Before making the journey to the Emerald Isle, it’s a good idea to be well prepared with these 10 money-saving tips.
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And while cost is always a consideration when going on any vacation abroad, making smart choices in other areas can also pay off and ensure that you have the most enjoyable trip possible.
Here are the 10 money-saving tips on getting to Ireland that you can implement right now.
10 Money-Saving Tips on Traveling to Ireland
1. Purchase airline tickets at least four months ahead of your departure date. Follow the airlines that fly to Ireland on social media or sign up for their email alerts so you find the best price as soon as it's released. In other words, don’t leave this to chance. You should do your homework before booking any flight. If you’re flexible with dates, all the better.
2. Another money-saving tip when traveling to Ireland is to use the proper bank card when purchasing gifts, eating out, and incurring other expenses during your vacation.
3. When choosing accommodation in Ireland, especially in its cities, pick something that is not only a good price but is also conveniently located to buses and trains. That way you won’t be spending too much time getting to the various tourist sights.
4. Before arriving in Dublin or any of Ireland’s major cities, such as Belfast, Cork, Derry, Galway, Limerick, or Waterford, it’s wise to check out the transportation schedule.
Dublin Bus transports passengers throughout the city and areas outside of it. The DART, a Dublin train service, stops in its coastal towns, from Malahide and Howth in the north to Greystones in the south.
A tram service, known as the Luas, connects travelers who are in the city center and brings them to the suburbs in the south and southwest of the city. Learn more about getting around Dublin on public transportation.
Read More: 10 Things to Do in Ireland Without Spending Any Money
5. Another one of the 10 money-saving tips on getting to Ireland cheaply is availing of the free activities in more expensive cities like Dublin.
Around the country, you’ll also get free access to gems like the Galway City Museum, the National Museum of Country Life in Castlebar, Co. Mayo, the Cork Public Museum, and the Ulster Museum in Belfast.
An additional money-saving tip is to purchase a heritage card, which will get you into most of the museums around Ireland, except the Muckross Traditional Farms in Killarney.
The card costs €90 for a family of four or €40 for an adult; €30 for seniors and €10 for children aged 12-18 and students with a valid ID. It is good for one year after purchase.
6. If you’re choosing a budget airline like Ryan Air (for European travelers) or any other airline that flies from the U.S., pack wisely. In fact, you should make a list of the items you'll need and pack a few days in advance.
You’ll want to throw in certain essentials the day of your flight but being prepared is key. You do not want to pay additional baggage fees at the airport.
If you’re traveling for the weekend or even for a week, a great money-saving tip is to pack your belongings into a bag that will pass for hand luggage. That way, you’ll be able to avail of the cheaper fare.
7. Before you leave, make sure you have the appropriate insurance in case you get sick in Ireland or find yourself in an Irish hospital.
8. If you have one of the approved credit cards that cover the Collision Damage Waiver insurance that car rental companies require in Ireland, don’t forget to bring it with you, along with a letter from your credit card company.
9. Traveling through airports can be a real hassle these days and traveling to Ireland is no different. If you want to bypass much of the airport security, you can apply for the TSA’s Pre-Check program.
10. You’ll have a fantastic experience in Ireland wherever you go, but don’t forget to check out some of the country’s smaller towns and villages. That’s where you will discover the real Ireland and get to chat with the locals!
Read more: Packing Tips for Traveling to Ireland on a Budget
Do you have any money-saving tips you'd like to add to this list? Let me know in the comments below.