Dublin is a laid-back city known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. 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. Whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Dublin that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Dublin?
You should plan to spend around $185 (€179) per day on your vacation in Dublin. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $88 (€85) on meals
- $20 (€19) on local transportation
- $141 (€137) on hotels
A one week trip to Dublin for two people costs, on average, $2,585 (€2,506). 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.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,293
€1,253
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,585
€2,506
-
One Month
Per person
$5,540
€5,370
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,585
€2,506
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,171
€5,012
-
One Month
For a couple
$11,080
€10,740
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Dublin cost?
A one week trip to Dublin usually costs around $1,293 (€1,253) for one person and $2,585 (€2,506) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Dublin on average costs around $2,585 (€2,506) for one person and $5,171 (€5,012) 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 Dublin will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Dublin on average costs around $5,540 (€5,370) for one person and $11,080 (€10,740) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Dublin expensive to visit?
Dublin is a popular city among visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Although Dublin can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $72 (€69) per day, mid-range travelers spend $188 (€179) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $515 (€490) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Dublin.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Dublin is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Barcelona or Arles.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Dublin Expensive?
Dublin Castle, Ireland
How much money do I need for a trip to Dublin?
The average Dublin trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Dublin travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Dublin cost?
Dublin on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$27
(€26)
|
$70
(€68)
|
$191
(€185)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$8
(€7.85)
|
$20
(€19)
|
$48
(€47)
|
|
Food 2
|
$33
(€32)
|
$88
(€85)
|
$250
(€242)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$11
(€10)
|
$26
(€25)
|
$58
(€57)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-11
(€4-11)
|
$9-26
(€9-26)
|
$20-61
(€20-59)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Dublin, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $72 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Dublin offers plenty of hostels such as Latroupe Jacobs Inn, Abbey Court, and Abigails Hostel. You can find budget-friendly dorm accommodation here, paired with a social atmosphere, but expect limited amenities. Food is a standout attraction for all visitors to Dublin, 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?
Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most guests in Dublin will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $188 per person, per day.
Dublin offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. Stauntons on the Green Hotel is an excellent option for kids, and Trinity Lodge is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Dublin here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If a complete vacation with all amenities and a higher level of service is what you want, expect to allocate around $515 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 city, a luxury budget will be necessary. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Fantastic Walking Tour of Dublin - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Dublin
The hotel prices in Dublin might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $131, but during peak summer season, expect to pay around $244. Prices vary from $93 to $397, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Dublin for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $141 (€137). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $70 (€68) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Dublin? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Dublin include:
- The Mont starting at $155
- The Alex starting at $172
- Mespil Hotel starting at $137
- The Croke Park Hotel starting at $115
- The Davenport starting at $172
Thanks to Dublin's great public transit, staying outside the city is an option to save on accommodation, but be prepared for the trade-off of extra transportation costs.
If you're headed to Dublin with your family, you'll likely want to look for accommodations with more room to spread out.
Planning to spend a week in Dublin? A vacation rental with a kitchen could be ideal for cooking your meals if you're staying for a while.
By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
Walking is a popular way to explore Dublin, so staying in a prime area is recommended. Just be prepared for potentially higher prices.
The city's unique old town is a big attraction for tourists. Though hotels here can be more expensive, they often showcase a lot of character and are conveniently located for access to local sights.
Transportation Budget in Dublin
The public transit in Dublin is quite good and serves many major spots. There is a comprehensive bus system around town. Public transportation is a great money-saving choice if it's accessible to where you're headed. Taxis and rideshares are also widely available in town.
If you love to explore on foot, you'll really enjoy your time in the city. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (excellent)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $20 (€19) per person, per day, on local transportation in Dublin. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Dublin is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$20
€19
If you're taking a car, verify that your hotel offers convenient parking.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Arrival Transfer: Dublin Airport DUB to Dublin in Business Car for $104 details
- Private Dublin Airport Transfers to City Center Hotels for $147 details
- Chauffeur Luxury Driver Private Transfer for $136 details
How much does it cost to go to Dublin? 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 Dublin 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.
Listed below are some transit expenses in Dublin, taken from reports by other travelers. These costs offer a snapshot of transportation prices in the city to give you an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that your costs may differ, especially if you opt for more expensive options like taxis, which typically cost more than public transportation.
Food Budget in Dublin
You can't miss the fantastic food in Dublin. Make sure you carve out some time to enjoy all the local tastes. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Dublin can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Dublin is $88 (€85) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$88
€85
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Dublin is around $89 (€85) per person, with previous travelers spending from $33 to $254. 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 Dublin are as follows:
- Breakfast: $9 to $27
- Lunch: $13 to $36
- Dinner: $27 to $63
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $13
Restaurant food can be expensive in Dublin, but the quality is also generally high. If you're looking for some budget options, head to the Indian restaurants around the South William Street area that runs parallel to Grafton Street. If you arrive early you can often take advantage of an "early bird" special. Three courses usually are included in the special and prices are around 10 euros. Lunches in this area can also be cheap. Other interesting and affordable restaurants can be found on Parnell Street in Dublin 1. Here you will find a concentration of Chinese and Asian restaurants. Another cheap meal option is to try the local fish and chips. There are several good places around town where you can try this local favorite.
