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Home » Europe » Ireland » Dublin

Backpacking Dublin Travel Guide (2024)

Renowned for its vibrancy and charm, Dublin thrives on its endless pubs—a huge part of Ireland’s history and culture. Dubliners offer up the smoothest Guinness you will ever taste, fine Irish whiskey, genuine personalities, and  good craic!

Emerald Isle, aptly named for its rolling hills and lush greenery, dubs Dublin as its capital city. Bordered by beauty, Dublin rests on the east coast of Ireland, sitting at the mouth of the River Liffey with the Wicklow Mountains on the frontier.

Originally settled by Vikings, Dublin has a fascinating history with countless medieval sites and landmarks to be explored. Walking the cobbled streets will take you back in time; backpacking Dublin is a truly enlightening experience.

My Dublin travel guide will cover all of the wonders of the city, costs, where to stay, itineraries, and more. Rest assured, there are plenty of cool and unusual things to do in Dublin and I think you’ll love it here.

How Much Does Backpacking Dublin Cost?

Backpacker accommodation in dublin.

•  Top Things to do in Dublin

Backpacking Dublin 3-Day Itinerary

Backpacking dublin travel tips and city guide.

Dublin has gained a bit of a reputation for being expensive , so you were savvy to come to this page. There is a way to travel Dublin on the cheap.

Luckily, there are several low-cost airlines that fly to Dublin Airport, so the cost of your flight should not be outrageous. Transportation is only necessary to get to-and-from the airport, attractions are moderately priced with a lot of free options, and hostel rates are reasonable outside of the city center.

Food & drink, however, are the main budget killers. As luck would have it, this type of expense is easier to tackle than others by grocery shopping at Tesco and Lidl, instead of eating out.

A recommended budget of €40 ($46 USD) will get you by as a frugal backpacker.

Average Costs of a Trip to Dublin

The following is a breakdown of items to consider for your Dublin daily budget:

Hostel —  Dorm Bed:  €20+

Airlink — Airport to City:  €6

City Transportation:  Free – walk

Pint of Guinness:  €4-6

Book of Kells Exhibition:  €13.00

Museum Entrance Fee:  Free (many are free, not all)

Kilmainham Gaol Fee:  €8.00

Breakfast:  Free (most hostels)

Budget Dinner:  €10

Dublin Budget Backpacking Tips

Free Walking Tours: Any Dublin itinerary should feature a good walking tour; several free walks meet at the Spire on O’Connell Street everyday. There are also plenty of underground walking tours & pub crawls that may charge a fee, but will benefit you in the end. Guides tend to know where to find the cheapest beer and food. In addition, this is a good opportunity to learn about historic sites without having to pay entry fees into the landmarks.

Although we prefer the free ones…paid tours can be enticing especially if they’ve got the budget backpacker in mind. Global Work and Travel offer a Highlights of Ireland Tour that starts in Dublin payable in interest-free instalments. You even get to choose the amount per instalment. Isn’t that nice of them!

Ticket Purchases: Purchase tickets online for all of your Dublin activities. Guinness Storehouse, for example, offers significant savings on entry fees if you buy a few days ahead of time. Save yourself from standing in line all day by booking online, another perk. Some places offer discounts during off-peak seasons.

Food & Drink:  Food & drink are an easy way to bust your gut, err , budget in Dublin. A few words of advice to get by on a backpacker allowance: Avoid Temple Bar, as they significantly jack up the price on booze. Pub fare tends to be more economical than other restaurants. Food markets are a great way to eat well without breaking the bank. Be on the lookout for hostels that offer free food & drink specials.

Free Activities: Dublin does not have to be as expensive as people make it out to be. The city actually has many free museums that are worth a visit. Not to mention, Dublin has several large parks to peruse. The historic streets are loaded with landmarks and old architecture to browse. Irish pubs often have traditional music playing, free of charge.

Why You Should Travel to Dublin with a Water Bottle

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Dublin is manageable on foot, so wherever you choose to stay for the night, you are not far! This is one of those cities where no matter where you are partying, you’ll be able to walk back to your place.

Finding a hostel is not going to be a problem. Either way, it’s worth checking out our detailed guide to the best hostels in Dublin.

The Best Places to Stay in Dublin

Are you wondering  which is the best part of Dublin to stay in?  Well, let me give you a few suggestions. If you want more information check out our super detailed Dublin’s best neighborhoods guide.

City Centre

The city centre is our pick for where to stay in Dublin you’re visiting for the first time. Packed with shops and boutiques, parks, pubs and clubs, everything you need is at your front door. It’s one of the places to stay in Dublin, Ireland, for first-time visitors.

Located on the south side of the River Liffey is the stunning Trinity neighbourhood. Home to the world-renowned Trinity College Dublin, this neighbourhood is brimming with historic buildings, iconic architecture, green spaces, and extraordinary history.

Temple Bar is far and away the most famous neighbourhood in Dublin. It is located on the south banks of the River Liffey and our pick for where to stay for Dublin nightlife area.

Phibsborough

Tucked away north of the city centre is Phibsborough, one of Dublin’s up-and-coming and coolest neighbourhoods and one of the best places to stay in Dublin.

Portobello is a trendy and cosmopolitan city-suburb located south of Dublin’s city centre. One of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in the city, Portobello is jam-packed with charming bars and pubs, innovative restaurants, and chic shops.

With a Dublin City Pass , you can experience the best of Dublin at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

  Top Things to do in Dublin

1. visit the old library at trinity college & book of kells exhibition.

Trinity College , Ireland’s most prestigious university, is located in the heart of Dublin City. This magnificent campus is home to the Long Room of the Old Library .

The impressive Long Room—containing over 200,000 of Trinity’s oldest books, is where you will find Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure on display, the Book of Kells .

Completed in 800 AD, the Book of Kells is the world’s most famous medieval manuscript, something you do not want to miss while backpacking Dublin.

2. Take a Guided Tour of Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison turned museum on the outskirts of Dublin. Many Irish revolutionaries were imprisoned and executed by the British here.

Take a guided tour through the prison for a first-hand, dramatic look at what prison life would have been like in old Ireland. You will find this tour to be an informative means of exploring Dublin’s history while feeling a disturbing sense of confinement within the prison walls.

3. Enjoy a Pint at the Guinness Storehouse

The Guinness Storehouse is at the top of nearly all backpacking Dublin lists, and for good reason. A self-guided tour gives you insight into Dublin’s most famous drink.

Seven floors make up the entire exhibition, with  Gravity Bar at the very top. It is here that you will enjoy the most exceptional Guinness you will ever drink. Kick back with your pint and relish the gorgeous views of the city.

4. Relax in Dublin’s Best Green Spaces

There are many green spaces throughout Dublin:

Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed urban park in Europe, which makes for a great escape from the city, and the park includes the Dublin Zoo .

Merrion Square is one of the largest squares in Dublin, and it is a nice place to unwind.

St. Stephen’s Green is adjacent to Grafton Street . It’s a lovely spot to have a picnic.

5. Be a True Tourist at Temple Bar

Temple Bar was developed as Dublin’s cultural quarter.  Amidst controversy that it is a giant tourist trap, Temple Bar does retain its intended spirit as the center for street performers, studios, art productions, and music venues.

However, this lively district has a nightlife that is extremely popular among tourists. There are many pubs, restaurants, shops, and markets to visit here, but once the sun goes down, the partying begins.

Stag/Hen parties (Bachelor/Bachelorette for those in the U.S.) are plentiful in Temple Bar; you have been forewarned!

6. Visit a Distillery

The Emerald Isle is home to some of the best whiskey on earth, so why not take a tour of a distillery?

Jameson Distillery Bow St. is an ex-distillery, but the original site where Jameson Irish Whiskey was made. Take a guided tour that offers tastings at the end, for you Jame-o fans.

Teeling Distillery is home to the leading progressive Irish whiskey and said to be the up-and-coming spot to visit. Currently, Teeling is the only operational distillery in Dublin.

7. Explore Your Creative Side at a Dublin Museum

For you backpackers on a budget, you will be thankful that most of Dublin’s museums are free! Ireland’s national museums and galleries are located in Dublin, so there is plenty to see for the creatively inclined.

National Museum of Ireland spans three locations throughout the city; the museum’s concepts are Archaeology (a crowd favorite), Decorative Arts and History, and Natural History.

National Gallery of Ireland hosts free lectures, tours, and workshops.

Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)  is housed in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham with a garden on-site.

Dublin City Gallery : The Hugh Lane originally presented modern art in 1908, and continues to collect and exhibit modern and contemporary art.

8. Take a Step Back in Time in the Medieval Quarter

Dublin’s Medieval Quarter encompasses the area around Dublin Castle , Christ Church , and St. Patrick’s Cathedral , and it happens to be the oldest sector of the city.

This area was once a hub for Vikings in Dublin, and remnants of their time are still visible here. Gain a deeper understanding of the city’s ancient history by touring these old structures, all of which are awe-inspiring.

9. Join a Free Walking Tour

Free walking tours are a no-hassle means to discover Dublin’s most iconic buildings and monuments. Many tours meet at the Spire of Dublin, officially titled “Monument of Light.” This conical spire, located on O’Connell street, marks Dublin’s place in the 21st century.

Learn about the history of the General Post Office (GPO), one of Ireland’s most important structures. View the Custom House, which sits on the north bank of the River Liffey. Walking tours are a great way to discover one of Europe’s most historical cities.

10. Eat, Sing, and Drink at a Traditional Irish Pub

One does not backpack Dublin without visiting a traditional Irish pub. These establishments are where the locals hang, and boy  are the Irish friendly!

Eat warm classic dishes on cool nights, while chatting to your newfound friends. Drink the tastiest Irish spirits and beers, and watch Gaelic games on TV. Be sure to find a pub that features traditional Irish music, an extremely important part of Dublin’s culture.

Note: if drinking with friends, be sure to buy drinks by the round with a toast. It’s a mandatory thing to do in Dublin at night and you’ll be a shithead otherwise.  Sláinte !

Unbelievably, 3 days in Dublin is a reasonable amount of time to see the Dublins main attractions and landmarks . Dublin is compact, so time is not wasted on long bus or train rides.

The following is a breakdown of each day with a focus on maximizing the number of sights you can see. Adjust the itinerary to meet your personal Dublin trip goals.

Day 1 in Dublin

Free walking tours are a great introduction to any new city. Not only do you gain an idea of the urban layout, but you can ask questions in regards to what attractions will best suit your travel goals.

Since Dublin is such an easy city to walk, I suggest taking a stroll that involves some local landmarks like the Spire of Dublin , General Post Office , and The Custom House .

Make your way to Dublin’s Georgian Quarter  and be prepared for a jam-packed day. Here you have an opportunity to explore St. Stephen’s Green , Merrion Square , and Trinity College . At the university, take a tour of the Long Room in the Old Library that houses the Book of Kells .

Note: It is wise to allocate money for Dublin tours/entrance fees in your backpacking budget. Unfortunately, you pay a price to learn firsthand about this historic city.

Unwind after day 1 in Dublin; you may need it after the information overload! What better way to do that than with a night out at a pub!? Dublin pub life is legendary.

Day 2 in Dublin

Day 2 in Dublin is a great chance to venture to the western edge of the city.

Begin your day at the Irish Museum of Modern Art to view the collections free of charge. Head to the gardens on-premise before making your way next door to Kilmainham Gaol . It would be wise to book your prison tickets online, as they can be limited. The 60-minute tour is not something you want to pass up in Dublin.

Need a drink after being confined in a prison for an hour? Luckily, Guinness Storehouse is not far. Again, it is recommended to purchase your tickets online before you take the 7-story journey. End your informative day at the Gravity Bar, where you will taste a perfect Guinness catch views of all of Dublin.

Day 2 in Dublin offers a nice opportunity to watch a sunset on the River Liffey while standing on the Ha’Penny Bridge , one of the most photographed places in Dublin.

Finish your evening at a traditional Irish pub, again! Eat Irish fare and make friends with the locals. Join in the fun by visiting an establishment that offers Irish music. My favorite choice is the oldest pub in Ireland, The Brazen Head. Good craic , for sure!

Day 3 in Dublin

For day 3 in Dublin, start your journey at the Medieval Quarter . It is here that you can tour the  Dublin Castle , Christ Church , and St. Patrick’s Cathedral . Beware that all three of these attractions charge a fee. Keep in mind that self-guided tours are cheaper, and the better option if you do not have a lot of time to spend.

After you have been patiently waiting for your chance to sip on some delicious Irish whiskey, the opportunity is here. Go to a distillery! The up-and-coming choice is Teeling Distillery . Learn all about Ireland’s long-standing relationship with whiskey, and free tastings are paired with each tour of course.

Spend this evening finding some free things to do in Dublin . Head toward Grafton Street —Dublin’s main shopping street— to wander around the shops, find a good place for dinner, or have a beer.

Stop off at the M olly Malone Statue  to snap a photo. If you are up for it, pop into Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre to admire the impressive glass dome structure.

For the best prices on beer, wander to a bar or pub on the outskirts of the city. Something less touristy will have a better price tag. Ask locals for a hip spot to visit on your last night in Dublin.

Need help deciding between Dublin vs Belfast ? Check out our helpful guide.

Tip : Most of the non touristy things to do in Dublin – e.g. drinking in the burbs, visiting lesser-known attractions like Grafton – will be less expensive.

Dublin off the Beaten Path (More Awesome Things to do in Dublin)

If you happen to have more than a couple of days, or you are just looking for unique experiences while backpacking Dublin, here are a few cool options:

• The Hellfire Club — Montpelier Hill, known to locals as The Hellfire Club, is one of Ireland’s most notorious haunted places. The hilltop overlooks Dublin with great views of the city, but most do not come to gaze. Believed to be haunted by ghosts, this site was actually known for satanic rituals and dark arts. Visiting here and learning about the super chilling history is certainly one of the most unusual things to do in Dublin.
• County Wicklow — An area just south of Dublin, County Wicklow is known as the Garden of Ireland. Noted for its country estates, coastline, mountains, and the Wicklow Way. If you are looking to take in Ireland’s gorgeous landscapes away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the place to be. Mountain biking is a very popular activity here and is among the finest in Ireland.
• Dalkey — A coastal suburb of Dublin, Dalkey is a town that seemed to surpass 20th-century modernization. The area is unspoiled and has some neat history to be explored. Dalkey is home to two 14th century castles, a 10th-century church, and Dalkey Hill, which offers views of Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains.

Best Walks in Dublin

Dubliners are lucky to have such luscious landscapes surrounding them. Bordered by low mountain ranges, farmlands, River Liffey, and the sea, it is not hard to find a wealth of gorgeous walks to enjoy around “The Dubs”. Of course, walking is one of the best free things to do in Dublin as well!

• The Great South Wall —  At Dublin Port, the Great South Wall is Europe’s longest seawall. Stretching four kilometers out into Dublin Bay, this stroll ends with the Poolbeg Lighthouse. Catch 360-degree views of coastal Dublin.
• The Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk —  One of South Dublin’s biggest attractions, this walk connects the two seaside towns of Bray and Greystones. A spectacular rocky path lends views up-and-down the coast. Easily accessible from the city center by train.
• The Dublin Mountains Way —  Through the Dublin Mountains, this scenic trail connects the suburbs of Shankill and Tallaght. In its entirety, this 40 km trail is for walkers of all levels and abilities. Of course, there are options to join the walking trail at any number of points along the way. Loop walks are available as well as many historic sites.
• Howth to Sutton Cliff Path —  Take the DART to Howth village to experience North Dublin’s prized cliff walk. This walking trail loops around the entire Howth Head peninsula. The path sticks onto the cliff’s edge for phenomenal views of Dublin Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for grey seals.

Best Time of Year to Visit Dublin

Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic, whose climate is mostly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, the country does not undergo the extreme temperatures that other countries would at a similar latitude.

Ireland celebrates its summers from June to September and winters from November to March. Dublin experiences a maritime climate with somewhat mild winters, cool summers, and a relatively narrow temperature range. Precipitation is more evenly dispersed throughout the year, and the average temperature is 50°F (10°C).

As is true with much of the world, most people will recommend that you visit Dublin during the summertime, when temperatures are at their highest and festivals fill the streets.

However, summer in Dublin is the most expensive time of year. Hostel and airfare prices are inflated, and you will find it necessary to prebook your rooms, as availability is not very open.

Alternatively, Dublin is one of the driest places in Ireland, and winter precipitation is more commonly seen as rain than snow. October is generally the wettest month and February is the driest. Lucky for Dublin, being a relatively small capital city manageable by foot, proper packing is all it takes to comfortably enjoy the city at any season.

If visiting Dublin during the winter, you will find no shortage of pubs, full of friendly faces, to warm your bones!

Getting in and out of Dublin

Dublin is the most popular entry point for international visitors to Ireland, and Dublin Airport is located approximately 10 km (6.2 mi) north of the city center.

