Ireland
Planning a Trip to Ireland
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Ireland on a Budget
Ireland, for the most part, is a budget-friendly European destination for U.S. travelers. The island's stunning countryside is the perfect place for a variety of low-cost outdoor activities, from bike tours through emerald-green fields dotted with castles to hikes along stunning sea cliffs. There's a surplus of affordable lodging in the country (expect hotel rates to be most expensive in Dublin). You can book low-priced, family-run Irish home B&B's, which are located throughout the country, through the Irish Tourism Board. Cheap packages to Ireland aren't difficult to find, either. Aer Lingus, the Irish airline, regularly sells economically priced packages that bundle airfare, hotel and sometimes even a car rental for one affordable price.
Best Time to Go to Ireland
Summer is the most popular season for travel to Ireland, but it's during this season that prices are at their highest and crowds at their thickest. Although Ireland has mild winters, many Irish attractions and hotels basically shut down during the winter season. In fall and spring, which are shoulder seasons in Ireland, you can find reasonable prices and, for the most part, decent weather (with a bit of rain, naturally). Daily drizzles in Ireland are routine, so always pack the appropriate gear -- rain boots, a waterproof jacket and an umbrella.
12 Best Ireland Experiences
- Channel Your Inner Royal at a Castle Hotel
- See the Winter Solstice Inside Newgrange
- Get Out of Doors in Connemara
- Pour Your Own Pint of Guinness
- Cross the Border into Northern Ireland
- Go Barging on Ireland's Waterways
- Bike the Ring of Kerry
- Join a Pub Crawl in Dublin
- Get Lost in the Past in the Burren
- Hit the Road in a Caravan
- Hike or Cruise the Cliffs of Moher
- Cheer on an Irish Rugby Team
