First things first; travelling in Ireland isn’t by any means cheap.

Whether you’re planning an adventurous road trip or solely a city break to Dublin, I’m pretty sure that this question crossed your mind; What do things cost in Ireland?

So for those planning a trip to Ireland, I wanted to show you a detailed insight in my daily budget and the average cost of the everyday expenses, such as accommodation, transport, food and activities to name a few.

To help you figure out your own travel budget, I’ve put together this short guide with all the essentials information, so you know exactly what to save for an incredible trip to Ireland.

My Ireland daily travel budget

After visiting Ireland recently (Januari 2022), it is safe to say that Ireland isn’t the most appealing country for those travelling on a strict budget.

Of course, it’s possible to find cheap stays and budget-friendly restaurants, but keep in mind that the average cost of basically everything is notably higher than elsewhere in Europe.

The good news is that the largest expenses are limited to accommodation and car rental.

For my 9-day road trip through Ireland, I averaged out at a budget of around €150 per day.

To stick to that budget, I didn’t have to watch every single penny, yet I still chose to search for affordable double rooms, especially in cities such as Dublin, Galway and Sligo.

Also, this budget is based on a solo traveller who rented a car with full insurance coverage (this is by far the biggest expense when travelling in Ireland), stayed in private rooms, and dined out at least twice a day.

On top of that, this budget allowed me to visit everything I planned to visit during my road trip in Ireland, including the Cliffs of Moher, Sleeve League Cliffs, and many of the musea in Dublin too.

An average double room in a hotel | €60 to €90 a night

Having now spent 9 days in Ireland, I noticed that private hotel rooms are rather expensive compared to other countries in Europe.

The good news though, is that there is no shortage of incredible luxurious hotels, with prices averaging out at €60 to €90 a night.

In Dublin however, prices are slightly lower, given there’s significantly more competition.

A dorm bed in a hostel | €25 to €40 a night

Ireland is incredibly popular among backpackers, and accordingly, there’s no shortage of affordable hostels.

While I haven’t stayed in a hostel myself, a dorm bed in a hostel will cost you around €25 to €40 a night in Ireland, which is slightly above the average hostel price elsewhere in Europe.

A Meal out | €10 to €25 person

Contrary to other expenses in Ireland, I noticed that dining out was fairly affordable.

I had an excellent burger with fries at Featherblade in Dublin for under €15, and ate one of the best pizzas ever at the Dough Bros in Galway for only €10 – so make sure you check them out both.

Whilst prices still vary significantly from place to place, you can have an excellent meal out for anywhere from €10 to €25 per person.

A good cup of coffee | €2,5 to €4,5

During my road trip in Ireland, I have savoured quite a few cups of brilliant coffee, especially at Brother Hubbard in Dublin, and Coffeewerk + Press in Galway.

Depending on how you prefer your coffee (there are plenty of non-dairy options available), you should take into account that a cup of rocket fuel will cost you anywhere from €2,5 to €4,5 each.

A pint of beer | €5

If there’s one thing Ireland is known for, it will be its lively pub scene and the alcoholic beverages that are served here – for that reason, you should definitely stop by at a traditional Irish pub.

Most pubs will serve large pints at a cost of roughly €5 apiece. However, if you’re in Dublin and decide to go to Temple Bar, prepare to pay significantly higher prices.

Also, it’s good to note, that since 2013, the happy hour specials in terms of alcoholic beverages were forbidden by the Irish government.

Entrance fee to a museum or national park | Around €15 per activity

Ireland had plenty of awesome things to see and do, and luckily for us, the average prices for a museum or national park are relatively low or free of charge, with an average price of €15 per activity.

Some examples include;

€10 | Cliffs of Moher

€22 | Guinness Storehouse

Free | Benbulben Forest Walk

€18 | The Book of Kells and Trinity College Dublin

Free | Slieve League Cliffs

Free | Connemara National Park

€25 | Jameson Distillery

Free | Fanad Lighthouse

Free | Downpatrick Head

Car rental | €60 to €90 per day

All in all, a road trip in Ireland is far from cheap, and with the above in mind, I’d advise booking your rental car well in advance to save a significant amount of money.

Whilst car rental is clearly the largest expense when travelling in Ireland, I noticed that it is still the most affordable, convenient, and fastest manner of transport here.

The price for car rental in Ireland ranges from €60 to €90 per day – this includes free cancellation, theft protection and collision damage waiver.

For car rental in Ireland, I’d highly recommend Rentalcars.com. They offer brilliant service, additional insurance options, as well as a wide selection of cars to choose from. Prices and availability here.

Continue reading | A guide to driving in Ireland: 11 tips to kick-start your road trip

Fuel | €1,84 per litre

As with car rental, the fuel in Ireland isn’t cheap either.

At the moment of writing (April 2022), the fuel price in Ireland is slightly below average in Europe, with gasoline at €1,84 per litre and diesel at €1,94 per litre.