There are four main ways to get to-and-from the airport:

• Airlink: (express public coach)  €6 one-way/ €10 return
• Aircoach: (express private coach)  €7 one-way/ €12 return
• Dublin Bus : (public bus) €3.30 (exact change needed)
• Taxi :  €25 to €30

Consider purchasing a Leap Visitor Card for  €19.50 at the SPAR shop in the airport if you know you will be using a lot of transport. The Leap Visitor Card is a pre-paid ticket that permits you unlimited city travel for 3 days after first use on:

• Airlink 747 & 757 bus services
• Dublin Bus services (not valid on tours)
• Luas (tram) services
• DART and Commuter Rail in the Short Hop Zone (all of Dublin city)
• Go-Ahead Ireland bus services (coming Autumn 2018)

Dublin Port has passenger ferry services to-and-from Wales and England.

How to get around Dublin

Dublin is a compact city that is easy to get around by foot without having to utilize public transportation. Bicycle Rental is a great option, especially if you would like to see the outskirts of the city, but the city center is heavily trafficked.

Driving in the city is not recommended due to congestion, bus lanes, an extensive one-way system, and lack of parking. If you plan to travel outside of Dublin, organize your car rental at the airport, as the city has limited car-hire locations.

Taxis are extremely easy to come by, and it is worth the extra few euros to use a taxi if you have had too much to drink.

Dublin Bus is the extensive public bus network within the city.   Busáras is Dublin’s main bus station.

The Luas  (tram) is handy for getting around the city. Fares are based on zones, and rides in the central zone cost €1.50 that can be paid by ticket purchase or Leap Card.

The DART  rail service runs along the coast and city center. Dublin has two main railway stations Heuston Station and Connolly Station .

Leap Card can be used for bus or tram.

Freedom Pass is an unlimited transport service for 3 days. This pass includes hop-on, hop-off city tours and airport transfers.

For a more adventurous form of travel, try kayaking around the canals and bay of Dublin . You can also go kayaking on the superlative coast on the edges of the city.

Long Distance Trains from Dublin

Iarnród Éireann , also known as Irish Rail , is the national railway company in Ireland. Passenger services are branded under 3 names:

• InterCity — All rail services that run between Dublin and other major cities in Ireland.
• Commuter — Dublin has 4 commuter routes: Northern, Western, South Western, and South Eastern.
• DART — Dublin Area Rapid Transit is a rail network servicing the coastline and city center of Dublin.

Traveling by train in Ireland is a convenient, comfortable, and scenic way to explore county by county.

Safety in Dublin

Ireland is a safe country with a low crime rate. In the event of an emergency dial 112 or 999 from any phone.

Maintain safety in Dublin by using common sense, particularly if you plan to get drunk, high, hitchhike, or all of the above!  The most prevalent crime against tourists, in most urban areas, is pickpocketing. Keep your valuables close and avoid lonely streets at night.

Steer clear of the city streets after bar closing times on the busy Dublin weekends . Undoubtedly, when highly intoxicated people are roaming around Dublin, shit hits the fan! Important to note, the O’Connell Street area tends to attract a lot of drug addicts due to the high number of methadone clinics.

If traveling by car or campervan, park in supervised parking lots, as most auto-related crimes tend to happen in isolated areas.

Pick yourself up a  backpacker security belt  to keep your cash safe on the road, and check out  Backpacker Safety 101  for tips and tricks to stay safe while backpacking Dublin.

Get Insurance before Backpacking Dublin

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good insurance for Ireland sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

If there’s one insurance company I trust, it’s World Nomads.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Dublin Accommodation Travel Hacks

Airbnbs  are great if you are traveling with several friends to cut costs.

You should also check out the true B&Bs in Dublin . They are often run by friendly locals who feed you well and let you know the inside scoop on how best to enjoy the city.

As always, if you are on a tight budget then utilize the Couchsurfing community .

Caravan parks  may not be centrally located, but are definitely a money saving option near Dublin—for those of you touring Ireland in a camper van.

Networking  can go a long way as well. The Irish are well-traveled people, so it is very likely you have met some along your way. Maybe your friends could offer you a place to crash and save you a few bucks while backpacking Dublin.

Did you know that you can actually stay in some of the castles in Ireland ? Some are close to Dublin – it’s a great way to make your trip even more memorable!

Eating and Drinking in Dublin

Dining in Dublin (or anywhere in Ireland for that matter) will consist of warm, hearty plates. Traditional Irish meals will typically contain meat, cabbage, and potatoes—the Irish staple.

Coddle, sometimes Dublin coddle —a stew made of bacon, sausage, onion, and potato— is Dublin’s traditional dinner choice. Due to its proximity to water, Dublin is also famed for its mussels and prawns. Seafood chowder is a lovely option within the city.

For a full list and description of local, time-honored meals checkout our Backpacking Ireland Travel Guide .

The Irish are known for venturing out into the world and often return home to Dublin with their expertise. Dublin chefs are constantly revolving their menus, and over the past decade, Dublin has seen a restaurant boom. Extending beyond traditional Irish fare, Dubliners have great choices for Chinese, Italian, and Indian.

Farmers markets are popping up all over the streets of Dublin and offer opportunities to find organic produce, fresh seafood, and much more. Temple Bar hosts a food market every Saturday.

High-quality milk is supposedly the reason for such tasty coffee throughout Dublin. Coffee junkies will have no problem finding delicious, internationally recognized Irish Coffee .

Beer in Dublin

A thriving land of stouts, Dublin is easily one of the world’s top beer destinations. One thing the Irish do well is brew good beer, especially when it comes to the “black stuff” Guinness . A legend in Dublin since 1759, the Guinness Storehouse is a must visit on any backpacking Dublin list.

Independent craft breweries are popping up all over Ireland, and while the pint of Guinness is a must-try in Dublin, bars and pubs have a lot more on offer.

Pairing-food-with-wine is being trumped in Dublin by pairing-food-with-craft-beer. Here are a few good spots to indulge in a tasty beer:

• Camden Exchange
• Alfie Byrnes
• The Beer Market
• 57 The Headline
• Porterhouse

Whiskey in Dublin

Irish whiskey made on the island of Ireland was once the most popular spirit in the world. However, the last of the original Dublin distilleries closed in 1976… until now.

Teeling Distillery , established in 2015, is the first new and operational whiskey distillery to open in Dublin in over 125 years. Experience the spirit of Dublin by taking a tour, and learn about the city’s long association with Irish whiskey. Whiskey tasting is included on your tour.

Nightlife in Dublin

Dublin is home to over 600 pubs! Clearly, Dubliners like to have a good time, so much so, they have a term for it called “ the craic” .  You too can enjoy the good craic in the famous Irish pubs.

Alcohol is the drug of choice in Dublin; that being said, pubs are not just a place to have a drink. Pubs are a home away from home: places to eat, drink, dance, tell stories, sing, chat, and enjoy others’ company. Just hanging in one of these is probably the best thing to do in Dublin at night.

The Temple Bar district is a hot spot for tourists, particularly The Temple Bar—the name of a bar in Temple Bar. (Because that’s not confusing, right?)

The drinking age in Ireland is 18 with proper identification. Most pubs close around midnight with a drinking-up time. Bars with licenses can stay open to as late as 3:30 am.

The Brazen Head —one of the oldest pubs in Ireland—is located on Bridge Street. I love this bar as I felt cozy and at home while sitting next to complete strangers. Bartenders, servers, and locals alike treated me like family.

We ate hot meals on cold evenings, drank beer, and danced and sang to traditional Irish music. This pub should not go unrecognized.

Dublin also has endless choices of bars and clubs scattered throughout the city for those not into the pub scene. If you’re looking for something a bit different, Dublin is home to many of Ireland’s festivals .

Books to Read on Dublin

Lonely Planet Dublin (Travel Guide)  – Relevant, up-to-date travel information and advice from the world’s leading travel guide publisher, Lonely Planet.

Dubliners  – A collection of 15 short stories by James Joyce. These stories form a depiction of Irish middle-class life around Dublin, in the early 20th century.

Ulysses   – The Irish novelist, poet, and one of the most influential authors of the 20th century, James Joyce, is best known for Ulysses. This novel chronicles the encounters of Leopold Bloom in Dublin in 1904 while establishing parallels between the hero of Homer’s Odyssey. A difficult read, but one of the most important works of modernist literature, nevertheless.

The Heart’s Invisible Furies: A Novel   – Cyril Avery is adopted by an eccentric Dublin couple. This book follows Cyril through his life, and touches on many issues including living in very Catholic Ireland, and his struggle to be accepted by society.

The Ginger Man – Originally banned in the United States, this book is now recognized as a modern classic. This is a tale about the misadventures of Sebastian Dangerfield, a young American studying at Trinity College in Dublin. A great choice for your Dublin reading list.

Volunteering in Dublin

Long term travel is awesome. Giving back is awesome too. For backpackers looking to travel long-term on a budget in  Dublin  whilst making a real impact on local communities, look no further than  World Packers . World Packers is an excellent platform  connecting travelers with meaningful volunteer positions throughout the world .

In exchange for a few hours of work each day, your room and board are covered.

Backpackers can spend long periods of time volunteering in an awesome place without spending any money. Meaningful life and travel experiences are rooted in stepping out of your comfort zone and into the world of a purposeful project.

Worldpackers opens the doors for work opportunities in hostels, homestays, NGOs, and eco-projects around the world. We’ve tried and approved them ourselves – check out our Worldpackers in-depth review here.

If you’re ready to create a life-changing travel experience and give back to the community, join the Worldpacker community now. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll get a special discount of $10. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Make Money Online Whilst Backpacking Dublin

Traveling in Dublin long-term? Keen to make some cash when you are not exploring the city?

Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection. Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills! It’s a win-win! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start teaching English online .

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad .

Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code PACK50), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.

Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alexandria Zboyovski

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Dublin on a budget: 7 travel hacks to save on your trip

If you have been considering taking a trip to Ireland but are worried that you can't afford to visit Dublin on a budget, rest easy. You can actually visit Dublin on a budget and still experience everything that this city is well-known for. Heading to this part of the world and saving money can go hand-in-hand, and this guide will help you out. You can make the most of your time in Dublin on a budget and make memories that will last for a lifetime.

When you choose to visit Dublin on a budget, you will need to make sure that you are not going to be tripping over your bags during your stay. Let Bounce your bags in secure storage in Dublin while you make the most of sightseeing around Dublin city centre, Dublin Castle , and much more. Taking free walking tours or heading out for a visit to places like Dublin Bay is much more fun when your hands are free. Let us offer you the peace of mind that you need to have a great time in this part of Ireland while saving money. Here are our top hacks to keep your budget low when you visit Dublin:

Cheap places to stay in Dublin

Heading to Dublin on a budget doesn't mean being uncomfortable while you are in town. Check out our guide to the best neighborhoods in Dublin so that you are close to everything that you want to do the most. The city centre area is always a big hit, and there are lots of great hostels in this part of the city. However, some of the locally owned B&B style locations that are tucked into hidden corners of different neighborhoods can offer you all the charm and comfort that you have been looking for. Here are a few places to consider:

This cute hostel is a great place to stay, and you will get a lot for €80 a night here. The dorms are all same-sex, which won't work out for couples in some cases, but it is perfect for those traveling as singletons or with friends to Dublin. There is free wi-fi here and a roof terrace, as well as an included breakfast. Be sure that you ask about the limited number of private rooms if you want to be able to stay with your significant other in comfort.

Temple Bar is a short hop away from this location, and you can get on public transportation from various locations nearby. This is one of the best Dublin hostels as far as location goes, and you will have no trouble making the most of the city with this as your home base.

Ashfield Hostel

Another adorable hostel, this charming place is located a short walk from the Templer Bar area. You will also be close to the river Liffey and within walking distance of lots of the local and national museum locations. This spot has dorm rooms, as well as private rooms, and a night's stay starts at just €90. The wi-fi is free, and there is a fun TV room to lounge in and mingle with other travelers. Breakfast is also included in your room fee. This hostel is aimed more at younger travelers, but that doesn't mean that the young at heart won't have a great time here as well.

The Gate Hotel

This hotel offers tons of charm for a great price. You will get a comfortable and cozy room for €120 a night and be close to the Irish Immigration Museum, the Temple Bar area, and public transit. As is generally standard, the wi-fi is free, and there is a bar and lounge area. There is also a really fun game room for those who want to be able to hang out and play games at night. This is a great option if you want to pay hostel prices but get a private room that is located by many of the best things that the city has to offer. There are lots of free guided tours that leave from this area as well, so if you love a walking tour, this is an accommodation for you during your time in Dublin.

Cheap things to do in Dublin

Dublin is expensive in a general sense, but there are lots of locations that you might be surprised to find are affordable. Places like the Guinness storehouse, independent shops, and the Dublin Zoo can be much more affordable than you might think. Walking tour options also abound, which makes it easy to see some of the best parts of the city for no extra charge. Visiting Dublin can be budget-friendly, and you won't have to worry about getting bored every day as you try to save money.

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle is usually on the list of things that people want to do in this city, and you can easily afford to head here on a budget. The castle is just €8 to enter, and you will only pay €4 for kids. This 13th-century castle is one of the most lovely in all of Europe, and it's always very popular with visitors to Dublin. You can take a self-guided tour here, or you can pay a little more for a guided tour while you are visiting. Plan to spend a few hours here learning all about Dublin and its history.

This part of the city is a great place to see a variety of cool things, and there are various local attractions that offer free entry in this area during the week at specific times. So look around while you're here.

Grafton Street

This beautiful Victorian shopping street hasn't changed much in a hundred years or so. This is one of the most lively parts of the city centre, and many people head here to enjoy the sights and sounds and to do a little shopping. Food is a little spendy here, but there are local shopping options that are affordable for getting souvenirs and various goods. Best of all, those who love the Regency or who are fans of Jane Austen will feel transported back in time as soon as they set foot in this part of the city.

Irish Museum of Modern Art

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) is actually free to enter in most cases. Some of the exhibitions have a small fee associated with them that will be about €8-10. This is a lovely place to spend an afternoon, and you will enjoy a variety of different exhibits here as well as be offered some information about Dublin's history. Just like Dublin's main shopping street, this location offers so much charm and beauty, and you will feel as if this part of the city centre has been frozen in time. While there are other free museums in this part of the city or places that you can see on free walking tours, you will want to put this impressive museum at the top of your list.

Cheap places to eat in Dublin

You probably are aware that eating out during trips can be expensive. However, you will have no trouble saving money on dining if you aren't picky about where you go. There are many excellent street food options scattered across the city centre, or you might even be able to make your own meals at your hostel or Airbnb during your stay. These are the best places to head for a meal on a budget while you are enjoying your time in Dublin on a budget.

El Grito Mexican Taqueria

Who doesn't love Mexican food? This cuisine tends to be on the more affordable side anyway, and El Grito is the place to go in Dublin to save some cash. Filling main dishes will cost less than €15; don't leave without trying the churros.

If hearty home cooking is what you're after, Lovinspoon fits the bill nicely. And your food bill won't be very high either. Affordable prices on favorites like mushroom soup, grilled sandwiches, and full Irish breakfasts make dining here a great choice. It's easy to eat breakfast or lunch here for under €10, and since they close at 4 pm, dinner isn't an option here.

Mongolian Barbeque

Located in Temple Bar, this is ideal for picky eaters. You choose exactly what meat, veggies, noodles, and sauce you want in your dish, and they cook it on the huge grill. If you're super hungry, they offer all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner options that range from €17 to €21 per person.

Cheap bars in Dublin

O'reilly's bar.

This cute Victorian-style pub offers live music, affordable beer and cocktails, and great food. You will feel like you have walked into your own personal local when you head here, and you will want to stay a while once you have arrived. They have a happy hour menu, and you can get some of the beers here for just €3.

The Hacienda Bar

This cute hole-in-the-wall is the perfect place to enjoy folk music, affordable pints, and lots of traditional Irish music that everyone sings along to. There are lots of beers on the menu here that are often priced at €5 or less, and they offer cocktail specials too. There is nothing particularly unique on the menu here, and it isn't huge, but the atmosphere is really fun and exciting.

Temple Bar Area

Temple Bar district is an excellent location to enjoy a night out on the town for a great price. There are many cute places to grab an affordable pint, and the colorful umbrellas along the street will keep you out of the rain. Places like The Porterhouse offer you access to an excellent beer menu for about €5 a pint, and you will be able to get cheap eats here as well. This is a great part of the city for a night out on the town, and you should put the Temple Bar area on the list of places to go for a night out.

Bonus budget tips for Dublin

Use two wheels.

One of the best ways to see Dublin is to rent a bike. Dublin is very walkable, but if you want to see a lot of the best things that the city can offer, you might need to speed up the process of getting around the city centre. Many of the bike rental companies in the city offer affordable rental for about €10 a day, but you can sometimes find bike pass deals that are perfect for those traveling in a big group.

Public transport

Consider taking the train to head out to a variety of locations around the city center that you might not otherwise be able to access. Dublin area rapid transit is also a great bet for getting around the city and nearby areas. The train connects readily to UK mainline train stations as well, so you can combine your Dublin trip with an affordable hop to other locations around the country or to the UK.

Free attractions

If you love gothic churches, there are many scattered around Dublin. Their spires pierce the sky and draw your attention. For those who want to see the prettiest and most impressive churches around the capital city, it can really add up when you have to pay for tickets to get entrance to all of them. However, if you head to the churches in Dublin during services, you can enter for free. This is a great way to get to witness the majesty of these kinds of locations without an extra cost.

Remember as well, that there are many different locations that offer free entrance at specific times of the day or on specific days of the week. Checking out the possibility for free entrance is easy, and you hop onto the sites for these different attractions to see if they offer these kinds of perks.

