Here we are: tourism in Ireland is picking up again, and the idea of a trip to the Emerald Isle may have crossed your mind! But even though Covid-19 seems to have become a bad memory, many travelers have noticed a change… A change observed throughout Europe… and no exception in Ireland… Soaring car rental prices, hard-to-find accommodation in major cities… not to mention apocalyptic scenes at Dublin airport!
But what to do? Rest assured, a trip to Ireland is perfectly feasible, and won’t harm your wallet or your peace of mind… as long as you follow our advice below.
This situation is certainly temporary, but it’s a good idea to leave well-prepared to enjoy an exceptional trip.
Are you ready? Here we go!
Donegal Airport runway
The situation in Ukraine tends to push up oil prices… which has an impact on the cost of flights to Ireland.
As you’ve probably noticed, it’s hard to find cheap travel in Europe these days, even with your favourite airline!
To save as much as possible, we recommend :
For this, we recommend targeting low-cost airlines. These companies are used to offering regular promotions, with flights at less than €50 each way. Admittedly, these offers only run for very limited periods, but they are an opportunity to travel to Ireland at advantageous rates. Ryanair, EasyJet… Don’t hesitate to visit their websites regularly!
A bed and breakfast in Ireland – © Brian Morrison – Tourism Ireland
It’s just a phase… but Ireland is currently going through a period where it can be difficult to find affordable accommodation. This situation only applies to the major cities, such as Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast!
This is due to two factors: firstly, many hotels are currently providing accommodation for refugees fleeing Ukraine. A commendable welcome, but one that tends to make the local offer scarcer.
Secondly, the Covid-19 crisis is responsible for the surge in prices: in the face of two years of pandemic, prices have jumped by almost 17% in the last three years!
So how do you get by without breaking the bank?
First of all, we advise you to book as early as possible. Avoid making decisions at the last minute: prices literally explode for last-minute bookings.
Or opt for suburban areas or the countryside: here again, you can make substantial savings of several hundred euros.
Choose budget establishments such as youth hostels, camping sites or couchsurfing: although less comfortable than a hotel or bed and breakfast, they’re ideal for combining travel and savings. It’s a great place to sleep, as long as you don’t expect too many associated services.
Finally, select less touristy dates: September is one of the best compromises, and you’ll have plenty of choice and low prices.
Take a self-drive tour of Connemara – © Karlo
If you ever feel like renting a car in Ireland, we’d like to warn you right away: prices are currently exorbitant! Prohibitively high prices, which could make you want to miss out on the freedom of the Irish roads! (Count 1500-1800€ for 5 days for a small 5-seater sedan!)
And once again, the explanation is simple. Once again, Ireland is bearing the brunt of the pandemic. Over the past two years, the car rental sector has fallen dramatically, leading to a massive sell-off of rental car fleets.
Today, rental companies have barely 50% of their initial vehicle fleets at their disposal. A situation that contributes to soaring prices!
Add to this the impossibility of mass ordering new cars (due to the shortage of electronic materials), and you’ll understand why the situation is currently unmanageable!
Once again, we reassure you: if the car rental option doesn’t seem feasible, you can opt to take your own vehicle on board a ferry! You’ll save several hundred euros, and have the comfort of your own car, with the steering wheel on the right side!
If that’s not an option either, you should know that Ireland has many train and bus lines that will allow you to discover the country’s major tourist sites… at a much lower cost than driving a car!
Dublin Airport – Keith Ewing – cc
Dublin airport is currently experiencing difficulties: staff shortages tend to clog up security services, causing stress and tension among passengers. While the Irish army is planning to lend a helping hand to the staff on site, you too can join in the effort and make your passage easier to handle with a few simple tips.
To save time and speed up your airport pick-up, we recommend that you :
This will be enough to facilitate the security checks… and you’ll be able to board your plane on time!
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