Of course! Dublin is a great destination for frugal travellers who are looking for an amazing city break without a hefty price tag. Wonderful walking tours that don’t cost a cent, buzzing food markets and free-to-enter museums make visiting on a budget easier than ever.
To get a feel for the atmosphere of the city, a walking tour is the perfect place to start. On the
Dublin Free Walking Tour, a guide will bring you on a casual stroll through both the north and south sides of the city, hitting up some of the main sightseeing spots including
Trinity College Dublin,
Temple Bar and
St Patrick’s Cathedral. Hear stories of Norman invaders, ancient Celts and marauding Vikings as you wander around Dublin’s historic streets.
Dublin’s a pretty compact city, but it’s also a great place to get around by bike, especially if you want to cover a wide distance in a short amount of time. A three-day hire from
Dublin Bikes costs just €5, making it a very economical way to see the sights. Why not spend an afternoon cycling along the Grand Canal?
The Canal Way Cycle Route links the super-hip inner city suburb of Portobello with the lively Grand Canal Quay and passes by old locks, canal-side cottages and lots of pubs, cafés and restaurants.
Whether you choose to walk or cycle it, the
Phoenix Park is a must-visit on any trip to Dublin. And guess what? It’s free! The park is the largest enclosed city park in Europe, consisting of 1,752 acres; it’s full of huge green open spaces and has been home to a large herd of fallow deer since the 17th century. Pop into the Visitor Centre to find out more about the park; join a free tour of
Farmleigh House, the Irish State guesthouse; and, if you’re there on a Saturday, don’t miss a peak inside
Áras an Uachtaráin, the official and private residence of the President of Ireland. Guided tours take place every Saturday and are free of charge.
One of the best things about Dublin is the number of museums and galleries that are free to enter.
The National Museum of Ireland comprises three museums: Archeology (on Kildare Street), Natural History (on Merrion Street) and Decorative Arts & History (in Collins Barracks), and a visit to one or all of them is a definite must on a trip to Dublin. Other free museums not to miss include the
National Gallery of Ireland (with works from European masters and renowned Irish artists); the
Irish Museum of Modern Art, set within a former 17th century hospital; and the
Hugh Lane Gallery, which contains the exceptional Francis Bacon Studio.
Fancy an afternoon exploring a 19th century greenhouse? Try a free tour at the
National Botanic Gardens. Want to experience Dublin’s amazing coast? Take the Dart either north to Howth and do the Howth Cliff Walk, or south to Dún Laoghaire for a stroll along the huge stone pier. Feeling curious? Pop into the
Science Gallery and experience their unique, ever-changing exhibitions.
Of course, all that activity works up an appetite. And when it comes to great budget feasts, Dublin delivers.
Bunsen burgers are perennial favourites for their excellent burgers, fries and milkshakes. Try an excellent pizza from a hole-in-the-wall at the
Dublin Pizza Company, and load up on burritos, Irish-style, at
Boojum. On Saturdays, the
Temple Bar Market is the place to be! There's a mix of hot food stalls, such as
Good Life Food serving pulled pork and stands from top vendors including
Bretzel Bakery and
Corleggy Cheeses. It's a great spot to sample some of the best street food Dublin has to offer!
Do any of our community members have any budget friendly advice for those travelling to Dublin?