If you follow my Ireland road trip, which involves a lot of driving, taking you to plenty of the country’s absolute highlights, you will use around €150 to €200 worth of fuel.

Toll charges | +/- €2,50

Another expense that you will most likely overlook when planning a trip to Ireland, are the toll charges that you’re required to pay on certain roads.

Depending on your route, you will cross several toll roads, with different rates, depending on your vehicle. For more information about the rates, check the official EToll website here.

Parking | €35 to €40 per day

If you somehow choose to rent a car before visiting Dublin, note that the cost of parking in the city centre will add up relatively quickly.

I had my rental car parked in one of the many parking lots for the night and paid around €25, which if you ask me now, is a waste of money.

On average, the parking in Dublin will cost around €35 to €40 per day.

If you’re keen to see my best tips on driving in Ireland, make sure you read my detailed guide here.

Bus from the airport to Dublin | €10

Whether you’re going solely on a city trip to Dublin or planning out an in-depth itinerary, I highly advise starting your Ireland journey in Dublin either way.

The best way to get there is by jumping aboard the Dublin express, which will take you to the city centre in under half an hour – a return ticket will cost you only €10.

After you’re done in Dublin, head back to the airport where you will either catch your flight back home or pick up your rental car.

With driving on the left-hand side, narrow country roads, and 5.5 million sheep to dodge, driving in Ireland can be quite an adventure.

At the same time, this adventure is extremely convenient, stunningly picturesque, and by far the best way to experience this exceptional country and the spectacular scenery it has to offer.

After driving to some of Ireland’s absolute highlights and some of the hidden gems too, I’ve come to the conclusion that there are only a few places more suitable for an adventurous road trip than Ireland.

It’s rugged, a tad unpredictable, and most of all, exceptionally beautiful, making it a dream destination for those who crave off-the-beaten-path adventure and untouched wilderness.

Add to that that the roads are easy to navigate and in excellent condition, and Ireland is the road trip destination you’ve been searching for all along.

To kick-start your own road trip, I’ve curated a list of useful tips for driving in Ireland – plus all the essentials in terms of car rental, costs, insurance and more.

Why rent a car in Ireland?

Ireland is an incredibly picturesque country and exploring it as part of a road trip is easily the best way to see everything it has to offer.

By renting your own car, you also have the possibility to cruise to some of the most secluded areas of the country, which to me, is an absolute must for anyone road-tripping Ireland.

Add to that, that you have all the freedom to explore at your own pace, and that public transport is slightly limited in some bits of the country, and it’s easy to understand why a road trip is the best way to experience this amazing island in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Cost of renting a car in Ireland

First things first; renting a car in Ireland isn’t by any means cheap.

I’ve rented cars in many different countries over the last few years, and the costs of renting a car in Ireland were some of the highest I’ve ever seen – which kinda shocked me at first.

However, after doing some proper research, I noticed that renting a car is still the cheapest, fastest and most convenient means of transport in Ireland.

Having said that, the price for car rental ranges from €400 to €600 per week in the high season, which comes to approximately €60 – €90 per day. This includes free cancellation, theft protection and collision damage waiver.

If you choose to opt for a car with automatic transmission (which I highly recommend if you haven’t driven on the left before), the costs of car rental will average out at €600 to €800 per week.

All in all, a road trip in Ireland is far from cheap, and with the above in mind, I’d advise booking your rental car well in advance to save a few bucks.

For car rental in Ireland, I’d highly recommend Rentalcars.com. They offer brilliant service, additional insurance options, as well as a wide selection of cars to choose from. Prices and availability here.

1 | Drive on the left-hand side of the road

To me, the idea of driving on the left-hand side of the road sounded kinda frightening at first, but after a short phase of acclimatisation, it actually felt quite logical.

But it isn’t like this for everyone, so I’d highly recommend anyone to take it slow since it takes at least a couple of days to become fully accustomed to your new driving situation.

If it’s your first time driving on the left, make sure you do some test drives at the parking lot of your rental car supplier, as it will give you some time to get a feel for the car, while you also practice your new driving habits.

If you’re not completely comfortable with driving on the left, hiring an automatic car will make things a lot less complicated, as you don’t have to stress about changing the gears all the time.

Those preferring to drive automatic, be sure to book a car in advance since renting an automatic car is wildly popular within Ireland.

2 | Rent and drop off your car at Dublin Airport

Since there’s plenty of rental car companies established in Dublin Airport, there’s also significantly more competition, meaning you could find a rental at notably cheaper rates here.

However, it’s essential that you reserve your rental car online and in advance, and pick it up as soon as your flight touches down on Irish soil.

For the above reasons, I’d advise anyone to sort out their own rental car as soon as their flight confirmation pops up in their mail inbox – given that last-minute rates can be quite a shock, especially during the peak summer months.

