Dublin is known for a lot of positive things. We’re a great place for culture and history, dining and drinking and of course that famous Irish ‘craic’ we’re known for all over the world. One thing we’re not known for is an affordable holiday destination. Hotels and accommodation in Dublin City Centre can be very expensive but never fear, there are ways to have an affordable group holiday in Dublin without breaking the bank. Let’s start from the beginning;
Getting to Dublin on a Budget
Airfare has increased exponentially since pre-pandemic times. Gone are the days of a €9.99 return flight in Europe with a budget carrier! Getting here can still be affordable if you are clever, however. As demand for travel goes up so does the price. Travelling at peak times will be expensive so avoid Fridays, Sundays and bank holidays. Sacrifice a couple of days of vacation to enjoy Dublin at its best mid-week and avoid crowds and queues. There is a dedicated bus to and from Dublin airport that will save you inflated taxi fares. Getting around Dublin is easy too. The city is walkable and the public bus will get you anywhere you need to go for just €2.00 per trip.
Affordable Accommodation in Dublin
Affordable accommodation in Dublin is hard to come by, especially if you want good quality as well as a low price. DCU Rooms, on the campus of Dublin City University on the skirts of the city, offers affordable, high-quality accommodation, a short distance from the centre. Our visitor suites are available to book for your long or short break all year. We have 16 one and two-bedroom visitor suites available for families or groups who’d like to stay together during their stay with all of the amenities of a home-from-home. For those on a tighter budget, we also have the option of shared twin rooms, ideal for friends, teammates or families You can enjoy your own bedroom space and share the facilities with your ‘roommate’, ideal if you’re simply looking for a base to sleep and freshen up. Contact us directly to book affordable group or individual accommodation in Dublin.
Dining in Dublin on a Budget
Dublin is a foodie’s paradise, no matter your budget. Group dining is easy whether you’re a family or a sports team with a little forward planning. You’ll find lots of lunch and dinner options on a budget, from delicious pizza & pasta to excellent curry & noodles. Sano in Temple Bar is a tasty and affordable spot to grab lunch or dinner and there is plenty of seating. Umi Falafel caters to vegetarians and vegans and has numerous spots around the city. Closer to home, the restaurant on DCU Campus has delicious meals at very affordable prices, ideal for groups or students. Grab an Asian-inspired dinner in Mongolian BBQ or Soup Dragon for a fraction of restaurant prices. Keep your eyes open for early birds and mid-week specials too.
Things to do in Dublin on a Budget
The biggest and best activity in Dublin that is free of charge is… walking! The city is incredibly beautiful with parks, gardens, architecture, and cityscapes to enjoy at your leisure. You can enjoy a cheap walking tour or hop on a DART to the sea and enjoy the Irish coastline. All of the state-owned and operated museums, galleries and public buildings are free to enjoy as are all parks and gardens. The National Botanic Gardens are a short walk from DCU and are certainly one for the Dublin bucket list. There is free live music in many pubs and bars across the city, the busiest area being Temple Bar. While it’s free to enjoy, they will expect you to buy at least a couple of drinks but you can control the budget.
Book an affordable holiday to Dublin when you stay in DCU. We offer alternative accommodation on the edge of the city saving you lots on hotel accommodation in Dublin City. We’d be happy to suggest cheap or free activities for your group holiday, just chat to one of our reception team. Contact us or book on our website for our best available rates.
