"How to travel Ireland on a budg..."

Ptffh...Google can feck right off! Flight Finder Akasha here. Ireland ain't cheap and sadly, many tourists come unprepared. Below, you'll find my best budget tips for exploring my homeland :-)

Accommodation: Demand for accommodation in Ireland is at its all-time highest, even during the off-season. Seriously, we're protesting in the streets about it. So, it wouldn't hurt to check into options first before booking your flight. You'll find the best bang for your buck in smaller towns and villages. However, depending on their remoteness, you might need to factor in the cost of renting a car to get there.

For discounted stays, take a look at Livingsocial—it's our version of Groupon, and often you'll find discounts for hotels and package stays. Of course, remember to research the location and always read the fine print!

If you're really hoping to stretch your budget, consider a volunteer exchange through workaway, or maybe you'll luck out and secure a free house in exchange for looking after a floofy ball of fur.

Reclaim VAT: Blah, bah, tax, blah. Seriously, don't brush this off too quick, the standard VAT rate here is a whopping 23%. So if you're journeying to Ireland from beyond the EU, you could qualify for a reimbursement. Refer to this handy guide to see what qualifies.

Student? Ask for a discount: Don't be afraid to whip that card out! A valid student ID can get you discounts of up to 50% on many attractions, stores, museums, and buses throughout the country. These discounts apply to anyone under 26 with a student ID, regardless of what country you live in.

Ditch the Paddywagon-type tours and travel by train/bus: The cheapest and most flexible way of getting around Ireland is definitely by using public transport. You'll find the best discounts by booking ahead.

Spending a few days in Dublin? Get a Leap Card/Go City Pass: I shouldn't be saying this, I'm from Cork after all—and we've got quite the rivalry with Dublin. But if you're spending a few days in the capital, the Leap Visitor Card provides unlimited travel on Dublin City Bus, Luas, DART, and Commuter Rail at just €16 for a 3-day pass.

The Go City Pass offers savings up to €55 on admission to Dublin's top attractions. With a set price, the Dublin Pass grants access to many of Dublin's main attractions, including the Guinness Storehouse.

Similarly, Ireland's Heritage Card gets you discounted entrance to the country's castles and historic sites across the country. And if you do happen to make it to Cork (which you should), we also have our own Leap Card. Ireland's tourism board also has a helpful section on their website of free attractions and things to do.