I have only managed to get to Ireland once and that was for a friends wedding. We had a short break where we explored Kilkenny and at that time we fitted in Kilkenny Castle which is a stunning building with lots of character.
Another historical site that we explored was the Dunmore Caves. The caves are 9th-century Irish Triads and this was one of the three darkest places in Ireland. It is like stepping over the threshold into another world as natural wonders, Viking history and myths spring from the shadows. This was a great place to take the children we felt a real sense of wonder from being deep inside the caves.
We would like to go back and visit more of Ireland and especially Dublin. This time though I would like to do more of the organised tours. Ireland can be pricey but there are ways to make this city break more affordable.
- Firstly look at visiting in the quieter periods of the year. This means avoiding the summer and also the school holidays as that is when the city becomes busier.
- Consider staying in an Air BNB which is a much cheaper way of finding accommodation. This option also allows you to find more quirky accommodation locations that can give you a locals perspective. Staying in self-catering accommodation also allows you to cook a big hearty breakfast that will keep you going all day long.
- If you choose a hotel make sure though that you opt for one with a buffet breakfast as this can then double up as lunch and will save you money on eating out.
- If you are looking for a hotel then check out sites like last minute who have empty rooms that they will sell off cheaper. Some of the best deals do not name the hotel but give you the star rating to ensure that you know the standard that you are getting. One trick using this is if you copy and paste the description it often brings up the hotel – but of course you can’t bank on that!
- Hire a smaller car as this often has cheaper car insurance and they are often cheaper to run. As Ireland is rural it does make sense to have your own transport to make the most of your time.
- When booking trips ensure that you use cash back sites like TopCashBack, this year alone I have received £300 in cashback which I will use for Christmas presents!
- Lastly, Kids Pass can be used in many food establishments and gives parents a much-needed hand with the Kids Eat Free options.
These tips will help you get the most out of your city breaks especially when visiting Ireland. Do let me know if you have any other money saving tips when you visiting Ireland.
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