When it comes to international car rental, I always make use of RentalCars; an excellent online car rental service that holds over 900 of the world’s leading rental car suppliers.

Additionally, if you do however wish to book a rental car spontaneously, make sure you check at the reception of your hotel, as it’s likely that they can offer your a small discount.

3 | Try to avoid parking your car in Dublin

If there’s one thing I’ve learned during my time in Ireland, it will be that you should try to avoid parking your car in Dublin at all times.

While some of the best day trips from Dublin are reached by car, I’d highly recommend bringing back your car to the rental car company before exploring the city itself.

Simply put, the parking fees in Dublin can add up quickly, especially if you park around museums or in one of the parking garages in the city centre.

I had my rental car in the garage for one night and paid around €25, which is a complete waste of money in my eyes.

4 | Mind the sheep

As you’ve likely seen on the cover of my Ireland itinerary, Ireland is teeming with sheep, and they often don’t give a damn about the traffic.

Instead, these sheep tend to wander on the side of the road, so make sure you keep an eye out when passing a herd – they have a tendency to cross the road without warning.

Lastly, with over 5.5 million sheep, Ireland is home to more sheep than humans, meaning there’s simply no way around this fact when driving through the Irish countryside yourself.

5 | Don’t forget to pay the M50 toll

First things first, make sure you put a reminder on your phone now to pay the M50 toll.

When renting a car from the Dublin Airport (which I’d highly advise you to do), odds are that you will pass the barrier-free tolling system on Dublin’s M50 motorway.

This innovative system grants drivers the ability to simply pass through, instead of stopping over to pay the toll at the booth, which makes the journey along this crowded area significantly faster.

The only thing that you’ll have to do is pay the toll online at Eflow by 8 PM the next day.

While this sounds pretty straightforward, I can tell from first-hand experience that it’s extremely easy to forget about the toll – I paid mine at home since I totally overlooked it.

If you forget to pay in time like me, don’t worry, you’re still able to pay it a few days later, just be aware that you will pay a small fine atop the initial toll.

6 | Consider renting a smaller car

While your rental car supplier will most likely present you with an upgrade that offers extra comfort when driving bumpy roads, I’m here to say that it’s better to stay with a slightly smaller car.

I say this because Ireland has no shortage of narrow country roads, and navigating these is far more easy in a smaller car rather than a huge SUV.

I opted for the Toyota C-HR, a medium-sized hybrid car, and had an easy time navigating the narrow country roads, while also having enough power to handle the steeper parts of my road trip through Ireland.

7 | The famous Irish weather conditions

Given Ireland’s position in the North Atlantic Ocean, the weather conditions can change rapidly, meaning all four seasons could occur in the blink of an eye.

One moment the sun is out and blazing, and the other moment, the rain is pouring from the skies.

While it doesn’t necessarily sound like an issue when sitting inside your car, it does requires some adjustment in the way you approach the roads.

For that reason, I’d highly recommend driving with your lights on at all times, since unpredicted rain or fog can easily restrict the sight of you and your fellow road users.

Lastly, when it starts raining or turns foggy, make sure you adjust your speed limits accordingly.

8 | Know your limits

Throughout Ireland, the speed limits include 50 km/h within urban areas, 80 km/h on secondary or regional roads, 100 km/h on national primary routes, and 120 km/h on motorways.

While it’s allowed to drive 80 km/h or faster on most roads, I highly suggest you to slow down a tad, especially when driving along narrow country roads.

Secondly, if it’s your first time driving on the left-hand side of the road, take your time and don’t mind letting local drivers pass you – your Ireland road trip isn’t a race.

9 | Plan your route in advance

As with all road trips, the best thing to do is plan out your route in advance, so you have a clear overview of how many kilometres you be driving each day.

While you should always keep some time and space for spontaneous stops, it is pretty damn convenient (and time-saving) if you thoroughly research the highlights, and then bundle them in a logical day-to-day itinerary.

However, if you’re not from the planning side of things, don’t worry – I’ve put together a pretty awesome 9-day Ireland road trip itinerary, so be sure you give that a read too.

10 | Fill up often

While the distances in Ireland are completely manageable, keep in mind that a lot of Ireland is merely countryside with not a single petrol station in sight.

To avoid stranding on the side of the road, make sure you live by the following rule of thumb; always fill up your car when driving long distances or stretches that take you through the countryside.

Not only is running out of gas a bummer, but ending up on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, waiting for another car to pass is simply a waste of time.

By filling up on time, you will also never disrespect the golden road trip rule – never let your fuel tank go lower than ⅓.

11 | Sort out your insurance

As I would mention in all my road trip guides, it is wise to travel with your essential insurance sorted out, this also involves the full coverage of your rental car.

Though you might save some money when leaving out the full insurance of your car, these few bucks wouldn’t outweigh the benefits of the full insurance option, as it fully covers the car’s excess, as well as damage to the windows, mirrors, wheels and tyres.

