If you’re traveling on a budget, there’s no time like the present to hop a flight to Dublin (with cheap airfare, of course!) and discover this fun city.

Once you’re on the ground and you’ve booked your Dublin hotel, use these five tips to keep your money where it belongs: in your pocket.

Dublin budget tips

1. Don’t waste money on transportation

It can be tempting in Dublin just to hop in a cab, but this is one way to empty your pockets very quickly. Instead of cabs, check out the local bus schedule. Dublin Bus is very affordable, and routes connect all different areas of the city.

Alternatively, Dublin’s bike share program, called Dublin Bikes, is a cheap and easy way to get around the city. And remember, Dublin is very small and manageable on foot, too.

2. Eat your dinner early

With Dublin’s current boom, there are more and more gourmet restaurants opening in the city. These same restaurants do have deals if you know where or when to look. One strategy to fill seats is offering heavily discounted “early bird” or pre-theater specials.

Take one of my favorite restaurants in Dublin for example — The Winding Stair. A meal here is usually a splurge, but early birds can enjoy an incredible 2-course meal for just €29. You will leave stuffed and your wallet won’t be nearly empty.

Related:  Five ways to save on dining in Dublin.

3. Make friends with the half-pint — And keep your change!

There’s no such thing as a discount on alcohol in Dublin — you won’t find any “happy hours” in the city. If you’re trying to keep your costs down on beer, order a half pint instead of a full pint. This way you can spread your money a bit farther between different pubs.

Also remember, if you order from a bartender, there is no need to tip. Keep all your change!

4. Seek out free entertainment

While you’re sipping on that half-pint, how about some entertainment? Many Dublin pubs are known for their live music, so check out pubs that provide some entertainment beyond the Guinness and Jameson.

For traditional music, check out O’Donoghue’s on Merrion Row. Another great option for live music is Doyles, right across the street for Trinity College. If you happen to be in Dublin on “match day” (whether it’s rugby, soccer, or the Gaelic games) be sure to grab a seat in the pub — both the game and the locals will provide the entertainment.

5. Research your ride to the airport

If there’s one thing visitors complain about when it comes to Dublin — it’s the lack of airport transportation. You won’t find a train or a subway system that connects Dublin Airport to the city center. Some visitors resign themselves to taking a taxi (this costs at least €20) but Cheapos will want to check out the buses.

There are two options: the local bus that is very cheap (but stops frequently, seriously lengthening your journey into Dublin) or taking the Aircoach, a 24-hour express bus service into the city. Purchase a return fare to save a few euros instead of paying for a ticket each way. (Read more on Dublin’s airport transportation.)

A little airport research ahead of time could mean a lot of money saved during a trip to Dublin.

Your Dublin tips

Do you have any favorite ways to save? Share in the comments below!

The post Dublin Budget Tips: 5 simple ways to save appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Unlike other European capital cities, you don’t have to stay outside of the center to find good prices, especially if you’re open to staying in one of the city’s hostels. Wondering what to expect in Dublin hostels? Keep reading for everything you need to know before you book your bed.

Hostel Overview

Dublin is home to a handful of popular, central hostels with solid reputations. They all have some things in common, such as free Wi-Fi, free linens, and often a free continental breakfast (that includes hot tea in Ireland) but be sure to read the fine print:

• Some hostels offer only dorm-style rooms (with as many as 12 or 16 beds), while others have private rooms for one to four people.

• Some hostels only have shared bathrooms while others do have a few private bathrooms (all the more reason to make reservations in advance).

At almost every hostels, you can expect a common space for meeting fellow travelers. In Dublin, this is often a bar or lounge, and in the case of one unique property, an upscale coffee bar. Though metal bunkbeds seem to be the norm across the city, hostels are generally clean, safe, and offer lockers for easy storage of your backpack.

Enjoy a hot cappuccino at Isaacs Hostel.

EuroCheapo Hostel Picks

Isaacs Hostel
Read review
From $19

Located near the River Liffey on the north side of Dublin, Isaacs Hostel might surprise visitors with its charm. The hostel is housed in a building that was once a wine cellar and warehouse, so expect lots of stone walls and vaulted ceilings throughout.

