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Most of the properties owned and run by Duchas, the State Heritage Service, are reasonably priced, while all national museums, galleries and libraries are free. There is a minimal charge for entry to some city churches but around the country they are generally free.

Sights and museums are either privately or state-run so discounts vary from site to site. On average, the concessions given for children, over 60s and students work out at about one third of the price of the full adult ticket. If you are planning to visit a number of historic sights, it is worth investing in a Heritage Card costing around €20 for adults and €7.50 for children and students. It is valid for one year from the date of purchase. You can buy the card at the first Duchas site you visit or send for one from their website. The National Trust offers a similar deal for properties in Northern Ireland.

Youth and student discounts are available on presentation of an International Student ID Card (ISIC) for some museums, and rail and bus travel. Train discount cards include Irish Rail’s Irish Rover card, but you need to be covering quite a distance to make it worthwhile. The most useful in Ireland is the combined bus and rail pass, the Irish Explorer Ticket. It covers all Intercity train and bus lines and the DART in Dublin (see DART).

There is no shortage of these in the city, including McDonald’s and Burger King, Beshoffs for fish and chips and a limitless supply of cafés and juice bars. Most small towns have a take-away of some description and garages and Spar shops throughout the country usually have a hot food counter. You can also get take-aways from some supermarkets.

This is a cheap and fast way of getting about and Dublin is small enough for this to be a sensible option. However, few companies now rent bikes, due to insurance costs. Irish Cycling Safaris is based in Belfield university campus. Charges range from about €18 per day to €80 per week. Bikes are easy to steal so make sure you have a good padlock and chain.

Ireland’s public transport network is not brilliant (see Getting Around Dublin). Trains link the main towns and cities but getting from one regional town to another is not easy. On intercity routes it is much cheaper to go by bus.

There are numerous hostels around the country. Many of the Dublin ones are of a good quality and you can get single and even double rooms at very low prices.

The full Irish breakfast in hotels is a huge affair and will set you up for the day.

Travelling out of season and avoiding special weekends will save you money. Prices are hiked up during Rugby International weekends (see International Rugby Weekends), St Patrick’s weekend (see St Patrick’s Day Celebrations) and other bank holidays. In winter there are excellent hotel deals.

Many items are no cheaper in Ireland than elsewhere, including tweeds. Seek out markets and craft shops where you could pick up original items for much less than in stores.