Dublin, Ireland, on $30 a Day

Dublin, Ireland is a beautiful, friendly, and historic city. Traveling on a tight budget will allow you to linger a bit longer in this wonderful city. By booking budget lodging, eating at inexpensive establishments, and taking advantage of cheap or free entertainment, you can see Dublin for under $30 a day!

Budget Lodging in Dublin

Hostels are the standard for budget accommodations in Europe. Prices for this type of lodging vary greatly from place to place, and are usually based on room type. While far from luxury accommodations, hostels offer travelers on a budget the opportunity to enjoy places they may otherwise not be able to afford. And despite some misconceptions, hostels are safe and most have no age limit! There are three common types of hostel rooms:

> Dorm Style Hostel Rooms - Dorm style rooms are shared with anywhere from 1 to 20 other guests, often using bunk beds. They are the cheapest type of hostel rooms, and can usually be found for under $20. Some hostels, like Dublin's Shining Hostel, offer dorm style rooms for as little as $10 per person per night.

> Private with Shared Bathroom - Unlike dorm style rooms, private rooms offer a little more personal space. The sleeping rooms are private, though the bathroom facilities are shared with other rooms. Private, 3-bed rooms with a shared bathroom at the Dublin H.I. are about $25 per person per night.

> Private with Ensuite Bathroom - This type of room offers privacy both when it comes to sleeping and in the bathroom! Privacy also comes with a bit more of a price tag; private rooms for two with ensuite bathrooms at Browns Hostel in Dublin cost about $38 per person per night.

While many hostel rooms are shared and some rooms do not have locking doors, all hostels do provide places for guests to securely store valuables and other personal possessions. Most also include continental breakfast, wireless internet access, and a common room for entertainment.

Budget Dining in Dublin

As in all major cities, the cuisine can be a strain on your pocketbook. However, some great bargains do exist if you know where to look. Each of these restaurants offers a selection of meals costing under $10:

> Great for breakfast or lunch, The Bagel Factory serves bagels and bagel sandwiches at very reasonable prices. Sandwiches start at around $6, and the coffee is cheap - a very large cup costs about $2.50!

> O'Brien's Sandwich Bar is a chain of restaurants in Ireland. Think of it as the Irish Subway, except the sandwiches don't come on sub buns. The portions are generous and the service is quick. Most locations do not offer any onsite seating, so O'Brien's is better for on-the-go or picnic-style meals. The menu has good variety and the prices are under $8.

> Most hostels include kitchen facilities that are available for guest use. Save a ton of money by preparing at least one meal a day yourself! Also, if your hostel offers a free continental breakfast, take advantage! Even if it is just an apple and a couple slices of toast, it is sustenance that you don't have to spend extra money to receive!

Free Things to Do in Dublin

Major cities usually offer much in the way of cheap and free entertainment, and Dublin is no exception! Here are some budget-friendly and fun ideas:

> Walking Tours - Rather than paying a tour guide and a bus driver to show you around, try a self-guided walking tour. Print out a map or directions for a suggested walking tour and do some free sightseeing. Many attractions along the way are open to the public, and some may even offer inexpensive guided tours if you wish to learn more!

> Ireland's National Museums - Three fabulous museums in Dublin are open to the public free of charge. The Natural History Museum features taxidermy of many different species and is sometimes referred to as the "Dead Zoo"; the National Museum in Collins Barracks has a collection of arts and crafts, as well as information on the history of Ireland's military; and the National Museum in Kildare Street is home to prehistoric, Celtic, Viking, and medieval relics.

> Gardens and Parks - Dublin's gardens and parks are a breathtaking way to spend a day. Phoenix Park alone is large enough to take days to explore thoroughly! Parks are great for walking, people-watching, and relaxing. They are also an ideal place to enjoy a meal outdoors.