On top of that, I also advise you to do a thorough inspection of the car afore taking it out on the road. If you don’t do this, chances are that you have to pay for pre-existing damage and that would be a pity.

Then there is your travel insurance, which, I believe, you should always purchase when travelling abroad, this is also highly recommended when doing a road trip in Ireland.

For travel insurance, I use Heymondo, as they offer full covid-19 coverage, as well as a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Make sure you check it out – readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy. Additionally, I also recommend World Nomads.

1 | Roam around at Trinity College

As if lifted straight out of a Harry Potter movie, Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest university and captivates its visitors with its enchanting appearance.

Established in 1592, the university schooled several renowned authors and poets, including Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker and Jonathan Swift to name but a few.

At present, Trinity College is home to the famous Book of Kells, a 9th century illuminated manuscript that contains all four Gospels of the New Testament.

But the real attraction is the Long Room, an opulent library marked by gorgeous oak bookcases and the roughly 200,000 ancient books that fill up the shelves.

After wandering around the library myself, it’s easy to understand why J.K. Rowling got excited to use it as an inspiration for Hogwarts in Harry Potter.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Trinity College

Opening hours | Monday to Saturday 0830 – 1700, Sunday 0930 – 1700

Cost | €18,- per person

Tickets | Buy your tickets online here

2 | Take a walk over the Ha’Penny Bridge

There are only a few places in Dublin as iconic as the Ha’Penny Bridge.

Built back in 1816, this white-picketed bridge was the first-ever pedestrian bridge to span over the River Liffey, which came as a welcoming relief for those living on either side of the river.

It’s also worth mentioning that the bridge owes its name to the toll that was required to cross it, namely half a penny.

At present, the Ha’Penny Bridge has become an absolute must-see attraction in Dublin, and I believe, every visitor should cross the bridge at least once while in Dublin.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Ha’Penny Bridge

3 | Sample Dublin’s best burger at Feather blade

As soon as I heard SpottieOttieDopaliscious by Outkast bumping through the speakers, I realized that I arrived in the right place.

Situated smack bang in the middle of Dublin, Featherblade is a trendy burger joint that I would consider the number one spot if you’re after a top-notch burger in Dublin.

Their signature bacon cheeseburger is crafted to perfection, with top-notch quality from Irish beef Patty to artisan bun, with its crisp and juicy bacon pieces as the absolute centrepiece.

Seriously, this burger, which was voted ‘best burger’ in 2020, was so tasty that it’s up there with the best burgers I’ve ever eaten.

Add to that a trendy atmosphere, good music and a great overall dining experience, and Featherblade has become a must-visit for anyone spending time in Dublin.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Feather blade

4 | TAKE A TOUR OF THE GUINNESS STOREHOUSE FACTORY

Ireland is known as the motherland of Guinness, and therefore there’s no better place to taste this than in the country’s bustling capital city.

Situated in the heart of the St. James’ Gate Brewery, the Guinness Storehouse Factory is where lays the origin of one of Ireland’s national pride; Guinness beer, or as the Irish would say; a pint of gat.

Today, the storehouse factory accommodates a fun and informative museum that tells the tale of one of Ireland’s most famous alcoholic beverages, which made it become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.

The Guinness Storehouse Factory is only visited as part of a self-guided tour and takes you through seven floors of Irish brewing history, where you learn all about the brewing process, as well as the history of this cherished stout beer.

At the end of the tour, you’ll reach the 7th, and last floor, where it’s finally time to sample a pint of Guinness while enjoying an epic panoramic view of the Dublin skyline.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Guinness Storehouse Factory

Opening hours | Monday to Friday 1000 – 1700, Sunday 1200 – 1700

Recommended tour | Get your Guinness Storehouse Entrance Ticket here

5 | VISIT THE KILMAINHAM GAOL PRISON

When I prepared for my trip to Ireland, I’d knew I wanted to learn more about Ireland’s fight for independence, so the first thing I did was place the Kilmainham Gaol Museum on top of my list of things to do in Dublin.

Situated just a few kilometres outside Dublin, the Kilmainham Gaol Prison is now turned into a museum, with one clear goal; to educate and inform those who visit this former jail.

It’s good to note, that you should purchase your ticket in advance, since visiting the Kilmainham Gaol Museum is only possible in the form of a guided tour.

During the 1-hour tour, the guide will take you through the former prison blocks, courtyard and old chapel, while he also informs you about the prison’s gruelling history.

Do be aware though, it can be pretty upsetting to hear how many revolutionaries and prisoners were executed between 1796 and 1924, including the famous political and military leaders Robert Emmet and Charles Stewart Parnell.

After the prison tour, you will have time to look at an impressive exhibition that covers three levels, each telling the stories of different periods of time. I’d highly recommend taking your time to see what’s on display, as it holds more than 10.000 objects.

