised tours, as many attractions are difficult to reach otherwise.

2. Mid-range trip to Ireland

This is the option I’d recommend for most couples visiting Ireland for the first time. I’ve allowed €215 per night for a double room, €75 per person per day for food and drink, and enough for a standard rental car, petrol, tolls and parking.

You won’t be staying in luxury hotels every night, but you should have a good choice of comfortable hotels and B&Bs if you book well in advance.

You’ll also have the freedom to explore places like the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula at your own pace, without having to rely on organised tours.

3. High-end trip to Ireland

If you’re planning a more expensive trip, I’ve allowed €600 per night for accommodation and €175 per person per day for food and drink. Note that this still won’t get you a night in the top 5 star hotels in Ireland, like Adare Manor.

There’s also a larger allowance for your rental car and experiences, whether that’s a premium whiskey tasting, a guided tour or a particularly expensive attraction.

You won’t need to watch every euro, but keep in mind that these figures are for a self-drive trip. They don’t cover private drivers or stays exclusively in Ireland’s most expensive hotels.

4. How much does a family trip to Ireland cost?

The Expense	For family of 4
Accommodation (€312 × 7 nights)	€2,184
Automatic SUV rental	€613
Fuel, tolls and parking	€216
Food and drink (€150/day)	€1,050
Tours and attractions	€404
Subtotal	€4,527
10% contingency	€453
Total for family of 4	€4,980

I’d budget around €5,000 for a family of four (2 adults and 2 children aged 6 and 10) spending 7 nights in Ireland in May 2027, excluding flights. I used the average of two family accommodation quotes (€249 per night in Galway and €374 in Kenmare), an actual 8-day automatic SUV rental quote and my own 2026 road trip expenses to calculate the costs.

Food, attractions and the 10% buffer are estimates. Flights are excluded, and the €250 refundable rental car deposit isn’t counted as an expense.

5. A word of warning about Dublin

If you’re planning to spend 2 days in Dublin, I’d be particularly careful with your accommodation budget. Hotels in Dublin City Centre have become very expensive, especially during the summer months and when there’s a big concert or event taking place. I’ve broken down what to budget for accommodation, food, transport and attractions in my guide to the cost of a trip to Dublin.

It’s not unusual to find fairly ordinary hotels charging what you’d expect to pay for somewhere much nicer. My advice is to book early and look beyond the immediate city centre.

In my guide on where to stay in Dublin, I’ve broken down the different areas and explained which ones I’d recommend. You don’t necessarily need to stay beside Temple Bar or Grafton Street to have a good base for exploring the city.

6. Is Ireland expensive to visit?

Yes, Ireland is an expensive country to visit, with accommodation being, in my experience, the biggest draw on how much a trip to Ireland costs.

One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed in recent years is how expensive accommodation has become, even outside the main tourist season (i.e. summer along with March in Ireland). I recently started planning a trip to Doolin for next May with friends visiting from Canada.

The prices for B&Bs and hotels were so high that we ended up booking an Airbnb instead. However, I do think Ireland offers good value in certain areas. The standard of food is generally excellent, and state attractions like Kilmainham Gaol offer a fantastic experience for a relatively modest admission fee.

Having travelled to places like Geneva, London and Canada in recent years, I wouldn’t say Ireland is uniquely expensive. Geneva was considerably pricier, while I found London and Canada pretty similar. So, is Ireland worth the cost? Absolutely. Over the last decade, I’ve spoken with thousands of people planning trips here, many of whom are visiting from the US and may only make the journey once. I can’t recall a single conversation with someone who felt Ireland wasn’t worth visiting.

What impacts the cost of a trip to Ireland?

The cost of a trip to Ireland depends on a few things, but I’d pay particular attention to when you’re visiting, where you’re staying and how you plan on getting around.

From helping thousands of people plan their Ireland itinerary, I’ve found that getting these decisions right early on can save you a fair bit of money.

For example, choosing the wrong airport for your route can mean paying for extra transport, while visiting Dublin during a major concert can send your accommodation costs through the roof. Below, I’ll take you through the main expenses, with prices and a few things I’d recommend watching out for.

The cost of flights to Ireland

The cost of flights to Ireland will depend on where you’re flying from, when you’re visiting and how much luggage you’re bringing. Take a minute to look over my map of the airports in Ireland above as it’ll give you the lay of the land.

For the examples below, I’ve looked at return economy flights to Dublin from New York and London.