Both dorms and private rooms (for one to four people) are available here, and an exterior courtyard bar is a fun touch. While all bathrooms are shared, there’s a nice basement lounge with a pool table and guest kitchen for meeting fellow travelers. Both Wi-Fi and continental breakfast are included in the room rate.

Avalon House
Read review
From $16

Walking by the Victorian building that is home to Avalon House, it is hard to believe this could be a hostel. The beautiful building is located on scenic South Great Georges Street, a central south-of-the-Liffey spot that is both quiet and near the pub action.

In addition to free Wi-Fi and some private bathrooms, Avalon House is also home to the Bald Barista, a coffee bar that draws locals off the streets with a perfect espresso. A comfortable basement lounge area is also another bonus.

The Globetrotter Tourist Hostel offers more comforts than your standard hostel.

Globetrotters Tourist Hostel
Read review
From $16

While many of the other hostels in Dublin offer metal, almost barracks-style dorm beds, Globetrotters focuses a little more on comfort. Both dorms and private rooms are available here, with cozy beds and linens included.

A big breakfast is served in a bright, cheery space where it will be easy to meet other travelers. Globetrotters has genuinely appealing spaces to relax after a day of pounding the pavement in Dublin, including a Japanese garden.

Jacobs Inn
Read review
From $19

One of the most contemporary options in Dublin is Jacobs Inn. Although this is one of the largest hostels, it is also one of the most bright and modern with a fresh paint job and spacious rooms with large closets. Here you can choose between dorms or private rooms (for one to four people).

Unlike other properties, all rooms at Jacobs Inn have their own private bathroom (and they are new and clean to boot). Wi-Fi and breakfast are free and a number of social events, such as pub crawls, are frequently organized.

Other Super Cheap Options

For Cheapos, hostels are often the default bare-bones-budget option. In Dublin, there are some other choices depending on the time of year you visit. During the summer months (when students aren’t in session), dorm rooms at Trinity College Dublin can be rented. These rooms are clean, comfortable, and offer an incredible central location along with free continental breakfast (or full Irish for an extra few euro).

Outside of the summer months, Cheapos will want to investigate guesthouses and inns. Particularly in the low season, a charming room in a privately owned guesthouse can run the same price as a private room in a hostel (and include a big, filling breakfast too). To see all hotels recommended by EuroCheapo’s editors, please visit our Dublin hotel guide.

The post Youth hostels and other super-cheap sleeping options in Dublin appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

1. Always keep a close eye on your bag.

This may sound obvious, but petty thieves are pretty crafty in Dublin. Many purse snatchers are women, and they target some of the best areas of the city, especially outdoor cafes and pubs.

Don’t hang your purse on the back of a chair. All it takes is one moment of leaning forward and your bag will be gone, on the shoulder of another woman in the crowd.

2. Where’s all the catcalling?

In Dublin there is a distinct absence of catcalling. However, this often encourages solo women travelers to put their guard down. Use common sense when walking alone at night, always choosing lit, busy streets even if the route is longer. Also, beware of overly friendly men approaching in groups of one or two with basic questions such as the time.

3. Avoid the quays.

At night, a walk along the River Liffey might seem like an appealing idea. While some areas along the quays are well lit and perfectly safe, others are pretty desolate with dark office buildings. These spots sneak up rather quickly, and locals know what areas are dark and quiet for drinking and carousing down by the river. To play it safe, avoid walking along the quays alone late at night or very early in the morning.

4. Be aware of closing time.

Pubs in Dublin all have the same closing time, 11:30 last call during the week and 12:30 last call on weekends. This means that all pubs and bars empty out at the same time, filling the streets with mostly merry intoxicated people. While somewhat rare, this can also be the time when scuffles will break out on the street. Be aware that fights are most likely to occur at this time, and steer clear of crowds or head home a few minutes before closing time.

5. Look into guesthouses instead of hostels.

In addition to hostels, Dublin is also home to a range of affordable guesthouses. Instead of automatically booking a bunk in a dorm, check out independently owned guesthouses and B&Bs. You will often get a small room with a twin bed, including a hearty breakfast, for the same (or slightly higher) price of a hostel.

