1.Always change your money at an ATM location using your U.S. ATM card. The money change places are a rip off and ATMs don’t charge anything like the fees they do.
2. Check your bill in restaurants, many add the ‘gratuity’ but won’t tell you.
3. No need to tip your cab driver much – they don’t expect it in Ireland like in New York. If it is $7.70, just give him $8
4. If you must bet on American sporting events in Ireland, football, baseball, etc., they charge no tax and there is no take out in the bookmakers.
5. Newspapers are too expensive. Even tabloids usually cost a $1.50 or so—stick to the Internet.
6. Ask Aer Lingus or your carrier at the airport how much an upgrade to business class is. Sometimes they have deals.
7. Stay in Bed-and-Breakfasts in the countryside. Some of them are quite good for about $30 a night.
8. Always order the full Irish breakfast. You won’t have to eat until dinner if you don’t get a heart attack first with all the sausages and bacon.
9. In contrast sandwiches are mean and tiny compared to in America. Make your own.
10. If you really want to go on the cheap, go to Northern Ireland. They’re a lot cheaper because they need tourists badly and it is just as good as the rest of Ireland.
READ MORE:
The weird and wonderful place names around Ireland
Top ten interesting facts about Ireland’s capital, Dublin city
22 Comments
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.billyjustin | Sep 23, 2011, 05:14 AM EDT
mad cow / pig / chicken disease, go on..
BARNEYKX | Sep 22, 2011, 05:38 PM EDT
SEE AN ULSTER FRY HERE http://www.belfastforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,22301.0.html
billyjustin | Sep 21, 2011, 08:10 PM EDT
to barneykx,O to be the the money pinching fool you are, your genes must be very english. In Limerick you can have Sarsfield Bridge Hotel for 39 euro for a room, and 5 euro breakfast, and if your tiny brain could read, i said 50 euro a room nationwide for a double room. so stick your comments up your jacksy., and let our friends feel at home, you are not included, if you want my number. email is : diebels11@gmail.com.Irish Americans come to Ireland for the History of Ireland and not the English history,as for drinks, who in their right mind would drink a luke warm pint,yuk yuk, good irish pint of Guinness for 3 euro, ice cold, just rememberd , have to go for a pint, see you later.. billy.Shannon
BARNEYKX | Sep 21, 2011, 08:05 AM EDT
If you really want to go on the cheap, go to Northern Ireland. They’re a lot cheaper because they need tourists badly and it is just as good as the rest of Ireland. NOW thats a different story and the drinks are far cheaper also,in fact everythings cheaper with the exception of petrol and diesel for the car i buy all my diesel in omeath just over the border from newry ,and loads of shoppers from the south come to Newry to do their shopping they have bus runs for shopping from various town in the south
BARNEYKX | Sep 21, 2011, 07:59 AM EDT
THIS IS NONSENSE WHERE IN IRELAND WOULD YOU GET B/B FOR 30 DOLLARS A NIGHT JUST POINT ME IN THAT DIRECTION, MINIMUM I SEE IS AROUND 30 EURO ,AND THATS IN HOSTELS SAVE YOUR MONEY AND GO SOMEWHERE ELSE AS REPUPLIC OF IRELAND IS JUST ONE BIG RIP OFF AND EATING OUT PRICES ARE SCANDALOUS
Suivness10 | Sep 19, 2011, 03:27 PM EDT
Thanks for the tips!
billyjustin | Sep 19, 2011, 10:10 AM EDT
james o' shea, I work in the hospitality business and can let you all know, you can get 3 star hotels for 50 euro for a double room, and a full irish breakfast for 5 euro,so stop telling our guests to be so mean, i just got back from Manhatten, and america is a lot more expensive than here, plus i had to tip everywhere i went. I went there to have a good time, and not to watch the pennies.. billy from shannon..
waldner | Sep 19, 2011, 02:55 AM EDT
I have visited Southern Ireland and loved it, especially the pubs. Stayed in B&B's for my three week trip and found them to be clean, with good breakfasts and friendly, helpful staff/owners.Looking forward to visiting Northern Ireland in the next few years.
HogansHeroes | Sep 19, 2011, 02:17 AM EDT
Better Idea..Double your savings by folding your cash and put it back in your pocket and stay home. American's of Irish decent, or "Plastic Paddy's" are really not welcome,only their cash. GSI,They just can't help shooting their selves in the foot.
Trealach | Sep 18, 2011, 09:26 PM EDT
Nice to see our resident American Racist and Bigoted Irish hating BraindeadDillon woke up Póg mo thóin BUBBA!!
mamaginnty | Sep 18, 2011, 07:36 PM EDT
Not much cheaper in the north when you change the dollar or euro to sterling.
brianmack | Sep 18, 2011, 07:26 PM EDT
James, great article! Totally agree with you on the Bed and Breakfast route. Also, the ATM is a better way to get cash. One final comment, I love my families home town, Tralee and Cork but Northern Ireland "rocks!" Pax
cindyohcindy | Sep 18, 2011, 04:51 PM EDT
Where did my comments go, I posted hours ago and nothing shows up.. what is happening??
