Is Ireland expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Ireland is one of the more expensive countries in Europe, and Dublin hotels are among the dearest on the continent. A mid-range trip averages about €215 per person per day; accommodation, car hire and eating out take most of it, while many heritage sites and landscapes are cheap or free.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | €50 | €95 | €180 |
| Food & drink | €30 | €55 | €95 |
| Sights & tickets | €15 | €30 | €55 |
| Local transport | €20 | €35 | €55 |
| Per person, per day | €115 | €215 | €385 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Ireland day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Coffee in a café | about €3.50–4.50 |
| Pint of Guinness (outside Temple Bar) | about €6–7 |
| Pint in Temple Bar | about €8 or more |
| Dublin bus/Luas fare with Leap Card | about €2 |
| Book of Kells and Long Room | roughly €25 |
| Guinness Storehouse | roughly €26–30 |
| Kilmainham Gaol | about €8 |
| Airport bus to Dublin city | about €8–10 |
| Mid-range double room, central Dublin | about €180–280 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the biggest cost, particularly in Dublin, where central mid-range doubles run about €180–280 and the first nights of a trip cost the most. Car hire is the second: rental, insurance (many credit cards do not cover Ireland) and fuel add up, but a car is the practical way to see Kerry, Clare and Connemara. Eating out is pricey, with pub mains around €18–25. Many OPW heritage sites are €5–10, and landscapes such as Glendalough, the Cliffs of Moher walks and the Ring of Kerry cost little.
When it is cheaper
November to March (except Christmas and St Patrick's Day) is cheapest, with hotels outside Dublin often 25–40% below summer prices. Dublin stays expensive year-round, especially on weekends with concerts or rugby matches.
How to spend less
- Spend fewer nights in Dublin and more in towns such as Kilkenny, Killarney or Galway.
- Book car hire early, ideally an automatic, and check what insurance is included.
- Buy the OPW Heritage Card if you will visit several state-run sites.
- Drink outside Temple Bar, where pints are a couple of euros cheaper.
- Look for early-bird dinner menus, usually before 19:00.
- Use a Leap Card or contactless payment on Dublin buses, Luas and DART for capped fares.
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Common questions
How much does a day in Ireland cost?
About €115 per person on a budget, €215 mid-range and €385 for comfort, sharing a double and a rental car.
Why is Dublin so expensive?
Hotel supply is tight and demand high, so Dublin rooms are among the priciest in Europe. Towns outside Dublin are much cheaper.
How much is a pint in Ireland?
About €6–7 in most pubs, and €8 or more in Temple Bar.