Dublin is a special city to visit, and you should never think that you can't enjoy this part of the world without a ton of money in the bank. From cheap nights out in Temple Bar to free walking tours to enjoying museums like those on Stephen's Green, you can make the most of your time in this gorgeous city without breaking the bank. This guide will help you to enjoy everything that you want to see and do in Dublin while still being within budget.

If you need some more ideas about what to do in the city centre or other areas like Trinity College, you need to check out our guide to the best free things to do in Dublin . Keeping kids busy or entertaining a large traveling group is easy with these free options on your itinerary. Happy travels!

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Traveling to Dublin this summer? 8 questions to ask yourself before you go

Jun 13, 2022 • 8 min read

No matter the weather, Dublin's outdoor dining scene is taking off since the pandemic © Getty Images

As tourism rebounds, those arriving into Ireland will find that some things have changed, particularly in the capital where accommodation shortages, soaring car rental costs, and airport chaos have all made headlines in recent weeks.

That's not to say the city can't be enjoyed. Dublin  is a city that thrives on its reputation for craic (good times) and you shouldn't need help finding any, especially now that COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. But how has Dublin changed since the pandemic? What can visitors expect?

If you're planning to visit in 2022, here are some questions to consider.

1. Have you booked accommodation in advance?

Soaring hotel costs are wreaking havoc with holidaymakers' budgets, as figures from the Central Statistics Office show price increases of up to 17% for hotel accommodation in Ireland over the last three years.

A report from the Tourism Advisory Group says that tour operators are "scrambling" to find beds in the city and highlights pricing as the main challenge. The problem is compounded by increased demand as travel returns and beds are snapped up, in addition to hotels providing emergency accommodation for refugees fleeing Ukraine, as well as those impacted by the country's worsening housing crisis . 

How to have a perfect day in Dublin without spending a euro

It's fair to say finding last-minute accommodation won't be easy. Lonely Planet looked at weekend availability in Dublin city centre in July for two people and average prices ranged between €700 and €900 through Booking.com. In one weekend, the cheapest price was €411 for a private room in purpose-built student accommodation, while the second cheapest was an eye-watering €428 for two beds in a mixed hostel dormitory.

In September, there are slightly more options available but prices are still high, averaging between €500 and €700 for Friday and Saturday nights. Outside of the capital prices are considerably cheaper with prices averaging at about €400 for a two-night weekend stay in Galway in early September and about €300 in Cork for the same period.

If you plan to visit, we recommend you reserve your accommodation as soon as your flight is booked.

2. Have you factored car rental costs into your budget?

Car rental prices in Ireland are high compared to the European average. According to a report from the tourism board, Fáilte Ireland, this is mainly due to supply issues, with stock levels being 50% lower than they were pre-pandemic as rental companies were forced to sell off their cars. 

In a case that made headlines in May, one couple was quoted €18,703 to rent a seven-seater car from Dublin Airport for the first week of August. And while that appears to have been an exceptional case, the cost of renting a car will likely make a significant dent in your budget.

For a 10-day hire at the beginning of August, the cheapest option available on Hertz for a Dublin Airport collection is €1,750 for a five-seater, though average prices come in at about €3k for 10 days. With Avis, prices are similar starting at €1748 for a small, four-seater and average prices are about €3k for roomier options.

Speaking to Lonely Planet, Paul Redmond, the chief executive of Car Rental Council of Ireland, said there is no indication yet when supply will increase and the situation will improve.

"Global car production slowed substantially during the pandemic and there is now a huge backlog of orders for new vehicles," he said. "The problem is compounded by component supply issues for the production of new cars. High demand and supply shortages have resulted in more expensive and fewer new cars available to the Irish market. As yet there is no clarity about future supplies."

3. Do you know how to save money on public transport?

Dublin is a  notoriously expensive city  and the  cost of living crisis  is continuing to fuel price hikes across everyday goods and services. While car rental costs are soaring, one way you could save money when visiting Dublin this year is through the new 90-minute fare initiative on public transport. It allows passengers to transfer between the city's buses, trams and train services, including Dublin Bus, Luas and most DART and Go-Ahead Ireland, for a flat fare €2 per adult.

The initiative, which can be accessed through the contactless Leap Card , makes it easier and cheaper to navigate Dublin's slightly disjointed public transport network. Transfers must be taken within 90 minutes of the initial departure to avoid incurring any extra charges. Additionaly, tourists can purchase a Leap Visitor Card for unlimited journeys on Dublin's public transport over a select time period.

4. Have you added new attractions to your to-do list?

Creativity is a key part of Dublin 's identity and you'll find it represented in the city's world-class museums, galleries and literature hotspots. If you've ticked the classic museums off your list from the National Gallery of Ireland to the Chester Beatty Library , Kilmainham Gaol , and the Irish Museum of Modern Art , you might want to try something new. Just before the pandemic hit, Dublin's newest museum, the Museum of Literature Ireland , opened at the end of 2019 on St Stephen's Green, to showcase why Ireland is the land of storytellers.

These lesser-known Dublin museums might be the city’s best

There's also a new visitor center at the 18th-century Custom House and a new exhibition space that tells the story of Ireland's sporting history at the revamped  GAA Museum at Croke Park . If you're looking to further explore Ireland's culture, history and folklore in a more unusual setting, a new indoor exhibition has opened up in Glasnevin Cemetary Museum to complement the popular attraction's outdoor tours. 

5. Have you booked your favorite restaurant in advance?

On weekends it's likely you'll have as much chance scoring the winning Lotto ticket as bagging a walk-in in a city centre restaurant. This is despite the fact that Dublin has so many great restaurants to choose from. It may be even because of it, with people wanting to try the latest buzziest place from Michelin-starred fine dining to experimental small-plates wine bars.

Best places to eat in Dublin in 2022

When the pandemic forced almost everything to close, 73% of Dubliners said dining out was the social activity they missed the most and they're seemingly making up for lost time now. If you don't want to miss out, be sure to book at least two weeks in advance for a weekend table and at week in advance for a weekday booking. You might get lucky in the meantime but best to play it safe if you have a special place in mind.

In Dublin, nightlife shines even as historic music venues fall silent

6. What about your favorite pub and bar?

Dublin is a city famously fueled by spontaneity — but as it comes out of pandemic regulations, the city increasingly favors the prepared. During the pandemic, bars and pubs required people to reserve and sit at tables in order to maintain social distancing. The government has scrapped that rule but you'll find that some businesses still enforce it on Friday and Saturday nights when demand is high in the city center. It isn't a hard and fast rule and most places will let you in without a booking regardless. But expect to be standing for much of the night. Again, if there's a special pub on your wishlist it might be a good idea to call ahead and let them know you're coming.

How to find ‘real’ traditional Irish music⁠ in Dublin  

7. Have you packed your outdoor gear?

Even though you're on a city break, you'll find plenty of great hiking, biking and swimming options in Dublin. The city is cradled by the Wickow Mountains to the southeast and the Irish Sea to the east. It's also home to the largest enclosed public park in any European capital city: the Phoenix Park.

Great beaches in Dublin

Open-water swimming was popular long before the pandemic, lockdowns seems to have enticed more people into the water . If you're visiting Dublin without a car, you'll find some of the best swimming spots are easily accessible on the DART line from the city center including Sandycove, Vico Baths in Killiney, Howth Cliffs, Bull Island, The Forty Foot and Seapoint. 

The same goes for hiking, you can access the scenic Glendalough walking trails by bus from the city center, while the much-loved Bray to Glendalough hiking trail can be reached by DART from the center too.

8. Have you given yourself enough time to catch your flight?

Over the past week, more than 639,000 passengers were facilitated @DublinAirport . If you’re travelling through #DublinAirport over the coming days, please continue to follow our latest travel advice: https://t.co/fyg9cOko6M ✈️ pic.twitter.com/h2iWZqNfrf — Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) June 12, 2022

Finally, make sure you give yourself plenty of time in the airport to catch your flight home — but not too much. Passengers who arrive too early for their flights will be directed to a dedicated passenger holding area outside the terminal buidlings with cover, seating and toilets available. Though it's probably not where you want to spend the last hours of your vacation.

Those taking short-haul flights are advised to arrive two-and-a-half hours before departure times, while those on long-haul flights should arrive three-and-a-half-hours ahead of their flights. If you have to check a bag in, add another hour into that schedule.

The airport has been plagued by long lines at security in recent weeks but a spokesperson for Dublin Airport said they are working to improve the situation by "deploying more staff, opening more security lanes at peak times and implementing a better queue management system inside and outside the terminals."

This article was first published March 2022 and updated June 2022

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Home » Dublin on a Budget: 10 Hacks to Save on Accommodation, Food, and Getting Around the City

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Dublin on a budget: 10 hacks to save on accommodation, food, and getting around the city.

• May 27, 2020

If you’re planning a trip to Dublin this year, you’ll soon realise that it’s not a cheap place to visit! We’ve put together a list of budget hacks so you can save money on food, activities, transport, and accommodation in Dublin, to make sure your money goes further.

Getting here

Dublin hotel accommodation can be hugely expensive and is often the most expensive part of your trip. Choosing alternative, more affordable accommodations like DCU Rooms can save you a small fortune on your trip, meaning you have more to spend enjoying yourself and exploring the city. Stay away from expensive hotels in Dublin, they’re usually way overpriced.

Travel off-peak. Flights are usually less expensive if you’re willing to travel mid-week or in Dublin’s low season which is generally October to March. Avoid public holidays and especially St. Patricks day when travel is a complete money-racket. Use price comparison sites like  Skyscanner  and search for the cheapest time to travel. 

Getting Around

If you want to travel around Dublin and are put off with a lot of walking, you can use our public transport system very easily.  Transport For Ireland’s website  will tell you exactly how to get to where you want to go, and we’re so well connected by bus, train, and Luas. The airport bus will bring you to the city in just 30-minutes and costs just €7 per person. 

Buy a Leap Card . These cards can be topped up on the go with an app, on your phone or by calling into any retailer. They cost just €5 to buy (which is refundable) and they give you discounted fares on all public transport. You can also use it to sign up to the Dublin Bikes scheme to see the city on two wheels, which only costs €25 for a year’s membership.

Avoid taxis if possible. They are quite expensive even if you’re only traveling a short distance If you’re planning an evening check what time the last bus leaves to get you home (usually 11 pm from town). If you want to stay out to enjoy Irish Craic Agus Ceol, try to arrange to share a taxi with friends to keep costs down

Food, Shopping & Activities

Shop around. This goes without saying but shopping around is the best way to make sure you are getting the best value in all aspects of your stay. Always check online before you visit any of the attractions as they may have special ‘online only’ offers which can save you some pennies – every little helps! 

If you have a  student card , use it! A lot of restaurants, shops and attractions offer fantastic student discounts for both local and international students of all ages. If you don’t see a sign offering a discount, no harm asking. If you’re traveling in a group, inquire if they offer group or family discounts too. 

We’re very lucky in Dublin; almost all of our museums and galleries are free to enter. We have some fantastic parks and gardens,  like Stephens Green or the Natural Botanic Gardens , for you to enjoy absolutely free of charge. You can even take free walking tours. Take advantage of these free activities, rain, hail or shine! 

If you’re a fussy eater, have a specific dietary requirement or are on a tight budget, eating out for every meal can be extremely costly. Choosing our affordable accommodation in Dublin City University means you also have access to our kitchen facilities, shop in one of the local low-cost supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi and prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner at your leisure.

Sometimes you come across properties with lots of hidden extras that you don’t expect until you get here, one of which being expensive wi-fi. Avoid costly roaming charges by taking advantage of DCU rooms free wi-fi.Plan your day, book some trips and download a map before you leave so you know exactly where you’re going. If you’re staying long-term, purchase a local SIM card with unlimited data from 3.ie for just €20.00 per month.

Choose better value and avoid costly hotel accommodation in Dublin by staying with DCU rooms on your trip to Ireland’s capital. Check to see if your dates are available now!

Sarah Corcoran

Sarah is a part-time travel writer and a full-time Dubliner, born and bred in this colourful city. She loves nothing more than exploring the beauty that’s on her doorstep and enjoying the many attractions and history that Dublin has to offer. She is passionate about writing and promoting her home town to anyone who will listen!

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5 Travel Hacks When Visiting Dublin

Kevin Flanagan shares his TOP 5 travel hacks when visiting Dublin! So you can save time and money, as well as skip queues!

1. Dublin City Pass

Save time and money with the Dublin City Pass, granting you access to over 30 of the city’s top attractions, including the Guinness Storehouse and Trinity College. Skip the lines and enjoy free public transport while exploring Dublin’s best sights.

   – Website: www.dublinpass.com

   – Cost: Starting at €64 for adults (as of January 2022).

   – Opening Hours: Varies by attraction.

2. Leap Card for Public Transport

Get a Leap Card for convenient and affordable access to Dublin’s buses, trams, and trains. It’s a budget-friendly way to navigate the city and its surrounding areas without the hassle of buying individual tickets.

   – Website: www.leapcard.ie

   – Cost: Varies based on card type and usage.

   – Opening Hours: Dublin’s public transport operates from early morning to late evening.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dublin Free Walking Tour (@dublinfreewalkingtour)

3. Free Walking Tours Discover Dublin’s history and culture with free walking tours led by knowledgeable guides. These tours provide valuable insights into the city’s landmarks, and you can choose to tip what you think the tour is worth.

   – Website: www.dublinfreetour.com

   – Cost: Tips-based (generally €10-€15 per person).

   – Opening Hours: Tours typically run in the morning and afternoon.

4. Local Dining Deals

Save on dining by exploring local deals and offers on websites like Lovin Dublin , MenuPages , and Groupon . You’ll find discounts at various restaurants, making it easier to enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank.

5. Dublin Bike Rentals

Explore Dublin on two wheels with Dublin Bike Rentals. For a minimal fee, you can access a bike for three days. It’s an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to see the city’s attractions and enjoy leisurely rides along scenic riverside paths and urban parks. Plus, it’s a great way to beat traffic and save on transportation costs.

   – Website: www.dublinbikes.ie

   – Cost: €2 for a 3-day ticket (as of January 2022).

   – Opening Hours: Bikes available 24/7.

These travel hacks will help you make the most of your Dublin adventure while keeping your budget in check.

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Video: 10 Top Travel Hacks for Ireland

We’re sharing this video from Discover Ireland which gives some very useful tips to save money on your next trip to Ireland and make the most of your time on the Emerald island.

Discover Ireland’s top ten travel hacks for Ireland include the following tips:

• You can visit the national museums and galleries for free
• Visit Heritage Ireland’s sites for free on the 1st Wednesday of every month
• Enjoy plenty of free events all around the country on Culture Night if you visit in September
• Listen to traditional Irish music in pubs for free

• Many festivals in the island are free – keep an eye on free food, music events…
• Look for discounts and visitor passes
• Explore the island on foot (Dublin for example is very easily explored on foot)
• Use free wifi in many spots (may it be a cafe, your accommodation or a public space)
• Enjoy some ‘once in a life time moments’ like seeing the Northern Lights or exploring Star Wars’ filming locations

Do you have any tips to add to this list? Share them in the comments

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12 Travel Hacks That Every Irish Person Needs To Know

1. Turn on ‘Private Browsing’ or ‘ Incognito ’ for cheaper flights online

Travel sites and airlines use cookies on your browser which they use to track your online activity….so if you search for a flight or a hotel one day then return the next you might see the price increase. You can avoid this by switching to ‘Private Browsing’ whenever you’re looking to book flights or hotels. FYI we don’t do this at Buddy….we never increase your quote based on your search activity, unlike other insurers in the Irish market 🙊

2. Use packing cubes or roll your clothes for more space

Packing cubes are a great way to organise your bag, so if you are on the go and need to take something out of your bag quickly you can just grab the cube you need without having to unpack and repack the bag. It is also great when you get to your final destination – when its time to unpack you can easily put the socks cube, underwear cube etc. into drawers; you don’t even need to take them all out of the cube!

Pro tip: Vacuum packing your bag is a great way to save space, but be warned you may fit too much in your bag and be stung with overweight bag charges. 😬

3. Want your bags to get off the plane first? Mark them as ‘ Fragile ’

We almost feel bad giving up this travel hack as it works every. We’ve all been here, you’ve just landed after a long flight, you’re stressed and tired and want to get out of the airport. Getting your bag off the baggage carousel first means you can start your holiday sooner and the way to do that is; ask for a fragile bag tag when checking in and voila your bags will magically appear at your destination quicker than ever. 🧳

 4. Bring a powerstrip/extension cord

This will save you not only at the airport but also when you get to your accommodation. You will only need one adapter for the powerstrip/extension cord and you will be able to charge/use multiple devices at once. If you want to know what it feels like to be a hero try to find an unused power socket at an airport and plug in your powerstrip/extension cord and magically turn one socket into 2,3,4,5,6 and bask in the adulation. 😎

5. Get travel insurance before your holiday

This one is a no brainer. Why worry about unforeseen expenditure from trivial but annoying incidents like a theft or something more serious like a life-changing event such as a medical emergency expense. Getting cover couldn’t be easier or more affordable with Buddy. Your cover includes so many activities as standard, everything from Badminton to Camel Riding to Hot Air Ballooning. Check-out our coverage here .

