Dublin on a budget: 7 travel hacks to save on your trip
If you have been considering taking a trip to Ireland but are worried that you can't afford to visit Dublin on a budget, rest easy. You can actually visit Dublin on a budget and still experience everything that this city is well-known for. Heading to this part of the world and saving money can go hand-in-hand, and this guide will help you out. You can make the most of your time in Dublin on a budget and make memories that will last for a lifetime.
When you choose to visit Dublin on a budget, you will need to make sure that you are not going to be tripping over your bags during your stay. Let Bounce your bags in secure storage in Dublin while you make the most of sightseeing around Dublin city centre, Dublin Castle, and much more. Taking free walking tours or heading out for a visit to places like Dublin Bay is much more fun when your hands are free. Let us offer you the peace of mind that you need to have a great time in this part of Ireland while saving money. Here are our top hacks to keep your budget low when you visit Dublin:
Cheap places to stay in Dublin
Heading to Dublin on a budget doesn't mean being uncomfortable while you are in town. Check out our guide to the best neighborhoods in Dublin so that you are close to everything that you want to do the most. The city centre area is always a big hit, and there are lots of great hostels in this part of the city. However, some of the locally owned B&B style locations that are tucked into hidden corners of different neighborhoods can offer you all the charm and comfort that you have been looking for. Here are a few places to consider:
Jacobs Inn
This cute hostel is a great place to stay, and you will get a lot for €80 a night here. The dorms are all same-sex, which won't work out for couples in some cases, but it is perfect for those traveling as singletons or with friends to Dublin. There is free wi-fi here and a roof terrace, as well as an included breakfast. Be sure that you ask about the limited number of private rooms if you want to be able to stay with your significant other in comfort.
Temple Bar is a short hop away from this location, and you can get on public transportation from various locations nearby. This is one of the best Dublin hostels as far as location goes, and you will have no trouble making the most of the city with this as your home base.
Ashfield Hostel
Another adorable hostel, this charming place is located a short walk from the Templer Bar area. You will also be close to the river Liffey and within walking distance of lots of the local and national museum locations. This spot has dorm rooms, as well as private rooms, and a night's stay starts at just €90. The wi-fi is free, and there is a fun TV room to lounge in and mingle with other travelers. Breakfast is also included in your room fee. This hostel is aimed more at younger travelers, but that doesn't mean that the young at heart won't have a great time here as well.
The Gate Hotel
This hotel offers tons of charm for a great price. You will get a comfortable and cozy room for €120 a night and be close to the Irish Immigration Museum, the Temple Bar area, and public transit. As is generally standard, the wi-fi is free, and there is a bar and lounge area. There is also a really fun game room for those who want to be able to hang out and play games at night. This is a great option if you want to pay hostel prices but get a private room that is located by many of the best things that the city has to offer. There are lots of free guided tours that leave from this area as well, so if you love a walking tour, this is an accommodation for you during your time in Dublin.
Cheap things to do in Dublin
Dublin is expensive in a general sense, but there are lots of locations that you might be surprised to find are affordable. Places like the Guinness storehouse, independent shops, and the Dublin Zoo can be much more affordable than you might think. Walking tour options also abound, which makes it easy to see some of the best parts of the city for no extra charge. Visiting Dublin can be budget-friendly, and you won't have to worry about getting bored every day as you try to save money.
Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is usually on the list of things that people want to do in this city, and you can easily afford to head here on a budget. The castle is just €8 to enter, and you will only pay €4 for kids. This 13th-century castle is one of the most lovely in all of Europe, and it's always very popular with visitors to Dublin. You can take a self-guided tour here, or you can pay a little more for a guided tour while you are visiting. Plan to spend a few hours here learning all about Dublin and its history.
This part of the city is a great place to see a variety of cool things, and there are various local attractions that offer free entry in this area during the week at specific times. So look around while you're here.
Grafton Street
This beautiful Victorian shopping street hasn't changed much in a hundred years or so. This is one of the most lively parts of the city centre, and many people head here to enjoy the sights and sounds and to do a little shopping. Food is a little spendy here, but there are local shopping options that are affordable for getting souvenirs and various goods. Best of all, those who love the Regency or who are fans of Jane Austen will feel transported back in time as soon as they set foot in this part of the city.
