March 28, 2024

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10 Vacation Spots In Ireland That Won’t Break the Bank

10 Vacation Spots In Ireland That Won’t Break the Bank

Almost anywhere in Ireland is more affordable than visiting Dublin, although it’s one of the best places in the world to grab a pint. Although the Irish capital is vibrant and lively and offers plenty of attractions like the Guinness Storehouse, the cost of accommodation alone is almost too much for the budget traveler. Here’s where to go in Ireland for lower accommodation prices and just as much to do and see.


10 Kenmare, County Kerry

Winding Road in Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland
Photo by Tina Kuper on Unsplash

Countryside near Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland 

Kenmare is a hidden gem of Europe. Located in the south of County Kerry, Kenmare boasts incredible scenery that is unspoiled by tourism. The town is charming and peaceful yet offers a variety of accommodations and culinary options. Since it’s not as well known as other destinations in Ireland, travelers won’t have to pay the premiums for a bed that they would in Dublin.

9 Belfast, Northern Ireland

City Hall in Belfast
Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash

City Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland 

Belfast is located in Northern Ireland, not the Republic of Ireland, but as a major city in the region, it offers a more budget-friendly alternative to Dublin. Belfast is known for being the birthplace of the Titanic, and travelers typically visit to see the museum honoring the lost ship.

Related: Top 13 Things To Know Before Visiting Ireland

8 County Mayo

Grassy hill in Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland
Photo by Theodora . on Unsplash

Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland

County Mayo is one of the most affordable regions in the entire country, making it an ideal choice for a vacation that won’t break the bank. One of the cheapest places to stay in the country is Castlebar. However, other towns like Westport and Belmullet also have affordable hotels, Airbnbs, and Guesthouses.

7 Tully, County Galway

Boats floating near Tully Cross, County Galway, Ireland
Photo by Ged O’ConnorChallis on Unsplash

Tully Cross, County Galway, Ireland 

Tully is the ideal stop for travelers driving the Wild Atlantic Way coastal route on a budget. This affordable village is located on the Renvyle Peninsula in northwest Connemara and is part of County Galway. More affordable than staying in the town of Galway itself, Tully offers the perfect stop for a night or two when exploring attractions in the area, like the Cliffs of Moher.

6 Donegal, County Donegal

Grianan Fort on a winter's afternoon, Donegal
Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash

Grianan of Aileach, Carrowreagh, County Donegal, Ireland

Donegal is a charming town located in northwest Ireland, surrounded by gorgeous landscapes. County Donegal is one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets and top tourist destinations because of its dramatic limestone cliffs, making it extremely photogenic. As a benefit, staying in the town of Donegal is more affordable than booking a hotel in Dublin.

Related: Donegal Is Ireland’s Northernmost Wild Region (& Its Best Kept Secret)

5 Limerick, County Limerick

Sheep eating grass in Limerick, Ireland
Photo by Denver Saldanha on Unsplash

Sheep grazing in Limerick 

Limerick is a city in the county of the same name, located in the Midwest of the Republic of Ireland. Limerick is the ideal place to vacation in Ireland on a budget, with plenty to see and do. There is the Crescent Shopping Centre, Dolan’s Pub and Restaurant, the Limerick City Gallery of Art, and the Limerick Museum.

4 Cork, County Cork

After dark in Cork
Photo by Yves Alarie on Unsplash

Cork, County Cork, Ireland, after dark 

Cork is the second-largest city in the Republic of Ireland, making it a fun place to plan a vacation without the price tag attached to the capital of Dublin. In fact, the cost of living in Cork is 22{6932ee47e64f4ce8eedbbd5224581f6531cba18a35225771c06e4f1b3f0d9667} cheaper than in Dublin. Fitzgerald’s Park and Cork City Gaol are two of the top attractions to explore here.

3 Waterford, County Waterford

Waterford Estate in Waterford, southern Ireland
Photo by Lynnette Greenslade on Unsplash

Waterford Southern Ireland

Waterford is the oldest city in the Republic of Ireland, believed to have been established back in 914 AD by the Viking Ragnall. The gorgeous and historic city is one of the most affordable large urban centers in the country. Located south of Kilkenny on the eastern coast of the country, Waterford offers a chance to explore Ireland’s culture, history, and Atlantic coast on a budget.

2 Leitrim, County Leitrim

Mossy trees in Derrycarne Woods, County Leitrim, Ireland
Photo by John Tecuceanu on Unsplash

Derrycarne Woods, County Leitrim, Ireland

Leitrim, in County Leitrim, is the cheapest place to live in the entire Republic of Ireland. This makes it a great option for planning a budget vacation to a destination in the north of Ireland with stunning landscapes. Leitrim is located on the River Shannon and is close to the border of County Roscommon.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Towns & Villages In Ireland

1 Gowlan, County Cavan

Sheep in the wild in Ireland
Photo by Megan Johnston on Unsplash

Sheep in the Irish countryside 

Located in County Cavan, Gowlan is a budget-friendly destination for travelers looking to explore the Republic of Ireland’s far north, bordering Northern Ireland. This is an underrated part of the country with exceptional attractions like Cavan Burren Park and Cavan Cathedral.