3 Cheap & Unique Places to Travel Ireland- Top Travel Spots and Experiences

Do you want a holiday that includes scenic views, history, and fun but all this comes with a price?

Sometimes, it becomes very hard to look for an area that will provide different interesting activities without having to pay a lot of money.

It is very disappointing to have adventures and tours that feel ordinary because the extraordinary is not explored.

What if you get a chance to travel around some of the most enchanting places in Ireland and this will be on a low budget?

In this guide, I will show you some of the cheapest and most Unique Places to Travel Ireland.

Here are tourist attractions, and the impressions that left me speechless.

You are 2 lovebirds on your honeymoon, fun-lovers on a friend’s adventure, or a single dream chaser.

This travel guide will show you how to explore Ireland’s gems without spending all your money.

3 Cheap & Unique Islands to Visit in Ireland

On my visits to Ireland, I have been able to visit several islands along the coast which are all unique in some way.

The best part?

They are not only cheap but are also some of the best to undertake when it comes to the once in a lifetime experiences Ireland has.

1. Inisheer (Inis Oírr)

cheap islands to travel
Inisheer

Aran Island and specifically Inisheer is a perfect representation of Ireland and its history as it was a century ago.

What I recall is arriving on the island on a ferry and the first thing I noticed the surroundings were very serene.

A certain charm – cobblestone foot trails, roofs of thatch, and medieval architecture scattered all over the island. 

I wandered through O’Brien’s Castle and walked to the Plassey shipwreck- another great attraction on the rocky shores of the island.

And if you’re into traditional Irish music, the local pubs here can often provide you with a spontaneous session.

It costs the equivalent of a ferry trip and a pint of beer to enjoy a truly Irish experience.

2. Valentia Island

cheap islands to travel
Valentia Island

Valentia Island is situated off the Iveragh Peninsula; this is a geologist’s paradise.

During my visit, I was surprised by the island fossils; one of the oldest tetrapod tracks in the entire world!

Climbing along the cliffs where the Skellig Islands were located, I got the impression that I was the only person who enjoyed Ireland’s nature. 

Valentia I also saw it as cheap, as there are a lot of cheap B&Bs and the majority of hiking routes are free of charge.

It is the best of both worlds and it is a great combination of adventure and serenity.

3. Clare Island

cheap islands to travel
Clare Island

Clare Island is great for history lovers. The island is also historic since it was a fort of the famous pirate queen Grace O’Malley.

Once I had spent several hours strolling about the castle grounds and thinking about the battles that took place here. 

What makes Clare Island even more special, however, is the dramatic cliffs that surround the island.

It is steep, the beaches are stunning, and its serene environment makes one feel rather isolated on the island.

On the plus side, it’s one of the cheapest islands by ferry from Westport and has campsites to boot.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Ireland

cheap islands to travel
Dublin

The main part of Ireland is as beautiful as the islands; there are famous and not very popular places that are worth seeing.

Here are my top 10:

Cliffs of Moher

Watching the ocean from the top of these high cliffs made me feel rather humble, and no words can describe it.

Giant’s Causeway

These natural hexagonal columns looked even more magnificent in the eye of the camera.

It is like going to another world altogether.

Dublin City

This is a place where the past meets the present.

Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse, and many more places are always available for tourists in Dublin.

Killarney National Park

I wandered through its beautiful hills and its beautiful lakes, and I had never felt that I was in a postcard.

Ring of Kerry

This loop was breathtaking with stunning views of the coast and lovely villages all over the place.

Galway City

It is lively here with music playing from all the pubs and artists and performers crowding the streets.

The Burren

The geography of the area is quite stunning here, the rocks are of a kind I have never seen before, and the area resembles a lunar landscape.

Dingle Peninsula

The cliffs, the beaches, and the vast green area made me wish I could stay there forever.

Rock of Cashel

This is a medieval fortress and introduces you to the Ireland of the Middle Ages.

Kilkenny City

Kilkenny Castle and other buildings of the Middle Ages should not be missed in this city.

Things to Do in Ireland for Couples

The overall impression of Ireland is rather romantic, and I had some very couple-oriented experiences during my time there.

cheap islands to travel
Couples in Ireland

Romantic Castle Stays

My partner and I live in Ashford Castle, it was the most wonderful and enchanting experience.

It was like stepping into another world: a luxurious world, a world steeped in history, a world surrounded by the most beautiful gardens.

Sunset Walks along Beaches

I still remember the day when I was strolling along the Inch beach arm-in-arm with the Atlantic Ocean.

Couple’s Spa Retreats

We spent a spa weekend on the West Coast where we took photos by the sea making the environment even more relaxing.

