Pricing out a week in Ireland can feel like a riddle until you break it into parts. Airfare, beds, wheels, meals, and what you plan to see add up fast or stay manageable depending on your choices. The good news: you can shape the cost to fit a range of budgets without losing the magic of the place.
Here’s a clear, practical look at how much would a 7 day trip to Ireland cost, why prices swing, and how to plan a number that suits your style.
Quick cost snapshot
- Flights from the US: 500 to 1,300 dollars round trip economy, higher in summer, lower in shoulder months
- 7 days on the ground, per person
- Budget: 600 to 1,050 dollars
- Midrange: 1,200 to 1,900 dollars
- Premium: 2,500 to 4,500 dollars
Combine those with airfare and you’re looking at:
- Budget total: 1,100 to 2,300 dollars
- Midrange total: 1,700 to 3,200 dollars
- Premium total: 3,000 to 5,800 dollars
Prices are sensitive to timing, itinerary, and whether you share rooms and vehicles.
What drives the price
- Season: Late May through early September is peak. Expect higher hotel and car prices and more limited availability. Shoulder months like April, early May, late September, and October bring better value and mild weather. Winter is cheapest, with shorter days.
- Exchange rate: The euro sets local prices. A strong dollar helps.
- City mix: Dublin runs pricier for hotels and dining. Galway and Cork are friendlier to midrange budgets. Rural B&Bs often offer the best value.
- Transport mode: A rental car adds flexibility and cost. Trains and buses lower the spend for city heavy trips.
- Booking window: Flights and lodging reward early planners, especially for summer.
- Special events: Match days, festivals, and concerts move prices. If a big event is on, book fast or pivot your dates.
Typical 7-day spend by category
The table below outlines a per-person range for a week in Ireland, excluding flights. Assumes a solo traveler on budget and shared rooms for midrange and premium to reflect common travel patterns.
| Category | Budget (7 days) | Midrange (7 days) | Premium (7 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodging | 210 to 490 | 700 to 1,400 | 1,800 to 3,500 |
| Transport in-country | 80 to 250 | 200 to 450 | 500 to 900 |
| Food and drink | 175 to 280 | 350 to 560 | 700 to 1,200 |
| Activities and tours | 40 to 120 | 100 to 240 | 300 to 700 |
| Misc, SIM, insurance | 40 to 90 | 60 to 120 | 100 to 200 |
| Estimated total | 545 to 1,230 | 1,410 to 2,770 | 3,400 to 6,500 |
Note: The low end of premium assumes smart shopping for high-end stays outside Dublin or early booking deals. The high end reflects top-tier hotels in peak season and several guided day tours.
Airfare: what to expect and how to book smart
- From the US East Coast: 450 to 850 in shoulder months, 900 to 1,300 in summer
- From the US West Coast: 650 to 1,000 in shoulder months, 1,100 to 1,600 in summer
- From major European hubs: 60 to 250 on low-cost carriers if you pack light, 150 to 400 on full service carriers
Airports
- Dublin is the main gateway with the broadest flight options.
- Shannon works well for a west coast loop, often quieter and closer to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren.
Fees to watch
- Bags with low-cost airlines can add 60 to 120 round trip for a checked bag. Book baggage online in advance.
- Seat selection and priority boarding are optional, budget for 10 to 60 if those matter to you.
Where to sleep and what it costs
Ireland has a strong B&B culture, polished boutique hotels, and international brands. The sweet spot for value sits with family-run guesthouses and well-rated B&Bs that include a cooked breakfast.
- Hostels: 25 to 50 per person per night for dorm beds; private rooms in hostels run 70 to 120
- B&Bs and guesthouses: 100 to 160 per night for a double room in many towns, 150 to 220 in Dublin in peak season
- Midrange hotels: 150 to 250 most of the year, 220 to 320 in Dublin in summer
- Luxury stays: 350 to 600 in major cities and landmark properties. Country estates and castles can push 800 to 1,000 during peak weekends
Tips
- Book Dublin first. Anchor the rest of your route after locking that rate.
