Travel Budget for Connemara Visit Connemara on a Budget or Travel in Style

Connemara, Ireland

Connemara is a scenic region known for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Connemara and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, relaxing on the beaches, or hiking in nature.

How much does it cost to travel to Connemara?

You should plan to spend around $152 (€145) per day on your vacation in Connemara. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $68 (€65) on meals
  • $43 (€41) on local transportation
  • $111 (€106) on hotels

A one week trip to Connemara for two people costs, on average, $2,124 (€2,030). 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.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $152
    145
  • One Week Per person
    $1,062
    1,015
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,124
    2,030
  • One Month Per person
    $4,552
    4,350
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,124
    2,030
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $4,248
    4,060
  • One Month For a couple
    $9,103
    8,700
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Connemara cost?

A one week trip to Connemara usually costs around $1,062 (€1,015) for one person and $2,124 (€2,030) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Connemara on average costs around $2,124 (€2,030) for one person and $4,248 (€4,060) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Connemara will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Connemara on average costs around $4,552 (€4,350) for one person and $9,103 (€8,700) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Connemara expensive to visit?

Connemara is a small yet captivating region that lures visitors with differing travel styles, spending levels, and budgetary preferences. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

Connemara has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.

On average, budget travelers spend $66 (€64) per day, mid-range travelers spend $150 (€145) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $286 (€278) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Connemara.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Connemara is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Wurzburg or Chartres.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Connemara Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Connemara?

The average Connemara trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Connemara travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Connemara cost?

Connemara on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$24
(23)
$56
(53)
$106
(102)
Local Transportation 1 $19
(18)
$43
(41)
$83
(79)
Food 2 $30
(28)
$68
(65)
$130
(124)
Entertainment 1 $12
(11)
$27
(26)
$52
(50)
Alcohol 2 $3-9
(3-9)
$7-21
(7-20)
$13-40
(13-38)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Connemara on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.

What Defines a Budget Traveler?

You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $66 daily average that backpackers get away with.

Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.

Fortunately, you can find plenty of hostels in Connemara, including Ben Lettery Connemara Hostel and Wild Atlantic Hostel. These hostels offer inexpensive dorm lodging and a lively social scene, but amenities are often minimal. Food is a standout attraction for all visitors to Connemara, but those on a budget might rely on street food or cook in their hostels, which could mean less exposure to the fantastic local dishes.

So, are you average?

If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Most visitors to Connemara will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $150 per person, per day.

Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?

If a complete vacation with all amenities and a higher level of service is what you want, expect to allocate around $286 per day. To stay in nicer hotels, dine at award-winning establishments, treat yourself to extravagant excursions, and hire taxis or private drivers to navigate the region, a luxury budget will be necessary.

Accommodation Budget in Connemara

The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Connemara can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Connemara in the off-season is $0, but in the peak summer travel season it will average around $0. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Connemara to range from $0 to $0. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Connemara for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $111 (€106). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $56 (€53) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $56
    53
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $111
    106

Hotels in Connemara

Looking for a hotel in Connemara? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Connemara

By traveling in the low or shoulder season (and avoiding summer), you can benefit from cheaper accommodations and fewer crowds.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Connemara

Unfortunately, Connemara does not have a reliable public transit network. There are a few buses in the area but you really need a private vehicle to get around to most places.

Unfortunately, the region is not very walkable. You really need a vehicle to experience everything that the region has to offer.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (poor)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (poor)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $43 (€41) per person, per day, on local transportation in Connemara. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Connemara is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $43
    41

Transportation Tips

If you're driving, make sure your hotel has convenient parking.



Flights to Connemara
How much does it cost to go to Connemara? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Connemara
The price of renting a car in Connemara 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 Connemara

The local cuisine in Connemara is terrific, so make it a point to take time to taste all the unique flavors. The area has been influenced by the improving food scene in nearby regions. You'll find everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks that use local ingredients and recipes. The area has no shortage of seafood, shellfish, and even Connemara lamb.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Connemara can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Connemara is $68 (€65) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $68
    65

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Connemara is around $67 (€65) per person, with previous travelers spending from $29 to $128. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Connemara are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $7 to $20
  • Lunch: $10 to $27
  • Dinner: $20 to $47
  • Coffee: $5
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $10

No matter where you are in Connemara, you'll find fantastic traditional Irish fare with a lot of great seafood options. When in Clifden, head to Derryclare Restaurant for local Connemara smoke salmon and Atlantic sea bass. Or go to Sweeney's Strand Bar and Shop in Claddaghduff for delicious seafood while enjoying the view of Omey Island in the distance.

For a fun night out full of good 'craic', Clifden is the place to be! Lowry's Bar is a traditional Irish pub that's famous for it's friendly atmosphere and traditional trad music. If you love live music, go to Mullarkey's Bar which features both international and national music. They host an open-mic night every Thursday and often have impromptu shows, so no matter what night you go, you're in for good fun!

Food in Connemara

Food & Dining Tips

A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.

