Ireland’s most popular cities are testing tourists’ budgets more than ever.
Ireland remains one of Europe’s most loved travel destinations, but loving a place and feeling you are getting good value are not always the same thing. Due to high restaurant prices, extortionate pints, and expensive tourist attractions, certain Irish cities make for extremely expensive city breaks.
While it’s perfectly normal for prices to increase over the years, these Irish cities are making it more difficult for visitors to justify a trip.
From quick city breaks to long weekends packed with sightseeing, some Irish cities now demand serious spending for what can feel like fairly standard experiences.
Dublin – one of the most expensive cities to visit in Europe
Dublin is often the first Irish city visitors think of. With so much to see and do in Dublin, it truly is an amazing place to visit. However, two things can be true at once, as it’s also the first place many feel their wallets take a hit. If you’re looking for a cheap European city break, avert your eyes from the Irish capital.
Accommodation is perhaps the biggest expense. In peak season, the average cost of a hotel room regularly exceeds €200 per night, and that can rise significantly for central locations, weekends, or if there’s a big gig on in town.
Food and drink costs add up quickly. A mid-range three-course meal for two can easily cost €70 to €80, and that’s without drinks. Pints are another shock, with the average sitting at around €7 these days. However, in the popular Temple Bar District, prices of €9 to €10 for a pint are now common. As such, a night out on the town in Dublin will see your purse strings feeling a serious pull.
Attractions are not cheap either. Entry to the Guinness Storehouse costs around €26 per adult, while the Jameson Distillery Bow St. tour starts at roughly €31. By the time you factor in transport, meals and a few drinks, a single day in Dublin can rival the cost of a short break elsewhere in Europe. A city break to Dublin doesn’t cost much less than visiting popular spots like Amsterdam or Copenhagen.
Belfast – catching up very quickly with Dublin
Belfast used to be seen as a budget-friendly alternative to its Dublin neighbour, or even London across the pond, but that reputation is hanging on by a thread. Hotel prices have climbed steadily, with the average nightly rate sitting around £133, and higher again during busy periods.
Dining out is no longer particularly cheap. A mid-range three-course meal for two averages £60 to £70. If you’re getting drinks and cocktails, expect a lot more. Pints in the city centre now cost close to £7 in many popular bars. However, you don’t even need to be in the city centre to be paying the highest prices, as bars in popular spots like the Ormeau Road in South Belfast have taken full advantage of recent price hikes.
The city’s flagship attraction, Titanic Belfast, is impressive but pricey. Adult tickets cost around £24.95, which can feel steep for families or groups. Belfast still offers great history and nightlife, but visitors are often surprised at the lack of price difference between here and Dublin.
Galway City – the price of good craic
Galway’s compact size and vibrant atmosphere make it hugely popular, but that popularity has pushed prices up across the board. During peak season, hotel rooms in the city centre can exceed €200 per night, with limited availability forcing many visitors to book far in advance.
Food costs reflect the tourist demand. A standard meal in a mid-range restaurant for two typically costs €65 to €75. As usual, if you want to enjoy some merry beverages with your meal, you can expect a much longer bill at the end of the meal. Pints in the busiest pubs often cost €7 or more.
While Galway is an incredibly vibrant city brimming with Irish history and charm, there’s no escaping the fact that it’s one of the worst value-for-money places to visit in Ireland.
Cork City – growing prices over the years
Cork has quietly joined the list of expensive Irish cities. In peak season, hotel prices approach €200 per night, particularly for central locations. There are, of course, cheaper options outside of the city.
However, when you take into consideration the price of taxis and other transport, this just adds to the cost and doesn’t really make staying further out of the city a money-saving option.
Dining prices are comparable to those in other major Irish cities. If you’re heading out for a meal and some drinks for two, you can expect to pay in excess of €100. Drinks are not far behind, with pints commonly priced around €6.50 to €7.
Cork offers excellent food, friendly pubs, and a relaxed atmosphere, but it certainly isn’t a good-value Irish destination.