- Consider a two-city split, perhaps starting with Dublin, then base in a smaller town for better nightly rates.
- Many B&Bs include parking, a big plus if you rent a car.
Getting around: car, train, bus, or tours
Car rental
- Base rates: 35 to 70 per day in low season, 70 to 120 in summer for a compact manual. Automatics cost more.
- Insurance: Many US credit cards exclude Ireland for CDW. If you buy full cover locally, add 15 to 30 per day. Confirm coverage in writing before you arrive.
- Fuel: Petrol prices often translate to 6.50 to 8.00 per gallon. A 7-day loop of 500 to 700 miles could cost 120 to 180 in fuel on a compact.
- Tolls: The M50 near Dublin bills electronically. Pay online through the toll operator by 8 p.m. the next day. Expect a few euros per crossing.
- Parking: City centers can run 2 to 4 per hour. Many hotels charge 10 to 25 per night.
Trains and buses
- Dublin to Galway: 20 to 40 by bus, 25 to 45 by train if you buy in advance
- Dublin to Cork: 20 to 40 by bus, 30 to 55 by train
- Local city fares: 2 to 4 per ride. A Leap Visitor Card caps daily costs in Dublin and covers bus, Luas, and DART.
Guided day tours
- Cliffs of Moher from Dublin: 60 to 90
- Giant’s Causeway and Belfast from Dublin: 70 to 100
- Ring of Kerry from Killarney: 35 to 60
- Private driver-guides: 500 to 800 per day for up to 6 passengers, higher for luxury vehicles
Meals and drinks
- Breakfast: Often included at B&Bs. Café breakfast runs 8 to 14.
- Lunch: Pubs and casual spots 10 to 18 for mains. Sandwich and soup combo 8 to 12.
- Dinner: 18 to 35 for a main at midrange places. A two-course dinner with a glass of wine often hits 35 to 55 per person. Tasting menus at top restaurants can reach 90 to 150.
- Pint prices: 6 to 8 in cities, slightly less in smaller towns. Live music is common and usually free.
Ways to trim food costs without feeling deprived
- Aim for lodging with breakfast included.
- Make lunch the big meal, then go lighter at dinner.
- Scout early-bird menus and daily specials.
- Grab picnic items from supermarkets for scenic stops.
Attractions, passes, and what’s free
- Many national museums in Dublin are free.
- Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience: 8 to 12 depending on how you buy and timing.
- Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin: roughly 8 to 12. Prebook, spots sell out.
- Trinity College Old Library and the Book of Kells: 15 to 25 with peak pricing at busy times.
- Heritage Card: paid pass that covers dozens of OPW sites around the country. Worth it if you plan several sites in one week. Do the math against your list.
- Dublin attraction passes bundle entry fees. Cost-effective if you plan heavy sightseeing, less so for a casual pace.
Sample 7-day budgets
Budget traveler
- Lodging: 7 nights in hostels and budget B&Bs at 30 to 70 per night: 210 to 490
- Transport: Buses and a day tour: 120 to 200
- Food: 25 to 40 per day with a mix of pub lunches and self-catered breakfasts: 175 to 280
- Activities: Mix of free museums and 2 to 3 paid sites: 40 to 80
- Misc and insurance: 40 to 90
- Ground total: 585 to 1,140
- Add flights: 1,085 to 2,440
Classic midrange traveler
- Lodging: 7 nights in B&Bs and midrange hotels averaging 150 to 220 per night for a double. For two people, 75 to 110 each per night, so 525 to 770 per person
- Transport: Compact rental car with full cover and fuel, split by two: 300 to 450 per person
- Food: 50 to 80 per day with sit-down dinners most nights: 350 to 560
- Activities and tours: 120 to 240
- Misc and insurance: 60 to 120
- Ground total per person: 1,355 to 2,140
- Add flights to Dublin: 1,855 to 3,440
Premium comfort traveler
- Lodging: 7 nights in luxury or standout boutique properties averaging 350 to 600 per night for a double. For two people, 175 to 300 each per night, so 1,225 to 2,100 per person
- Transport: Automatic SUV with full insurance or private day tours: 500 to 900 per person
- Food: 100 to 170 per day with top restaurants and wine pairings: 700 to 1,200
- Activities and tours: Several guided experiences and premium entries: 300 to 700
- Misc and insurance: 100 to 200
- Ground total per person: 2,825 to 5,100
- Add flights: 3,325 to 6,400
Three routes to a 7-day plan with ballpark costs to help you determine how much would a 7-day trip to Ireland cost.
