How to visit Dublin on a Budget – My 3-day trip of perfect pints of Guinness, excellent vintage shopping and a city full of Irish charm

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Ireland—the land of rolling green hills, dramatic cliffs, and a pub on every corner—but thought it was too expensive, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. I recently went on a three-day trip with a pal to the Emerald Isle, and I did it all without breaking the bank. From snagging cheap flights to experiencing what a pint of Guinness should actually taste like (yes, Guinness from Ireland is about a million times better), I discovered plenty of ways to soak up Irish charm while staying budget-conscious. So grab your raincoat (trust me, you’ll need it) and I’ll give you a break down to a charming three-day city break everyone should consider. Here’s how to experience Dublin’s magic without emptying your wallet.

Budget Guide: Visiting Dublin with a Friend on a Budget

Dates: Saturday, December 28, 2024 – Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Accommodation: Academy Plaza Hotel
Flights: Ryanair

• Outbound Flight: Saturday, December 28, 2024 – Gatwick to Dublin at 10:30 PM
• Return Flight: Tuesday, December 31, 2024 – Dublin to Gatwick at 07:45 AM

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1. Flights

Ryanair offers budget-friendly flights if booked in advance. Here’s what we paid.

• £335.76. This was the total amount spent on flights (for two adults) including bags, travel insurance and seating.

Tips:

• Pack light to avoid extra fees for checked baggage. Ryanair’s free cabin baggage policy allows a small bag (40x20x25 cm).
• Add priority boarding if you’d like to bring an additional carry-on for around.

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2. Accommodation: Academy Plaza Hotel

Academy Plaza Hotel is centrally located, offering convenience and comfort. Everything is within walking distance from the hotel and it is easy to locate.

• £266.02. This was the total spent on the hotel. We had one room with twin beds for three nights. Breakfast was included in the price as was wifi.
• £60. Between the two of us, we spent around £60 on Uber rides to and from the airport to the hotel.

Tips:

• Book directly through their website for possible discounts or packages.
• The hotel does not provide travel toiletries so make sure you pack all you need.
• Staff were friendly and helpful and were on the desk when we checked out early at around 4 am.
• The hotel provides an excellent breakfast with a range of hot and cold food and plenty of coffee.

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3. Transportation in Dublin

Dublin’s city centre is compact, making walking a great option. We didn’t use public transport however the city had reliable public transport.

For longer distances:

• Leap Visitor Card: Around £13 per person (72 hours of unlimited travel on buses, trams, and trains).

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5. Activities & Attractions

• Guinness Storehouse: £26 per person.
  • Pre-book tickets online for discounts.
• Temple Bar: Free to explore, but budget for drinks.
• Optional Activities:
  • Trinity College & Book of Kells: Around £15 per person.
  • Dublin Castle: £6 per person

Tips:

It’s hard to offer up a spending guide as it comes down to the individual. For us, apart from the Guinness tour, our main activities included trips to the bar and shopping. There are plenty of free (or cheap) activities in Dublin to explore. There is a lot of artwork and cathedrals to enjoy as well as excellent cafes, restaurants and coffee shops.

Dublin is a real treat for those who love shopping

Dublin offers a wide range of shopping destinations, from bustling high streets to charming local boutiques. Here’s a guide to the best shopping areas in Dublin:

Grafton Street is Dublin’s premier shopping street, known for its mix of high-end stores, international brands, and charming Irish retailers. 

A more affordable alternative to Grafton Street is Henry Street which features a mix of well-known brands and local stores.

The George’s Street Arcade is a Victorian indoor market offering a unique mix of boutique stores and quirky finds whilst the Powerscourt Centre is a historic townhouse turned shopping haven, perfect for boutique shopping and Irish crafts.

Tips:

• VAT Refund: Non-EU visitors can claim a VAT refund on purchases over €75, making luxury shopping more affordable.
• Local Finds: Look for Irish brands and handmade goods to take home authentic souvenirs.
• Budget Shopping: Visit Penneys (Primark) for trendy and affordable fashion.

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Dublin was a fantastic trip away, in total we spent around £400 on the trip including activities. If you’re looking for a cheap city break – in a top city, with an excellent pint of Guinness on tap, then grab a bag and book a few days in the cool, hip and bustling city.