Also, during the summer, actual dorm rooms at Trinity College are available to visitors when students aren’t in session. This is an incredibly affordable way to stay in the safe, very heart of Dublin.

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The program connects first-time visitors to Dublin with hospitable locals: 1,000 of them to be exact. These “ambassadors” arrange to meet first-time visitors over a pint (that means a Guinness) or a cup of tea. And the best part? The service is completely free – both to the visitor and the ambassador.

The Concept

The concept is a simple one: get introduced to Dublin by a local. Over a pint or a cup of tea, learn about their inside perspective on Dublin. Pick their brain on favorite pubs, where to listen to live music, or underrated attractions.

For a few suggestions from ambassadors for the City of a Thousand Welcome programs, check out these incredible videos, shot throughout different neighborhoods in Dublin.

How it works

Once you know the dates that you’re traveling to Dublin, check out the City of a Thousand Welcomes Web site. All you have to do is let them know when you’re coming, and you will be sent a guide on Dublin and matched with an ambassador.

The ambassador – who is a volunteer and Dublin resident – receives two vouchers for a pint or a cup of tea. Then the ambassador and the visitor agree on a time to meet for a chat. Sponsors of the program pick up the tab.

Who are these ambassadors?

A total of 1,000 Dublin residents make up the ambassadors for this program. They have been carefully vetted by the police and are enthusiastic about their city.

One of the marvelous things about the program is that no two ambassadors will give the same advice. You won’t think you’re getting an inside perspective only to show up somewhere filled with tourists. Share your interests with the ambassador, and they might just have a piece of advice that slots in with what you like to do.

One piece of fine print: according to the terms and conditions, all participants must be 21 or older.

Questions?

The City of a Thousand Welcomes launched in June 2011 and just had its first birthday. It is based out of the Little Museum of Dublin, a new museum on St. Stephen’s Green in Dublin city center. You can contact the general manager of the program with questions, or simply sign up for your free pint.

Free pint? Free advice? Music to any Cheapos ear.

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The key to sticking to your budget is finding affordable places to eat and free things to do. Keep reading for a full itinerary on a 20-euro Dublin day.

Breakfast at the Queen of Tarts. Photo: Spinksy

BREAKFAST

Start your day at Queen of Tarts, one of the best known bakeries in Dublin. You will have many choices for €5 or less here, including homemade apple scones with raspberry preserves (€2.95) or hot oatmeal with apple compote and maple syrup (€4.50).

Order at the counter and you won’t have to worry about leaving a tip (read more about tipping in Dublin).

MORNING ACTIVITY

Breakfast at Queen of Tarts will place you right at the far edge of Temple Bar. While this district is known for its rowdy tourist pubs, it is re-identifying itself as the cultural quarter of Dublin. Explore during the day when you will encounter street performers and markets full of €1 books and records.

Book enthusiasts will want to check out the shelves at the Gutter Bookshop while art lovers might want to duck into the (free) Gallery of Photography to catch an exhibition.

LUNCH

Finish wandering through Temple Bar at Curved Street, home to the Curved Street Café. This 2nd floor café is a cozy space serving up filling lunch options like hearty soups and sandwiches. The best value is the soups for €4 (served with a hunk of bread) while sandwiches cost about €6.

Once again, because you order at the counter, don’t worry about a tip. If you have a sweet tooth, all cakes here  (€2 to €3) are made at the excellent local Cake Café. Free Wi-Fi is also available here.

AFTERNOON ACTIVITY

After lunch, leave Temple Bar behind and cross the River Liffey over the whimsical Ha’Penney Bridge. Stroll along the Quays towards Dublin’s main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street, and head north towards Parnell Square. Step down into the Garden of Remembrance, a peaceful outdoor space that serves as a memorial to all those people who gave their lives seeking Irish independence from British rule.

Right nearby on Parnell Square is the Hugh Lane Gallery. Entrance here is free, and the gallery is home to one extremely popular exhibit: Francis Bacon’s studio. Here the artist’s studio has been recreated exactly as it was found on the day of his death. Several of his paintings are also on display.

