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How to Book a Trip to Ireland

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Ireland

See the castles and rugged coast of Ireland this spring by planning your trip now and breaking up the cost.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $155.56/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,800 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Picture yourself driving the winding roads of the Ring of Kerry with the Atlantic crashing against the cliffs, then pulling over to explore a crumbling stone castle before warming up in a local pub. Spring is the sweet spot for this kind of travel because you get milder weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer months, making late winter the right time to lock in your flights and lodging.

We know dropping a couple thousand dollars all at once is tough, so spreading out the payments can make it much easier to manage. If you are looking at the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, you get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening to help pay for your plans over time.

That intro window is a firm deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card when those 18 months are up, standard interest kicks in on whatever you owe.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your travel dates

    Aim for May or early June. The weather is decent, daylight lasts longer, and you will beat the heavy summer rush at the major sites.

  2. 02

    Book your flights and car

    Lock in your transatlantic flights first. You will also want to rent a car right away since manual rentals book up fast and automatic cars cost more.

  3. 03

    Map out your route

    Skip trying to see the whole island in one week. Pick a base in the west like Galway or Kerry so you can actually enjoy the coast instead of living out of a suitcase.

  4. 04

    Spread out the payments

    Using the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. For a typical $2800 trip, that breaks down to $155.56 per month.

  5. 05

    Book your stays

    Look for a mix of traditional bed and breakfasts and historic inns along your route. Book these as soon as your flights are confirmed to get the best spots.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

How much does a trip to Ireland usually cost?

A typical US traveler spends about $2800 for a week-long trip covering flights, a rental car, stays, and daily expenses. You can spend less if you stick to hostels and public transit, or a lot more if you stay in luxury castles.

When is the best time to book spring flights to Ireland?

Book in late winter, usually around January or February. Airlines often run sales for spring travel during these months, and you get first pick of the rental cars.

How does the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card help with the cost?

The card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That means you can pay for your $2800 trip in chunks of about $155.56 a month without paying interest during that window.

Do I need an international driving permit for Ireland?

US drivers do not need an international driving permit to rent and drive a car in Ireland. Your standard US driver's license is all you need, though you will need to buy the rental company's collision damage waiver.