City and culture focus: Dublin and day trips
- 4 nights Dublin, 3 nights Galway
- No car. Use trains, buses, and one or two guided tours.
- Per person ground cost
- Budget: 600 to 950
- Midrange: 1,200 to 1,700
- Premium: 2,500 to 4,000
Atlantic coast loop: Galway, Doolin, Killarney
- 2 nights Galway, 2 nights Doolin or Lahinch, 3 nights Killarney or Kenmare
- Rental car for the full week
- Per person ground cost, sharing a room and car by two people
- Budget: 650 to 1,050
- Midrange: 1,300 to 1,900
- Premium: 2,800 to 4,500
East-to-west sampler: Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way
- 3 nights Dublin, 2 nights Galway, 2 nights Killarney
- Train Dublin to Galway, car pickup in Galway for the west
- Per person ground cost
- Budget: 620 to 1,000
- Midrange: 1,250 to 1,850
- Premium: 2,700 to 4,300
Couples and families: how numbers shift
- Sharing cuts costs. A double room split two ways usually beats two solo hostel beds, especially outside Dublin.
- Rental cars make more sense shared by two to four people. Parking and fuel remain fixed whether you are one person or four.
- Families can benefit from apartment rentals with kitchens and free parking. Cooking simple breakfasts and a dinner or two can save 150 to 250 across a week.
- Many attractions offer child pricing. Add those up before buying a city or national pass.
Money, cards, and phone data
- Currency is the euro. Cards are widely accepted, including contactless.
- Carry a small amount of cash for rural pubs, small shops, and farmer’s markets.
- Foreign transaction fees add up. Bring a no-fee card if you have one.
- ATMs are common in cities. Use bank-operated machines to avoid high fees from independent operators.
- eSIMs are convenient. Expect 10 to 25 for 10 to 20 GB that covers Ireland. Physical SIMs in airports and shops price similarly.
Insurance, deposits, and other fine print
- Travel insurance for a week usually runs 40 to 80 for basic coverage. Policies vary, read the medical and cancellation sections closely.
- Car rentals may place a hold of 1,500 to 3,000 on your card if you decline full coverage. That can be a shock without a high limit.
- Toll registration on rental cars can be incomplete. Confirm how to pay the M50 toll at pickup.
- VAT refunds on shopping are available to non-EU residents. Use the tax-free forms and validate at departure. Handling fees apply.
Ideas that lower the total without lowering the experience
- Look at shoulder season dates. Late spring and early fall often mean better prices, fewer crowds, and green landscapes.
- Build a two-base plan to cut one-way drop fees and long drives.
- Book one guided day tour instead of two or three. Pick your bucket-list site, then self-guide the rest.
- Mix free time with a few paid entries. Ireland rewards wandering, from coastal walks to live music in pubs.
- Reserve lodging with free cancellation, then recheck prices weekly. Rates can drop if you keep an eye on them.
- If driving, choose manual transmission to save, and pack light. Smaller cars sip fuel and fit narrow roads.
What a balanced 7-day schedule might look like, with costs
Sample plan, midrange, two people sharing
Day 1 to 3: Dublin
- Hotel: 180 to 250 per night
- Food and drinks: 120 to 160 per day for two
- Activities: Trinity College, Kilmainham Gaol, free museums, a theater night in Dublin or music session budget 20 to 60
- Transport: Leap Visitor Card or pay as you go 12 to 20 per day for two
Day 4 to 5: Galway base with Cliffs of Moher tour
- Train Dublin to Galway: 60 to 90 for two if booked in advance
- Hotel or B&B: 140 to 200 per night
- Day tour to Cliffs: 120 to 160 for two
- Food: 100 to 150 per day for two
Day 6 to 7: Killarney and the Ring of Kerry
- Bus or train to Killarney: 60 to 100 for two
- B&B: 140 to 200 per night
- Local tour or bike rental for the national park: 40 to 100 for two
- Food: 100 to 150 per day for two
This plan keeps transport simple without a car. A car-based version swaps in rental and fuel, removes some train costs, and adds parking. Expect the car version to add 200 to 350 per person for the week, depending on insurance choices and mileage.
