Cost of Vacation in Ireland – Top Tourist Destinations
Cost of Vacation in Ireland – Top Tourist Destinations.
Vacation in Ireland – If someone asks me how a vacation in Ireland looks like, I will quickly say; “captivating, thrilling and exciting”. The Republic of Ireland makes up the majority of the island of Ireland, which is located in northwest Europe.
The remainder of the island is taken up by Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. This popular country has much appeal to international travelers, in part because of its beautiful landscape and stunning setting, but also because of the welcoming nature of the people that live there.
With their charming accents and charismatic personality, it’s the people that have put Ireland on the map for many tourists. The country’s diversity and compact size make it easy for travelers to navigate. The beauty ranges from the rugged coastline to mountains and pastureland.
It offers everything from castles to spas to a relaxing pint of Guinness in a quaint pub. Get yourself lost in the countryside. Pull-over at a roadside pub and dine on a basic fish and chips. Chat with the friendly locals, party in Dublin, or take in a local music festival.
Language of Ireland
There are several languages used in Ireland. Since the late eighteenth century, English has been the predominant first language, displacing Irish. A large minority claims some ability to use Irish, and it is the first language for a small percentage of the population.
Climate of Ireland
The climate of Ireland is mild, moist, and changeable with abundant rainfall and a lack of temperature extremes. January and February are the coldest months of the year and mean daily air temperatures fall between 4 and 7 °C (39.2 and 44.6 °F) during these months.
Popular Foods in Ireland
Irish Stew: A hearty traditional stew made with lamb (or mutton) and potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Colcannon: A filling dish made with potatoes, kale or cabbage, cream, and butter.
Boxty: A potato pancake dish usually made from finely cut potatoes, butter, egg, and flour. It can be served stuffed with something such as a slice of meat.
How Much Money will you Need in Ireland?
€106 ($117) is the average daily price for traveling in Ireland. The average price of meals in Ireland for one day is €30 ($33). The average price of a hotel in Ireland for a couple is €101 ($113).
Additional pricing is in the table below. These average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Top Places to see in Ireland:
1. St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin
Beloved by Dubliners and with a colorful history, tranquil St. Stephen’s Green is a great place to wind down, enjoy a picnic, or feed the ducks. Incidentally, during the 1916 Uprising, special dispensation was given on both sides to the park keepers.
Hostilities ceased daily so that the ducks could be properly fed. It could only happen in Dublin. Nowadays ‘The Green’, as it’s known locally, boasts beautifully maintained gardens, the ubiquitous Duck Pond, a picturesque bridge, recreation grounds, mature trees to rest beneath, and a playground.
Around the perimeter are many of Dublin’s premier Georgian buildings as well as the iconic Shelbourne Hotel, founded in 1824, where afternoon tea in the Lord Mayor’s Lounge is considered by many to be a real treat.
2. The English Market, Cork
No visit to Cork would be complete without dropping by the English Market. Although it’s a tad ironic that what is arguably Cork city’s best attraction should contain the word ‘English’ as Cork folk usually see themselves as far more ideologically and culturally removed from neighboring Britain than their Dublin counterparts.
Having said that, they hold a special place in their hearts for this quirky covered market, which stocks the best of local produce, including the freshest seafood, artisan bread, and excellent cheeses.
A market has existed on the site since the late 1700s, although the distinctive entrance on Princes Street dates from 1862.
Recent worldwide fame came when Queen Elizabeth II dropped by on her first-ever state visit to the Republic of Ireland in 2011. Iconic images of her sharing a joke with Fishmonger Pat O’Connell were beamed across the globe.
For those who wish to linger a while, there’s coffee to go and cozy Farmgate Restaurant upstairs.
3. Powerscourt House and Gardens, Co. Wicklow
Superb views, serene lakeside walks, engaging history, and the stunning backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain are just some of the treats in store when visiting this magnificent home, just 20 kilometers from Dublin. Now owned by the Slazenger family, the house is set on 47 manicured acres.
Take time to stroll through the Rose and Kitchen Gardens and explore the beautiful Italian Gardens. There are more than 200 varieties of trees, shrubs, and flowers, and particularly moving is a section where much-loved family pets were buried complete with headstones and inscriptions.
The gardens were laid out over a period of 150 years and were designed to create an estate that blends harmoniously with the surroundings.
On-site, in the former Palladian home, are craft and design shops and an excellent café/restaurant. Truly one of the most majestic attractions in Ireland, a visit here shouldn’t be missed.
4. Grafton Street, Dublin
So much more than a shopping street, Grafton Street is alive with buskers, flower-sellers, and performance artists. You will also find countless places to stop off and simply watch the world meander by. Café culture has taken off in the capital, and on a sunny day, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Barcelona or Lisbon.
True, this is Dublin’s shopping heartland, but there’s no need to spend a fortune if visiting. You’ll find a friendly, chatty service no matter where you go and be entertained from the bottom of the street to St. Stephen’s Green at the top.
Grab a coffee or, in the mornings, a legendary Irish breakfast at Bewley’s Oriental Café. Take time as well to duck down the numerous alleyways and streets to see what you can discover.
5. The Aran Islands
Originally brought to world attention in 1934 by the fictionalized documentary Man of Aran, these islands have been entrancing visitors ever since. This is a taste of Ireland as it once was.
Gaelic is the first language, there are a mere 12,000 inhabitants, and once ashore, you’ll feel as if you’re in a time warp. There are three islands, the largest being Inishmore, then Inishmaan, and the smallest is Inisheer. Wild, windswept, rugged, and utterly unique, the islands offer a visitor experience quite like no other.
Once experienced, the great stone fort of Dun Aonghasa and the towering cliffs of Aran will never be forgotten. The local culture is quite different from that of the mainland, the archaeological heritage cannot be found elsewhere and the rich scenery is simply breathtaking.
When Should you Book a Vacation Package to Ireland?
June, July, August, and the weeks before and after St Patrick’s Day are crowded. These are also the most expensive times. Outside of these times, flights, hotels, rental car hire, and restaurants are cheaper.
CSN Team.
