There’s no such thing as “the best time to visit Ireland”, because what’s “best” will depend on your kind of adventure. Each season or month in Ireland comes with its pros and cons that need to be weighed up. For instance, many travellers wish to visit Ireland in March for St. Patrick’s Day Festival and soak up the buzz. Others, however, prefer visiting during autumn and winter to encounter fewer crowds at usually busy attractions.
However, many locals can suggest unbiased tips when it comes to the best time to visit on a budget. If you want to experience the best of Emerald Isle without breaking the bank, there are a couple of money-saving hacks to consider.
From timing your trip during the low season to booking cheap hotel alternatives, we’ll share valuable tips and tricks to ensure you get the most bang for your buck while enjoying an unforgettable stay in Ireland.
1. Embrace off-peak travel
Summer might be the best time to visit for some due to its great weather and numerous festivals but it’s associated with large crowds and higher airfare and hotel prices. Most locals agree that visiting Ireland during the shoulder season (spring and autumn) is one of the best ways to maximize your savings.
Shoulder season months include May, September, and October. During these times, the tourist crowds are thinner, and flight and accommodation prices are lower. Not only will you enjoy more peace and tranquility, but hotels often offer discounted rates during these periods. Unlike winter, which is an off-peak season, these shoulder months experience mild temperatures, dry days, and a packed festival calendar.
Also read: Ireland in November: 6 Perks of Traveling During the Quiet Season
2. Consider affordable hotel alternatives
Skip pricey chain hotels — instead, choose from a wide array of affordable hotel alternatives Ireland has to offer. These include hostels, B&Bs and Airbnbs, university accommodation, farm stays, yurts and cabins, and family-run guesthouses. These cheaper options offer a no-frills stay, which is perfect for practical travellers who only need a clean and comfortable place to lodge. Some properties even give you a chance to interact with locals and immerse yourself in Irish culture.
Finding a cheap lodging option works wonders if you’re travelling during the peak season or visiting a popular city. This university accommodation, for instance, offers comfortable yet cheap accommodation in Dublin, Ireland. From elegant visitor suites to economical twin rooms, there’s a room that fits your needs and your budget.
3. Book directly
When searching for cheap hotels online, we tend to go with our first instinct and use third-party booking sites. While they’re useful for exploring and filtering your options, you can get more value for your money by booking directly.
After finding a good hotel, go through their official website and place your booking directly. Many hotels in Ireland offer their “best rate guarantee” to direct bookers, promising that their rates are €10 cheaper than other websites. Guests who book directly can also enjoy a flexible cancellation policy, best room priority, and other perks.
4. Be flexible
Visitors with flexible travel dates have the advantage of finding the most economical days to stay. If you don’t have a specific date in mind, you can use hotel booking websites with flexible date options. Slight date adjustments, like staying during the midweek, can lead to significant savings, especially during peak seasons.
5. Avoid peak tourist hotspots
Finding a hotel in the heart of a tourist spot, like Temple Bar or Grafton Street, might seem ideal. However, you’re more likely to pay unreasonably high hotel rates. Consider accommodations in nearby neighborhoods, city outskirts, or less crowded areas. Just ensure your hotel is accessible and close to public transportation hubs. Not only will prices be lower, but you can experience a more authentic side of Ireland.
6. Sign up for price alerts
We hate getting bombarded with spammy messages too, but not when we’re hoping to score the best travel deals. Consider subscribing to email alerts or notifications from hotels and booking platforms to stay informed about price drops and special offers. Then, time your booking when prices are lower.
7. Time your booking right
When done right, travellers willing to take the risk of last-minute booking can yield savings. Hotels usually offer reduced rates to fill their vacant rooms. But if you plan to stay in a big city or visit during a high-demand season, your best bet is to book early.
Booking at least 71 days before your stay to secure the best price for your accommodation. As for the best hotel deals, you’ll most likely find them if you stay on a Monday. Conversely, you’ll find that Saturday is the most expensive day.
8. Utilise membership discounts
Are you a member of an organization or club? Do you have credit card points? How about loyalty programs? Before booking your trip, check if you can get hotel discounts from these memberships.
9. Bundle your hotel, flight, and tours
Working with travel agencies or bundling your flight, tours, and hotel in one package may look expensive upfront. But if you do the math, you’re more likely to save using the package deal approach compared to booking separately. It leads to less stressful travel planning too.
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a foodie and travel buff who enjoys writing articles about travel and money-saving. Aside from sharing travel hacks, she spends most of her time playing the piano and guitar. If you want to know more about budget travel and affordable hotel alternatives, visit DCU Rooms.
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