Visiting Ireland on a Budget

Five Tips for Visiting Ireland on a Budget

There have been times when traveling to the Emerald Isle meant a lot of green of a different variety. However, with the dollar rising, Ireland is now more affordable than it has been in years; Ireland has recently been named the leading travel budget destination by USA Today. Stretch your dollar even farther with these tips:

• Stay in an Irish B&B - most serve a traditional Irish breakfast which can fill you up for the day. An Irish breakfast usually includes: toast, fried bacon or sausages, eggs, grilled tomatoes, black or white pudding, fried mushrooms and sometimes baked beans.
• Order a carvery lunch - some pubs serve carvery lunches between 12:30-2pm for approximately 10 euros with a choice of pork, lamb or roast beef and two vegetable side dishes. With such a filling lunch, you will only need a light supper.
• Reclaim the VAT - for each $100 you spend on goods that you will be taking back to the U.S. you can claim about $17 as a VAT refund. You can get your VAT at the point of purchase, at the airport or by check once you return home. What makes Ireland an extra bargain is unlike the rest of the EU, there isn't a minimum purchase amount.
• Buy a Heritage Card - this card entitles you to unlimited admission to more than 65 attractions throughout Ireland for only 21 euros. Heritage Cards can be purchased locally.
• Visit the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin - for your admission fee you not only get an interesting tour on the craft of brewing, but some free samples and a
  360-degree view of the city from the Gravity Bar.