Quick answer: Dublin runs about EUR 160 per day mid-range - noticeably less if you eat local and walk. Cheapest window: May-June and September - mildest weather and long evenings, with fewer crowds than July-August.
What things actually cost
| cappuccino at a cafe | 4 EUR |
| pint of Guinness | 6.50 EUR |
| Book of Kells entry | 18.50 EUR |
| bus or Luas ride with Leap Card | 2 EUR |
| pub lunch main | 14 EUR |
| mid-range dinner main | 20-25 EUR |
Eat well for little
- Pint of Guinness at a proper pub like Mulligan's or Kehoe'sabout 6.50 EUR
- Full Irish breakfastabout 14 EUR
- Fish and chips from Leo Burdockabout 10 EUR
- Seafood chowder with soda breadabout 10-12 EUR
- Toastie and a pint at Grogan'sabout 12 EUR combined
Money mistakes to avoid
- Drinking only in Temple Barpints run 8-10 EUR there versus 6-7 EUR in normal pubs a few streets away
- Not pre-booking Kilmainham Gaoltours sell out days ahead and walk-ins are rarely possible
- Getting a taxi from the airport by defaultthe Dublin Express and Aircoach buses cost about 7-8 EUR and take 30-40 min
- Overpacking the schedulethe center is small, leave time for a slow pub evening, which is the point of Dublin
Transport without the tourist tax
From Dublin Airport the Dublin Express or Aircoach buses reach the center in 30-40 min for about 7-8 EUR. The center is very walkable - for longer trips get a Leap Card for buses, the Luas tram and DART, with most rides around 2 EUR.
Planning the full trip? Start with the 3-day Dublin itinerary.