GeorgeDillon | Sep 18, 2011, 04:26 PM EDT
Hey trealach: I thought you claimed to be an Irish language scholar? "Fáilte go hÉireán"---? You can't even get Welcome to Ireland right in Irish. The D- you got in Irish 101 just won't cut it, me lad, you might want to repeat the Beginners Course!
pilib04 | Sep 18, 2011, 03:26 PM EDT
James O'Shea is having a bit of fun with you. Particularly #7 and #10. O'Shea's number seven suggest that you can get a nice B&B for $30 a night (21.75 Euros). Good Luck with that. Maybe in 1995. Certainly not in 2011. I doubt that even one B&B can be found for 21.75 Euros in the whole of Ireland unless O'Shea is writing about Youth Hostels! Perhaps if you search real hard you might be able to find a B&B for 30 Euros but I doubt that it will be up to your standards. I am guessing That O'Shea has not been to Ireland since about 1990. Certainly he has no idea how expensive things are in Ireland at this time. As for Northern Ireland. Make sure to put it on your Must List. The Glens of Antrim, Giants Causeway, Belfast, Derry and Crossmaglen are NOT to be missed. However, expect to pay even more for a B&B because they are charging in British Pounds, not Euros. The difference is currently not that much. Now O'Shea is correct about ATMs and the exchange rate. Same can be said about using credit cards for purchase and dining when possible. As for the traditional Irish breakfast, O'Shea is quite right. But don't use his suggested price for B&B's to do your budget. I would recommend budgeting 35 euros on the off season(Sept. to the middle of June) depending on whether it will be double occupancy (sharing a room). Single occupancy can expect to pay 10 to 15 euros per night MORE! But remember this is still far superior to a an American hotel or B&B charge.
Ernesider | Sep 18, 2011, 01:36 PM EDT
10. If you really want to go on the cheap, go to Northern Ireland. They’re a lot cheaper because they need tourists badly and it is just as good as the rest of Ireland. And spend all or the most of your time in the lovely County Fermanagh. In my area of unspoiled beauty and proximity to the Hills of Leitrim and the Homes of Donegal you have the deal of a lifetime. My guidance of the area can be acquired relatively cheaply too. However, those who choose to lodge cheaply again in my charming cottage a spit away from the Erne have that often included as a package deal. Now aren't you happy!
JohnJoe4444 | Sep 18, 2011, 01:17 PM EDT
Agree with Trealach here. 30 a night for B&B was thity years ago. Puncture repair is usually 10 euro or less, why buy another tyre? Northern ireland is a fine place and well worth a visit. It is not, however, cheaper than the Republic and when I last checked did not have the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher or Connemara! There is some incredibly lazy "journalism" in these Top 10 lists. If there are any vacancies I would be glad of a start!
Trealach | Sep 18, 2011, 11:37 AM EDT
More typical BS from this tabloid. Restaurants do NOT charge a gratuity - it's ILLEGAL, but you can tip the waiter/waitress IF YOU choose to. ATM's charge a 'currency fee' based on the exchange rate at that time, which is added to your bank account. Unless you're renting a Tent or dog box, you will NOT get B&B for $30. While Hotel and B&B prices have come down considerably, they are still somewhat high, ranging FROM $90 per night, person sharing in a B&B to $126pps, in a 4 Star Hotel. If you are touring Ireland and you book a room during an 'event' expect prices to at least double. DO NOT as "Bogsidebunny" suggests, "buy a second hand tire". IF you get a flat tire, there is a spare in the trunk, use that and get the original fixed at most gas stations (or they will recommend a person/mechanic who will do it). Car Rentals here, while expensive are NOT STUPID and will see a 'second-hand tire' when you return the car. Car Rentals here accept ALL MAJOR Credit Cards, and there is NO problem charging the 'excess insurance' to your card if it is valid and in funds. When starting your vacation, after checking into your Hotel/B&B, the FIRST place to call to is the Irish Tourist Office in the town. They will be more than happy and willing to give you ALL the help you need. As for this rag Tabloid - IGNORE IT!! Fáilte go hÉireán.
mooneya | Sep 18, 2011, 10:15 AM EDT
I think that James has not visited Ireland, since the Celtic Tiger died. Hotels in Ireland are now dirt cheap. Two people can stay in top class four star or five stars, and they are exactly that for as little as 99 euro a night including breakfast. There are fantastic deals to be availed of and I really get annoyed when people like James write about something they absolutely know nothing about. Next time before you write an article, research it first.
erieshark | Sep 18, 2011, 10:11 AM EDT
More....If you have a flat tire on your rental replace it with a used tire from a local gas station (rental places charge for new tires). Carry plastic or cloth bags for shopping, they charge for the bags at the check-out counter. Pack your own picnic lunches, you can get the lunches at a grocery store. Saves on pricey restaurants for lunch. Most of the fun at pubs takes place after 10 pm, don't bother to get there at 6 or 7 pm. Hire a driver for pub hopping or for a night out. He will pick you up at the appointed time. It's relatively cheap and a lot safer. At some smaller hotels, you can get a great deal by just asking if they can give you a better price.
beaumax99 | Sep 18, 2011, 10:04 AM EDT
Hey there James....I would like to know what B & B's charge $30.00 a night. I haven't come across any in my travels. Also looked extensively on line. But thanks for all the other info.
bogsidebunny | Sep 18, 2011, 09:57 AM EDT
More advice: Don't hire a car. Ireland is one of the most expensive car hire places on earth. Plus despite taking out EVERY type of extra insurance if your car gets damaged or stolen you'll still be charged a fee. There ain't NO zero deductable.Ireland & Israel are the only 2-countries in the world that your VISA card will not cover the extra collision.