Since Kilmainham Gaol houses some aesthetically pleasing features, the prison has also been used as a set for several films, including the original ‘Italian Job’, and more recently so; Paddington 2.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Kilmainham Gaol Museum

Opening hours | Daily 0930 – 1800

Recommended tour | The Kilmainham Gaol Museum can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Prices and availability here

6 | Have breakie or lunch at Brother Hubbard

After seeing Brother Hubbard featured in an episode of Somebody Feed Phill, I instantly realized I had to drop by for some coffee and lunch.

Now renowned throughout the whole of Dublin, Brother Hubbard opened its doors in 2012, which initiated the transformation of Dublin’s somewhat dull café culture.

Situated at different locations throughout the city, Brother Hubbard is a trendy cafe that serves excellent dishes with a subtle Middle Eastern touch to it.

I opted for the basic; two eggs, grilled bacon and a chunky warm roast tomato sauce, served with ​​homemade Georgian-style sourdough toast and the most flavoursome Irish butter on the side – it was indeed basic, yet incredibly delicious.

While the menu is relatively small, it is extremely creative, with a focus on freshness, quality and local produce, which is always a good thing.

So if you’re seeking a trendy lunch or brunch spot that serves excellent coffee too, look no further, you have just stumbled upon the right place.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Brother Hubbard North

Opening Hours | See opening hours here

7 | Admire the St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Founded in 1191, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest Church in the whole of Ireland and is therefore named the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland.

Part of Ireland’s history for over 800 years, St. Patrick’s Cathedral remains one of the most fascinating buildings in Dublin, and strolling through its lush gardens is certainly a must when visiting the city.

It’s truly a stunning place from the inside and out and the opulent interior reflects various periods of its lengthy historical timeline – so be sure to have a peek inside too.

One thing worth mentioning is that it isn’t the only cathedral on Dublin soil, no, it shares this reputation with the neighbouring Christ Church Cathedral, which was initially built just outside of Dublin.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Opening hours | Monday to Saturday 0930 – 1630, Sunday 0845 – 1015 and 1300 – 1700

Cost | €8,- per person – St. Patrick’s Cathedral is also included in the Dublin Pass.

Recommended tour | This self-guided tour of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Prices and availability here

8 | Have a pint at Dublin’s iconic Temple Bar

When people talk about Dublin, the iconic Temple Bar will always be a topic of conversation.

Nestled in the eponymous Temple Bar District, this iconic bar on the south side of the River Liffey is one of the oldest areas in Dublin and is often high on the bucket list of those visiting the city.

The district itself is a maze of cobbled streets with heaps of lively pubs, hosting some of the country’s best musicians, which makes it a must-see for those who want to experience Dublin’s buzzing nightlife.

The pubs come alive after 5, when both locals and travellers gather to sample a pint of Guinness or a good glass of Irish whiskey while enjoying live music and an authentic atmosphere – it’s a successful combination for a unique travel experience.

Ooh, and be cautious, the locals are capable to drink you under the table too – just kidding!

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | The Temple Bar

Opening hours | Daily 1030 – 0100

9 | Have a scoop or two at Murphy’s ice cream

Originated in Dingle, Co. Kerry in 2000 is Murphy’s ice cream, an artisanal ice cream shop that started with one clear goal; making the best ice cream in the world – and believe me, they’ve come pretty close!

Luckily for us, Murphy also opened its doors in Dublin.

Set within Wicklow street, Murphy’s serves a great variety of ice cream, made from Ireland’s finest local produce, including the milk of the rare, indigenous Kerry cow.

I opted for 3 scoops of the following flavours; Dingle Sea Salt, Irish Brown Bread and Honeycomb Caramel and was blown away not only by their flavours but also by their exceptional texture and creaminess.

If you’re looking for something more adventurous, Murphy’s also serves uncommon flavours such as Dingle Gin and Pink Peppercorn, Irish Coffee and Rum Raisin.

I’m not gonna lie, it can be quite the struggle to choose from their unique and inviting flavours. Fortunately, this shop is so awesome, that they let you sample the flavours before making your final selection – winner!

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Murphy’s ice cream

Opening hours | Daily 1200 – 2200

10 | Visit Lough Tay and the Wicklow Mountains

Nestled in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, Lough Tay is a stunning lake that has become famous for its appearance as ‘Kattegat’ in History’s blockbuster series ‘Vikings’.

While its shores are now private property, and therefore no longer accessible by the public, you will stumble upon plenty of interesting viewpoints, all offering the iconic views that made the ‘Guinness Lake’ famous.

With a whopping 20,483 hectares of ground, the Wicklow Mountains National Park is a true natural paradise and that at only a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of Dublin.

Also, the Wicklow Mountains National Park is considered the number one national park in the whole of Ireland, which isn’t a surprise to me given its untouched nature and endless tranquillity.