Departure	Cheaper period	More expensive period
New York	November: $340 - $630	June: $700 - $850
London	January: $35 - $60	July: $55 - $120

My thoughts

One thing I’d strongly recommend is deciding on your route before booking flights. For example, if you’re spending 10 days in Ireland and you’re planning on spending most of your trip exploring Clare, Galway and Kerry, flying into Shannon could make far more sense than Dublin.

It might cost a little more to fly into Shannon, but you could save yourself a lengthy drive, along with the associated fuel and rental car costs. I’d also recommend setting up price alerts on Skyscanner or Google Flights once you’ve decided on your dates.

It’s a handy way of keeping an eye on fares without having to check them constantly (this is one of the Ireland travel tips I find myself passing on most frequently!).

The cost of accommodation in Ireland

Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses you’ll have when visiting Ireland. If you’re trying to work out how much does it cost to go to Ireland, it’s also one of the first things I’d recommend pricing up.

I’ve noticed hotel prices getting considerably more expensive in recent years, particularly in places like Dublin, Killarney and Dingle. To give you an idea of what to expect, here are some estimated nightly prices for two people sharing a room:

Accommodation type	Price per night
Hostel or B&B	€100 - €150
Mid-range hotel	€160 - €250
Luxury hotel	€350 - €650+

My thoughts

My advice is to compare accommodation prices across several towns before finalising your route. For example, if you’re planning to explore the Ring of Kerry, don’t limit your search to Killarney. Check places like Killorglin and Kenmare too, as you may find better value.

If you’re travelling in a group of four or more, I’d strongly recommend looking at Airbnb or other self-catering accommodation. Splitting the cost of a house or apartment can work out considerably cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.

The cost of food and drink in Ireland

Food and drink is one area where you have a fair bit of control over how much you spend during your trip to Ireland. If you’re travelling Ireland on a budget, you can keep costs down by picking up groceries in supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl and cooking in your hostel, provided it has a kitchen.

If you’ve a bit more to spend, you don’t necessarily need to avoid eating out. Many restaurants offer early bird menus that are considerably cheaper than their regular dinner menus. You just need to do a bit of planning. Here’s a rough idea of what you can expect to pay when eating and drinking out in Ireland:

Food and drink	Typical cost per person
Breakfast in a café	€15 - €22
Lunch in a café or pub	€18 - €35
Pub grub/mid-range restaurant	€25 - €45
Pint of Guinness	€6 - €7.50
Coffee	€3.50 - €5
Bottled water	€2 - €3

My thoughts

Alcohol is one expense where the cost of a trip to Ireland for 2 can really start to climb, especially if you’re heading to the pub most evenings. In Dublin, for example, you’ll rarely find a pint of Guinness for under €7, and prices in some of the busier pubs are considerably higher.

On my own 7 day trip, we spent €317.80 on alcohol alone… Add in €119 on coffees and €78.40 on bottled water, and that’s €515.20 spent on drinks between two people in a week. Looking back, we could easily have knocked a fair chunk off that without missing out on anything.

My advice would be to spend your money on the meals and experiences you’re really looking forward to, and save where it’s easy. Buy water in a supermarket, take advantage of early bird menus and don’t feel you need to eat every meal in a restaurant.

The cost of public transport in Ireland

Public transport is generally the cheapest way to get around Ireland, particularly if you’re travelling on your own or sticking to the main cities and towns.

Ireland has a network of trains and buses, but there’s a big difference between getting from Dublin to Galway and getting to somewhere like the Gap of Dunloe or the more remote parts of Donegal. Here’s a rough idea of what you can expect to pay for some common journeys:

Journey	Estimated one-way fare per person
Dublin to Galway by bus	€15 - €25
Dublin to Galway by train	€20 - €40
Dublin to Cork by train	€25 - €50
Dublin to Belfast by bus	€12 - €25
Dublin Airport to city centre by bus	€2 - €12

My thoughts

If you’re spending most of your time in Dublin, I wouldn’t bother renting a car. You’ll generally find it easier and cheaper to get around on foot and by public transport. Where things get tricky is when you want to explore rural Ireland.

You can get between the main towns easily enough, but reaching some of the best attractions can involve several buses, limited timetables or an expensive taxi.

If you’re planning to use public transport for your entire trip, I’d recommend building your itinerary around places that are well connected rather than choosing your stops first and trying to figure out how to reach them afterwards.

