LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK INFORMATION
Money & Costs
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There’s no two ways about it: Ireland is an expensive destination by any standards. The country is obsessed with what is termed the ‘rip-off culture’, which hurts locals as much as it stings visitors. The sting is felt most everywhere, but visitors will feel it most when it comes to bed and board.
In Dublin, the bare minimum to survive is about €45 a day: €20 to €25 for a hostel and €15 for sustenance, which leaves enough for a pint. Outside the capital things are a little better, but not much: if you’re in a tourist hot zone it’ll be reflected in the prices, which are only marginally better than in Dublin. If your purse strings are a little more relaxed, you can get a decent bed for around €80 in the capital, €60 outside of it. For €100 you can sleep pretty luxuriously most anywhere except those very special places.
No matter where you are, eating out is expensive. For less than €10, don’t expect much more than soup and what comes in between two slices of bread. Very ordinary meals will cost €20 or more; the better restaurants won’t blink twice when charging €35 for the fish in a fancy sauce.
Car rental is also costly in Ireland. Be sure to check your auto insurance policy back home before accepting the exorbitant insurance policies offered at car-rental agencies. If your credit card usually covers car-rental insurance, confirm that the policy applies in Ireland.
HOW MUCH?
Irish Times (newspaper): €1.50
1km taxi fare: €1.45
Cinema ticket: €8.50
Admission to Gaelic football match: €12-15
Aran sweater: €50+
Lonely Planet recommends World Nomads Travel insurance