Visiting the Wicklow Mountains is in many ways one of the best day trips out of the city – and easily one of the most exciting things to do on your trip to Dublin.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Lough Tay, County Wicklow

Recommended tour | This full-day Wicklow Mountains Tour takes you to the Wicklow Mountains, as well as the 6th-century monastery complex of Glendalough. Prices and availability here

11 | GO ON A DAY TRIP TO THE CLIFFS OF MOHER

From the moment I started preparing for my travels to Ireland, I told myself that I wanted to see the insanely stunning Cliffs of Moher at all costs.

Located roughly 3,5 hours drive from Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher are considered the most famous cliffs in Ireland, reaching a whopping height of 214m at their highest point.

With safe, paved pathways, several incredible viewpoints and an award-winning Visitor Centre, the famous Cliffs of Moher has now become the country’s second most visited tourist attraction.

While there are lots of popular day trips to the Cliffs of Moher, I would highly recommend visiting it as part of a road trip through Ireland. If you’re in Dublin on a city trip, opt for this full-day trip to the Cliffs of Moher instead.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | The Cliffs of Moher

Opening hours | See opening hours here

Recommended tour | This full-day guided tour of the Cliffs of Moher is an excellent way to behold the impressive landscape that defines the area.

12 | Taste Irish whiskey at the Jameson Distillery

Besides Guinness, there’s one thing that the Irish produce exceptionally well too – whiskey!

Hands down the best way to learn about Irish whiskey and its rich and captivating history (Ireland has been making whiskey for well over 200 years), is by joining the famous Bow Street Experience Tour in the Jameson Distillery.

Awarded ‘The World’s Leading Distillery Tour Award’ three years in a row, the Jameson Distillery offers visitors a unique experience by giving them a peek inside the production process of one of the world’s most famous whiskey brands.

The tour also includes a unique comparative whiskey-tasting experience, learning you to understand the differences between Scotch whisky, American bourbon, and Irish whiskey.

On top of that, you’ll receive a Jameson Whiskey tasting certificate, so you can show off your whisky knowledge to family and friends at home.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Jameson Distillery

Opening hours | Monday to Thursday 1100 – 1800, Saturday 1100 – 1900, Sunday 1200 – 1800

Cost | €25,- per person

13 | Visit the Hill of Tara

Situated a roughly 45-minute drive from Dublin, ​​the Hill of Tara is considered Ireland’s most sacred stretch of land and the soul of Ireland’s history, legend and folklore.

Legend has it, that the site has been in use for more than 5.000 years, and that it was once the ancient seat of power in Ireland.

It is also said that during both prehistoric and historic times, a total of 142 kings reigned over the Hill of Tara, which makes this place even more impressive

While I’d have to admit that it’s not the most scenic place, I believe its long and captivating historical timeline is enough reason to include the Hill of Tara in this guide of things to do in Dublin.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | The Hill of Tara

Where to stay In Dublin

For a relatively small capital, Dublin is packed with excellent accommodation options catering to all travel styles – from luxury hotels to family-run apartments to budget-friendly hostels.

Since there’s plenty of accommodation to choose from, I have narrowed it down to a few of my favourites, two of which are marked, these are the ones where I stayed.

+ Cassidys Hotel | Set within the heart of Dublin, Cassidys Hotel offers spacious boutique-style rooms, large double beds and an excellent ensuite bathroom with a rain shower. Given its excellent price-to-quality ratio and its prime location, you might want to book this one ahead.

Wren Urban Nest | Located only a stone’s throw away from Dublin’s popular Temple Bar, this brilliant hotel offers stylish modern-style rooms with a touch of minimalism. All rooms come with comfy double beds, air conditioning and an excellent private bathroom. If you value sustainable design or some extra comfort, make sure you check out their innovative rooms here.

+ Templebar Rooms | This is where I stayed, and I really had a pleasant stay here. This hotel provides comfortable rooms with stylish design right at the heart of the action. Double rooms at only €90,- a night make this one of the best options in the city centre of Dublin.

Marlin Hotel Stephens Green | Another great hotel at walking distance from all the best things to do in Dublin, Marlin Hotel Stephens Green is a great pick for those after some extra comfort. Think of a variety of stylish rooms, a prime location and all the modern-day luxuries to have a comfy. So, if you’re looking for a bit of splurge, be sure to check out the stunning Marlin Hotel.

How to get to Dublin

PLANE | Dublin Airport is located only 20 minutes from the city centre, and hosts both European and International flights, meaning you will probably enter Ireland here.

For flights to Dublin, I would suggest you check out Skyscanner as they have a user-friendly website that makes it pretty straightforward to find good cheap flights.

From the airport, hop aboard the Dublin Express for a quick transfer to the city. The journey takes about 20 minutes and leaves every 30 minutes. A return ticket will cost you only €10.