6. Take photos or scan all your important docs (passport, drivers license, medical cards etc.)

This is just an extra copy and shouldn’t be relied upon. There is nothing worse than trying to rent a car on holiday only to realise you forgot your driver’s license. Some rental companies will accept a copy of your driver’s license as they just need to have your details on file. It’s always a good idea to have a back-up of all your docs to hand, it could save you a lot of hassle and stress in a variety of situations!

7. Download the app TripIt

We wish we were getting paid for this plug so if you’re reading this TripIt a free premium account would be nice 😉. TripIt is a great app that scans your email for hotel booking reservations, flight bookings and you can also upload and store photos of important docs to the app. We find this really helpful when travelling so you don’t need to keep searching through your emails for booking references etc. It’s all nicely organised and stored within the app and very easy to find. TripIt also log all the previous trips and miles you’ve done which is fun to look back on. You can download the TripIt app here .

8. Use your banking app to notify them you are traveling

This one can be a lifesaver. There is nothing worse than getting to your destination only to find your bank has frozen your card after you bought a bottle of water from the airport vending machine. Luckily, gone are the days when you need to ring your bank and let them know you are off on a holiday and not to freeze your card! Now you can simply log into your banking app and set a travel notification with the push of a button. So simple and straightforward…but if you forget to set the travel notice unfreezing can take up to 24hours, not to mention the cost of calling them from overseas! 😫

9. Always travel with a pen

This is so simple and seems trivial but if you are entering a country that requires immigration forms to be filled out before landing then you will know the awkward struggle of trying to find a pen/ borrowing a half-chewed one from a fellow traveller. Always pack a pen!

10. Hand sanitizer

Airports and planes are breeding grounds for germs, the high volume of people and rushed cleaning services to keep up with demand mean that cleaning standards might not be the highest – play it safe pack a hand sanitizer and spritz every hour or two to keep germ free when travelling. No one likes to be sick on holidays. 😷 

11. Wear warm clothes when traveling

We all see the people who arrive at the airport after a week of sun and sand still wearing their shorts and tank tops, well we can guarantee they will be the ones asking for the extra blankets on the flight. Plane temperatures, on average, are kept between 18°C and 24°C. That might sound warm but after sitting still for 30 mins it can get chilly quickly, so bring layers so you can wrap up.

12. Eat before you take off

Not a lot of people know that when flying your taste buds are dulled due to cabin pressure. As a result airline meals are usually loaded with extra salt and sugar to give the food some notable flavour. Both salt and sugar can worsen the effects of jetlag and also cause uncomfortable bloating. So beat the bloat and jetlag by eating before you take off.

The combination of dryness and low pressure reduces the sensitivity of your taste buds to sweet and salty foods by around 30%, according to a 2010 study conducted by Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics, commissioned by German airline Lufthansa

Got a travel tip worth sharing let us know

Travelling can be amazing when you are prepared and know how to work the system to your advantage. Hopefully, these tips will help you and make your next trip a little more stress-free. If you have any other tips that you think we should include, tweet us! 😊

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Dublin Airport Tips, Tricks and Hacks

This post (probably) contains affiliate links, including Amazon Associates links, and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking through one. This is at no extra cost to you and allows the site to keep running! Thanks for understanding.

Airports can be stressful at the best of times. However, we’ve put together all of our best Dublin Airport tips and tricks to make your airport experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

This is a guest post by the lovely Robin Toner who is a student and also works in Dublin Airport. Robin is travel crazy and always has a flight booked at any given time. She loves blue skies, architecture and all things Italy! You can follow her adventures on Instagram – @ca_bhfuilim .

As an avid adventurer and barista in one of Dublin Airport’s many shops, restaurants, cafes and bars, I have picked up tonnes of valuable tips that will change the way you approach flying.

Not only will these tips make your airport experience more seamless, but they can also save you money in the long run. Which means you’ll have more money for your next trip!

Dublin Airport – Everything You Need to Know For a Smooth Trip

Timing Tips

Firstly, let’s tackle the age-old question of ; ‘How long to leave before a flight’. Well, as an employee of the airport I am very familiar with how long it takes to whizz your way around Dublin Airport.

When it comes to security it can be difficult to tell exactly how long it will take, usually the wait time is shown on screens beforehand, but on average it takes less than 20 minutes total. However, at peak times be prepared for it to take up to 45 minutes.

Security in Terminal 1 (the best terminal) is normally busier than Terminal 2 as more flights depart from T1 than T2. So if you’re flying from T1 in peak season be prepared for those longer wait times at security.

Tara’s Top Tip – You can check the length of the wait for security live on the Dublin Airport website HERE .

From security in Terminal 1, the furthest gates are the 100 Gates (usually occupied by Ryanair) and take about 20 minutes to get to . Gates 200-220 take about 15 minutes to get to and finally the 300 gates take 5 minutes to get to .

* READ NOW – The BEST Ryanair tips and tricks *

In Terminal 2, the furthest gates from security (excluding flights that require USA border preclearance) are 330 and 300, both taking 10 to 15 minutes to get to. The 400 gates are a breeze away at 5 to 10 minutes away.

If you are flying to the USA from Dublin you will usually be departing from T2. Which means you will go through USA border preclearance in Dublin Airport before you get to your gate. This is very convenient but can be time consuming depending on the day.

There is another security check before USA border preclearance that usually takes less than 10 minutes. However, the queue for USA border preclearance can take up to 45 minutes on a bad day, or 5 minutes on a good day.

So, if you are flying to the USA it’s best to head straight to USA preclearance after making it through normal security in T2 just to be safe. There are food and drink options and places to pick up souvenirs after USA preclearance so you won’t be stuck.

All of the gate areas in Dublin airport have some form of coffee dock/stand, so if your rushing skip the heavily crowded restaurants/cafes of the main corridor and head for your gate . If the flight hasn’t boarded yet, take those extra few minutes to treat yourself to your favourite coffee or snack minus the long queues.

So overall, apart from flights to the USA, it should only take 40 minutes to navigate through any part of the airport, if you’re strategic and it’s not peak season.

However, flights tend to board 30 minutes or more prior to the departure time listed so make sure to pay attention to the boards and be at your gate on time. Don’t be that person who holds up your entire flight

**We here at Where Is Tara? are firm believers in giving yourself LOTS of time in the airport before a flight, so we always stick to the standard recommended times of 2 hrs for a European flight and 3hrs for a long haul flight. Though we do cut it a little closer on the European flights is we’re travelling hand luggage only and have checked in online.**

Food and Drink Hacks

When we think of airports, we all think of the extortionist prices (captive audience!). However, Dublin Airport does offer €1 water bottles on shelves near security. And now they are even trialing more environmentally friendly options like cartons of water .

But I noticed the wastage from constantly using plastic water bottles and wanted to reduce my personal plastic consumption. Thankfully Dublin Airport provides hydration stations across the airport, allowing people to refill bottles for free.

They can be spotted near restrooms or near gates, there is definitely one beside Boots in Terminal 1 and also at gate 304. So next time you’re heading through Dublin Airport make sure to bring your own refillable bottle. It will save you money and it’s better for the environment.

As a passenger, I was never satisfied with the food options available in Dublin Airport, let alone their prices! During my time as an employee, I have noticed and tried some very successful dining alternatives.

For starters (no pun intended), it is perfectly acceptable to bring a homemade meal in a lunchbox through the airport, as long as it doesn’t contain liquids. You can eat it at your leisure on the plane or as you wait at the gate. This will save you money and satisfy your taste buds.

Also, for snacking, bringing instant pot noodles are a great idea for any trip, most restaurants, cafes or on board cabin crew will give you some hot water for them.

Tara’s Tips – I always bring my own snacks from home in my carry on bag. If you are dining/drinking in the airport try the ones near your gate as the queues are normally much shorter than the places in the main concourse. You can see the full list of food and drink options at Dublin Airport HERE .

Security Advice

No matter how many times I have flown with cabin baggage, it always seems to cause a problem for me. From having to unload all my belongs in search of my liquids to having my whole life spill out when asked to open my bag for a random security check, I’ve been through it all.

Only after going through security every single day for work have I eventually figured out a solution. There is one simple packing tip that will make airport security a borderline stress-free scenario.

Put all your liquids in that small plastic bag and do not let it exceed one bag (rookie mistake). Then place that bag in your personal bag , i.e. your handbag or at the top of your backpack. Definitely do not put it in that carry on suitcase (unless there’s an easy access pocket on the front)!

This is how employees get through security in record times every day. Put your bag of liquids in the most easily accessible place possible. It also makes for speedy makeup or moisturiser application on the plane!

Tara’s Top Tips – Choose the queue with a majority of adults (if you have a choice), they’re usually quicker that families with small children (ruthless but true). Always be nice to the people at security and listen to what they’re saying, getting frustrated or angry won’t get you anywhere faster. Dublin Airport only makes you remove shoes if they’re clunky or have a heel at normal security, but all shoes have to be removed at USA preclearance security. Wear shoes that are easy to remove. Wait for the trays to stop moving before grabbing one from under the table. You shouldn’t be in that much of a rush. I always grab a few of the free liquids bags and shove them in my bag so that I have some for next time, or to put wet/smelly clothes in while I’m away haha.

General Dublin Airport Tips

Dublin Airport isn’t cruel when it comes to accommodating the needs of travellers. For example, to cater to the many business travellers it sees daily there are various sections of the airport equipped with desk seating areas including plug sockets and USB charging points.

There are also designated charging areas at a lot of the gate areas, though more so in the newer Terminal 2 than Terminal 1.

Take advantage of these to top your phone battery or to download that Netflix movie for your flight using Dublin Airport’s free Wi-Fi service (though that’s probably against the free Wi-Fi policy).

If you have a long lay over make sure to book yourself into one of the airport lounges with prices starting from €25 depending on the lounge. Lounges include free Wi-Fi, food and drinks and more. When you think about how much you’d spend just wandering around the airport, a lounge is definitely worth it.

Forgotten to send a postcard? No problem, post that postcard or letter using one of the green post boxes scattered across the terminals. 

The Loop Duty Free at Dublin Airport

There are so many services available in The Loop that people have no idea even exist.

Depending on your destination you can do “Shop & Collect” which means you can buy to your heart’s content in the airport without having to worry about carrying it around with you or whether or not your bag will still fit in the overhead locker. All your goodies will be right there waiting for you to collect in arrivals once you land safely back in Dublin.

You can every book in to have your make up done in MAC in Terminal 1 or T2. So if you’ve got an event, meeting or hot date at the other end of your flight, you’ll land looking stunning.

It costs €25, but that’s redeemable in products. So really, it’s free if you spend over €25. Call +35319446431 (T1) or +35319440754 ( T2) to make an appointment.

Got some time to kill? Head to Bobbi Brown for a few little lessons in “how to”. There are several options like “How to do the perfect smokey eye” and “How to do your brows”. You don’t need to make an appointment and it’s completely free of charge. Just pop in while you wait for your flight and learn something new.

Treat yourself to a free hand and arm massage at Jo Malone. You’ll be spelling stunning the whole way to your destination. To book an appointment call +35319446434 (T1) or +35319440411 (T2).

Maybe your hair got messed up during security and you need a bit of quick fix. Look no further than Aveda (my fav) in Terminal 1. They have 5 “Quick Fix” treatments available for all sorts of hair from frizzy to curly. And guess what, it’s COMPLIMENTARY. They even give you some lovely calming tea.

Of course, with the “walk up” services, you may have to wait or come back depending on if they’re treating a passenger already, how busy the airport is and what time of day it is. But it is certainly always worth asking!

Tara’s Top Tips – If the charging points near your gate are full and you have time check out the desks towards the end of the terminal or near a gate that doesn’t have a flight departing from it. There won’t be so much competition for space. Of course, bringing a portable charger would be optimal, but that doesn’t work for your laptop. Most airport free Wi-Fi will block you if you try to download a movie or any big file. I usually get around this by initiating the download on my data, then, once it starts I switch back to the free Wi-Fi and it doesn’t seem to flag it up then. *Ssshhh* Don’t tell them I told you!

If you are a fellow blogger or aspiring writer and would like to contribute a fabulous guest post or write for Where Is Tara? get in touch via the contact form HERE .

Recommended Reading – Why Airports Turn me into a Monster – The Worst Types of People When Flying – Long Haul Flight Tips and Tricks

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Fifty travel hacks: Conor Pope’s tips for saving time, money and effort when planning your next adventure

When it comes to going on holidays, smart planning can save you a fortune and make your holiday infinitely more pleasurable.

While the cost of summertime jollies is skyrocketing, there are still ways to shave a few bob off the price. Photograph: Richard Drury/Getty Images

We’re all going on our summer holidays – or at least we might be in the not too distant future if we’re lucky. While the cost of summertime jollies is skyrocketing, there are still ways to shave a few bob off the price. Here are just 50 of them, so please fasten your seat belts, ensure your tray is in the upright position and turn your phones to aeroplane mode.

1. Take a photo of your passport

As soon as you finish this article – but definitely not before – find your passport and take a photograph of it. Immediately email the picture to yourself. It might be a wasted two minutes but if your passport is ever lost or stolen, having the picture will save you time and maybe even cash because it makes getting emergency travel documents easier.

2. Sort your European Health Insurance Card

Sign up for a European Health Insurance Card (Ehic) today too – but again, only when you’re done with this article. Remember it must be renewed every five years so, if you last signed up pre-Covid, it’s probably due for renewal. It allows you to be treated like a citizen of whatever EU country you’re in if you need medical attention. It’s free, although some sites that appear prominently on search engines try to attach a fee to the application. Only apply through ehic.ie .

3. Create a special travel folder

Email all hotel and flight booking details and travel insurance documents to yourself as well. Create a special travel folder and put everything in that folder so you can handily access it from anywhere in the world.

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4. Don’t delay with travel insurance

You haven’t sorted your travel insurance yet? What are you waiting for? It doesn’t get cheaper closer to your holiday and, without wanting to be a downer, almost half the claims we make are filed before travel, with illness and death the most likely reasons for cancellations.

5. Airfares

When is the best time to get the best value on flights is an age-old question, with no resolution in sight. Generally speaking, prices depend on supply and demand and the more flights from different airlines there are to a particular airport, the lower the cost. Aside from that, the commonly accepted wisdom is that airfares climb incrementally as the date of departure comes close and booking a flight six to eight weeks before departure is the sweet spot.

6. Try out money-saving theories

There are other money-saving theories, mind you. There’s very specific speculation in the virtual world that airlines’ automated systems dump unsold seats on Wednesdays between midnight and 1am in the time zone of their home city. So if you’re flying to Thailand, say, start looking at 5pm Irish time on Tuesday evenings. We’ve no proof this is the case but it might be worth a look and you don’t have to stay up until ridiculous o’clock to check it out. Then there is the Cookie Monster theory, which suggests airlines track visits to their sites looking for flights to particular destinations. Using pesky computer cookies they gauge our interest, and jack up their prices if we seem overly keen. We’ve put this theory to airlines. who rubbish it, but if you’re unconvinced, you could clear your cookies and search for flights in incognito mode. It won’t do any harm.

7. Sign up for alerts

Sign up for alerts with flight aggregators such as Momondo or Sky Scanner if you have a destination in mind but no set dates. When flights fall to a certain level be ready to pounce.

8. Use fare finder tools

Ryanair has a handy fare finder tool if you’re agnostic about where to go. Click on the “plan” link on the top right of the home page and you’ll be brought to a page containing a link to its fare finder. Set the departure city – in our case Dublin – and the maximum you have to spend on a flight – in our case €20. It will throw up all the matches. When we tried it last week we were offered one-way flights to Girona, Carcassone, Ibiza, Mallorca and a whole lot more for less than that. It’s a wonder we’re still here to be honest.

9. Shop around

You’re not forced to fly with the same airline to and from your destination and it might be cheaper to go out with Aer Lingus and come home with Ryanair or vice versa.

When is the best time to get the best value on flights is an age-old question, with no resolution in sight. Photograph: Richard Drury/Getty Images

10. Try different airports

If you’re flying long-haul don’t confine your search to Irish and British airports. Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Helsinki often offer better value and are within striking distance of here.

11. Pay for extras early

Pay for extras when making the original booking. Adding other bits can come at a premium when done after the fact.

12. The day matters

The day of travel matters. We’re conditioned to fly at weekends for leisure and Mondays and Fridays for work. But the cheapest flights can be found on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

13. Midweek packages

Package holidays starting in the middle of the week cost less too, according to Which? Travel. If you can swing it, always go from a Wednesday or Thursday to Wednesday or Thursday.

14. Late-night flights

Now, this might not suit everyone but if you book outward flights for dawn and homeward flights last thing at night, you effectively get two more holiday days. It’s essential to do your homework – having easy access to summer clothes and swimming stuff and finding a place to store the bags is crucial if you don’t want to be in the heat of a European summer dressed for an Irish spring while squabbling over who minds the cases.

15. Avoid school holidays

Unless it is unavoidable, don’t travel during school holidays. A trip booked for May or September can cost 30 per cent less than the same one booked for high season in family-friendly locations.

