How much does it cost to travel to Northern Ireland?
You should plan to spend around $166 (£131) per day on your vacation in Northern Ireland. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $62 (£49) on meals
- $18 (£14) on local transportation
- $173 (£137) on hotels
A one week trip to Northern Ireland for two people costs, on average, $2,324 (£1,836). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently to Northern Ireland has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Northern Ireland expensive to visit?
Prices in Northern Ireland are reasonable and comparable to your average travel destination. Hotels, food, and sightseeing are generally within normal price ranges.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Northern Ireland is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to many other destinations.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Northern Ireland Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Northern Ireland?
The average Northern Ireland trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Northern Ireland travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
Category
|
Cost
|
Accommodation 1
(Double Occupancy)
|
£137
($173)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
£14
($18)
|
Food 2
|
£49
($62)
|
Entertainment 1
|
£18
($23)
|
Alcohol 2
|
£4 -
12
($5 - 15)
|
Accommodation Budget in Northern Ireland
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Northern Ireland is $86 (£68). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Northern Ireland is $173 (£137). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Northern Ireland? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Transportation Budget in Northern Ireland
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The cost of a taxi ride in Northern Ireland is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $18 (£14) per person, per day, on local transportation in Northern Ireland.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$18
£14
How much does it cost to go to Northern Ireland? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Northern Ireland will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Northern Ireland
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While meal prices in Northern Ireland can vary, the average cost of food in Northern Ireland is $62 (£49) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Northern Ireland should cost around $25 (£20) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Northern Ireland is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$62
£49
Entertainment Budget in Northern Ireland
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Entertainment and activities in Northern Ireland typically cost an average of $23 (£18) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$23
£18
Alcohol Budget in Northern Ireland
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $9.83 (£7.77) on alcoholic beverages in Northern Ireland per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$9.83
£7.77
Northern Ireland On a Budget
Northern Ireland
You may think you know Northern Ireland, but guess again. This once turbulent and dangerous country has calmed down and continues to pleasantly surprise visitors from all over the world.
Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom, or Great Britain. Northern Ireland joins England, Scotland and Wales in the UK. This is still a point of controversy within this region depending on whom you are talking to. Unionists, or those who prefer being a part of Great Britain, will proudly call themselves British and try very much to differentiate themselves from their Irish neighbors. Republicans, or those who would prefer to be a part of the Republic of Ireland, call themselves Irish. Nowhere is this more prominent than in the historic city of Londonderry. That is what Unionists call the city, as the "London" was added after Northern Ireland joined the UK. On the other hand, you'll hear Republicans refer to the city as its original Derry.
Dress in layers, as it's not uncommon to experience every season in an hour in Northern Ireland. This part of the British Isles arguably receives more rain than anywhere.
More difficult than the weather, however, are the accents of the locals. While it may not sound like it at times, they are speaking English. Simply ask them to slow down so you can better understand their very thick accents.
Sights
Northern Ireland is home to some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the world. On the top of that list has to be Giant's Causeway. This geological phenomenon features spectacular rock formations. Legend has it these little columns were placed there by giants trying to build a bridge from Ireland to Scotland. It's free to visit and the views will stay with you forever.
For you history buffs, Belfast is where the infamous Titanic was built. The head of the slipway where she was put together is now a multimedia experience for any tourist interested in the world's most famous cruise liner. Follow the history of the city and the ship through its interactive exhibits.
For more unique Northern Irish history, be sure to take a tour or experience the many
things to do in Derry/Londonderry. Admire the astonishing 17th century city walls. Follow them around the 1.5-kilometers to get a brilliant tour of the city.
Regions
Among the Irish and Republicans, Northern Ireland is known as "The Six Counties," though it is not advised that you call them that. Nevertheless, the country is split into six different counties. County Antrim is the home of the capital city of Belfast and the stunning
Giant's Causeway. County Armagh includes the Navan Fort, while Londonderry is in the aptly named County Derry. The coastal town of Bangor is located in County Down. Finally, County Fermanagh and County Tyrone are mostly rural with vast mountain ranges.
Activities
One thing you'll certainly want to do while in Northern Ireland is take a Black Taxi Tour in West Belfast. This is the region with all "the troubles." Today it is perfectly safe and stands as a living monument to the country's turbulent past. These taxi tours will drive you through the spectacular murals up to the Peace Line. Ride along as drivers provide history lessons and colorful commentary.
On the Antrim coast is a special experience not to be missed. Travel to the
Old Bushmills Distillery for a tour and a taste. Licensed since 1608, this is the oldest legal distillery in the world. The whiskey is made with Irish barley, water and matured in oak barrels. Definitely worth a sip!
Food and Dining
One of the most popular dishes in Northern Ireland is the "Ulster Fry." You won't want to miss this dish of eggs, bacon, sausage, potato and soda bread all fried in a pan together. Also, of course, there's the classic "bangers and mash," or treat your taste buds to some sausage with champ - creamed potatoes and spring onions.
Transportation
Driving through Northern Ireland can be a very amusing experience given that the roads are extremely well maintained compared to their southern neighbors. However, car rentals are hard to come by in this area.
There is a reliable and modern public transportation system known as Translink. This includes buses and railways around the entire country.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.