I’d also compare train and bus prices before booking. Buses are often cheaper, while trains can be quicker and more comfortable on certain routes.

The cost of renting a car in Ireland

Renting a car is one of the bigger expenses you’ll have when visiting Ireland, but it’s also the option I’d recommend if you’re planning to explore beyond the main towns and cities.

To give you an idea of prices, I searched DiscoverCars for an 8 day rental from Dublin Airport, picking up on May 1st, 2027 and returning on May 9th. Here’s what I found:

Car	Transmission	Rental cost	Refundable deposit
Hyundai Tucson or similar SUV	Manual	€320.97	€2,500
Nissan Qashqai or similar SUV (SIXT)	Manual	€349.98	€2,000
Ford Fiesta or similar small car	Manual	€483.30	€250
Nissan Qashqai or similar SUV (Alamo)	Automatic	€572.25	€250

My thoughts

For my own trip, I deliberately paid more for a rental with a smaller security deposit. I didn’t fancy having €2,000 or more tied up on my credit card while I was away.

I’d recommend checking the deposit and insurance excess before booking, rather than simply going for the cheapest car. The excess can still be several thousand euro, even when the deposit is low. I’d also budget separately for fuel, tolls and parking.

On my 7 day road trip, we drove 1,267 km and spent €216 on those three expenses combined. If you’re travelling with two or more people, splitting these costs can make renting a car a much more attractive option than relying on buses, trains and organised tours.

Is it cheaper to rent a car or take organised tours in Ireland?

Tour	Cost for 2 adults
Cliffs of Moher from Dublin	€138
Ring of Kerry from Killarney	€110
Connemara from Galway	€100
Giant's Causeway from Belfast	€53.16
Total	€401.16

If you’re planning to explore Ireland over 7 days, renting a car can work out cheaper than taking multiple organised tours, particularly if you’re travelling as a couple or family.

For example, I paid €368.69 for a 7-day automatic car rental, with another €216 spent on fuel, tolls and parking during my 2026 road trip. For comparison, see the organised day tour prices for two adults that I’ve put into a table above for you.

While those four tours cost less than my €584.69 rental and driving expenses, they only cover four days of sightseeing. You’d also need to pay to travel between the cities where the tours depart.

My preference is to rent a car, as it gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, particularly in places like Kerry, Connemara and Donegal. Now, I know many visitors are nervous about driving in Ireland, and that’s completely normal.

My advice is to prepare before your trip by familiarising yourself with the Irish rules of the road. When you arrive, don’t feel you have to head straight onto a busy motorway like Dublin’s M50. Instead, find somewhere quiet to get comfortable with the car and driving on the left before tackling busier roads.

If you’re really uncomfortable driving, organised tours are an excellent alternative. You’ll have someone else handling the roads while you enjoy the scenery, although you’ll have less flexibility over where you stop and how long you spend there.

The cost of tours and attractions in Ireland

Many of the best things to do in Ireland are completely free. The Sky Road in Connemara, the Slieve League Cliffs in Donegal and Killarney National Park are just three examples out of thousands.

Where costs start to add up is with guided tours, castles in Ireland, museums and organised day trips.

My thoughts

I’d recommend choosing a handful of paid attractions you’re genuinely interested in rather than trying to squeeze as many as possible into your itinerary. If you’re spending several days sightseeing in Dublin, it’s worth looking into the Dublin Pass (Go City).

It covers admission to a range of attractions, but I’d only buy it after adding up the individual ticket prices for the places you actually intend to visit. The OPW Heritage Card is another option worth considering if you’re planning to visit several historic sites managed by the Office of Public Works.

On my own 7 day trip, we spent €202 on attractions between two people. That was a relatively small part of our overall budget, and we certainly didn’t feel like we’d missed out. 

Travel insurance and other expenses

There are a few smaller expenses that are easy to overlook when working out the cost of a trip to Ireland. Travel insurance is one I’d strongly recommend budgeting for, particularly if you’re visiting from outside Europe.

Prices vary depending on your age, where you’re travelling from and the level of cover you need. You’ll also want to consider:

• An eSIM: If your mobile plan doesn’t include roaming in Ireland, an eSIM can be a handy way to get mobile data without paying expensive roaming charges.
• Tipping: Tipping in Ireland isn’t expected to the same extent as in the US. Around 10% for good table service is generally plenty, and there’s no need to tip for every coffee or pint.
• Souvenirs: Set aside a little extra if you’re planning to bring home gifts or Irish-made products.