DINNER

This area on the north side is well known for being home to many of Dublin’s best ethnic eateries. One of my favorites is the cozy Hop House, a restaurant serving Korean and Japanese food. All orders come with a free cup of steaming miso soup to warm you up when you step off the street.

All of the noodle dishes – such as Japanese noodles with tempura prawns – are priced around €11. There are a few sushi options for under €10 and teriyaki chicken wings (€8.90) are another local favorite. One trick is if you arrive before 5 p.m., you get to order off the lunch menu which is very similar to the dinner menu, only with cheaper prices.

Any coins left?

If you have any coins left in your budget, head to the attached pub next door to enjoy a Korean or Japanese beer and some live music.

Also in our guide: Heading to Dublin and looking to keep it cheap? Be sure to check out our reviews of the best cheap hotels in Dublin, all of them visited, inspected and photographed by our editors. Read more in our Dublin guide.

The post Dublin: A full day for under €20 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Dublin is no exception. This compact, walkable city is ideal for budget travelers looking to experience the holiday cheer without emptying their wallets. Keep reading for some of my favorite things – old and new – to do in Dublin in the lead up to Christmas.

1. Christmas windows at Brown Thomas
88 Grafton Street
Web site

Grafton Street, the pedestrianized center of Dublin, is brilliantly lit up for the holidays. Beyond taking in the sparkling lights and huge Christmas tree, one more (completely free) thing to do here is to check out the Christmas windows at Brown Thomas.

This super fancy department store might not be where you will stock up on Christmas gifts, but they always do an incredibly creative job with their festive store windows. As a bonus, many street performers sing holiday carols at this time of year on Grafton Street.

2. Holiday concert: December 19, 2011
Web site

Throughout Dublin there are plenty of opportunities to hear holiday music in the month of December, but what if you want to hear some live music? There is one annual performance that locals look forward to as a Christmas tradition each year.

The Key Notes are an Irish group that perform mostly acapella music, including classic, Irish, and Christmas tunes at the RDS Concert Hall on Monday, December 19, 2011 at 8 p.m. Tickets are only €20 and available through Ticketmaster.

3. Christmas Market at Christ Church Cathedral
Web site

Another holiday tradition, the Christmas market, showcases everything from local arts and crafts to jewelry to local souvenirs. The market at Christ Church Cathedral allows visitors to check out one of Dublin’s best known landmarks, and do a little cheap Christmas shopping at the same time. Expect Christmas tunes, holiday-themed snacks, and some great affordable gift ideas at this market set inside the 12th-century Cathedral. The Christ Church Market is open Saturdays only.

4. The Dun Laoghaire Christmas Festival
December 9, 2011 – January 8, 2012
Web site

Dun Laoghaire is a seaside village located south of the city center of Dublin, and is easily reached (for cheap) on the DART commuter train. This year Dun Laoghaire is throwing its first Christmas festival, including a German-style Christmas market located on Marine Road with booths full of jewelry, gift ideas, and food. In addition, there is an ice rink for adults and kids who want to try out their skills on skates.

5. Tasting the holiday spirit

Each culture has its own culinary traditions of dishes that evoke a festive spirit. In Dublin, those items are mince pies and mulled wine.

Mince pies are individually sized fruit pies with seasonal spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Mulled wine is a hot drink, consisting of red wine, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Both items are available at all the Christmas markets and are a local (and cheap) way to dive into Dublin Christmas traditions.

Bonus: Impromptu performance?

If you happen to be in Dublin on Christmas Eve, go ahead and take a stroll on Grafton Street during the afternoon. In years past some of Dublin’s biggest stars have shown up for an impromptu street performance, including Bono, Damien Rice, and Glen Hansard.

Also in our guide: Budget travelers heading to Dublin at Christmas or any other time should check out our reviews of our favorite cheap hotels in Dublin. Each hotel has been visited, inspected, photographed and reviewed by our editors. Read more in our Dublin guide.