Enjoying a picnic is a great way to save money while taking in the scenery. Find a local grocery store or market, gather fresh food, and head to a lovely park or scenic area to enjoy your meal.

Instead of buying drinks, carry a water bottle with you. It's also a good choice for the planet.

Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Connemara

The appeal of Connemara is evident, thanks to its hiking, food, beaches, and romance.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Connemara typically cost an average of $27 (€26) 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.
    $27
    26

For incredible views of Western Ireland, hike the Twelve Bens, the mountain range in Connemara consisting of twelve quartzite mountains. Some people even attempt to hike all twelve in one day! The Twelve Bens are located in the Connemara National Park, where you can not only explore the varying terrains, but also find 4,000-year-old megalithic tombs.

From the park, head to the Kylemore Abbey estate to explore the Gothic Cathedral and go inside the Abbey to explore rooms that display items from when the house was built in the 1870's. Just outside the Abbey is the Victorian walled garden, which has been fully restored thanks to the generous donations of visitors and the help of local artisans.



For adventure seekers, there's the Killary Adventure center that provides a wide range of options, from kayaking to gorge walking. Take a horseback ride on the beach at Cleggan Beach Riding Center or go deep-sea fishing in the Atlantic aboard the Celtic Queen. For something more relaxed, take a glass bottomed boat tour for beautiful views of the ocean floor and to take in the scenery of the Connemara above the water.

If golf is your game, check out the Connemara Championship Golf Links for gorgeous views on a great course. While golfing, you'll catch glimpses of Slyne Head Lighthouse, Grainne O'Malley's Castle, and the Twelve Bens Mountain Range. Don't forget to take a ferry ride to Omey Island where you can do the Omey Island walking trail. The trail takes you around the entire island: from the rocky shoreline to the buried medieval church of Teampaill Feichin ending with a panoramic view of Inishturk and Turbot with the Twelve Bens in the background.

Sightseeing Tips

Beaches:
Beaches in ConnemaraCountless visitors arrive in Connemara to chill out by the beach. You'll find wide stretches of sandy beach as well as hidden coves that offer a peaceful retreat. Some of the best beaches in the area include Dog’s Bay Beach, Trá an Dóilín, and Glassilaun Beach.

Hiking:
Hiking in ConnemaraMany hikers rave about the trails surrounding Connemara. The landscape is considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland and there are many walks and hikes that let you experience it. Some of the best hikes are The Cong and Clonbur Forest Trail, the Claddaghduff Quay to Omey Island Walk, and Mount Gable Walk.

A nice way to explore destinations in Connemara is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • (Connemara, Kylemore Abbey and Castles Tour from Galway for $115 details
  • Coasteering Adventure for $88 details
  • Mannin Bay: Connemara Coastal Kayaking Tour for $90 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Connemara

The nightlife in Connemara is generally non-existant. You'll find some bars in the area but most people visit for the natural beauty, not the nightlife scene.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $14 (€13) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Connemara per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $14
    13
Nightlife Tips

Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.



Travel cost data last updated: Dec 18, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Connemara

  • During summer, the region experiences higher prices and larger crowds. To keep your expenses down and enjoy a calmer visit, consider traveling during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Traveling more slowly can help you save some cash while enjoying the beauty of the area. When you fill your days with activities, expenses can skyrocket. But taking it easy often means enjoying yourself more and spending less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • In Connemara, public transport options are quite limited. You might consider renting a car or scheduling some form of transportation in advance, such as a tour. However, be aware that this may impact your budget elsewhere.
  • Connemara doesn't really have a thriving hostel scene, so if you're counting on staying in a low-cost dorm, you may want to change your plans. Instead, check out budget hotels or apartment rentals.
Traveling in Connemara

The Connemara Region is located on a peninsula on the west coast of Ireland with stunning views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The area is known for its rolling meadows, beautiful beaches, and sumptuous green mountains, which have attracted adventure enthusiasts, writers, and even film makers over the years. The majority of residents here speak both English and Irish, with many road signs and buildings being labeled in both English and Irish.

Being right on the Atlantic brings a fair amount of strong winds and rain to Connemara, although the temperature in general stays fairly average throughout the year. Connemara sees highs of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months, May through early September. From October to April, temperatures drop to the 40's and even lowering to the high 20's (F) with wind chill. Snow is rare for the area, with the exception of the mountain tops during the winter.



Neighborhoods & Around

There are two islands and six cities that make up the Connemara Region: Inishbofin Island, Omey Island, Carraroe, Claddaghduff, Cleggan, Clifden, Leenane, and Spiddal. Each city boasts their own unique restaurants, shops, and accommodations. Clifden is known as the capital city of Connemara; they're known for hosting the longest community arts festival every September and for their overall friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Go to Inishbofin Island, known as the "Island of the White Cow", to explore the rich beauty and history of Connemara. Here, you'll find Bronze Age landscapes, Cromewell's 17th century fort, and even ancient burial grounds.

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.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.