16. And don’t forget school breaks abroad

Bear in mind children in other countries have holidays too, so don’t book when the young folk from elsewhere are off. English children have a half term starting on May 27th this year so expect a spike in prices that week. Their summer holidays don’t start until July 25th so Irish families should really look to get away before then. Germans have a 10-day break from May 21st with their summer holidays also starting on July 25th.

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17. Don’t be a slave to the savings mind

Put in the legwork and get prices from travel agents, booking platforms and hotels directly before handing over cash. It takes time but if you can save yourself even 10 per cent it amounts to hundreds of euro. Don’t be a slave to the savings mind. A package holiday booked through a bonded travel agency might cost a bit more (although that is not a given) but being able to pick up the phone and speak to a human being if things go wrong can be invaluable.

18. Consider all-inclusive

Upfront it’s dearer but in an era of spiralling inflation, booking and paying for an all-in deal in March could save you a few bob in September. And when it comes to all-inclusive, make sure there’s more than one restaurant and bar on the site, read the Tripadvisor reviews and look at dedicated all-inclusive rather than ones that mix and match as they’re better equipped.

Seriously. If you’ve kids from six months to 18, carry on camping. We’re not talking about an in-tents experience but something with air conditioning, dish washers and decks. The campsites of Europe are a joy for families and because you’re living your best outdoor life, self-catering is fun – and much cheaper.

20. Keep it local

Whether booking online or in-store or all-inclusive or camping, try to keep it local. Not only is supporting Irish businesses good for the local economy, you have more – and more easily enforceable – rights that way.

Whether booking online or in-store or all-inclusive or camping, try to keep it local. Photograph: Richard Drury/Getty Images

21. Next up is the car

If you’re going to hire one, hire it early and ask yourself if you need one. Car hire can be a habit but if you’re not going to use it much, maybe don’t bother. There is wikivoyage.com to tell you what you need to know about your destination’s transport options. Apps make ordering cabs anywhere in Europe pretty painless. Even if you spend €30 a day on them, it still works out cheaper than car hire. Not hiring a car could easily save you a grand over a two-week holiday.

22. Only drive when you need to

If you decide you need a car, do you need it for the whole trip? Consider renting one for only a portion of your break.

23. Airport car hire comes at a premium

And consider where you do the hiring. Obviously, we can see the appeal of getting a car at the airport, loading it up with your luggage and heading off. But airport car hire comes at a premium and if you can hire one away from the airport you might see the cost fall by about 20 per cent.

24. T&Cs

Take care with the T&Cs, and tot up how much extras – booster seats, additional drivers and the like – will cost and always Google the car hire companies you are considering to see how they rate when it comes to customer service. Two minutes research could save you endless heartache if it allows you to avoid a company with an appalling record.

25. Avoid full-to-empty fuel policies

Never go for companies with full-to-empty fuel policies. They’ll almost always charge more for fuel than garages and you won’t use the fuel you pay for. And don’t fill up on the last forecourt before the airport. They’re not mugs and you’ll pay a premium for not being more organised.

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26. Inform your bank

It seems ridiculous, but telling your bank you’re going away might stop them cancelling or putting a hold on your card if you have the temerity to use it in Torremolinos.

27. Pack less

Saving money on luggage starts before you pack a flip-flop. Always pack less than you think you’ll need and the old cliche about laying everything on the bed before taking only half of it works.

28. Roll those clothes

Whatever about the amount, you need to be a packing ninja. Rolling rather than folding clothes saves space. Start with the jeans and dresses and then T-shirts and tops. Squeeze underwear into the spaces and socks – if you can be bothered with them – go into shoes.

29. Cut back on the liquids

Carry as few liquids as possible and decant them into smaller plastic bottles. Contact lens cases are excellent liquid and cream holders and hold a surprising amount. If you don’t have contact lens cases, an optician will sell them for buttons (or give them to you for free).

30. Shop abroad

Buy bulkier, heavier items – towels, shower gels, sun creams – overseas. They’ll be cheaper than home too, saving you space and money.

31. Never go over your baggage allowance

Even a kilo more can cost you dearly. Excess baggage charges vary, but expect to pay more than €10 for each kilo over you go. Don’t waste money on special scales, just stand on a regular scales with and without the case and do the maths. If you’re a couple of kilos over, move the heaviest – non liquid – items into carry-on bags. If you have a neck pillow, consider abandoning its comforts and stuffing it with some of the contents of your suitcase. Unless you overstuff it, you should get it past the flight attendants. If you do stuff clothes into your pockets pay close attention to where your passport is. You don’t want to have a stress-induced turn trying to find it under the scowls of boarding crews as your knickers cascade all around you.

32. Pool allowances

Weight allowances are not always about individual suitcases. Ryanair passengers, for instance, can often pool or share baggage allowances. So if a reservation has two checked bags of 20kg, one of the bags could weigh 15kg and the other 25kg.

33. Know all the rules before you leave home

If you want to bring a 10kg bag on a short-haul Aer Lingus flight, you must book a “carry-on bag with priority boarding” at a cost of €9.99. But 10kg bags can be checked in for free. If you show up at the boarding gate with your bag without paying in advance, it will cost you €35 per person. Priority boarding with Ryanair plus two in-cabin bags costs between €6-€36 while checking it in can cost between €11.99-€29.99 per flight depending on the time and distance travelled. A 20kg bag with the same airline costs between €18.99-€59.99. Again, if you show up without having paid the fees, you will pay dearly for it.

34. Airport parking

If you’re driving to the airport – and you might be better off taking a cab – make sure you pay for your parking well in advance. It will make a massive difference to the final cost and you might find there are no spaces if you don’t.

Whatever about the amount, you need to be a packing ninja. Photograph: Richard Drury/Getty Images

35. ‘Fragile’ luggage

When checking in bags, ask to have them marked “fragile” even if they are not particularly fragile. The label goes some way to ensuring your bags are treated with a bit of tenderness, and fragile bags tend to be first on to the carousel.

36. Fast-track lanes and lounge access

Use fast-track lanes at airports at home and abroad and investigate lounge access. The former can take much of the stress out of the airport journey for less than €10 per person while the latter can make the experience beyond security nicer.

37. Currency exchange

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, never change money at an airport: you will be ripped off.

38. A bored traveller is the spendiest one

Airports are expert at parting you from your cash. We’re in good form and have a few bob. and we are bored and ripe for the picking. So before you buy that cologne, those sunglasses, the ridiculous shorts, the gizmo or the vodka, ask yourself if you need it and if it’s good value. The answer is almost always no. Bring reading material and download movies and television programmes and invest in things to keep you and yours entertained.

39. Time is money

The second you get off the plane in your destination start power walking. Time is money and every person you pass on the way to passport control knocks 30 seconds off your queue, more if they’re British (thank you Brexit). If you’re travelling as part of a family, once you’re through security designate one adult to get the bags and the other to race to the car hire place. You could add hours to your holiday – and to your life – by following this advice. You’re welcome.

40. Car insurance

When collecting your car you’ll be asked if you want extra insurance. It might suit but super collision damage waiver insurance can cost up to €30 a day. Instead, take out an annual policy at home with an Irish insurance company. Make sure you have enough on your credit card to stand a hefty deposit.

[  40 travel hacks to help you get the best and cheapest holidays  ]

41. Check any car you hire

Ask about breakdown procedures and put the emergency number into your phone. Check the clutch by putting the car into fourth gear and depressing, slowly releasing the clutch while stepping on the accelerator. If it releases fully without the vehicle stalling, there is a problem. Make sure it doesn’t become your problem by asking for a different car.

42. Save that data

Download Google maps covering wherever you are so you don’t have to use your data or even have an internet connection when navigating. Just click on the map covering the place you are going, type “okay map” into the search bar, press download and you are good to go.

43. Google Translate

Remember, Google Translate is your friend. We love how it allows you to photograph text in a different language so it can translate it. It might stop you ordering callos à la plancha in a Spanish restaurant.

44. Tickets for attractions

Buy tickets for the attractions you plan to see ahead of time. It may save you money but it will definitely save you time as you won’t have to queue. It is worth looking at the online prices even if you are in a queue, they are frequently cheaper.

A lovely lunch in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower might sound enticing but the food will be terrible and expensive. Photograph: Christian Kruemmel/iStock

45. Be careful where you eat

Don’t eat too close to the most famous tourist spots and never eat in a place with pictures of the food instead of words on the menu. A lovely lunch in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower or on La Rambla or beside the Spanish Steps might sound enticing but the food will be terrible and expensive. Have a drink maybe but save your big spending for places off the beaten track. Use your phone to find “places to eat near me” to make the best calls.

46. Plan in advance

Many cities offer free access to museums on certain days and after certain times. Don’t leave it to chance, and do your homework before you make your visiting plans.

47. Consider a local sim card

If you’re going abroad for a decent stretch and travelling outside of the EU, consider investing in a local sim card to save yourself the pain of roaming charges. And make sure to turn off your data and look for wifi hotspots instead.

48. Adaptors

If you are anything like this writer, you have a million or so adaptors at home. You only need one if you bring a multi-socket plug.

[  Tips for a stress-free family holiday: Write packing lists and don’t be afraid to do things separately  ]

49. Travel overnight

Overnight trains across Europe are a wonderfully exotic way to travel and it saves you the cost of a night’s accommodation. Overnight flights do the same thing although they don’t seem quite so exotic. Invest in things to make your trip more comfortable, including a decent set of ear plugs and an eye mask.

50. Returning the rental car

Return the car when the rental company is open and have it inspected carefully. If you do have to return the car outside working hours, be sure to take pictures and a video of it when it has been parked in the designated area. Mail the pictures to yourself. And remember to keep an eye on your credit card to ensure that no sneaky charges are added in the days and weeks after you get home. Then start saving for next year.

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I've visited 40 countries and these are my Irish travel hacks that help the planet

Irish travel lover Caitlin Welch uses clever tricks to reduce her carbon footprint

• 08:02, 22 SEP 2023

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A travel lover who has visited more than 40 countries uses “clever hacks” to reduce her carbon footprint.

Caitlin Weich (31) from Dublin, tries to avoid flights at all costs and has travelled more than 2,880km from Greece to the UK using only buses, trains and ferries — while her partner, Adam Boyle (28) has trekked all the way to Japan without boarding a single plane.

READ MORE - Culture Night 2023: Organisers and artists on their free events this Friday

To reduce their impact even further, the couple have devised a wide range of carbon-cutting techniques, including packing a “capsule wardrobe” — a small collection of clothes that can be combined into an outfit for any occasion.

Caitlin also travels with a pair of chopsticks and a spoon to avoid using disposable cutlery, as well as natural shampoo bars and toothpaste tablets, which are plastic-free.

The couple avoid hotels when possible and otherwise always leave the “Do not disturb” sign on their door as Caitlin points out “you wouldn’t change your sheets and towels every day at home”.

In 2019, she visited nine countries — Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, England and Ireland — with just one flight and a carry-on bag of under 10kg, as every extra item translates into more greenhouse gases being pumped into the atmosphere.

Caitlin says she is happy to snack on any scraps, whether it’s a “piece of naan bread with a side of smoothie” or “half a biscuit and a handful of nuts with some leftover stir fry”.

“The next time you go on a trip with your massive luggage, take note of what you actually wore,” she advised.

“Because the chances are you’re going to come home and half of the clothes in your bag will not have been worn, and you will have carried them halfway across the world and back for nothing.

“If you go through the list of things that you can change, one of the biggest is look at your international flights.”

Caitlin, who was born in Namibia, has been travelling since she was a little girl because of her parents’ jobs.

“From pretty much day one, I would be bundled up into the car and we would drive to see my grandparents in South Africa — that’s a long drive from Namibia,” she said.

But at the age of 15, she became aware of her carbon footprint after filling out an online carbon calculator and being shocked by the results.

“The biggest thing that was within my control and completely changed my carbon footprint was air travel,” she said.

“You look at how much carbon you produce in your day-to-day life and then add one international flight and it can double.”

Since then, Caitlin has been working out tactical ways of reducing her carbon footprint while travelling around the world.

To date, she has visited 42 countries across five continents and said that the first and most important change she made was swapping flying for ‘sail and rail’ whenever possible.

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How to Travel Hack: Travel Hacking 101

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read  full disclosure  for more information.

You might have heard of people “hacking” their way to free business-class flights or swanky hotel stays—and you might have thought it sounded too good to be true. But travel hacking is a legitimate (and fun) hobby that can save you serious money on everything from luxurious beach getaways to backcountry road trips. 

Travel hacking can seem daunting at first, but the good news is you can make it as simple or complex as you want. In this guide to travel hacking for beginners, we’ll cover the basics of how to travel hack your way to free trips.

Table of Contents

The Basics of Travel Hacking

There are two basic tenets to becoming a travel hacker. No matter how detailed you want to go, whether you just want to give it a whirl or you’re hoping to become a Jedi Grandmaster Yoda-level hacker, it all boils down to this:

• Earning the most points and miles possible, and
• Finding creative ways to redeem your points and miles to get the most value out of them.

FREE TRAVEL QUIZ

Step 1: Earning Points and Miles

The best place to get started travel hacking is learning how to maximize the points you earn. The faster you rack up points, the sooner you’ll have enough for your dream vacation. Here are some of the simplest ways to accrue points as you learn how to travel hack.

The obvious way to earn points and miles is by traveling. Airlines, hotels, and rental car companies all have membership programs to encourage you to stay loyal to them, so every time you fly or spend the night, you get points.

This doesn’t mean you need to go signing up for a hundred accounts as soon as you start travel hacking. But every time you fly a new airline or stay in a new hotel chain, be sure to join their program so you can score those points. This is an important lesson for travel hacking beginners: Never leave points on the table!

Feeling overwhelmed already? I was too, even when I used to only fly one airline—because I could never remember my login info. Once I started travel hacking and got a few frequent flyer numbers, I made a spreadsheet to keep track of my login info. It’s made the whole process so much easier.

Airlines and hotels often run promotions, like “Book a flight in the next two months and get 5,000 bonus points” or “Stay two nights and earn double points.” These can be very useful to travel hackers. 

You usually have to register for promotions, which just means clicking a button. It’s helpful to log in to your loyalty accounts every couple of months to register for any promotions that have popped up, in case you end up booking something in the near future.

Last February I booked seven nights at a Hyatt in Maui using points. It totally slipped my mind that I had already registered for their 2022 New Year promotion. After my trip, I was surprised to find 2,022 bonus points for every two nights deposited in my account, which amounted to over 6,000 free points—for a stay that didn’t cost me a penny.

Dining Portals

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be on the road (or in an airport) every weekend to score serious points and miles. That’s because there are lots of ways to earn points other than traveling. For instance, many major airlines and hotel chains have dining “portals,” where you can earn extra miles or points when you eat out. 

Not all restaurants are on the portal, but for the ones that are, you can usually earn a few points per dollar. All you have to do is make an account for free and add your credit card information to link your card. Then when you visit one of the restaurants on the list, be sure to pay with your linked card to earn points.

Keep in mind these points are separate from any travel points your credit card earns (we’ll get to those in a minute).

The best part of dining portals is their promotions. Most will have one when you first sign up—for instance, when you join Southwest’s Rapid Rewards dining program, you’ll get 500 bonus miles the first time you dine as long as it’s in the first 30 days. Besides earning some extra points, it’s a fun way to discover new restaurants in your area.

Shopping Portals

Most airlines also have online shopping portals, which work a little differently. Once you’ve set up your account with your frequent flyer number, you click through the portal’s link to the online store you want. Then when you make a purchase, you earn extra points.

The number of points per dollar varies depending on the retailer and the day. For instance, right now on United’s MileagePlus shopping portal, you can earn 1 mile per dollar at Groupon and 5 miles per dollar at Sephora. Petsmart usually earns .5 miles per dollar, but they recently had a special where it increased to 10. I was almost out of dog food anyway, so you can bet I stocked up.

Travel Credit Cards

I saved the best—and trickiest—for last. If you live in the US, credit cards are the biggest avenue to earning points when you become a travel hacker. 

But in order for them to be worthwhile, you have to use them wisely. This means following the two cardinal rules of travel cards:

• Thou shalt not carry a balance on thy credit cards. 
• Thou shalt not spend more than thy normally would just to earn points.

If you have or expect to have credit card debt, this particular travel hacking method isn’t for you (yet). This is because travel credit cards have sky-high interest rates, so whatever points you earn will be offset by the interest you end up paying. 

If you’re comfortable with using credit cards responsibly and paying your balance in full every month, you’re ready to learn how to travel hack with credit cards—so read on.

Choosing the Right Card

The good news is, there are so many travel cards out there nowadays, there’s bound to be at least one that’s a great fit for you. The bad news is, the options can be overwhelming at first. 

For travel hacking beginners, I always recommend starting with a long-term strategy in mind. Find a card that’s a good fit for your lifestyle (more on that in a minute), and that you’ll want to keep in your wallet for years to come. 

Advanced travel hackers are constantly adding new cards, and sometimes canceling old ones, and they might have as many as 30 cards at any given time. I’m not there yet—I have a grand total of five cards, and I started out with just one. 

Choose one or two cards that make sense for you in the long run. Look at cards’ benefits, which include:

• Bonus points on certain categories of purchases, such as groceries, dining, or drugstores.
• Free travel. For example, the Southwest Priority card provides $75 in statement credits on Southwest purchases per year, while the World of Hyatt card provides one free night at a Hyatt hotel per year.
• Travel perks. Many cards offer perks that make travel more comfortable, like elite status at a hotel chain or access to airport lounges. 
• Other perks. These are as varied as the credit cards that offer them, ranging from Peloton membership to statement credits on groceries. If you use them, these perks can save you some serious cash.