Stay safe in Ireland | Travel insurance

While Ireland is totally safe for travellers, I always strive to have my travel insurance sorted out before going on a new adventure, and I highly suggest anyone else to do the same.

Where we prefer to assume that everything runs smoothly during our travels, in reality, an accident can happen at any moment – when that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.

World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.

When doing research for my Ireland road trip itinerary, one of the experiences I was looking forward to the most was the Diamond Hill hike in the Connemara National Park.

Nestled in the heart of County Galway lies the Connemara National Park, one of the six natural parks in Ireland and home to some of the best hiking trails in the country, including the scenic Lower and Upper Diamond Hill trails.

Covering a whopping 2.000 hectares, the park houses a wide variety of natural features, including bogs, rolling hills, heathland and rocky mountain ranges, with Diamond Hill and the stunning Twelve Bens range at the core of it all.

By far the best way to sample all these stunning and diverse landscapes is by taking on the manageable 7,6-kilometre hiking trail to the summit of Diamond Hill.

My in-depth guide to the Diamond Hill hike in the Connemara National Park offers all the essentials to have an unforgettable experience – plus some of my favourite hiking tips too.

Where is the Connemara National Park

Covering a total of 2.000 hectares, the Connemara National Park is nestled in the heart of County Galway in the West of Ireland.

The entrance of the park itself is located on the Clifden side of Letterfrack, about 1,5 hour drive away from Galway.

Connemara National Park entrance fee

Situated in Letterfrack, a small village just off the N59, is the Connemara National Park visitor centre, your first point of call when it comes to information about the park.

At the moment of writing (March 22’), there’s no entrance fee for those visiting the Connemara National Park. On top of that, the parking area is also completely free of use.

Opening hours of the Connemara National Park

In general, the Connemara National Park is open every day with no fixed opening hours.

However, given the ever-changing weather conditions in Ireland, the park closes for safety purposes when the weather warnings turn orange or red.

To avoid unexpected surprises, I’d highly recommend keeping an eye on the weather warnings, before planning a trip to the park.

How to get to Connemara National Park

CAR | As with most tourist highlights in Ireland, the best way to get to the Connemara National Park is as part of a road trip.

By renting a car, you’ll have all the freedom to get to the park on your own terms, while it’s also significantly easier to get around the country in general.

If you’re thinking of renting a car yourself, make sure you check out rentalcars.com, as they have a broad range of cars on offer, additional insurance options, and brilliant overall service.

Upon arrival at the Connemara National Park, you’ll have ​​free parking facilities

TOUR | Another great way to visit the Connemara National Park, is by joining this full-day guided tour from Galway.

What makes this tour interesting, is that you’ll be guided by an experienced local guide, who tells you about the region’s intriguing traditions, music, and language.

Add to that, that you have enough free time to explore the park and hike to the summit of Diamond Hill, and this tour is a great option for those without a rental car.

BUS | Alternatively, the Connemara National Park is also reached by public bus from both Galway and Westport.

For the route from Galway, jump aboard ​​bus 923 in the direction of Letterfrack. For tickets and timetables, visit the official Citylink website. The journey takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes.

From Westport, opt for bus 423 operated by Bus Eireann with end destination Letterfrack. For tickets and timetables, visit the official Bus Eireann website. The journey takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Lower Diamond Hill Trail

The first section of the famous Diamond Hill hike starts with the Lower Diamond Hill Trail, an easy-to-follow path that brings you along bogs, heaths, grasslands and forest.

Starting at the Connemara National Park visitor centre, the Lower Diamond Hill Trail is relatively short and it takes only 1,5 kilometres before it blends with the Upper Diamond Hill trail.

Depending on your fitness level, you can choose to continue the loop back in the direction of the visitor centre, or opt for a challenge, and hike to the summit of Diamond Hill via the Upper trail.

Upper Diamond Hill Trail

Upon arrival at the Upper Diamond Hill Trail, you’ll immediately notice the views, as they get better and better with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding region.

Though this part of the trail starts relatively easy, with comfortable boardwalks, it doesn’t take long before you stumble upon a dusty road that prepares you for the first real climb of the hike.

After about 20 minutes, you’ll come to the point where rocky stairs will lead you to the summit of Diamond Hill at 442m above sea level.

The final section of the trail is pretty steep and a tad sketchy, so make sure you take proper safety precautions, especially if it’s windy. Also, the summit is completely exposed, so be careful at all times.

Once arrived at the summit of Diamond Hill, you’ll be welcomed by the most stunning views of the Twelve Bens, a stunningly beautiful mountain range, with the Benbaun (729m) as its highest point.

How to wrap up the Diamond Hill trail

After taking a short lunch break while taking in the incredible views from the top of Diamond Hill, it’s time to continue the hike.

Since the Diamond Hill trail is a loop walk, it’s pretty straightforward to get back to the visitors centre with a clear paved path down the backside of the hill.

