February 2017
Dublin is one of those cities that always seems to be in a good mood. But how many Euros do you need to budget per day in Dublin? How much do the most popular attractions cost? Do we have any money saving tips? We have a good go at answering all of these questions, and the best bit is, we've used real traveller data to do it.
This reflects what everyday travellers tend to spend in Dublin. Think mid-range - most of the major attractions, a few cab rides, maybe a big night out, and a bit of shopping on the side. It doesn’t include the cost of hotels or car hire as these are often booked in advance.
Want to see where it all goes? Read on!
Real Traveller Average Daily Spend: €62
If you’re thinking, “that entertainment budget sounds a bit high”, you’d be right – our travellers spend more in this category in Dublin than anywhere else in Europe. Why? Mostly, it’s the pubs.
Ireland currently has over 7500 pubs across the country, which works out as one pub for every 630 people. Add to that the fact that Dublin prices are about 30% higher than the rest of Europe, and suddenly the entertainment budget makes perfect sense. But it’s worth it; the Irish nightlife is fantastic fun and a major part of the Dublin draw. If you’re tee total or just not that into pubs, then you can probably get away with spending less.
The most popular pub stop for our travellers in Dublin is the legendary Temple Bar, sitting in the middle of the actual Temple Bar area. It has live music every day and is a real tourist institution.
Temple Bar has more pubs per square mile than anywhere in the world. Fact.
However, as with the rest of the area, drinks are pricey. Worse, they tend to get more expensive the later it gets in the evening. No, really, it’s not just a rumour. If you’re on a strict budget, then try to look outside the Temple Bar area for your jollies.
Beyond the pubs, a tour around the Kilmainham Gaol is a must. How often do you get to walk around a historic prison and see where famous revolutionaries spent the last days of their lives? It’s also great value at €8. Book in advance though, because it does fill up.
Our staff pick, is the free Sandemans New Europe Walking Tour. It’s the best thing to do to get your bearings on your first day, and the history of Ireland and Dublin is fascinating. The guides are seriously great, too. They’re funny, really know their stuff and are brilliant storytellers in their own right. Plus, it’s free.
The Victorian wing is the nice part. A grim insight into prison life back in the day.
Real Traveller Average Daily Spend: €30
Dublin isn’t exactly cheap when it comes to food. Most sit-down places in the centre are going to cost a premium, so as with anywhere, you’ll want to avoid the tourist areas if you’re watching your pennies. Otherwise, do a bit of research online before you head out to ensure you get a quality meal at a good price (they do exist).
The top spot for our travellers is dinner at The Bad Ass Café, in Crown Alley Temple Bar, at a decent average of only €23 per bill. Reviews applaud it for the atmosphere, the live music and the generous portions.
Staff Pick is San Lozenzo'ss on Georges Street, for lunch. It bills itself as the Brunch of Champions and more than lives up to its title. Messy, decadent, delicious food that will ward off any hangover. It also has an extensive brunch cocktail menu. You know. In case you want to start early.
San Lorenzo's - possibly the best brunch in Dublin
Real Traveller Average Daily Spend: €30
Dublin isn’t huge, so for the most part it’s very manageable by foot. Otherwise, Dublin has a large bus network and a couple of tram (LUAS) lines that will help you get around the city. A Leap Card will work on both buses and trams, but all other tickets need to be purchased separately.
You can use the Gett Taxi app to call a cab in Dublin – Uber isn’t as prolific in Dublin - but it really doesn’t matter if you don’t have it, you’ll see taxis everywhere. So a word of warning: at the end of an evening in Temple Bar, you might find yourself hopping into one of the thousands of friendly cabs that congregate around Temple Bar.
Real Traveller Average Daily Spend: €37
WeSwapper favourites:
The main clothing and city centre shopping areas are Grafton Street and Henry Street. They’re about 10-15 minutes away from each other by foot so you can cover both in one afternoon. Here the shops are pretty similar to those you’ll find in the UK and the USA.
Arnotts is the oldest and largest department store in Dublin
For more speciality or souvenir shops, head to Nassau Street which runs along the side of Trinity College. Avoca Handweavers have a centre shop at Suffolk Street, just across from the main Tourism Office. They have a bohemian take on things but with a modern flair.
For novelty souvenirs like leprechaun hats, Guinness and Ireland t-shirts, fridge magnets, musical instruments, pencils, dolls, Irish coffee glasses, shot glasses, head to Carroll's, who have outlets on Nassau St, Grafton St, Westmoreland St, Temple Bar, O'Connell St. You'll find it a challenge to miss one thanks to the blaring Irish music.
Last checked and updated: 15.03.2017. All travel, accommodation and entertainment costs are taken from the provider’s official website – but don’t forget to double check yourself first before you head off.
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