Private boat tours

Going to the lake in a boat was a great way to travel through Ireland.

Observe the landscapes from the water; doing it with my partner added to the experience.

Fun Activities in Ireland for Adults

It is not just a place to go for a honeymoon; it is also a place for adults to have fun and play.

cheap islands to travel
Rock Climbing

Outdoor Adventure Sports

I have gone through a kayaking trip in Wild Atlantic Way, a bike tour in Gap of Dunloe, and have even done rock climbing.

There are countless options for the outside here.

Cultural Festivals

I was there during the Galway Arts Festival and there was music, theatre, and art on the streets.

Ghost Tours

If you fancy yourself a fan of all things that go bump in the night, then Ireland is full of them.

I enjoyed the darkness of the Hellfire Club in Dublin very much.

Once in a Lifetime Experiences in Ireland

There are some moments when being in Ireland that will give you memories that will last a lifetime.

cheap islands to travel
Hot Air Balloon

Hot Air Ballooning

I felt like a bird as I floated over the Irish countryside in the hot air balloon. Fields, pieced together; hills, gently sloping — the sight I will never lose to oblivion.

Sheepdog Trials

Seeing how intelligent the sheepdogs of Connemara were.

It was the most unadulterated representation of the Irish countryside.

Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip

The Wild Atlantic Way drives were so fascinating it felt like I was driving at the end of the earth.

Stay in an Irish Castle

Staying in a castle such as Dromoland Castle is probably something that everyone should do in a lifetime.

Hidden Waterfalls

During one of the hikes, I had the feeling that I found some hidden treasure – Powerscourt Waterfall.

Cool Places to Visit in Ireland

To the readers who prefer getting to know places that are not widely known, Ireland has more than enough cool and interesting places to go in Ireland.

cheap islands to travel
Dark Hedge

The Dark Hedges

Walking under these twisted beech trees felt as if I was transported in the set of Game of Thrones.

Skellig Michael

Getting to this hard-to-reach monastery.

It also was featured in Star Wars was one of the most difficult yet fulfilling treks I have undertaken.

Slieve League Cliffs

There are many more beautiful cliffs than the famous Cliffs of Moher, although those are not as popular.

Cobh

Historical and beautiful due to the color of the houses and the connection to the Titanic.

Unusual Places to Visit in Ireland

For those looking for something a bit different:

cheap islands to travel
Rathlin Island

The Hill of Uisneach

It was believed to have been the center of Ireland and this place was so rich in history.

Dún Aonghasa Fort

This erect of this old fort which is situated on a cliff gave me a breathless feeling.

Rathlin Island

They added that the bird colonies and raw features of the island made it such a secret place.

The Hellfire Club

This is an old castle on a hill near Dublin and it has more than its fair share of ghost stories.

Scenic Places to Visit Ireland

Ireland is a country of beautiful landscapes. Here are some of my favorite scenic spots:

cheap islands to travel
Glendalough

Glendalough

This is a great place to meditate; there are beautiful lakes and some monasteries in ruins.

The Gap of Dunloe

This is a mountain pass in County Kerry which provides one of the most scenic views across the whole of Ireland.

Achill Island

It was one of the best scenic views that have ever captured my eyes since there were beaches, mountains, and cliffs.

Connemara National Park

Connemara is still wild and beautiful: wild ponies, hills, and stunning views.

The Departure- Unique Places to Travel Ireland

Ireland is a country that can deliver everything from deserted islands and scenic roads.

The 2 trips I took to discover Ireland, its famous and less touristy sights, were truly amazing.

I hope this guide will assist you in planning a fairy tale trip to the green island of the United Kingdom

Ireland is a country that creates memories; it is a country whose attractions fit every pocket, and if you are a budget traveler, you have to visit it.

FAQs

Where is the most mystical place in Ireland?

The most mystical place in Ireland is the Hill of Tara, an ancient ceremonial site once considered the seat of Ireland’s High Kings. Its mysterious mounds and ancient monuments are steeped in myth, legend, and spiritual significance.

Where is the least touristy part of Ireland?

The least touristy part of Ireland is County Leitrim. It is known for its untouched landscapes, quiet lakes, and scenic Glencar Waterfall. It’s a peaceful escape, offering a more authentic and tranquil experience away from the typical tourist routes.

What is the most colorful town in Ireland?

The most colorful town in Ireland is Cobh, located in County Cork. Its waterfront is lined with brightly painted houses. It is known as the “Deck of Cards,” creating a vibrant, picturesque scene against the backdrop of the harbor and St. Colman’s Cathedral.

Sherley Smith