Price swing pitfalls to watch for
- Late booking in summer can double room rates in Dublin, Killarney, and Dingle.
- Automatic cars sell out first. If you must have one, book early.
- Extra driver fees range from 10 to 15 per day.
- One-way rentals carry drop fees between airports.
- Pubs with live music can get crowded. If a session is your goal, go early and nurse a pint.
- Heritage sites can have timed entry. Buy tickets online ahead to avoid missing out.
Can you do a week for under 1,500 dollars including flights?
Yes, with trade-offs. Here is a realistic outline from the US if you catch a good airfare sale in shoulder months.
- Flight: 500 to 650
- Lodging: 7 nights in hostels or budget B&Bs at 30 to 60 per person per night: 210 to 420
- Transport: Buses and one day tour: 120 to 200
- Food: 25 to 35 per day: 175 to 245
- Activities and misc: 60 to 100
- Total: 1,065 to 1,615
That leaves some breathing room for a splurge dinner or a nicer room one night.
What to book first, second, and third
- Flights and Dublin hotels, especially for summer. Lock in the anchors.
- Car rental or key rail segments. Automatics go first, then compact manuals.
- Limited-entry sites and the one or two tours you care about most.
Everything else can follow without stress.
A quick packing-and-cost checklist
- Waterproof jacket and shoes prevent emergency shopping if the weather turns.
- Credit card with no foreign fees saves 2 to 3 percent on every purchase.
- Portable battery and universal adapter keep phones alive for maps and tickets.
- Refillable water bottle saves a few euros a day.
- Small daypack for hikes and city wandering cuts the need for taxis.
The realistic answer to how much a 7-day trip to Ireland costs is a range shaped by timing, where you stay, and how you move. With clear priorities and a few smart bookings, you can hit numbers that feel right while still tasting what makes the place special.
Frequently Asked Questions on 7-Day Trip to Ireland Cost
Planning a trip to Ireland reveals a diverse range of experiences and budgets. Whether you’re a budget-savvy traveler or seeking luxury, shaping your itinerary to fit your preferences can ensure an unforgettable adventure without breaking the bank.
How much should I budget for a 7-day trip to Ireland?
Depending on travel style, how much would a 7 day trip to Ireland cost? A 7-day trip ranges from approximately $1,100 for budget travelers to over $5,800 for premium experiences, inclusive of flights.
What is the best time to visit Ireland to save money?
Travel during the shoulder months of April, May, September, and October for better pricing and mild weather, avoiding peak summer costs.
How can I save on transportation costs?
Opt for public transportation or shared car rentals. Trains and buses are cost-effective for city-centric trips, while car rentals offer flexibility for countryside exploration.
Are there affordable lodging options in Ireland?
Yes, consider hostels, budget B&Bs, or guesthouses outside major cities like Dublin for economical accommodations without sacrificing comfort.
What are some cost-effective meal options?
Take advantage of included breakfasts at accommodations. Enjoy pub lunches and seek out early-bird dinner specials to manage food expenses effectively.
Is travel insurance necessary for a trip to Ireland?
While not mandatory, travel insurance is recommended to cover medical, cancellation, and unexpected travel disruptions, typically costing $40 to $80 per week.
Can I manage with a budget below $1,500?
Certainly. With strategic planning and shoulder season travel, you can experience a fulfilling 7-day trip, including flights, comfortably for under $1,500.
What’s crucial to book in advance?
Secure flights, Dublin accommodations, and car rentals early, particularly if traveling in high demand periods, to avoid inflated costs.