The all important buffer

One thing I’d strongly recommend when budgeting for a trip to Ireland is setting aside an extra 10% for unexpected expenses. I’ve seen plenty of examples of why this matters, including on my own trips:

• Unexpected purchases: On my recent 7-day road trip, I ended up spending €45 on a rain jacket I hadn’t planned on buying
• Accommodation fiascos: Two summers ago, friends of mine arrived at an Airbnb they’d booked in Belfast only to discover it was a scam. They got their money back about a week later, but had to pay for somewhere else to stay in the meantime
• Rental car woes: Another friend hadn’t realised his rental company charged extra for taking a car into Northern Ireland. He ended up with an unexpected €220 charge (see the differences between Ireland and Northern Ireland)
• The change of plans: Most recently, I met a couple visiting for the college football who’d rented a car for five days. After trying driving in Ireland, they hated it and decided to book organised tours instead. They could afford the change, but it was an expense they hadn’t anticipated

When is the cheapest time to visit Ireland?

January, February and November are generally the cheapest months to visit Ireland, with lower demand for accommodation and flights compared to the busy summer months.

I’ve travelled around Kerry and Cork in mid-January, Donegal in late January and Connemara around New Year’s. One of the biggest advantages is the lack of crowds.

Even places like Killarney, which can be packed during summer, are much quieter, and I’ve found accommodation to be considerably cheaper.

However, I wouldn’t recommend visiting Ireland in January for a first-time visit unless you’re on a very tight budget. Average temperatures range from around 3°C to 8°C, the weather is often wet and windy, and daylight is limited.

At the beginning of January, the sun rises around 08:30 and sets around 16:40, leaving just over 8 hours for sightseeing. In my experience, those short days can seriously limit how much ground you cover, particularly on a road trip.

Yes, the cost of a trip to Ireland during this period is much less, but it’s for good reason. For the best balance of cost and experience, I’d choose May, September or October.

You’ll generally pay more than in winter, but you’ll have longer days, a better chance of decent weather and fewer tourists than during peak summer.

How to save money on a trip to Ireland

The best way to save money on a trip to Ireland is to plan your route carefully, compare accommodation costs and decide what you’re happy to spend less on before you arrive.

I’ve helped thousands of people plan trips around Ireland, and I’ve seen how poor planning can lead to unnecessary spending. Here are 7 things I’d recommend:

Plan your route before booking anything

One mistake I see regularly is visitors using Dublin as a base for long day trips to the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney and the Antrim Coast. You’ll spend hours travelling back and forth, potentially paying for expensive organised tours when a better-planned route could save you time and money.

Don’t assume staying outside a city is cheaper

A few years ago, we stayed on the outskirts of Belfast because city centre hotels were expensive. We ended up spending a small fortune on taxis, when we could get one. Compare the total cost of accommodation and transport before booking.

Look for better-value areas

For example, if you’re weighing up neighbourhoods in Dublin, I’d recommend checking Ballsbridge rather than limiting your search to the city centre. You can often find better-value accommodation, and it’s a short bus journey into the centre. I’ve also found excellent value in smaller towns, particularly Shearwater in Union Hall, West Cork, which offers accommodation I’d compare to a luxury hotel overlooking the harbour.

Consider self-catering if you’re travelling in a group

Renting a house or apartment can work out considerably cheaper than booking several hotel rooms. You’ll also have somewhere to prepare meals, which can make a big difference over 7-14 days.

Don’t overlook the small daily expenses

On my May 2026 road trip, we spent €119 on coffees and €78.40 on bottled water in just 7 days. I’d still buy the coffees, but next time I’d pick up a large pack of water at a supermarket and refill a reusable bottle.

Compare attraction passes before buying

The Dublin Pass and OPW Heritage Card can save you money if you’re visiting enough participating attractions. Add up the individual admission prices first, as neither pass is automatically good value for every itinerary.

Cut spending on things that matter least to you

If you have €500 less to spend, don’t automatically sacrifice the experiences you’re most looking forward to. Some visitors have little interest in pubs, making alcohol an easy expense to cut. Others consider evenings in traditional pubs an essential part of visiting Ireland and would be happier saving on accommodation instead.

FAQs

Over the years, I’ve been asked plenty of questions about how much money you need to visit Ireland. Below, I’ve answered some of the most common, based on my own trips and the 2027 costs I’ve researched for this guide.