Don’t forget to look at cards’ annual fees, too. Many people shy away from cards with fees, but trust me: they can be worth it. Just be sure to weigh the fee against the perks and points to make sure it’s worth it for you.

When people ask me what the best travel card is, I say it depends. It’s all about finding the right fit for you when you start travel hacking. If you’re loyal to a particular airline or hotel chain, you should look into their cobranded credit card options. If not, there are plenty of great all-purpose cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One VentureOne.

My favorite resource for anyone who wants to learn how to travel hack is The Points Guy . They have a ton of information, including detailed reviews of pretty much every travel card on the market.

Scoring the Signup Bonus

Once you have an idea of the right card for you, the first thing to consider is its signup bonus. To try to win your business, credit card companies offer lucrative signup bonuses of tens of thousands of points. When redeemed for travel, these bonuses alone can be worth thousands of dollars.

But you have to make sure you can earn the signup bonus, which usually requires a certain amount of spending in a certain amount of time, such as $4,000 in the first three months. This might seem like a lot, but it’s attainable for most people with some planning.

Going back to the second cardinal rule, don’t buy something you don’t want just to get the signup bonus. However, if there’s a big purchase you’ve been considering, it’s a good idea to time your new credit card to coincide with it. I’ve timed past credit cards with booking big trips, buying new furniture, and even getting LASIK in order to put these high-dollar purchases toward the signup bonus. 

If you aren’t redecorating your home or getting eye surgery anytime soon, the holidays are a good time for many people to get a new card. Wait until you’ve got that card in hand before buying gifts for your whole family. 

If that’s still not enough to reach your signup bonus, there are more creative ways to “inflate” your spending. Ask family members if you can buy their new furniture/Xbox/plane tickets and have them pay you back. When you go out with friends, pay the tab with your new card and have everyone Venmo you.

Which Card to Use?

When you become a travel hacker, you learn the importance of staying organized. It’s essential to keep track of your credit card perks and points, especially once you have two or three cards in your wallet.

I have a spreadsheet summarizing each card’s point structure, so I know which card to use for which purchases. For instance:

• I use my Chase Sapphire Preferred at restaurants and to book flights and hotels, because it earns 3 points per dollar on dining and 2 on travel.
• I use my Chase Freedom Flex at drugstores, which earn 3 points per dollar.
• I use my Southwest Priority card on Southwest purchases, which earn 3 miles per dollar, and on cable and internet bills, which earn 2 per dollar.
• I use my World of Hyatt card for Hyatt purchases, which earn 4 Hyatt points per dollar, and for gym memberships, which earn 2 per dollar.
• For everything else I use my Capital One Venture One, which earns a flat rate of 1.25 points on all purchases.

The goal is to get as many points as possible on stuff you’d be buying anyway. Of course, you want to make sure the points are points you can actually use. For example, If you always stay in AirBnBs when you travel, it makes no sense to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on a cobranded Marriott card. 

If this sounds too complicated, I get it. I was overwhelmed at first, but after a while it started to make sense—and it started to be fun . You might hear some travel hackers referring to “the points and miles game,” because that’s what it feels like. It should be fun, so go as in-depth (or not) as you want.

Now that you know how to accrue points, the next step in learning how to travel hack is making the most out of them when you redeem them. We’ll cover this in the next blog post. Until then, happy earning!

Step 2: Redeeming Points and Miles

If the first step of learning how to travel hack is earning as many points and miles as possible, the second is redeeming them. There are as many ways to redeem points as there are to earn them, so we’ll start with the heavy hitters to kick off your travel hacking journey.

Credit Card Portals

Most travel card companies nowadays have their own travel “portal,” a website where you can book flights, hotels, rental cars, and more—and a place where you can spend the points you’ve earned on your card. 

Sometimes you can book travel on these portals and pay directly with your points; other times you’ll pay cash and then get reimbursed as a statement credit. Either way, it comes out to free travel!

Usually the rate is one point to one cent. So for instance, a $500 flight would cost 50,000 points, giving you a value of 1 cent per point. Sometimes it’s a little higher—like on the Chase portal, where you can redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points at a value of 1.25 cents per point, lowering the cost of your $500 flight to 40,000 points.

This is the easiest way to redeem your miles, but not the most valuable. Since the second step to becoming a travel hacker is getting the most value from your points, you want to aim for more than 1 cent per point. 

The Points Guy regularly updates their points and miles valuations , which you can use as benchmarks for your redemptions. For instance, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are currently valued at 2 cents per point. So most travel hackers would consider a “good” redemption one where you get at least 2 cents each out of your points.

However, as with credit cards, it all depends on what works for you. If you just want the simplest way to spend your points, there’s no shame in using the portal—and you’re still getting free travel that you otherwise would have to pay for. 

But if you’d like to go a little deeper into how to travel hack, here are some other ways to get even more value from your points.

Travel Partners

Generally the best, or most lucrative, way to spend your points is by transferring them to travel partners. This can send the value of your points skyrocketing—but it can also get complicated pretty fast. Let’s walk through the basics.

Credit card companies like Chase, Capital One, Amex, and Citi all have a roster of travel partners, including airlines, hotel chains, and sometimes rental car companies. This list varies from company to company, and new partners are added fairly often. You can transfer your credit card points to your membership account on one of these transfer partners. 

For example, since United is a transfer partner of Chase, you can go into the Chase website, type in your United frequent flyer number, and tell Chase to deposit some of your points into your United account. (Typically you must deposit them in increments of 1,000.) 

Then when you go into your United account, you’ll suddenly have miles—even if you’ve never flown United in your life. You can then use these points to pay for award flights on United.

Returning to our earlier example, the $500 flight we looked up on the Chase portal might only cost 20,000 United miles when booked through the United website. This comes out to an excellent value of 2.5 cents per point.

Transfer partners are a great way to use your points, but there are some things to consider. First of all, you’ll need to set up a loyalty account with the airline or hotel you want. You often need to do this just to search for award flight/night availability, so it’s helpful to set up those accounts early. 

Also, keep in mind that once you transfer credit card points to travel partners, you can’t transfer them back. Only transfer them once you know that partner has the flights/nights you want, and make your award booking immediately after transferring the points—because the price could change at any time.

I used this technique for my first big hack, when I was still a beginner to travel hacking. I had just gotten my Chase Sapphire Preferred card and earned a whopping 100,000 points for the signup bonus, plus a few thousand more from the first few months of spending. I found a Hyatt hotel in Maui that cost only 15,000 points per night when booked using Hyatt points. I had just enough Chase points to cover seven nights. 

I had never stayed at a Hyatt in my life. But I made a loyalty account, transferred 105,000 Chase points to Hyatt, and a few minutes later had booked a week in Maui entirely free of charge. To book this hotel in cash would have cost over $300 per night, plus taxes and fees (which Hyatt doesn’t charge on award stays). I ended up paying exactly zero and getting a value of 2.2 cents per point—not bad!

Free Travel or Better Travel?

If you ask the experts how to travel hack, the answers will be mixed because there are a couple of different approaches. One is to get as much free stuff as possible so you can stretch your dollars over more trips. 

Another is to use points and miles to elevate your travel experience. This means relaxing in airport lounges, getting more comfortable airplane seats, or enjoying the perks of elite status at hotels for much less than these things would normally cost.

When I was first learning how to travel hack, I was in the first camp. But I’ve recently started to understand why so many travel hackers are prioritizing travel luxury over savings when harnessing their points and miles.

On a recent trip to Paris, I wanted to pay for my and my partner’s flights with points. I had a stockpile of Capital One miles, and Air France is one of their travel partners. I found economy seats for around 60,000 Air France miles round-trip, for flights that normally would have cost upwards of $1200. This came out to a value of around 2 cents per point, compared to the valuation of 1.85 cents for Capital One miles.

With free plane tickets in hand, we’d cut the cost of our Paris trip down by over half. But when we checked in for our flight the night before, we started exploring seat upgrade options. We thought we might spend an extra $50 per person to get a little extra legroom. Then we saw that we could upgrade to business class—including lie-flat seats—for $400 per person. We’d never flown business class, and a business-class flight to Paris would normally cost over $3000, so we decided to splurge and try it. 

After sleeping through the overnight flight in the comfort of my own personal pod, complete with three-course meal and hot towels, I was hooked. Now I’m planning to learn how to travel hack not just for free trips, but to make my travel experiences more memorable.

Final Thoughts: How to Travel Hack

If you want to become a travel hacker, you can choose whatever style works for you. When you start travel hacking, think about your travel and financial goals and how you can use points and miles to achieve them. There’s no right or wrong. 

But I think I’ll add a third cardinal rule to my list: Travel hacking should be fun. Think of it as a game. You’re not competing with anyone else, just solving points and miles puzzles to go on whatever trip you want. 

Don’t stress about learning all the ins and outs of how to travel hack just yet. Start with a couple of small steps, and go from there. Explore some travel hacking blogs and sign up for their newsletters (I read the Points Guy’s religiously). Learn at your own pace, and soon you’ll be hacking your way to your dream vacation.

Want to keep reading? Check out these posts next:

• 12 Delicious Food Tours in Munich to Book
• 13 Mouth-Watering San Francisco Food Tours
• 11 Tasty Food Tours in Chicago, Illinois

Rachel Craft started traveling after being cooped up for a year during the pandemic, and now she’s hooked. She loves hiking, biking, snorkeling, and discovering vegan eats in the places she visits. When she’s not busy exploring, she writes fantasy and sci-fi stories for children and teens. You can learn more about her writing at www.racheldelaneycraft.com.

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Ireland Road Trip: A 1 Week Itinerary

By: Author Monica

Categories Ireland , Northern Ireland , UK

Road tripping around Ireland has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. It’s the combination between beautiful scenery, vibrant cities and quaint towns that captured my interest and I’ve longed to drive along the Wild Atlantic Way with my car windows down and the radio blasting out my favourite songs.

An Irish road trip was a dream I’d been putting off because I was a little worried it wouldn’t live up to my very high expectations. I’ve followed countless bloggers and Instagrammers as they’ve journeyed around the beautiful country. I’ve seen their epic photographs of jaw-dropping coastal views, colourful towns and old-fashioned pubs bustling with musicians and I was worried my own experience wouldn’t live up to the hype.

But you can all breathe a massive sign of relief because my Irish road trip was every bit as incredible as I’d hoped. Actually, it was even better than I’d hoped because I was blessed with glorious sunshine every day and I met some wonderful people along the way. (Phew, that would have been awkward if it wasn’t so great!)

I teamed up with Jurys Inn for my Irish road trip as I travelled from Belfast to Galway to Dublin to Cork. I stayed in their lovely city centre hotels at all four destinations and they were each a perfect base for my adventures.

Here’s the itinerary for my 1 week Irish road trip and below I’ve got lots of suggestions for things to see and do in each place and ideas on where to eat and drink.

Day 1 – Fly to Belfast

Pick up hire car at Belfast airport

Whole day in Belfast to explore

Day 2 – Morning in Belfast

Afternoon – drive to Galway

Late afternoon and evening to explore Galway

Day 3 – Drive along Wild Atlantic Way to Cliffs of Moher

Drive back to Galway for the night

Day 4 – Drive to Dublin

Late afternoon and evening to explore Dublin

Day 5 – Full day in Dublin

Day 6 – Drive to Cork

Full day to explore Cork

Day 7 – Morning in Cork

Drop car off at Cork Airport

Belfast is one of those cities that almost always takes visitors by surprise. It’s not that anyone expects not to enjoy the Northern Irish capital. It’s just that they don’t quite expect to fall in love with the place. But that’s exactly what happens when you experience the history, the food, the culture and most of all, the friendly welcome you’ll receive when you visit Belfast.

This was my third trip to Belfast which was a really lovely feeling because I finally feel like I know the city and know how to get around. It’s so nice being able to stroll along familiar roads and not have to keep checking Google Maps every 5 minutes!

Set along the banks of the River Lagan, Belfast was once a major port – where the Titanic was famously built – and the biggest producer of linen in the world. Since then, it’s experienced an incredible amount of change, including The Troubles, a devastating conflict that lasted for some 30 years.

But in spite of its past – or perhaps because of it – Belfast has transformed itself into a vibrant destination that tourists are flocking to, and for good reason. No matter what you come here for – the history, the food, or maybe just the craic – you’ll find it on the streets of Belfast.

My first activity in Belfast was a Black Taxi Tour. This is a tour of Belfast with a black cab driver but it’s not a whistle stop tour of the famous sights like you might imagine. This tour takes passengers around the city to tell the story of ‘The Troubles’ in Belfast. It’s an informative and unbiased account of what happened during the violence between Catholics and Protestants and it was incredible to hear about it from someone who was there and experienced it all. I was really surprised by how unbiased it was and my driver didn’t tell me he’s Catholic until the end of the tour. It was horrific to hear about some of the things that happened but the tour was actually quite entertaining. My driver was fun and energetic and his stories brought the city to life and helped me understand the history of Belfast in a way that no museum or book ever could.

After the 90 minute tour I stumbled out the back of the cab like I’d just watched a really intense film. It felt like I’d really been there as I listened to all the stories my driver told.

In need of some fresh air, I walked down to the Titanic Quarter to stroll along the waters edge and visit the Titanic Museum which quickly became one of my favourite museums. It starts like a regular museum, telling the history of Belfast and the building of the Titanic, but then you move along and there’s an electronic dark ride, you can explore the shipyard and go in a huge cinema room to see scuba divers exploring the wreck today. I’ve got to admit, I’m usually in and out of museums in 30 minutes but I stayed here for hours because there was so much to see.

I spent my evening around the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast where there are loads of really nice bars and restaurants and a very cool vibe for a night out.

Top 5 things to do in Belfast

Titanic Belfast Black Taxi Tour Crumlin Road Gaol Belfast City Hall St George’s Market

5 best places to eat and drink in Belfast

Crown Liquor Saloon The Perch Rooftop Bar Made in Belfast Harlem Muriel’s

Where to stay in Belfast

I stayed at  Jurys Inn Belfast  which has just had a £2 million refurb so everything was fresh and new including their DREAM beds which are just incredible. It was really modern and sleek but also cosy (the perfect combo for a hotel if you ask me) and it was really handy to have a Costa and a nice bar/restaurant downstairs. The location is perfect as you can walk everywhere you’d want to be and there’s also parking next to the hotel for anyone else who’s driving.

Galway was probably the biggest surprise for me during my Irish road trip because I absolutely fell in love with this beautiful little city. So many people take weekend trips to Dublin or Belfast but barely anyone I know has taken a weekend break to Galway and I don’t understand why!

Tucked away in a harbour along the west coast of Ireland, Galway is often considered to be a gateway to some of the country’s most stunning sights. But the city itself is worth exploring too, with its quaint cobbled streets and vibrant nightlife, not to mention its burgeoning food scene. In fact, it’s got so much to offer that it was recently named European Capital of Culture 2020! If I come back to Ireland for a short break, this is where I’m coming.

Perched on the mouth of the River Corrib, its location gives Galway city the air of a pretty fishing village. Tucked behind the colourful rows of waterside homes and shopfronts, however, is a tangle of buzzy, colourful streets, world-famous live music, fascinating history and a whole lot of fun.

You may be happy to spend your time wandering the streets of Galway and exploring the busy pub culture, but there’s plenty to see and do just a stone’s throw away, including beaches, scenic walks and of course, the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher.

Visiting the Cliffs of Moher and driving along the stunning Wild Atlantic Way was definitely the highlight of my trip. The drive to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway will take less than two hours but I recommend giving yourself all day. The roads leading there are so beautiful you’ll want to make plenty of stops. There are also a lot of places to eat and drink along the way so make a full day of it and enjoy the views. When you arrive at the Cliffs of Moher you can walk for miles in both directions so get away from the tourists who will crowd near the visitor centre and make your way to a less crowded spot. I took the path to the right and walked for about an hour.

Top 5 things to do in Galway

Live Music at the Roisin Dubh Salthill Beach promenade Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop Spanish Arch Cliffs of Moher

5 best places to eat and drink in Galway

Pullman Restaurant Dough Bros Fish & Chips at McDonagh’s Tigh Neachtain Kai

Where to stay in Galway

I stayed at   Jurys Inn Galway , another gem of a hotel that couldn’t possibly have a better location. It’s on the corner of the historic city centre so if you walk in one direction you’re just steps away from the bustling streets, but if you walk in the other direction you’re at Galway Bay where the tranquil water will make you feel a long way from the city! There’s also a scenic beer garden alongside the River Corrib. Again, there’s parking just next door but I’ve got to warn you that the carpark is pretty tight so if you’ve got a big car you might prefer to park across the road.

It’s fair to say that the city of Dublin needs no introduction. The Irish capital is famous for a number of things, including its bars, its beauty and even its books. Although many visitors pop to Dublin for a quick weekend break, or on their way to other destinations around the country, it’s one of those cities where the more you get to know it, the deeper you fall in love with it. This was my fourth trip to Dublin so it’s fair to say I’m totally in love!

