Ireland on a Budget

09/05/2026

Dublin is a small city by international standards and as such, it really is made for exploring on foot. If you're like me, you'll want an experienced guide to show you around and tell you all the fascinating stories about the city that you wouldn't know from simply looking at its various attractions.

I've just updated my guide on Dublin's Top 10 Guided Tours, with options for all kinds of travelers, including the following:

🏛️ Irish history and heritage lovers
📖 Literary Dublin fans
🍺 Tourists who are curious about its historic pubs and brewing traditions
🚲 Dublin bike tours
👻 Dublin's darker stories and folklore
🏰 The history of Medieval Dublin
🚌 Hop-on hop-off sightseeing
🍴 And information on food tours

Whether it's your first trip to Dublin or you've been before and want to discover a different side of the city, there's a tour here for you.

👉 See the updated list of Dublin's best guided tour here:
https://irelandonabudget.com/dublins-top-10-guided-tours/

📸 Sonder Visuals, Fáilte Ireland.

08/25/2026

Are you planning to visit Ireland in October?

October is one of my favorite times to experience a different side of Ireland, including its autumn colors, fewer crowds, festivals, ancient sites, and of course, Ireland's deep connection to Halloween and Samhain.

I've just updated my guide to 20 Best Things to Do in Ireland in October, with several ideas for you all, including the following:

🍁 Where to find Ireland's autumn colors
🎃 Halloween and Samhain experiences
🏰 Additional Halloween events at Irish castles
⚰️ Historic graveyards and genealogy research
🚆 Scenic train journeys you can take
🌊 Coastal walks you might want to explore
🎭 October festivals and
🏛️ Exploring Dublin and the Boyne Valley
Plus, I've included 2026 festival information and practical tips about October weather and what to pack.

Read the updated guide here:
https://irelandonabudget.com/october-in-ireland/

📸 Jack-o-lanterns at the Lough Gur Visitor Centre, County Limerick. Roamer for Fáilte Ireland.

08/19/2026

Did you know Halloween has its roots in Ireland?

Long before trick-or-treating and Halloween parties became popular, Ireland celebrated Samhain, the ancient Gaelic festival marking the end of the autumn harvest and the beginning of winter.

Today, you can experience that history alongside some seriously spectacular Halloween celebrations around the island.

From the Púca Festival in County Meath and the massive Derry Halloween celebrations to the Macnas Halloween Parade in Galway, the Bram Stoker Festival in Dublin, and Samhain events in Limerick, Longford and Kilkenny, there are plenty of ways to experience Halloween in Ireland.

I've just updated my Halloween guide with information on festivals, Samhain traditions, spooky experiences and events happening around Ireland in 2026.

If you're planning an October trip to Ireland, this is one guide you'll want to save. You'll find the link below.

https://irelandonabudget.com/halloween-in-ireland/

📸 Barry Cronin, Fáilte Ireland.

08/04/2026

Is September a good time to visit Ireland?

Short answer: yes, and it might be one of the best months to visit the Emerald Isle.

Here are just some of the reasons:

✅ Fewer crowds
✅ Mild temperatures
✅ Plenty of festivals and events to attend
✅ Perfect road trip weather

If you’re planning a trip, I’ve updated a blog post that lists 20 things to do in Ireland in September that includes packing tips and travel advice that will help you make the most of your trip.

Find out more here: https://irelandonabudget.com/ireland-in-september/

07/22/2026

If County Clare is on your itinerary, or you’re debating whether it should be, I’ve just updated a complete travel guide covering the county with the latest information that should be helpful as you plan.

The article includes the following:

◘ Cliffs of Moher access updates
◘ Doolin Cliff Walk details
◘ Burren National Park tips
◘ Loop Head Peninsula scenic drive
◘ Lisdoonvarna & the Matchmaking Festival
◘ How many days you really need in Clare
◘ Where to stayel tips
◘ Where to stay

County Clare is so much more than a quick photo stop at the cliffs. If you can, give it at least two nights as it’s one of the most scenic and culturally rich parts of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Read the full updated guide here:

Explore County Clare, Ireland's Banner County, known for its stunning scenery, famous cliffs, and vibrant Irish music culture.

