Typical Costs & Money Tips for Ireland (2025): Budget Smart & Travel Confident

Updated: Oct 9, 2025 Ireland Budget & Money

Ireland isn’t the cheapest destination in Europe, but it rewards every euro spent with scenery, hospitality, and flavor. Here’s what to expect for typical 2025 costs—plus currency basics, tipping norms, and smart ways to stretch your budget.

Currency & Payments

• Republic of Ireland: Euro (€)
• Northern Ireland: Pound Sterling (£)
• Cards: Widely accepted; contactless and Apple/Google Pay common.
• ATMs: Easy to find—avoid “independent” ones with high fees.

Keep a small amount of cash for rural shops or parking meters.

Typical Daily Costs (2025)

• Budget traveler: €70–€110/day (hostels, public transport, pub meals)
• Mid-range: €140–€220/day (3-star hotels, rental car, sit-down dining)
• Comfort/luxury: €250–€400+/day (4–5-star stays, guided tours, fine dining)

Costs rise in summer (June–August) and drop slightly November–March.

Accommodation Estimates

• Hostels & budget B&Bs: €35–€70 per person
• Mid-range hotels: €120–€180 per night
• Boutique & luxury: €200–€400+ per night

See Where to Stay in Ireland for area-by-area suggestions and safety notes.

Food & Drink Prices

• Pub meal: €14–€20
• Casual restaurant: €20–€35 per person
• Coffee: €3–€4
• Pint of beer: €6–€7 (higher in Dublin)
• Three-course dinner: €40–€60

For specific dishes and drink recommendations, check Ireland Food & Drink Guide.

Transportation & Fuel

• City bus fare: ~€2.50–€3.50
• Intercity train: €25–€55 (book early for savings)
• Gasoline (petrol): ~€1.80/L (€6.80 per gallon)
• Car rental: €45–€90/day (manual vs automatic)

More transport insight in Transportation in Ireland.

Attractions & Tours

• National museums: Free or small donations
• Popular sites (Cliffs of Moher, Guinness Storehouse): €15–€30
• Day tours: €50–€100 depending on distance
• Guided specialty tours: €20–€40 (walking, food, or whiskey themes)

Tipping Practices

• Restaurants: 10–15% if service isn’t included.
• Pubs: Not expected for bar service; tip for table service or exceptional staff.
• Taxis: Round up or 10% for longer rides.
• Hotels: €1–€2 for porters or housekeeping (optional).

See Ireland Customs & Etiquette for more local norms.

Money-Saving Tips

• Travel shoulder season: April–May and September–October balance weather and price.
• Book online early: Train fares and attractions often cheaper in advance.
• Meal deals & lunch specials: Affordable way to sample Irish cuisine.
• Tax-free shopping: Claim VAT refunds for eligible goods when flying home.
• Use local transport apps: TFI Go (Republic) and Translink (NI) for fares and schedules.

The guide summarizes all VAT steps and sample savings scenarios for reference offline.

Quick FAQs

Is Ireland expensive?

Moderately so—but smart planning, shoulder-season travel, and local dining make it manageable.

Can I use U.S. dollars or pounds everywhere?

No—use euros in the Republic and pounds in Northern Ireland. Cards auto-convert, but watch foreign transaction fees.

Do I need cash?

Cards work almost everywhere, but keep €20–€50 for markets, taxis, and small towns.

Helpful Add-Ons for Any Trip

• The Awesome Travel Safety Handbook
• The Awesome Packing Guide
• The Awesome Pre-Trip Checklist
• The Awesome Travel Photography Guide

Pair these with your Ireland guide to prep smarter, save more, and capture every memory beautifully.

Keep exploring: Where to Stay in Ireland · Transportation in Ireland · Ultimate Ireland Travel Guide