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For example, approach a bar in Dublin and order a drink. The total will most likely not be an even amount, and when you are handed your change, put it all in your pocket. A bartender won’t expect a tip, and will think you’re an unknowing tourist if you leave your change on the bar.

Here’s a quick guide to tipping in Dublin: When to leave a little, when to leave a lot, and when to keep all your change. We’ll help you save enough on tips to order at least one more pint of Guinness…

When to Leave a Little Tip

The Pub: No trip to Dublin would be complete without spending some time in the pub. The most coveted seats are the ones in the snug–the small room usually near the entrance that is almost like your own little living room, separate from the rest of the bar.

If you’re lucky enough to have snagged the snug, you will most likely have table service. A waiter or waitress will take your order, clear empty glasses, and bring you fresh pints. While a tip at the bar for the bartender isn’t necessary, it is customary to tip when drinks are brought to you. Most locals leave coins or the change for a couple drinks, but if you have been served several rounds, you will want to leave between 5% and 10% of your total bill.

Taxi: Another instance of leaving a little is tipping in a taxi. While there are many buses, trams, and even a bike share system in Dublin, you might at one time or another choose to jump in a taxi. If so, simply round up to the next euro or two for a sufficient tip. (Read more in our article about Dublin transportation.)

When to Leave a Big Tip

Restaurants: The one instance where tipping is very customary is for your server in a restaurant. A good tip is 10% of your total bill. If a server was very good and you’re feeling very generous, you can round that up to 12%. The one time when it is appropriate to tip a bartender is if you’re sitting at the bar in a pub and eat a meal along with drinking a pint of Guinness.

Cheapos wanting to avoid tipping on meals should check out a variety of cafes and restaurants where you order at the counter, but still get to eat at a table. When you order at the counter and pay at the cashier, no tip is necessary.

Beauty salon: If you want to indulge in the luxury of a haircut or manicure during your visit to Dublin, keep in mind that customary tips for these services is between 10% and 15%.

When To Leave No Tip At All

At the bar: As mentioned above, when you order a drink in a pub (or even a round of drinks) no tip is necessary for the bartender. Unlike American bars where bartenders depend on tips for their income, a bar man in Dublin is paid a wage. This also means you might wait a little longer than expected for your drinks (remember a proper pint of Guinness takes a full three minutes to pour).

While you’re at it, use the change you receive from the bartender for bus fare. Dublin Bus only accepts an exact fare–and won’t give you change if you don’t have the correct coins and need to over-pay.

Also in our Dublin Guide: Preparing for a trip to Dublin? Our editors have visited, inspected and reviewed Dublin’s best cheap hotels, all centrally located, clean and budget-friendly.

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This is definitely the case in Dublin. The following neighborhood guide can help you determine which Dublin post code to call home (even just for a few days).

Overview

Dublin is broken in half by the River Liffey, into the north side and the south side. All addresses on the north side of the river have an odd post code (Dublin 1, Dublin 3, Dublin 7) and all the addresses on the south side of the river have an even post code (Dublin 2, Dublin 4, Dublin 6).

The smaller the number, the closer to the city center you will be. If you find an appealing hotel option – but it’s in Dublin 24 – you are going to want to keep searching (unless you want to spend a lot of time intimately getting to know Dublin Bus).

Dublin 1

Many hostels, affordable B&Bs and small hotels are located on the north side of the River Liffey, in Dublin 1. These options have their appeal – they are close to the center of the city, to nightlife, and to local attractions. Yet many locals would argue that this neighborhood has the least charm of all the central neighborhoods. You’ll find a great deal, but this area around O’Connell Street is known more for touristy t-shirt shops than authentic pubs or restaurants.

Dublin 1 attractions: The Abbey Theatre, the Dublin Writers’ Museum, the Hugh Lane Gallery

Dublin 2

Arguably the heart of the city, Dublin 2 is the very center where you will find Grafton Street, St. Stephens Green, Christ Church Cathedral, and a long list of five-star hotels. Cheapos shouldn’t fret – as there are a few affordable options too that will allow you to share addresses with the local rich and famous. Hotels might be a little older and classically styled, but they will be affordable and central. When you choose this central neighborhood, you can explore Dublin entirely on foot. Local pubs and cafés are all within easy strolling distance.