Irish Museum of Modern Art
The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) is actually free to enter in most cases. Some of the exhibitions have a small fee associated with them that will be about €8-10. This is a lovely place to spend an afternoon, and you will enjoy a variety of different exhibits here as well as be offered some information about Dublin's history. Just like Dublin's main shopping street, this location offers so much charm and beauty, and you will feel as if this part of the city centre has been frozen in time. While there are other free museums in this part of the city or places that you can see on free walking tours, you will want to put this impressive museum at the top of your list.
Cheap places to eat in Dublin
You probably are aware that eating out during trips can be expensive. However, you will have no trouble saving money on dining if you aren't picky about where you go. There are many excellent street food options scattered across the city centre, or you might even be able to make your own meals at your hostel or Airbnb during your stay. These are the best places to head for a meal on a budget while you are enjoying your time in Dublin on a budget.
El Grito Mexican Taqueria
Who doesn't love Mexican food? This cuisine tends to be on the more affordable side anyway, and El Grito is the place to go in Dublin to save some cash. Filling main dishes will cost less than €15; don't leave without trying the churros.
Lovinspoon
If hearty home cooking is what you're after, Lovinspoon fits the bill nicely. And your food bill won't be very high either. Affordable prices on favorites like mushroom soup, grilled sandwiches, and full Irish breakfasts make dining here a great choice. It's easy to eat breakfast or lunch here for under €10, and since they close at 4 pm, dinner isn't an option here.
Mongolian Barbeque
Located in Temple Bar, this is ideal for picky eaters. You choose exactly what meat, veggies, noodles, and sauce you want in your dish, and they cook it on the huge grill. If you're super hungry, they offer all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner options that range from €17 to €21 per person.
Cheap bars in Dublin
O'Reilly's Bar
This cute Victorian-style pub offers live music, affordable beer and cocktails, and great food. You will feel like you have walked into your own personal local when you head here, and you will want to stay a while once you have arrived. They have a happy hour menu, and you can get some of the beers here for just €3.
The Hacienda Bar
This cute hole-in-the-wall is the perfect place to enjoy folk music, affordable pints, and lots of traditional Irish music that everyone sings along to. There are lots of beers on the menu here that are often priced at €5 or less, and they offer cocktail specials too. There is nothing particularly unique on the menu here, and it isn't huge, but the atmosphere is really fun and exciting.
Temple Bar Area
Temple Bar district is an excellent location to enjoy a night out on the town for a great price. There are many cute places to grab an affordable pint, and the colorful umbrellas along the street will keep you out of the rain. Places like The Porterhouse offer you access to an excellent beer menu for about €5 a pint, and you will be able to get cheap eats here as well. This is a great part of the city for a night out on the town, and you should put the Temple Bar area on the list of places to go for a night out.
Bonus budget tips for Dublin
Use two wheels
One of the best ways to see Dublin is to rent a bike. Dublin is very walkable, but if you want to see a lot of the best things that the city can offer, you might need to speed up the process of getting around the city centre. Many of the bike rental companies in the city offer affordable rental for about €10 a day, but you can sometimes find bike pass deals that are perfect for those traveling in a big group.
Public transport
Consider taking the train to head out to a variety of locations around the city center that you might not otherwise be able to access. Dublin area rapid transit is also a great bet for getting around the city and nearby areas. The train connects readily to UK mainline train stations as well, so you can combine your Dublin trip with an affordable hop to other locations around the country or to the UK.
Free attractions
If you love gothic churches, there are many scattered around Dublin. Their spires pierce the sky and draw your attention. For those who want to see the prettiest and most impressive churches around the capital city, it can really add up when you have to pay for tickets to get entrance to all of them. However, if you head to the churches in Dublin during services, you can enter for free. This is a great way to get to witness the majesty of these kinds of locations without an extra cost.
Remember as well, that there are many different locations that offer free entrance at specific times of the day or on specific days of the week. Checking out the possibility for free entrance is easy, and you hop onto the sites for these different attractions to see if they offer these kinds of perks.
Conclusion
Dublin is a special city to visit, and you should never think that you can't enjoy this part of the world without a ton of money in the bank. From cheap nights out in Temple Bar to free walking tours to enjoying museums like those on Stephen's Green, you can make the most of your time in this gorgeous city without breaking the bank. This guide will help you to enjoy everything that you want to see and do in Dublin while still being within budget.
If you need some more ideas about what to do in the city centre or other areas like Trinity College, you need to check out our guide to the best free things to do in Dublin. Keeping kids busy or entertaining a large traveling group is easy with these free options on your itinerary. Happy travels!
