Ireland vacations will be full of music, history, and outstanding landscapes. While many people think that Ireland tourism is only focused on pubs and Guinness, first-time visitors to the Emerald Isle will soon learn that there’s plenty more to discover across the country. While Dublin has a reputation for being an expensive city, you can still find opportunities for cheap vacations in Ireland both here and especially in more rural parts of the country. From package tours to last-minute flight deals, you can make your dream trip to Ireland come true and still stick to your budget.

Most trips to Ireland begin in the capital city, Dublin. The bustling city is small and manageable, making it ideal to cover on foot. Take a walking tour of the city, see where Guinness is brewed at the Guinness Storehouse, and learn about history at Kilmainham Gaol and the Dublin Writers Museum. Ireland vacations will be full of opportunities to learn about local history, from a tour of Dublin Castle to strolling through the National Gallery of Ireland. If you’re trying to plan cheap vacations in Ireland there are many free attractions in Dublin including the National Library, the Hugh Lane Gallery, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

There are a few sites in Dublin that are central to Ireland tourism. Take a stroll down Grafton Street, the capital’s central pedestrian-only shopping street, or plan a picnic in the most famous park, St Stephens Green. Most Ireland vacations will include a visit to the famous Temple Bar where the cobbled streets are sure to charm you, and to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. However, there is much more to Ireland tourism than just the capital city. Any visit to Ireland should include a visit to the countryside and beyond. If you don’t plan on seeing much beyond Dublin, still take a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Newgrange, just north of Dublin in County Meath.

Ireland Map

Another option for day trips from Dublin include a visit to Wicklow, the Garden of Ireland, for hiking and hill-walking. If you have a desire to explore the rest of the country, head west. The second biggest city in Ireland is Galway, and this town is a great place to experience Irish nightlife and culture. From Galway, many people take trips to see the stunning Cliffs of Moher and rocky landscape of the Burren. Escaping the capital city might help you to plan cheap vacations in Ireland as prices are usually significantly cheaper outside of Dublin.

Some of the top places to visit in Ireland include the beautiful lakes of Killarney, the stunning sea views of the Ring of Kerry, and the picturesque Aran Islands. To experience Irish-speaking culture, visit one of the Gaeltachts; you can even take a few lessons in Irish yourself. For beautiful beaches, plan a trip to Roundstone or to Achill Island. If you’re interested in history, visit the Hill of Tara or Kylemore Abbey. No matter how many attractions you plan on visiting during your trip, make sure to experience the Irish pub. Pull up a stool, order a pint of Guinness, and listen to the traditional music.