Once you’ve finished the descent, the trail flattens out and takes you back to the visitors centre in Letterfrack in about 3,5 kilometres.

While this section of the hike sounds like a quick go-to-your-car route, it actually offers some insane views of the Atlantic, as well as the encircling surroundings.

Where to stay near Connemara National Park

While visiting the Connemara National Park is an absolute must, there isn’t necessarily much else to do near the park.

For that reason, the Connemara National Park is best visited as part of a road trip through Ireland, meaning I’d recommend basing yourself in one of the region’s more popular cities of Galway or Westport, depending on the direction of your road trip itinerary.

To help you find the right accommodation, I’ve listed two excellent options per city below;

Galway

The Continental Boutique Residence | An excellent hotel suitable for solo travellers and families alike. Rooms are modern, clean and spacious, and are equipt with all the necessities. Continental Boutique Residence is also located only a stone’s throw away from the Galway city centre, which makes it one of the best budget-friendly picks in Galway.

The Lane – Boutique Residence | Another excellent budget-friendly option, the Lane – Boutique Residence is situated in the heart of Galway at only a 2-minute walk from Eyre Square. With spacious boutique-style rooms, comfortable double beds and a private bathroom with rainshower, this hotel is an excellent value for the money.

Westport

Westport Country Lodge Hotel | Situated in the historic village of Aughagower, at 5 minutes drive from Westport, this hotel combines elegant design with modern-day luxury and comfort. Doubles starting at only €81,- per night makes this one of the best options nearby Connemara.

The Wyatt Hotel | This excellent hotel is set within the heart of Westport and offers stylish and comfortable rooms, as well as free access to the Westport Leisure Park where you can use the swimming pool, hot tub and sauna. So, if you’re after a tad more comfort, look no further.

Best time of day to visit the Connemara National Park

Though you could visit the Connemara National Park at any time of day, I’d highly recommend visiting in the morning, especially if you’re planning to hike up to the summit of Diamond Hill.

As with any hike, the best time to start is usually about an hour before the sun rises.

I hiked Diamond Hill in Connemara in the morning and arrived at the summit just before the sun enlightened the Twelve Bens range in the distance – it was magnificent.

If you’re not quite an early bird, don’t worry, the Connemara National Park is also perfectly suitable for an afternoon visit.

Best time of year to visit the Connemara National Park

This one is rather tricky/though, given the weather conditions tend to change relatively quickly in Ireland, meaning all four seasons could occur in one day, no matter the time of year.

Having said that, I believe the best time to visit the Connemara National Park is from May to Augustus, when the weather is great and the days lengthy for explorations around the park.

Additionally, opt for the shoulder months of March to May or September to November. During this time it’s significantly less crowded in comparison to the peak summer months, but still comfortable enough to do the hike to the summit of Diamond Hill.

What to pack for the Connemara National Park hike

Before you start the Diamond Hill trail in the Connemara National Park, I believe it’s essential that you’re well prepared. For that reason, I’d highly suggest bringing the following equipment:

A REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE | One travel item that I carry with me at all times is the Grayl Geopress. This reusable water purification bottle allows me to fill up water from almost every water source, which makes it one of my best investments to date.

HIKING BOOTS OR A GOOD PAIR OF SNEAKERS | While hiking boots definitely provide more stability to your ankles, I believe you could easily hike Diamond Hill Connemara in a good pair of sneakers – just be sure that they have a firm sole with enough grip, so you’re supported when things get slippery.

LAYERS | Since the weather in Ireland is rather unpredictable, wearing layers is essential. While I had excellent weather during my visit, my hoodie and raincoat weren’t an unnecessary luxury, especially at the windy summit of Diamond Hill.

SNACKS | Whilst you can buy snacks and drinks at the Connemara Visitors Centre, I’d highly recommend bringing some fruits, nuts and protein bars to fuel yourself during the hike. Additionally, take enough cash to grab a coffee or a few snacks after the hike.

HIKING POLES | I did the Diamond Hill hike without hiking poles, but if you have weaker knees or prefer a little support during the more ascents and descents of the trail, I’d highly advise bringing a set of quality hiking poles. These Montem Ultra Strong Hiking Poles are light, collapsible, and a great value for the price.

CAMERA GEAR | If you’re into photography like me, don’t mind bringing your camera gear, as the Connemara National Park offers some of the best scenery in the region. I was glad to bring my drone with me, and captured some stunning shots – PS, see what’s in my camera bag.

SAFETY IN IRELAND | TRAVEL INSURANCE

Since travelling in Ireland is all about the outdoors, I recommend everyone to sort out good travel insurance before setting out on their own road trip adventure.

Where we prefer that everything goes smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s an injury during a hike, a stolen camera, or an accident on the road.

For travel insurance, I use Heymondo, as they offer full covid-19 coverage, as well as a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Make sure you check it out – readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy too. Additionally, I also recommend World Nomads.