From memorable nights in Temple Bar to browsing a Harry Potter-esque library, or taking in the stunning views stretching along the banks of the River Liffey, it’s impossible to get bored in this cosmopolitan (yet staunchly Irish) city.

Even if you’re more of a nature-lover than a city seeker, Dublin has plenty for outdoorsy types to enjoy, too. There are rambling parks, rocky coves and sandy beaches, hiking trails and adventure to be found everywhere, if you know where to look for it!

I did something a little different during this trip to Dublin and I took a Ghost Bus Tour! Queueing up at 9pm to board the bus and I felt like I was stepping on to Harry Potter’s Knight Bus. I’m not going to lie, I was actually pretty terrified to be boarding this bus alone but, thankfully, I found a girl roughly my age who was travelling with her parents so I stuck to them during the scary parts! The tour is somewhere between a fun, immersive and theatrical show that tells you a little about the horrors, ghosts and ghouls of Dublin. It’s also really informative too as the bus takes you to some creepy locations around the city and you’re scared silly in a cemetery! This was a fun way to learn about Dublin’s history and it’s a great night out if you’re looking for a booze-free evening.

The following morning I visited Trinity College to live out more of my Harry Potter dreams. This really is like walking into a Harry Potter set, especially when visiting the Book of Kells.

Top 5 things to do in Dublin

Guinness Storehouse Jameson Distillery Dublin Ghost Bus Tour Trinity College Live Music at The Brazen Head

5 best places to eat and drink in Dublin

The Liquor Rooms The Temple Bar Bunsen Burgers Brother Hubbard Taco Taco

Where to stay in Dublin

I stayed at   Jurys Inn Dublin Parnell Street   and the highlights were once again the incredible DREAM beds and the perfect location. All of the breakfasts I had at the hotels were great but this one was particularly notable! I had smoothies, fresh fruit salads, bagels with cream cheese, fresh pastries and a hearty fry-up too. What a way to start the day. I also had an upgraded room in Dublin and I had some extra little treats like chocolates and a Nespresso machine and a slightly more luxurious room.

In Ireland’s south east, on the River Lee, lies the city of Cork, home to one of the largest natural harbours in the world, and known by many as The Rebel City. This fierce independence is clear to anyone who visits, as Cork has its own distinctive – and lovable – personality. The first thing I noticed when I arrived in Cork was the colour. I think it might be the most colourful city I’ve ever visited.

This university city is as energetic as it is picturesque, boasting a rich history that melds effortlessly with the modern city Cork has become. Brightly coloured terraced houses sit alongside ancient cathedrals, pretty waterways butt up against city streets, and the natural beauty of the region can be enjoyed without having to go far at all.

It may be smaller than Dublin, and a little further afield, but make no mistake: Cork is every bit as fun to explore as the country’s capital! I loved exploring Cork city centre but I also really recommend driving to the nearby town of Cobh, a pretty island town where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Top 5 things to do in Cork

Ring the Shandon Bells Rising Sons Brewery English Market Spike Island Blarney Castle

5 best places to eat and drink in Cork

The Franciscan Well Cafe Paradiso KC & Son & Sons Cork Coffee Roasters Liberty Grill

Where to stay in Cork

I stayed at  Jurys Inn Cork   and I had a beautiful room overlooking the river. The people I met everywhere I went in Ireland were all so lovely and friendly and fun but I have to say that the people in Cork were exceptionally lovely, especially the staff at the hotel. I felt so welcome and at home that I didn’t want to leave!

As you can see, I did a lot during my 1 week Irish road trip! I cannot recommend this itinerary enough as I saw so many highlights and had a really lovely balance between cities, towns and the great outdoors. Road tripping was the perfect way to see Ireland. Driving in Ireland is really easy as the roads are pretty quiet and the cities aren’t too big to drive through so I definitely think this is the best way to explore.

Staying at Jurys Inn hotels was the perfect option for me. The city centre locations meant I was at the centre of the action and I didn’t need to spend any time trying to negotiate public transport. I loved the friendly staff, epic breakfasts, modern but cosy rooms and those DREAM beds were the best. It was also a massive bonus that every hotel had fast, reliable and free wifi throughout the hotel and they all had stylish bars and restaurants too. It was my first time staying with Jurys Inn but I’m sure it won’t be the last. If you’re the kind of traveller who doesn’t want a 5* hotel because you will spend most of your time out and about exploring the city, but you still want somewhere comfortable, reliable and perfectly located then I highly recommend Jurys Inn.

If you’re planning an Irish Road Trip and have any questions, please do get in touch via the comments below. Pin this for later! ->

Friday 16th of August 2019

This itinerary is perfect! Just curious was it super expensive for you to rent a car in Belfast and return in cork? If so what car service did you use?

TheTravelHack

Sunday 18th of August 2019

It was VERY VERY expensive! I hired it through one of the top car hire agencies, I think it was Europcar. If I were to do it again I'd probably take the ferry over and take my own car, it would have been a lot cheaper.

Wednesday 19th of December 2018

I had 3 days to spend in Northern Ireland during march and loved it, Belfast was really unexpectedly nice and the Giant's causeway in Bushmill just breathtaking. I'll go back for sure ro visit some more!

The Travel Blogger's Guide to Ireland | The Travel Hack

Tuesday 26th of June 2018

[…] visiting Ireland recently, I wrote about my 1 week road trip itinerary for Ireland and 50 of my favourite things to do in Dublin but I wanted to pull together a travel […]

Wednesday 20th of June 2018

I would love to replicate this trip! The perfect mix of vibrant cities and beautiful coastline. Pics are amazing!

Rissa Thomas

Tuesday 19th of June 2018

I loved road tripping around Ireland! I too unexpectedly fell in love with Galway. <3 Hopefully I'll make it back there soon.

Dublin location ranked one of the world’s best ‘hidden gems’ by travelers

According to a new study, ireland is one of the top three countries in the world with the most highly acclaimed but lesser known tourist destinations..

Drimnagh Castle has been revealed as Dublin's top ‘hidden gem’ location according to a new study.

Research conducted by Tour Operator Software Provider Bókun (part of the Tripadvisor family)  has uncovered local ‘hidden gem’ locations around the world, according to tourists.

Bókun examined over 1,000 local destinations using Tripadvisor reviews containing the phrase "hidden gem." Their analysis revealed the best places to travel worldwide, according to real consumers. 

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Ireland was one of the top three countries with the world's most "hidden gems." The Emerald Isle ranked the third most likely place to spot a "hidden gem" location worldwide, claiming 6% of the total wonders. Taking first place was England with 33% of total wonders, closely followed by the United States of America in second place with 31%.

Dublin, Ireland's capital, made a remarkable impression on tourists, with a total of nine destinations appearing on the global list of "hidden gem" spots. From the nine that made it to the list, Drimnagh Castle emerged as the front-runner. Claiming the top spot in both Dublin and Ireland overall, 19% of all reviews called the historical site a ‘hidden gem’ location. 

Among the nine acknowledged spots in Dublin were Casino Marino, Marsh’s Library , Dublin City Gallery , and Richmond Barracks. This recognition shines a spotlight on Dublin as a city with huge cultural significance, placing it amongst some very esteemed wonders worldwide.

And following behind Drimnagh Castle in second place in Ireland overall was Kilfane Waterfall and Glen in Co. Kilkenny , with 19% of reviews overall mentioning its noteworthiness. Ireland's third-best hidden gem was the National Botanic Gardens in Kilmacurragh (14%).

Read below for the top hidden gems in both Dublin and Ireland overall.

Hidden Gems in Dublin:

• Drimnagh Castle
• Casino Marino
• Marsh's Library
• Richmond Barracks
• St. Audoen's Church
• Chester Beatty
• Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane
• 14 Henrietta Street
• The Little Museum of Dublin

Top 10 Hidden Gems in Ireland

• Kilfane Waterfall and Glen
• National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh
• Dooks Golf Club
• Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre
• Victor's Way
• Old Irish Ways
• Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens

For more information on Bókun's study of "hidden gems" worldwide, click here .

Are you planning a vacation in Ireland? Looking for advice or want to share some great memories? Join our Irish travel Facebook group.

Related: Dublin , Ireland's Travel Secrets , Castles in Ireland

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NYC Saint Patrick's Day Parade announces line of march ahead of March 16

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Sober St. Patrick’s Day to “reclaim the day” today in NYC

“Walking in the footsteps” of your Irish ancestors

GOBankingRates

11 Travel Hacks To Avoid in 2024

Posted: February 26, 2024 | Last updated: February 26, 2024

When it comes to traveling, frequent and casual travelers alike often look for ways to save money and time, or make the trip the best it can be. Common travel hacks include searching for flights in incognito tabs, traveling during the off-season, and using hotel booking sites to score the cheapest accommodations.

Read Next: Dave Ramsey: 7 Vacation Splurges That Are a Waste of Money Learn More: 6 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money

While some of these travel hacks have served people well over the years, many of them either don't work anymore or don't work like they used to. Sometimes, these so-called travel hacks end up costing more money in the long run -- or they detract from the entire experience.

Before you book your next trip, here are 11 travel hacks to avoid in 2024, according to experts .

Hidden City Ticketing, aka Skiplagging

"Booking a flight with a layover at your actual destination, and then skipping the connecting flight will backfire because the airline will cancel the remaining parts of your ticket, leaving you stranded or facing additional fees," said Kat Fleishman , a luxury travel expert and CEO of Do-Tell PR .

This so-called travel hack referred to as "skiplagging" might seem more cost effective than booking a direct flight. However, you won't be able to check any bags if you do this. It's also technically legal, but could result in lost miles or lifetime bans from that specific airline.

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Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief.

Buying a Cheap Flight Over a Pricier Train Ticket

You might save money by purchasing a cheap airplane ticket over a train ticket, but money isn't everything when it comes to traveling.

"Some train journeys may cost more than a cheap flight but the beauty of a train ride is the greater flexibility from the booking system to being able to jump off at a certain point in the journey -- much less stressful and also enjoyable," said Jessica Dante , a leading travel expert at Love and London. "Boarding is much also less hassle, there are no luggage restrictions and inevitably more leg room."

Plus, you could save money -- or at least break even -- by taking a train over a flight. Luggage fees can add up when you fly, and many airports are located far from the city center, which means you'll need to spend more money on a taxi or public transport to reach your destination.

Explore More: I'm a Luxury Travel Agent: 10 Destinations My Wealthy Clients Are Booking for 2024

Exchanging Money at the Airport

"Using currency exchange services at airports or hotels can be convenient, but they charge higher and hidden fees with really bad exchange rates compared to local banks or ATMs," said Fleishman. "It's better to withdraw local currency from ATMs or exchange money at local banks."

Traveling Only During the Off-Season

Off-season travel is often less expensive than any other time, but not always.

"There has been a lot of talk around the benefits of off-season travel recently, which presents this as a travel hack for getting the best prices. In some cases, visiting during these quieter periods can offer a unique and more affordable experience. However, sometimes, they are just less popular times to visit for a reason," said Jan Luescher, CEO of luxury travel social network, ASmallWorld .

"Visiting certain destinations during their quieter periods significantly limits what you can do there and causes you to miss out on some of the best things to do and see because they are not open or safe to visit at this time," she continued.

If you miss something you really wanted to do, it might require a second trip to the same place. Or you might not enjoy yourself quite as much as you'd hoped.

Booking Non-Refundable Accommodations Early

"While early bookings can secure lower rates, committing to non-refundable accommodations too far in advance puts a damper on flexibility," said Fleishman. "Plans can change, and unforeseen circumstances always arise, leading to potential financial loss. Always better to book a hotel with a flexible cancellation policy if you are booking in advance."

Be Aware: 9 American Travel Brands to Stay Away From

Buying Cheap Airline Tickets but Ignoring Layover Times

"Traveling further afield often means catching a connecting flight and a common hack or tip for planning an indirect journey is checking the layover time to ensure it gives you enough time to disembark one flight and get onto the next," said Luescher.

But even if you account for the layover time, you might be forgetting a very important detail: The size and layout of the connecting airport.

"It's easy to get lulled in a false sense of security that because these connecting flights are available to buy, the layover time must be fine," Luescher continued. "However, each airport and airline can have very different rules for connecting travelers that require you to set aside different lengths of time."

Most international airports, for instance, have additional security checkpoints or requirements. You might even have to claim and recheck your luggage during the layover, depending on your destination. This can cut into your layover time quite a bit.

Some airports are also massive, so it could take you even more time to get to your gate. If you don't account for all of these factors, you could end up missing your flight -- and having to buy a new ticket.

On the flipside, if your layover time is substantial, you could end up wasting valuable time that cuts into your trip.

Getting Bulk Airline Miles

Airline miles, or frequent flyer points, rack up for frequent travelers. When you have enough of them, you can redeem them for discounted future flights, rental cars, accommodations and more.

But don't buy them in bulk to try to get more points quickly.

"Buying airline miles or loyalty points at a discounted rate is not OK by the airlines and there's a risk of having your account suspended or worse," said Fleishman.

Searching for Flights in Incognito Tabs

"A common travel tip people have been following for years is that you should search for flights in private Incognito mode and clear your browser cookies to see the lowest fares," said Mercedes Zach, travel expert at ASAP Tickets , part of Trevolution Group.

"This approach comes from the belief that airlines are using browser cookies to track your searches and will show you higher prices if you do several searches for a particular destination within a short period of time," Zach continued. "In reality, airfare pricing is dynamic and constantly fluctuates and Incognito mode has no impact on it."

Just because a price drops for a specific flight doesn't mean it's because of the way you searched for it. If you want to get the best fares, set up alerts on Google Flights or a similar platform.

Discover More: 7 Cheap, Beautiful Places for a Winter Vacation

Using Free Wi-Fi

There are lots of hidden fees when it comes to traveling, so you might be tempted to find even small ways to save money. One such way is to use free Wi-Fi, but there are many scams that can end up costing you.

"Beware of hackers who set up fake Wi-Fi networks with names similar to legitimate hotel networks to trick travelers into connecting," said Fleishman. "Using unsecured networks can expose personal information. It's safer to use a hotel's official Wi-Fi or a virtual private network (VPN) for added security."

Booking Flights on Tuesdays

If you've been booking flights on Tuesdays in the hopes of saving money, chances are it isn't actually working.

"I have been with a flight booking agency for several years now and I cannot say for sure that Tuesdays are cheaper than other days. Flight fares are dynamic and constantly fluctuate," said Shreya Patel, marketing manager at Lowest Flight Fares . "A flight from Austin to Boston may cost you around $114 on a Tuesday and $89 on a Saturday."

Instead of booking flights based on the day of the week, compare different options around the time when you want to travel. Patel also suggested booking between 21 and 115 days before your trip for the best prices.

Dressing Nicely To Get Upgrades

Some travelers swear by this travel hack, but there's not much proof that it actually works.

"What you are wearing at the check-in counter has no influence on the agent. Moreover, the airline already decides where its passengers are going to sit before they even leave the house," said Patel.

"For example, British Airways' check-in automatically upgrades passengers if it is required, based on the ticket cost, frequent flyer status, whom you are traveling with or if you have any special needs," Patel said. "The agents on the ground can no longer upgrade you."

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Wealthy Affiliate

Does Google Hate Your Website? Create THIS Type of Content

Has organic search dropkicked you in the Googles?

Has your Google Search Console graph flatlined since March 5th?

Has the “sitewide classifier” from the Helpful Content Updates of August 2022, December 2022, and September 2023 obliterated 70-90% of your Google traffic (and INCOME)?

Has everything you’ve written in the last 7 months not seen the light of Google Day, but is absolutely smashing it on Bing?

If so, create content like this.

The “I’ll Try That” Method of Content Creation

I completely understand that if you’re currently in one of the situations I’ve mentioned in the introduction, life currently feels like a real struggle.

In fact, how many of you simply can’t face the thought of producing any more content?

I know it’s tough.

Plus, is it even worth doing keyword research at the moment?

Sure, most keyword tools will have keyword difficulty or SEO metrics, but currently, these mean nothing.

As an example, Reddit, Quora, and forums were always viewed as “weak sites” in any type of keyword research method.

If you found these types of sites ranking on page one for a selected keyword, you immediately produced some content (written, visual, audio) because YOU KNEW you were going to rank.

However, in the last 7 months these “weak sites” now COMPLETELY OWN organic search, i.e. they have become “strong sites”, and are therefore CURRENTLY very difficult to outrank.

Will all keyword tools have caught onto this trend yet?

Probably not!!

I guarantee that ANY keyword you look at now will have User Generated Content ranking on page one, and for the moment, that UGC is going NOWHERE.

However, you can’t stand still and do nothing.

So, how about doing this for your content production over the next 4 weeks AT LEAST (it can be a permanent feature)...

And it will be FUN, certainly something that will get you EXCITED about producing content.

A great example of what I’m going to show in the Make Money Online niche is YouTuber, Alston Godbolt, and his “I Tried That”.

What Alston does is scout the internet for “Make Money Online” opportunities, usually dodgy YouTube videos, LOL, he then follows them to the tee and reports on his findings.

In fact, even ahrefs, Sam Oh, recently did this too on their YouTube channel.

Okay, the best place to start this is by using TikTok for research.

