Travel in Ireland, Should we or shouldn't we?

If you have other tourist interests and budget is a priority I would opt for another location in Europe. Ie. France, Spain, Germany, Portugal are far easier on the wallet. Ireland is crowded and very costly for everything. However some of the fares w/ aer lingus are quite good so you could always do a few days in Dublin then take a cheap Ryan air flight somewhere else for the remanider of your trip.

The cost of a week in Ireland is controllable, to some extent, by how you wish to travel/live while there. We have always rented a car, stayed in B&Bs, and eaten in local pubs. We encountered "authentic" Ireland by driving through the little towns, and seeing the scenery along the way. The only exception to that was a trip where I stayed in a guesthouse in Dublin for two nights, which was still a cheaper alternative to a hotel. Obviously, if you stay in a hotel and eat in more upscale restaurants, your costs will be more.

In September you won't encounter the overabundance of tourists anywhere (I always travel in shoulder or off season for that reason).

My experience has been prices in Ireland (with the exception of gasoline) are not much different than in France or other W. European countries. Unless you plan on also going to N. Ireland (where they don't use Euros), you'll end up paying about the same whichever country you choose.

If you spend all your time in a big city, you will pay more for lodging and dining out, same as the U.S. As for the "lack of authentic Ireland", Ireland has spectacular scenery and friendly locals which make it a worthwhile destination. But it is changing with the times and its people are modern. As my Galwegian friend said "The man in the knit sweater from the Aran Islands playing Greensleeves on the tin whistle is only there for the tourists, they expect us to 'Paddy It Up' for them, but after work he's down at my pub in Prada loafers talking about mutual funds." I'm sure the same can be said about the French accordian player in a beret, or the German waiter serving beer in leiderhosen.

David, Just took my family to IRE and got back last week. RENT A CAR (very reasonable rates--we used Budget, but I think they are all comparable). Seeing "Authentic" Ireland requires you to drive in the country. We stayed in Dublin, very reasonable (52,66 euros/night for a triple room + crib for my 2 y/o) at the Glashaus Hotel (http://www.hotels.co.uk/hotel-ireland/hotel-dublin/glashaus-hotel/).. You can take the LUAS train into the city for around 11,00 euros for the family pass (roundtrip). The hop on/off bus is your best bet with little ones, or you can walk it, if you have older kids. Irish stew and all the traditional stuff is served at lunch...dinners are typically steaks, chicken, fish, etc. Dublin is dead on sat mornings...good to grab a coffee and ride the bus for the entire circuit, then get off and see what you want to onthe second round. Hit Trinity College early to see the Book of Kells, crowds fill in quick. Picnic to save $, they are aweful proud of their food

Part II: Waterford is a day's drive (worth it). Reginald's Tower and the Chrystal Factory were fun outings...eat at the Munster Pub, right around the corner from Reginald's Tower. We also did the day trip to Bru'na Bo'inne (Newgrange), which was also a fun trip. If I had another day, I would have gone to Kinsale and Cobh. If I had a week, I'd have driven the ring of Kerry...driving IN Dublin isn't much fun right now, ALL the major motorways are torn up and being worked on which causes even more traffic conjestion. Once you clear the city though, it's smooth sailing, assuming you get used to shifting with your left hand and driving onthe wrong side of the road. In Dublin, the Guiness Storehouse is a must (hop on/off bus takes you there)..we went on a Thurs afternoon with no waiting; Sat the line was 4 blocks long. Also, try a Smithwicks (amber beer) at any restaurant too... oh, to visit the Kilmainham Goal, look acrossed the street from the entrance to the Museum of Modern Art!

I agree with Ceidleh, it is basically comparable with the UK. The shock in prices there was for those of us who had visited before the economic upturn and then again afterward. The UK and Scandinavia are probably the most expensive areas to visit.

All countries that have a large tourist industry have the touristy component. You choose where you go and what type of experiences you open yourself to. On my first trip, my Mom and I shared a table in a crowed cafeteria in Dublin with an elderly lady who asked if she could sit with us. We had a delightful lunch talking with her. It was authentic, and one of the highlights of the trip.

If you like gardens, Powerscourt outside of Dublin is worth the time. It is listed as one of the top ten gardens in the world.

If your goal is to go to Ireland, don't let the cost scare you off. It is a beautiful country with friendly people and a rich heritage. If your goal is to just go - then look around for a less expensive trip.