For more information, see What to Eat in Ireland.
When you have kids in tow, look for eateries that feature a kids' menu. This can save you a lot, as those meals are usually priced lower. Keep in mind that some restaurants may not list kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask your server before placing your order.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Pack a water bottle to save on drinks. It's also a way to help protect the environment.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Dublin. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Private Cooking Class in a Modern Home with Sea Views in Skerries, Dublin for $84 details
- Private Market Tour and Irish Cooking Class in a Modern Skerries Home for $102 details
- Dublin Food Tour with a Local Foodie, Personalized & Private for $204 details
Food and meal prices in Dublin, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Dublin
Travelers flock to Dublin because it is well-known for its nightlife, museums and attractions, food, and music.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Dublin typically cost an average of $26 (€25) 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.
$26
€25
There are many sights spread throughout Dublin. During the peak travel months they can get crowded so make sure you arrive early. Some interesting places to visit include Chester Beatty Library, Christ Church Cathedral, St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Dublin Writers Museum, the Dublin Zoo, Dublinia & the Viking World, the General Post Office, Merrion Square, the National Botanical Gardens and the National Museum of Ireland, among other places. With so much to see and do, it's easy to spend multiple days here and fill them all. Check out this guide to spending 3 days in Dublin for more ideas and inspiration.
Dublin also offers plenty of places to visit just outside of the city such as castles, farms and agricultural land, the coastline, and more. For example, you can visit Newgrange, a stone-age monument of historical significance.
If you're tired of looking a museums and attractions, there are many activities you can enjoy in Dublin. Consider going to a hurling, Gaelic football, or rugby game. Home games for the Leinster Rugby team are usually played at the RDS Arena. Both hurling and Gaelic football is played at Croke Park Stadium.
Another fun option is to take a self guided tour of the Guinness Storehouse. There's an exhibition that travels from the ground floor to the seventh floor. For the price of entry you also get a pint of Guinness.
Plenty more attractions and things to do can be found in the Irish countryside outside of Dublin, such as castles, pastoral landscapes, and natural scenery like the Cliffs of Moher. Check out this guide to choosing a great day trip from Dublin.
Museums and Attractions:
Museums and landmarks are a major reason why Dublin attracts so many visitors. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.
Music:
Dublin boasts a vibrant music scene that brings in a diverse crowd. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.
Historical Sights:
Many people come to experience the charm of the historic old town. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.
Shopping:
You won't want to miss out on the shopping here. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Dublin. 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:
- Dublin Panoramic e-Bike Tour with Howth Adventures for $62 details
- Dublin LGBT Pride Walking Tour with Queer History and Culture for $24 details
- Walking tour in Merrion Square Park with a pint of Guinness Dublin Rogues Tour for $36 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Dublin, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
-
Wild Wicklow Tour
€26
-
Guinness Brewery for Two
€27
-
St Pauls Cathedral
€4.50
-
Dublin Writer's Museum
€6.30
Nightlife Budget in Dublin
People travel from far and wide to enjoy the world-class nightlife that Dublin has to offer. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $18 (€17) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Dublin per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$18
€17
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
When enjoying the nightlife, stay alert and cautious, as you may attract the attention of pickpockets or other criminals. It's best to stay with a group of people you trust.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Dublin. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Pub Crawl Walking Tour Through the Heart of Irelands Capital for $42 details
- Drinks on Foot: Dublin Traditional Pub Tour for $29 details
- Private Dublin Pub Tour (Walking Tour) for $232 details
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 3, 2024
Traveling in Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is the vibrant and fun capital city of Ireland and home to over a third of the country's population. There are almost 2 million people in the metropolitan area. It's also the most common entry point into the country for visitors. Once you arrive, its a good idea to head over to the main tourist office in St. Andrew's Church off Grafton Street. They can give you maps and information to make sure your trip is efficient and fun. Many people enjoy seeing what remains of the Georgian architecture throughout the city. Much of the city is also modernist in style with many blocks made up of offices.
Dublin has a mild climate due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream. It rains less than you might expect, but a light shower may occur on most days. Winters are milder than you would think with temperature typically staying around 5 degrees Celsius. Frost is common between the months of November and February because nighttime temperatures do fall below freezing. It snows occasionally, but not often. Summers are mild or may even be considered cool, and temperatures typically don't get much above 20 degrees Celsius.
Neighborhoods & Around
Dublin has many different neighborhoods that each have their own vibe. The Old City is where you will find the Dublin Castle and the remaining remnants of the city's original walls. There are also many shops and boutiques there. Temple Bar is the party center for the city and there are many bars and clubs. Trinity College Area has a traditional university vibe with many bookstores and shops. The Guinness Brewery is in Liberties, and most of the hotels, restaurants and shops are in St. Stephen's Green and the Grafton Street Area. Fitzwilliam & Merrion Squares are surrounded by Georgian town houses and O'Connell Street has many hotels and some good restaurants. Other notable neighborhoods include North Quays and Ballsbridge/Embassy Row.
Related
Traveling alone to
Dublin or
London? Looking for a party and need a
hostel in London or
Amsterdam? Also, check out
these free things to do in Dublin.
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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.