Your search string should be something like

Funny (your niche) Hacks

Weird (your niche) Hacks

Strange (your niche) Hacks

The aim is to find strange tips and tricks in your niche and then TRY THEM OUT YOURSELF and create content around YOUR EFFORTS & FINDINGS!!

So, you are USING OTHER PEOPLE’S CONTENT to help you create UNIQUE & ORIGINAL content.

Admittedly, for certain niches, hhmmmm… off the top of my head, SEO and Travel, there will be a time element to some of your hacks.

What I mean is if you’re doing an SEO hack, depending on the age and authority of your website it could take anywhere from 2 weeks to 12 months to see results.

So, as an example, you could find an SEO hack/tip such as this (and this is a REAL “Partha Potion” SEO hack btw… YES MINE!!! Hahahaha!!!)

Go to Google search, type in Moz DA Checker and then click through to the site.

Put your website url in the dedicated place and press enter.

Scroll down to the TOP 5 pages and their PR (Page Ranking).

This lists the 5 MOST AUTHORATITIVE posts or pages on your ENTIRE website.

These articles have “page authority”, they are the most "authoratitive" articles on your website in the search engine's eyes.

Guess what, IDEAL FOR INTERNAL LINKS to provide other posts and pages with a quick SEO boost.

Aim to have a maximum of 2-3 internal links going FROM each of your “TOP 5 most authoritative posts and pages”.

Next, identify at least 5 articles of yours that are ranking for their primary keyword between positions 5-12 on Google.

Then add at least two internal links FROM your TOP 5 MOST AUTHORATITIVE POSTS OR PAGES to those articles ranking position 5-12.

Wait 2-4 weeks.

So, as an example, creating content around the above, you would list the method, who and where “introduced you to the method”, proof that you’re doing it (screenshots), and then your results.

Obviously, with the above SEO tip, it’s going to take a few weeks to see any results, if any.

But, this is a great way to create intrigue, and to keep sharing progress on social media, e.g. “Day 3 since I created internal links from THIS SEO HACK (link to your article), still NO results. Will it work? Who knows, more updates tomorrow.”

Here’s a TikTok Travel hack, which again will take a while to come to fruition, but you can “try and report your findings”.

So, this guy has mentioned that a round-trip from the United States to most places in Europe in fairly expensive.

Most places cost around $800-$1,200 to get to.

However, what he discovered (and ANYONE living in Europe who knows about EasyJet and Ryan Air will know about this) was that he could travel from the States to Dublin in Ireland for $490.

This is one of the closest European cities to the United States (one of the most western parts of Europe).

Now, going back to what I said above about EasyJet and Ryan Air, you can literally travel ANYWHERE in Europe for UNDER $100.

So, for this hack above, the guy wanted to travel from New York to Vienna.

The price was $852 dollars.

However, to travel from New York to Dublin was $490, and to travel from Dublin to Vienna was $70, so a total of $560.

He just saved himself $300.

Again, this is a “hack” that requires “time” to come to fruition (although you can simply use Google Flight information, take screenshots, and show “proof of savings” to various European destinations)..

However, for EVERY NICHE you can find “immediate hacks” and try them for yourself.

Errrm, how many of you have cooking and recipe blogs?

Go to TikTok, choose something in your niche, and use the search strings I've mentioned.

Weird Beef Cooking Hacks

Strange Tomato Sauce Cooking Hacks

Funny Egg Peeling Hacks

Or even just

Strange Cooking Hacks

You can then write a blog post (or create a video).

Your title will need to be keyword optimized and slightly “clickbaity”...

“I Tried This Hilarious TikTok Egg Peeling Hack - It’s No Yolk!”

You write where and who introduced you to the hack (screenshots and links + if you use the same channel for lots of different hacks, reach out to that person, and let them know that you are going to try all their hacks and report their findings in blog format, You might get some backlinks and traffic from them).

Explain how the hack works.

Take photos on your phone of you doing it or screenshots on your computer.

Provide your results.

In your conclusion, state whether the “hack” works and whether you’d recommend it.

This can be applied to EVERY NICHE.

How many funny dog training hacks are there?

Home DIY hacks that you’ve never thought of?

Back to travel, what hacks are people using for additional luggage, packing their suitcases, carry-ons, etc?

Weight Loss Hacks

Muscle-Building Hacks

Beauty Hacks.

Get More SPECIFIC in your searches

Funny Eyebrow Plucking Hacks

Weird Fish Grilling Hacks (apparently brushing fish on both sides with mayonnaise works!)

Funny WordPress Plugin Hacks

Strange Google Search Console Hacks

The aim here is to find “out-of-the-box” tips, tricks and hacks, try them yourself, and the report your findings.

You can research on ANY platform that allows for short-form video.

TikTok will always be the best place to start, as this is what the platform is famous for, weird and wonderful short-form videos.

But YouTube shorts, Instagram, Pinterest will work too.

Remember, “original and unique” is really about the concepts that you discuss in your content, and not the actual words you say or write.

You can certainly takes someone else’s “weird” idea, TRY IT FOR YOURSELF, and then produce content on your findings and results.

THIS WILL BE ORIGINAL & UNIQUE CONTENT.

And one of the best things about this - You will be doing REAL research and you’ll probably learn a thing or two.

Right, I’m off to try an Exercise Tiktok hack.

Train just the left-hand side of your body today and the right-hand side of your body tomorrow.

Can’t wait to see how that works out of the treadmill…

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Thank You For Reading

Recent Comments

New message...

For those of you getting "no data" from checking Moz, here's my reply to someone else "For those getting the "no data", it could be the age of the website (especially if under about 8-9 months), articles being deindexed, so there really is "no data", or simply because of the current core update, they are only ranking for a handful of keywords (which is about 70%-80% of the internet during the Core update). This is a total guess, but perhaps Google has put a "sitewide classifier" on all low authority websites THROUGHOUT the Core update (most small site owners can't afford the $150million to sue Google, LOL, so there's nothing you can do), and then this will be removed at the end of the core update, which may mean that many low authority sites see a boost in rankings and traffic when this is finally over... no guarantees, but we can all hope. Anyway, this would explain "no data" in MOZ."

Thanks for clarifying! :)

In my case, the site is around 6 years old, and even so! Never black, and almost no grey, hat. From the start focused on helpful posts so... I must admit tragedy about sites is on my list at the moment!

Great idea, Partha! But you didn't mention the guitar niche. 🤷‍♂️ 🧐 I wish I still had that piece of crap reel-to-reel tape recorder my uncle gave me in the early 1970s. It had a faulty circuit board that would fail intermittently and make a "gasping" sound during playback. My drummer described it as the sound of an alien creature that crashed on Earth and couldn't breathe our atmosphere. Lol. Still, the band used it to record our sessions so we could critique the performance. Eventually, it failed completely and made a loud "siren-like" sound through its little 3-inch speaker. We were learning to play songs from the second Black Sabbath album, and wouldn't you know it, the tape recorder malfunction just nailed the air raid siren sound at the beginning of the song "War Pigs!" 😃 I hardwired a foot switch into the tape recorder in true "hack" fashion, and we used it on the opening of that song until it blew out one of the 12-inch speakers in my Fender Twin Reverb amp. Hahaha I still have that very amp in my music room. It's probably worth about $1,500 US, even with the replacement speaker. BTW, although this doesn't exactly pertain to the workflow of your hack, we routinely use a split-belt treadmill for physical rehabilitation of hemiparetic patients status post middle cerebral artery CVA affecting the strength and mobility of their contralateral leg: https://youtu.be/-g9O2ed4EIo Rock On! 🤘 Frank 🎸

Hello Partha Thank you for this great blog post. I really like your idea and I have been getting more traffic from Bing lately to but not much from Google. I think everyone needs a Partha Potion right now. Well I know I do hahaha. I'm going explore your idea about the I Tried That method for my niche is the technology niche and I will see what I can come up with. I will be interested to see how this turns out. Tik Tok is a goldmine for ideas and traffic. I never about putting mayonnaise on fish. It is certainly a very interesting concept. Thank you again for this great blog post. All the best to your success. Regards Timothy

unfortunately in my niche, all those dollhouse hacks would take me forever to recreate, while I already have so many video ideas to do already hahaha! But looking at Moz for my own site, confirms again that I need to focus on making minis from everyday items or trash anyway and just go on with Youtube and other (video) platforms, and embed them somehow on blog posts, so that's good to get confirmation :-) As per coïncedince yesterday, I was checking out a competitor niche site on Moz , and I saw some peculiar keywords though that she ranked for, that I would have never thought about creating a blog post about or that people would ask that question on Google. So I'll definitely do that more! thanks! Lizzy

Great stuff Partha, thank you - again! 2 weeks ago my blog stats crashed, flat-lined. It was a faint, puke or die couple of days. I shrugged it off and kept writing - and suddenly the stats shot up to higher than before the crash. I'm going to try it! Your approach as mentioned above. Cheers.

I stopped looking, one day it was way up, the next day it crashed again, it was making me craaaazyyy lol.

Mercury is in retrograde lol, Murphy's Law on steroids!

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A popular YouTuber's negative video of Humane's AI Pin raises questions about critical reviews in the age of innovation

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Hello there! If you're struggling to decide the foods worth buying organic, best-selling author Michael Pollan has some suggestions for the ones worth splurging on to avoid harmful chemicals .  

In today's big story, we're looking at a critical tech review that caused a bit of a stir on social media .

What's on deck:

Markets: Goldman Sachs quiets the haters with a monster earnings report .

Tech: Leaked docs show one of Prime Video's biggest issues, forcing customers to abandon shows .

Business: The best bet in business these days? Targeting young men who like to gamble .

But first, the review is in!

If this was forwarded to you, sign up here.

The big story

Up for review.

"The Worst Product I've Ever Reviewed… For Now"

Marques Brownlee, the YouTuber better known as MKBHD, didn't mince words with the title of his review of Humane's AI Pin .

In a 25-minute video , Brownlee details all the issues he encountered using the AI device. (Spoiler alert: There were a lot.)

Brownlee's review aligns with other criticisms of the device . But not all of those came from someone with as much sway. His YouTube channel has more than 18 million subscribers.

One user on X pointed that out , calling the review "almost unethical" for "potentially killing someone else's nascent project" in a post reposted over 2,000 times. 

Most of the internet disagreed, and a Humane exec even thanked Brownlee on X for the "fair and valid critiques." 

But it highlights the power of Brownlee's reviews. Earlier this year, a negative video of Fisker's Ocean SUV by Brownlee also made waves on social media . 

Critical reviews in the age of innovation raise some interesting questions.

To be clear, there was nothing wrong with Brownlee's review. Humane's AI Pin costs $700. Watering down his review to ease the blow would be a disservice to the millions of fans relying on his perspective before making such a significant purchase.

Too often, companies view potential customers as an extension of their research and development. They are happy to sell a product that is still a work in progress on the promise they'll fix it on the fly. ("Updates are coming!")

But in a world of instant gratification, it can be hard to appreciate that innovation takes time. 

Even Apple can run into this conundrum. Take the Apple Vision Pro. Reviewers are impressed with the technology behind the much-anticipated gadget — but are still struggling to figure out what they can do with it . Maybe, over time, that will get sorted out. It's also worth remembering how cool tech can be, as Business Insider's Peter Kafka wrote following a bunch of trips in Waymo's software-powered taxis in San Francisco . Sure, robotaxis have their issues, Peter said, but they also elicit that "golly-gee-can-you-believe-it" sense.

As for Humane, America loves a comeback story. Just look at "Cyberpunk 2077." The highly anticipated video game had a disastrous launch in 2020 , but redeemed itself three years later, ultimately winning a major award .

Still, Humane shouldn't get a pass for releasing a product that didn't seem ready for primetime, according to the reviews. 

And its issue could be bigger than glitchy tech. Humane's broader thesis about reducing screen time might not be as applicable. As BI's Katie Notopolous put it: " I love staring at my iPhone ."

3 things in markets

1. Goldman finally strikes gold. After a rough stretch, the vaunted investment bank crushed earnings expectations , sending its stock soaring. A big tailwind, according to CEO David Solomon, is AI spawning " enormous opportunities " for the bank. 

2. Buy the dip, Wedbush says. Last week's drop among tech stocks shouldn't scare away investors , according to Wedbush. A strong earnings report, buoyed by the ongoing AI craze, should keep them soaring, strategists said. But JPMorgan doesn't see it that way, saying prices are already stretched .   

3. China's economy beat analysts' expectations. The country's GDP grew 5.3% in the first quarter of 2024, according to data published by the National Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday. It's a welcome return to form for the world's second-largest economy, although below-par new home and retail sales remain a cause for concern .

3 things in tech

1. Amazon Prime Video viewers are giving up on its shows. Leaked documents show viewers are fed up with the streamer's error-ridden catalog system , which often has incomplete titles and missing episodes. In 2021, 60% of all content-related complaints were about Prime Video's catalog.

2. Eric Newcomer is bringing his Cerebral Valley AI Summit to New York. The conference, originally held in San Francisco, is famous for producing one of the largest generative AI acquisitions ever. Now, it's coming to New York in June .

3. OpenAI is plotting an expansion to NYC. Two people familiar with the plans told BI that the ChatGPT developer is looking to open a New York office next year. That would be the company's fifth office, alongside its current headquarters in San Francisco, a just-opened site in Tokyo, and spots in London and Dublin.

3 things in business

1. America's young men are spending their money like never before. From sports betting to meme coins, young men are more willing than ever to blow money in the hopes of making a fortune .

2. Investors are getting into women's sports. With women like Caitlin Clark dominating March Madness headlines, investors see a big opportunity. BI compiled a list of 13 investors and fund managers pouring money into the next big thing in sports.

3. Bad news for Live Nation. The Wall Street Journal reports that the Justice Department could hit the concert giant with an antitrust lawsuit as soon as next month. Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster, has long faced criticism over its high fees.

In other news

Blackstone hires Walmart AI whiz to supercharge its portfolio companies .

Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Blackpink's Lisa: Celebrities spotted at Coachella 2024 . 

NYC's rat czar says stop feeding the pigeons if you want the vermin gone .

A major Tesla executive left after 18 years at the company amid mass layoffs .

Some Tesla factory workers realized they were laid off when security scanned their badges and sent them back on shuttles, sources say .

New York is in, San Francisco is very much out for tech workers relocating .

AI could split workers into 2: The ones whose jobs get better and the ones who lose them completely .

Oh look at that! Now Google is using AI to answer search queries .

A longtime banker gives a rare inside look at how he is thinking about his next career move, from compensation to WFH .

Clarence Thomas didn't show up for work today .

What's happening today

Today's earnings: United Airlines, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, and others are reporting . 

It's Free Cone Day at participating Ben & Jerry's stores. 

The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco , deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Jordan Parker Erb , editor, in New York. Hallam Bullock , senior editor, in London. George Glover , reporter, in London.

Watch: Nearly 50,000 tech workers have been laid off — but there's a hack to avoid layoffs

• Main content

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Global rock legend stuns Gardeners’ World viewers with ‘magnificent sanctuary’

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Gardeners’ World brought a dose of rock ‘n’ roll to BBC2 this week as a bona fide A-lister made an appearance.

Viewers tuning in for Monty Don and the gang on Friday were left stunned as none other than U2 bassist Adam Clayton – part of the iconic band with Bono, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr – showed Adam Frost around his beautiful garden.

The Irishman has lived just outside Dublin since he was five, and the green-fingered rocker makes the most of his environment.

He bought his home – which is surrounded by 17 acres of land and is close to where he went to boarding school in his teenage years – in the 1980s after U2 stormed the charts with The Joshua Tree.

Although he only had a bit of knowledge about gardening , he knew he ‘felt solace outside’, and he transformed an overrun pot of land in a river valley into his own utopia.

He has planted over 4,000 trees over the last three decades, with the garden brimming with rhododendrons, camellias and magnolia trees.

He said: ‘It takes my mind out of myself. I start to see the colours, see the form and I just go into a different world.’

Gardeners’ World star Adam Frost was taken aback by the ‘magical’ garden, and he hailed the reestablished river as the ‘heartbeat’ of the operation.

Viewers were similarly impressed and full of praise for the With Or Without You rocker’s pocket of colour and life.

‘We were spoilt this evening with Arundel Castle’s tulips, Jim’s wonderfully colourful garden and then Adam Clayton’s magnificent sanctuary. #GardenersWorld,’ tweeted @TheEricaJames.

@Ellebelles1 added: ‘Lovely piece on @gardenersworld1 about Adam Clayton’s garden in Dublin. He has created a true paradise garden 🙌🏼’

‘Caught a glimpse of Gardeners World during halftime and the inimitable Adam Clayton,’ wrote @Dudsey. ‘A stunning garden and the explanation of the release it gives him from the rigours of an incredibly mental and hectic lifestyle prove the power of nature and the great outdoors.’

Some people couldn’t pass up the opportunity for a pun, and we can’t blame them.

Fan @IbelieveinCoyot quipped: ‘Genuinely fascinating feature on Adam Clayton’s garden which is beautiful! Shame they didn’t talk about trees as I wanted to know if he can’t live with or without ewe.’

Even people who don’t particularly enjoy his music were blown away, as @VeganTrailRunr admitted: ‘I don’t like the music of U2 but Adam Clayton’s garden is absolutely stunning.’

Gardeners’ World airs Fridays at 8pm on BBC Two.

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