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Traveling on a low budget is not easy in Ireland. But it is doable. Don't pay attention to the news, it can
discourage you from doing this. During
our visit, the papers were in a fit over the high cost of food in Ireland,
apparently the highest in the EU. I
don't disagree with this, but we found our ways around it. I want to share with you what I learned about
how to travel on a budget in this gorgeous place.
Buy groceries. Eating
in is a huge way to decrease travel costs.
We bought the bulk of our food at supermarkets such as Dunnes, then
picked up fresh things at Farmer's Markets.
We kept a couple wine boxes of food in our backseat, so that we'd always
have something to go to when hunger struck.
We'd eat out occasionally, but the majority of our meals were eaten in.
About food - it doesn't really need to be refrigerated. Or cooked, for that matter. If you choose the right things. When purchased fresh, most dairy should and
will be consumed in less than 24 hours.
If eating meat isn't a priority, you can survive just fine on raw
veggies, tofu, fruits, cold fresh soups, and salads. Supplemented with nuts, peanut butter, honey,
grains, and breads, it is a very healthy diet.
Occasional splurging is necessary to keep up the spirits - such as
eating something cooked and rich that you can't get from the kitchen in your
car - but not doing this every day will allow you to stay within a budget.
Refill your water bottles.
We kept several big, plastic jugs and refilled them with water from the
tap - we had no issues. We then filled
our smaller, personal water bottles from these.
Tap water is typically okay to drink in Ireland, but pay attention to
the local news, to hear about what is currently safe and unsafe to consume.
Cut your cost of accommodations by camping. It is doable - see my article other article
entitled Camping in Ireland for some
tips on how to do this.
Don't let the rain scare you or dampen your spirits. At first, it scared me, but once I properly
prepared myself for it, I grew accustomed to it. I bought some rain boots, or wellies, as
they're called in Ireland. I had a good
coat. And I learned to appreciate it for
its huge contribution to the green landscape.
Of course, I still did a sun dance or two.
Get out of doors. The
country just calls for it. There are
mountains to climb, woodlands to explore, seas to swim, and nature galore all
over the place. These places demand less
out of your pocket, and more out of your body and spirit.
Don't get stuck in the tourist traps - they are designed to
reel you in. Realize this, and choose
wisely. Leave those that don't appeal to
you in your wake.
And, when you are feeling cold, lost, disheveled, and at
your wit's end - when you are in your lowest state - this is when you attract
the most help from the universe. Irish
people are friendly and generous. Ask if
you truly need help. They will response,
often with open arms.
Ask questions in general - talk to people. This is how you will uncover the best
information that will guide you along the way.
Ask other campers where to camp.
Ask other swimmers where to swim.
Often the most beauty is off the beaten path.
And have sense of adventure and a sense of humor. The flavor of rice cakes covered with mustard
is wild and weird. You will not die from
dining on it for a night. It only makes
the decadent meal that is up around the corner taste that much better.
Written by Liz O'Malley - Summer of Travel 2007
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