TRIP TO IRELAND: HOW MUCH YOU SPEND? GUIDE ALL THE BUDGET
How much does a trip to Ireland really cost? (with real examples)
Organizing a road trip to Ireland is an incredible experience, but one of the most important questions is: how much do you actually spend?
Here you will find a realistic example of the budget per 10 days in Ireland on the road, considering all the main expenditure items: volo, complete car rental (with full insurance), accommodation, food and extras.
How much does the flight cost to Ireland
The price of the flight varies based on the period and how far in advance you book.
Average prices per person:
- Low season: 60€ – 120€
- Mid season: 120€ – 200€
- High season: 180€ – 350€
👉 Realistic budget: 150€ – 250€
Book with 2-3 months in advance is often the best way to save. The airlines
Ireland is very well connected with Italy and the rest of Europe, thanks to both low cost and scheduled airlines.
Major companies (the most used)
- Ryanair → the cheapest and most widespread
- Aer Lingus → national airline
The main airports in Ireland are:
- Dublin Airport: The largest and busiest, perfect to start any itinerary
- Shannon Airport: Ideal for visiting the west coast (Cliffs of Moher, Wild Atlantic Way)
- Aeroporto in Knock: This is also ideal for the west coast but also for the north (Donegal)
- Cork Airport: Excellent for southern Ireland (Ring of Kerry, Cork, Kinsale)
Car rental in Ireland: real costs (with full insurance)
For a trip of 10 days, the car is the ideal solution. Here we consider a complete rental, like what we also recommend (Newway type total coverage), including all the essential extras.
Costs for 10 days:
- Rental with insurance: 550€ – 900€
- Second driver: 80€ – 125€
- GPS navigator: 80€ – 125€
👉 Total rental: 700€ – 1.150€
Fuel:
- Total: 120€ – 200€
👉 Total car cost: 820€ – 1.350€
👉 To person (in 2): 460€ – 675€
Comprehensive insurance is highly recommended for safe travel, especially due to the narrow streets and driving on the left. We absolutely recommend you as the best car rental company, Newway. Who you can find more details in a dedicated article!
Where to sleep in Ireland and how much you spend
Per 9 nights, i B&B are the most balanced choice between price and experience.
Average prices:
- Budget: 70€ – 110€ a camera
- Mid range: 100€ – 160€ a camera
Example:
- 120€ x 9 nights = €1080 per room
- 👉 To person: circa 550€
Our advice: look for B&B that offer breakfast included. For some ideas on where to stay in Ireland we recommend reading the dedicated article, you will find many ideas based on our direct experience HERE!
How much does it cost to eat in Ireland
Eating out can make a huge impact on your budget, but it can be managed well if you choose the right and certainly less touristy places.
Daily expense:
- Quick lunch: 10€ – 15€
- Cena: 20€ – 40€
- Extra (pub, snack): 5€ – 10€
👉 Daily total: 35€ – 55€
👉 Per 10 days: 350€ – €550 per person
Always consider the possibility almost everywhere, whether they are pubs or cafes, to be able to have the soup of the day accompanied by traditional soda bread (a very filling and hot soup, perfect for a quick lunch) but also sandwiches or salads, or for those with a sweet tooth, a fish & chips take away, why not? You can also think about stopping at some supermarket chains like Tesco, Spar or Center (widespread throughout Ireland) where you will always find lots of ready options:
- Sandwich o wrap: 3€ – 5€
- Ready-made salads: 4€ – 6€
- Meal deal (sandwich + snack + drink): 5€ – 7€
At dinner we tend to spend a little more but pubs almost always offer a generous main course, he hand stroke (salmon with smash and vegetables, irish stew, turkish ham with smash and side dish, the classic hamburger with chips... maybe there isn't a lot of variety but we assure you that they are excellent choices).
Attractions, activities and extras:
In Ireland most of the natural wonders are free. However, there are some attractions and activities that require a fee:
Indicative budget:
- Entrances: 5€ – 15€
- Esperienze/tour: 30€ – 70€
👉 Average total: 80€ – €150 per person
Budget total per 10 days in Ireland
Viaggio low cost:
- Volo: 150€
- Auto + fuel: 410€
- Accommodation: 450€
- Food: 350€
- Extra: 80€
Total: approximately €1,450 per person
Mid-range trip:
- Volo: 200€
- Auto + fuel: 600€
- Accommodation: 550€
- Food: 400€
- Extra: 100€
Total: around €1,800 per person
More comfortable travel:
- Volo: 300€
- Auto + fuel: 670€
- Accommodation: 650€
- Food: 500€
- Extra: 150€
Total: around €2,300 per person
Useful tips for saving
- Book flights and accommodation in advance
- Travel in low or mid season
- Share the car to reduce costs (if you are traveling with a group of friends)
- Choose B&B with breakfast included
- Alternate typical restaurants/pubs and quick meals (Don't forget the supermarket meal deals for a quick and cheap lunch!)
In Conclusion
For a trip of 10 days in Ireland, a realistic budget is between 1.400€ and €2,300 per person, with the possibility of spending less or leveling up based on your choices.
With good planning, especially for cars and housing, you can experience an unforgettable road trip between cliffs, castles and traditional pubs… without any nasty surprises. If you need more details or any other information please do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to answer all your questions 😊