David,

the cost of a week in Ireland is controllable if you don't depend on hotels, hostels, B&B's and restaurant visits every day. We're renting a cottage from Dream Ireland Vacations for a week. The price for a house with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen will all appliances incl. dish washer, washing machine, dryer and incl. cleaning service after we checked out is €475. The house is front row river view. Of course there are smaller houses if you're not 5 or 6 people. We buy our food at Tesco's, which is an English grocery discounter and is available all over Ireland as well. We do day trips all over Kerry county and of course have beers at pubs or even eat out - but not every single day. Irish bread is so good and great salmon is affordable so that we have excellent dinners at home enjoying the scenic view from our dining room...

Hi
I am from Dublin and had some friends coming over from Scotland who were on a tight budget but didn't want to settle for accommodation outside the City Centre. I found Mercer Court www.mercercourt.ie. It is student accommodation during the winter months but opens to the public for the summer. Best location in Dublin, right next to St Stephen's Green (where you want to be!). Rooms are pretty basic but they are clean. Think it was around €70 for a room and that included breakfast!

If Ireland is a dream destination for you, by all means go. I just returned last week from my seventh trip. I love the country, and it's not just it's traditional aspects that are appealing. Modern Ireland is a joy as well. That said, everyone else here has made great suggestions on how to save money. A car can be more economical than bus and train fares every day and the routes, though comprehensive, don't go everywhere. Eat in pubs - a bowl of thick soup and brown bread can be quite filling and pretty cheap. Having been to Ireland in September, I can say that you won't be overwhelmed by other tourists. Maybe in Dublin, but outside of the city, you won't feel the crush. If you really want to get away from it all, put Mayo and Sligo on your itinerary. The northwest is largely ignored but completely worth your time but can offer Victorian "big houses", WB Yeats grave, stone circles and passage tombs, a holy mountain, cute villages and beautiful countryside.

Ireland is a wonderful country. GO! Rent a car and drive. Carlingford. Belfast.
Newgrange, The Sally Gap. Glendalough. dingle Just drive and stop when the spirit moves you. Picnic. Have pub food. Stay at B & B's where breakfast is always filling and always provided. Visit smaller towns. Take back roads. Enjoy.

My opinion is mostly the opposite. You can make the same argument about Seattle, San Francisco, not to mention Manhattan.

In my opinion if you self-cater and rent a car, it's actually inexpensive to visit Ireland. On our most recent trip, we self-catered for 8 days with 13 people. We formed two-person teams that were responsible to purchase and cook at least one dinner and breakfast for all. For lunches we were usually on the road and ate at pubs, but did find a couple of buffet-type spots that gave nice full lunches for about $10 per person. We provisioned at a local grocery store and local butcher that were comperable to what we have in the states although the meats were less expensive. We purchased wines, liquor and other items the same way. The place also had a washer and a dryer, iron etc. We did a little pencil pushing and figure we saved hundreds if not thousands by self catering. For the remaining 7 days, we B&B'd, hotel'd, ate out, etc. and the costs soared.

I TOTALLY agree w/Steve. I finally self-catered on my last visit home and it was fantastic and cheap. One week spent in a lovely townhouse in Galway w/in walking distances of City Centre & One week in a beautiful thatched cottage that was 'in' the Burren in Clare. We were able to have the 'relations' at 'our' place for a change! What fun. Self-catering is the way to go. As with all frugal traveling pick your battles. Remember 'authentic' ireland is just as close as that unknown boithrin(lane) you just past.

West Cork is friendly, interesting, can be affordable even in August our fifth visit.
KEY is comfortable apartment at www.Ardnavaha.ie -- 40 acre estate with 14 housekeeping units w/good kitchen. Perfect "base" for explorations - nearest is Henry Ford birthplace Ballinascarthy - Lisselan Castle & Clonakilty -- a real town. Large Scally's grocery has variety & decent prices. We joined local library for free internet, films, books. DeBarra's Pub gets world famous musicians. We love
Kinsale's harbour, fascinating Star Fort, spectacular drives along coast where we've had beach picnics all alone even in August. Cork is an hour away, as are many famous places. Comfortable apartments up to 2 bedrooms, large rooms -- free laundry, tennis court, w/BBQ grill on beautiful grounds. Guests mostly English,unintrusive & share hints. Hosts are genial gentry & menagerie.
We explore all day, love "coming home" to dine with spectacular view of long sunset with all the comforts right at hand.

We are going to Ireland in May and booked a cottage on imagineireland.com for a very reasonable price. I will report back in .....but the information on the website is excetional and the e-mail support is good...so far! If nothing else, it is fun to check out the locations and the photos ........ a virtual tour that has been fun in the planning stages!

We are going to Ireland in May and booked a cottage on imagineireland.com for a very reasonable price. I will report back in .....but the information on the website is excetional and the e-mail support is good...so far! If nothing else, it is fun to check out the locations and the photos ........ a virtual tour that has been fun in the planning stages!