Ireland on a Budget

06/05/2026

Are you planning a trip to Dublin and wondering if Trinity College’s Old Library is still worth visiting?

You may have heard that the shelves in the famous Long Room are mostly empty right now due to restoration work. And that is true, but here's what most people don't realize.

- The Book of Kells exhibition is still open
- The architecture is just as breathtaking, even without the shelves full of books
- Rare artifacts like the Brian Boru harp are still on display
- You can see conservation work happening behind the scenes

So, is it worth the ticket price?

I put together a practical visitor guide covering what to expect, ticket tips, timing advice, and whether it’s right for your Ireland itinerary.

If Dublin is on your list, read the full article before you book 👇

https://irelandonabudget.com/old-library-at-trinity/

05/08/2026

Most whiskey lovers visiting Ireland head straight for the big name whiskey distilleries.

But what if the real magic is happening somewhere else?

From an offshore island distillery in Mayo to a farm-based operation in Kilkenny, Ireland is full of lesser-known gems that most tourists completely miss.

I’ve rounded up 10 undiscovered whiskey distilleries that I think are worth adding to your itinerary. Click on the link below to learn more.

https://irelandonabudget.com/10-undiscovered-whiskey-distilleries/

📸 Di**le Distillery courtesy of Therese Ahern for Tourism Ireland.

04/18/2026

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland and want to go beyond the usual tourist spots, this updated blog post from Ireland on a Budget is for you.

From collecting seaweed along the Kerry coast to kayaking at dusk in West Cork, Ireland is full of experiences that most travelers completely miss.

Here are just a few ideas to inspire your trip:

🌊 Forage for seaweed on the Wild Atlantic Way
🚣‍♀️ Go rafting on the historic River Boyne
🐎 Explore Donegal’s rugged coastline on horseback
🦅 Get up close to hawks at one of Ireland's most exclusive castles and have afternoon tea afterward
🌅 Kayak at sunset in West Cork
🌊🧗‍♂️Coasteering off the coasts of Antrim, Clare or Kerry
🥾⛰️or hiking Ireland's highest peak
These are the kinds of experiences that turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.

👉 Read the full list here:
https://irelandonabudget.com/unique-things-to-do-in-ireland/

04/10/2026

If you really want to experience Ireland, you should go offshore to one of its inhabited islands.

There’s really something different about them, including a slower pace, stronger traditions, and landscapes that feel completely untouched. How would you like to do the following?

🇮🇪 Cycle past stone walls on the Aran Islands
🌊 Stand on Ireland’s highest cliffs on Achill Island
🎬 Visit a real-life Star Wars filming location on Ireland’s iconic island, Skellig Michael

and much more....

I’ve put together a guide to 20 of Ireland’s islands, some of which are often overlooked. Click on the link in the comments for more information.

Photo of Skellig Michael courtesy of Gareth Wray, Tourism Ireland.

03/30/2026

Here at Ireland on a Budget, we’re always looking for ways to help you experience the very best of Ireland, and that includes sharing incredible opportunities with our Ireland Travel Planning Tips community, run by Irene and Colette.

We’re thrilled to partner with Celtic Explorers to give one lucky winner a 2-day private tour worth €1,800.

If you’ve ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at Dublin and its surroundings, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

To enter:
✔️ Like & follow the Celtic Explorers Ireland page
✔️ Share this post
✔️ Tag 2 friends in the comments

We truly believe this is more than just a prize—it’s an experience that will elevate your entire Ireland trip.

Good luck!

03/09/2026

Are you looking to see Ireland the slow way? If so, you might want to check out Green Door Tours, a unique business founded by Emma Rudd. Emma is based in County Offaly and invites her guests to experience lrish hospitality in the beautiful Georgian coach house known as RHSI Bellefield. You can find out more from the link below. Green Door Tours

https://irelandonabudget.com/green-door-tours/

01/26/2026

What connects a lively, modern-day Dublin festival, a revered saint, and an unusual religious symbol that can be found in many Irish homes?

