Cheap Trips to Take In Ireland
For nature lovers, it offers incredible views and landscapes. For lovers of culture, it offers countless unique towns and cities with a unique history and architecture. It can be hard when you are in a new country to find out what places are a worthwhile visit. After all, you may only be here for a short while, so you have to fit the tourism into a small timeframe. Compiled here is a list of must-see cheap trips in Ireland during your visit -all on a budget!
As a student myself, the only issue is finding affordable options to make my time abroad an unforgettable experience. Thankfully, Ireland has wonderful public transportation and inexpensive activities. No need to worry about breaking the bank for these trips. all available via public transportation, these cheap/free trips will each give you a unique experience.
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Dublin
Dublin is the largest city in Ireland. The city currently has a population of 555,000 people and the Greater Dublin area has upwards of 2 million. Dublin has a wonderful nightlife, the best-known spot being Temple Bar. Here you will find old cobblestone streets lined with buskers singing and playing guitar. Through the center of the city is the River Liffey which splits the city from the north and south. Walk across and take pictures of the beautiful bridges such as the Ha’ Penny Bridge and the Samuel Beckett Bridge.
Take an afternoon at Steven’s Green Park, Ireland’s best known Victorian era park. Created way back in 1644, the 22-acre park has been maintained with the original Victorian layout with the extensive perimeter tree and shrub design. The beautiful sights and sounds make it a perfect place to eat a take-away lunch or to just spend part of an afternoon. Stroll down the 3.5 km walkway and see the different historical statues and memorials.
During the day, the Guinness Storehouse is a popular attraction. Take a tour of the factory and learn about how Irelands most popular beer is made. Admission starts at around €20, with that you receive the tour of the factory, a pint of Guinness, and a personalized engraved glass (if tickets are ordered online). The pint of Guinness is served at the storehouse’s Gravity Bar. The views at the top are incomparable to anything else you can find in Dublin. The 360-degree view is even better with a pint in your hand.
Hotels and accommodation may run a bit pricey here, but using Student Housing will keep this visit quite inexpensive.
Galway
Galway is one of the best places to go for authentic Irish culture. Unlike Dublin with its bustling business scene, Galway is a relaxed town still with a vivacious nightlife. Stroll through the downtown and find markets and pubs throughout. Take a trip to the Salthill Promenade, a seaside walkway lined with hotels and penny arcades. Go for an upscale meal at Kai and then give a visit to The Wooden Heart, a toy store that looks like it was taken straight out of the olden days.
Next, The Galway City Museum is a great visit as well. It is split into two exhibits, one about the history of Galway as a whole, and another about Irish artists from the second half of the 20th century. Music is a major part of the Galway experience and you will discover traditional Irish music played in the many pubs and outside by street performers.
Cork
Cork is widely known as the location of the Blarney Castle. While fascinating to see, Cork is home to much more. Visit Spike Island in the Cork Harbour and learn about the history of the land. Over 1300 years it has been once used as a monastery, grand fortress, and prison. It now serves as a museum and can be toured for only €17 with a college ID including a ferry to and from the island. Then head over to Fota Wildlife and see all kinds of animals, only €12.50 with student ID, perfect for a cheap trip in Ireland.
Next, head on down to St. Patrick Street in the center of the city. There you will find the English market where you can try some traditional foods like crubeens, tripe, and drisheen. There are two cathedrals in the city; St. Mary’s Cathedral and Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral (Pictured above). Enjoy a scenic stroll on the Grand Parade, a tree-lined avenue home to offices, shops, and financial institutions.
Killarney
Killarney is a must-go for those who love the outdoors. The Tomies Mountain and Purple Mountain surround the town, giving it wonderful scenery. Killarney National Park is a wonderful place to explore. The town itself is filled with storefronts and fish and chips vendors. Here lies Ross Castle, built-in 1420, and It is also worth checking out the sixty-foot tall Torc Waterfall. A popular tourist attraction is St. Mary’s Cathedral. It began construction in 1842 but was halted by the great famine and re-began construction in 1853 when the funds were available. The pure size alone astonishing to witness, let alone the wonderful architecture style.
Malahide
A homely village that still holds on to its historic character. Like many popular cities in Ireland, Malahide has a Castle of its own-one of the oldest in Ireland. Surrounding the castle are plenty of ghost tales so keep your eyes peeled. Head to Gibney’s for a pint and listen to traditional Irish or acoustic music. If you don’t have the Euro to spend, take a stroll down to the marina and the beach for a free, relaxing walk. Accessing Malahide is a breeze especially if you’re coming from Dublin City. It is just 15 miles North and available through bus service and Dart.
Historically Malahide has so much to learn about. The town was originally a settlement by the Vikings all the way back in 795. The switch of power to the Anglo-Normans led to the influence of the Talbot family. The Talbot Family built Malahide castle in the 1180s and were still owners up to 1973 when the family sold it to the Irish State. The castle has many
Today, Malahide has a population of 15,846 people and is an ever-growing suburb of Dublin.
Cliffs of Moher
You can’t take a visit to Ireland without making plans to see these beauties. The Cliffs of Moher are breathtaking examples of Ireland’s Natural Beauty. Stretching out for 8km and reaching 214 meters, on a clear day you’ll be able the entire area. Obrien’s Tower is perched right by the highest point. The 19th-century viewing tower is now used as an observation tower for visitors. The cliffs consist mainly of beds of Namurian shale and sandstone, with the oldest rocks being found at the bottom of the cliffs. During the time of their formation between 313 and 326 million years ago, a river dumped sand, silt, and clay into an ancient marine basin. There’s a reason this is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful and most popular places in Ireland. The cliffs draw approximately 1.5 million visitors to them annually.
The cliffs are located closest to the village of Doolin, which is located about 7 km to the north. On a visible day, you will be able to see the Aran Islands from atop of O’Brien’s Tower, built-in 1835.
The name “Cliffs of Moher” comes from a defensive fort called Mother which once held its home on the cliffs.
Howth
Just north of Dublin City Centre is the charming village of Howth. This idyllic fishing village is the perfect day trip destination from Dublin, easily accessible by both bus and commuter train (DART). Take a look at the map and choose a walking trail whether it be on the cliffs or the pier. Along the water, you may be able to see the seals popping their heads up and playing in the water.
Right across the water is a small uninhabited island called Ireland’s Eye. Ferries are available in the warmer months to take you to the island. The only structure in the ruins of a defense tower and an 8th-century church. Finally, try the cliff walks along Howth Head and see the beautiful nature along the paths, varying from 5-8 kilometers. Locals will swear by the seafood and claim it is the best in all of Dublin. Don’t believe them? Give it your own verdict!
Book Student Accommodation in Dublin Here and Travel All of Ireland
Ireland is full of natural wonder and friendly faces from coast to coast. A visit here will make for certain that your time abroad will never have a dull moment. Dublin is the perfect hub for tourists, as there are plenty of easy and inexpensive ways to travel to these cheap trips in Ireland, right from the city center. All the while living in the center of a cultural melting pot.