07/09/2026

Looking for things to do in County Mayo?

North Mayo is an area of Ireland that is not on the usual tourist radar, but it should be.

The region, along the Wild Atlantic Way, is packed with history, heritage, and hidden gems, from the 6,000 year old Céide Fields in Ballycastle to the fascinating Jackie Clarke Collection in Ballina.

In the articled linked in the comments below, you’ll learn about

✅ Ancient Neolithic farming landscapes that were discovered quite by accident several years ago
✅ A museum detailing Ireland's 19th century land reform history
✅ A woolen mill that was founded on traditional Irish crafts and wool weaving to give employment to its local community
✅ A Gothic castle that contains a rare collection you won't find anywhere else in Ireland and
✅ Another great museum that speaks to one man's love of all things Irish.

If you’re planning a West of Ireland trip or you just love discovering places beyond the usual tourist trail, why not include North Mayo on your itinerary?

📸 Lough Conn and Nephin, near Crossmolina, County Mayo courtesy of Anne-Marie Flynn, North Mayo Tourism.

07/03/2026

Are you a lover of oysters? Ireland offers some unforgettable ways to experience them fresh from the sea.

From stepping onto a working oyster farm in Sligo to tasting Galway Bay oysters at a food festival to hearing local stories from an oyster farming family in County Mayo.

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland or just dreaming about one right now, I’ve rounded up the best oyster tours, tastings, restaurants and markets across the country.

Find out more by going to the link in the comments section.

📸 Courtesy Anthony Gray for Taste of Sligo Tour.

Have you ever tried Irish oysters? Let me know.

06/29/2026

Are you thinking of putting County Sligo on your Ireland vacation itinerary?

While many travelers head straight for Kerry or the Cliffs of Moher, County Sligo remains one of Ireland’s most rewarding and underrated destinations in the country.

Ancient stone circles (older than Newgrange), an unusual table mountain that would be fun to climb (guided of course) and lots to see and do for those Yeats fans out there.

I’ve just updated this County Sligo travel guide that includes lots of nuggets of great information for a journey through Yeats Country. If you've got questions, I've provided you with the answers, like those below.

✅ How many days do you really need to see Sligo properly?
✅ What are the best things to do in Sligo town?
✅ Does Sligo have scenic coastal drives?
✅ Are there any hidden gems that I'd love?
✅ Where can I eat in County Sligo without it getting overly expensive?

See the full guide in the comments section.

📸 The County Sligo coastline at Easkey courtesy of SO-RO for Fáilte Ireland.

Sligo - Live Invest Visit

06/24/2026

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Ireland without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads, driving on the left, or sticking to a rigid schedule, this Irish tour company might be just what you're looking for.

Marshall’s Executive Chauffeur Services, based in Limerick, is a trusted member of my Licensed Private Driver Network. From bespoke private tours and airport transfers to executive travel, with a women-only driver option to suit solo females and other women considering travel in Ireland, Marshall’s focuses on comfort, flexibility, and genuine Irish hospitality.

As a family-run business, owner Billy Marshall prides himself on creating tailored experiences so you can slow down, soak in the scenery, and enjoy Ireland through those unplanned moments you have might heard others talk about.

If you’re wondering whether a private driver might be worth it, this inside look at Marshall's chauffeur experience will help you decide.

Read the full story here:
👉

Discover Ireland with Marshall’s chauffeur services, the smarter way to see Ireland, complete with luxury vehicles and bespoke services.

06/16/2026

Did you know that you can follow in the footsteps of the famous Irish poet W.B. Yeats through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Ireland?

From the summit of Knocknarea to the peaceful shores of Lough Gill and the dramatic presence of Benbulben, the Yeats Trail connects 14 locations across County Sligo that shaped the poet’s life and work.

It’s self-guided, scenic, and mostly free, perfect if you’re exploring this part of the Wild Atlantic Way.

I’ve put together a complete guide to help you plan your visit.

You can read it here: https://irelandonabudget.com/yeats-trail-sligo/

Have you ever been to Sligo? I’d love to hear your favorite spots in the comments.