Ireland's patron saint, Saint Brigid.

In Ireland today, the woman is revered as both a Christian saint and a Celtic goddess. A relatively new bank holiday to honor her on Feb. 2nd is preceded by a number of celebrations that not only celebrate Brigid but also mark the beginning of Spring (known in Celtic Ireland as Imbolc).

Whether you’re visiting Ireland around this time or you're simply curious about Irish culture, understanding Saint Brigid adds a whole new layer to that experience.

You can explore all three articles below:

➡️ Brigit Festival – find out more about the upcoming Brigit Festival in Dublin: https://irelandonabudget.com/news/brigit-festival/
➡️ Saint Brigid – discover more about her, the events honoring her around Ireland and the year-round attractions that you can visit: https://irelandonabudget.com/saint-brigid/
➡️ Brigid’s Cross – what's behind the beautiful symbol of this powerful woman? https://irelandonabudget.com/saint-brigids-cross/

01/24/2026

An event definitely worth attending if you're in the West of Ireland next weekend....

✨ Discover Ireland’s Devotion to St Brigid ✨

📅 Saturday, 31 January 2026
🕛 12:00 – 13:00
📍 National Museum of Ireland – Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo
👥 Suitable for adults & ages 12+
🎟️ Booking required

Join Clodagh Doyle, Keeper of the Irish Folklife Collection, for a captivating curator’s talk exploring the largest collection of St Brigid’s Day traditions in Ireland.

Discover over 300 St Brigid’s crosses crafted in unique regional styles, along with Brídeoga dolls, Biddy Boy costumes, and brat Bríde fabric strips—objects that reflect centuries of devotion and the belief in St Brigid’s protection.

You’ll also learn how her legacy lives on across the country through placenames, holy wells, schools, hospitals, and GAA clubs.

✨ A must for folklore lovers!
➡️ Booking required – secure your place today.

https://book-nmi.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173673869

🌿 Explore Even More Brigid Traditions Across the National Museum of Ireland

Extend your journey by visiting any of our three Museum sites in Dublin and Mayo, where a full programme of workshops, drop‑in sessions, and guided tours celebrates Brigid in all her forms—from the ancient goddess of Imbolc to the Christian patron saint of Ireland.

From shoe shrines to straw crosses, immerse yourself in the rich traditions, artefacts, and rituals associated with St Brigid, brought to life through our collections and events.

Come and celebrate Brigid’s enduring legacy—her stories, symbols, and the cultural traditions that continue to weave through Irish life today.

https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/News/St-Brigid-Events

01/23/2026

Are you on the fence about going to Ireland this year? Let Tracey McNamara, founder of Away to Ireland give you the encouragement and help that will turn your dream into a reality.

Uncover the personal story behind Away to Ireland and how it connects to the rich Irish heritage and unforgettable travels.

01/05/2026

How to Get Around Dublin Like a Local

If you're planning a Dublin adventure this year, you'll need to know how to navigate the city. While Dublin is fairly small compared to other European capitals, it still takes some know-how to figure how to get around efficiently and without spending a fortune.

Here’s how to make the most of it based upon the timely information that I'm giving you in this article (link is in the comments):

• Visitor Leap Card: The reloadable card works on buses, trams (Luas), and trains (DART). Remember to tap on and off after each use.
• Dublin Bus: Provides an extensive network across the city and suburbs — affordable and practical.
• Airport Transportation Alternatives: Routes like Dublin Bus #16 and #41 routes, plus express options like Aircoach and Dublin Express, make getting from the airport into the city simple.
• Taxi Services: Apps like Free Now are best when looking to grab a licensed taxi when you need one. The Uber app works too, but you'll get a regular taxi driver.
• Bike & Walk: For short distances, Dublin is very walkable — and bike rentals are a fun, affordable way to explore too.

Click on the link in the comments to find out more.