Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit Ireland
Searching for the cheapest and most expensive times to visit Ireland? This guide has you covered and will help you plan when to visit based on your travel budget.

Most Expensive Time to Visit Ireland
- Summer Peak Season (June to August)
Warm weather, long daylight hours, and school holidays make summer the busiest and priciest time in Ireland. Hotels in Dublin, Galway, and along the Wild Atlantic Way book out quickly, and flights are at their highest. - St. Patrick’s Festival (Mid-March)
Dublin in particular sees a surge in demand around March 17. Hotels, pubs, and attractions fill with international visitors celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, and prices spike for the entire week. - Christmas & New Year’s Holidays (Late December to Early January)
Though winter is generally a low-cost season, the holiday weeks are an exception. Cities like Dublin, Cork, and Belfast see higher prices as both locals and tourists celebrate. - Special Events & Festivals
Big cultural events, like the Galway International Arts Festival (July) or the Dublin Horse Show (August), also drive up accommodation costs and make finding affordable rooms a challenge.
Cheapest Times to Visit Ireland
- Late Fall (October to November)
After the summer crowds leave and before the holiday season kicks in, flights and hotels drop in price. The weather is cool and unpredictable, but you’ll enjoy fewer tourists and lower rates. - Winter Months (January to February)
Aside from the New Year’s holiday, this is the absolute cheapest time to be in Ireland. Accommodation and airfare are at their lowest, though days are short and weather is cold and wet. Many attractions remain open, and cozy pubs make winter travel worthwhile. - Early Spring Shoulder Season (April to early May)
Prices haven’t yet jumped to summer levels, and you’ll find good deals on flights and hotels. Mild weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds make this a sweet spot for budget travelers.
Price Summary Table for Ireland Travel
Time Period | Price Level | Why It Matters |
---|---|---|
June – August | 💲💲💲 Highest | Summer peak, warm weather, heavy tourism |
Mid-March (St. Patrick’s Day) | 💲💲💲 Very High | National celebrations, global demand |
Late Dec – Early Jan | 💲💲💲 High | Christmas & New Year holidays |
April – May | 💲💲💲 High | Spring bloom, popular sightseeing |
Nov – Feb (excl. holidays) | 💲 Lowest | Winter off-season, cheapest hotels & flights |
Oct – Early Nov | 💲 Low | Shoulder season, affordable accommodations |
Feb – Early Mar (pre-St. Patrick’s) | 💲 Low–Mid | Budget-friendly travel before festival season |
How To Save Money When Visiting Ireland?
When you go will most certainly make the difference in costs like flights, hotels, attractions, and food. Aligning your travel dates with Ireland’s off-peak seasons can significantly cut expenses. Consider what experiences you hope to have and plan accordingly to make the most of lower prices and thinner crowds.
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