Dublin 2 attractions: Merrion Square, the National Gallery of Ireland, well-known pubs like O’Donoghue’s

Dublin 4

My favorite neighborhoods in Dublin are in Dublin 4. While still in close walking distance to all the action, these are local, leafy neighborhoods full of beautiful Georgian architecture. Here instead of five-star hotels, you will be surrounded by Dubliners going about their everyday business. Expect to stumble on affordable markets, lunch spots, and pubs all steps from the door of your B&B. While many of the former Georgian homes here were turned into offices, many of them house small, affordable B&Bs as well.

Dublin 4 attractions: Herbert Park, the pubs along Baggot Street, strolls along the Grand Canal

Pick your hood

Every traveler will have their own idea of the perfect neighborhood. First time visitors to Dublin might be drawn to bustle of Dublin 1 or Dublin 2, while those who are seeking more of an in-depth experience with the locals will be drawn to the neighborhood feel of Dublin 4.

In these neighborhoods and beyond – one thing is for sure – compared to other destinations in Europe there is excellent value to be found right now in Dublin hotels.

The post Dublin: Which neighborhood is right for your trip? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here are a few tried-and-tested tips for traveling on the cheap in Dublin. They all worked for me this very week!

1. Change money at the bank

We usually recommend taking money out of ATMs when traveling in Europe–even if some banks charge a one-time transaction fee as well as a percentage of the money taken out. (Read much more about ATMs in Europe here.) However, in Dublin I recommend changing your money at a bank.

Just this week I got a competitive exchange rate at AIB (Allied Irish Bank) with no pesky fees. You don’t need a bank account or to fill out any forms: Just get in the line marked “foreign exchange” and voila, you’ve got your euros. You can also ask for small bills—instead of those annoying 50 euro notes that ATMs give and no one wants to accept.

2. Look for hotel deals

During the Celtic Tiger boom in Dublin, a LOT of hotel rooms were built in the city. That means there are deals everywhere – particularly for Cheapos who are willing to do a little research. There are two popular deals going on in Dublin right now. One is an advance purchase rate (usually 10 – 15% off the total cost of your stay – paid in advance with no refunds), while another deal offers the incentive of an extra night for free. Examples I’ve seen include stay “Two nights and get a third free,” or “Stay three nights and get a fourth free.”

Also look for a hotel that offers a hearty breakfast, as this will set you up for a day of exploring Dublin without expensive snacking. When you do a hotel search on EuroCheapo, you’ll see examples of discounted room rates and plenty of options offering Irish breakfasts.

3. The Early Bird

Dublin was once known as an expensive city for food, but this has all changed. Cheapos with a refined palate can dine at Dublin’s best restaurants—affordably—simply by eating early. The Irish capital is full of incredible value for those who are willing to sit down before 7 p.m. Deals can be found for as little as €19 for two courses or €25 for three courses.

Especially during the week, this is also a great way to meet the locals. Many Dubliners take advantage of these specials by heading out for an early dinner after work.

4. Freebies abound

Once you arrive, be sure to check out the newspapers and even turn on the radio (Ireland has excellent radio) for up to date details on free events and entertainment. Just this week I enjoyed an outdoor afternoon summer concert and checked out a new exhibition at IMMA (Irish Museum of Modern Art).

The post Dublin: 4 ways to keep it cheap appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

During the years of the Celtic Tiger boom, it was just about impossible for a Cheapo to do any shopping in Dublin. Sure, it’s fun to marvel at the gorgeous window displays at Brown Thomas department store on Grafton Street, but buying anything? Not in the cards, especially not with the exchange rate.

That is unless you know where to look for vintage stores. These stores have been offering affordable shopping since the boom, and have survived even as many of the glitzier stores have closed in recent years.

Seek out the following shops and you can afford to bring home some gifts for friends and family–and maybe a little something for yourself, too.

The Harlequin
13 Castle Market, Dublin 2
Web site (Facebook)

Besides being located smack in the middle of one of my favorite areas of Dublin, this shop has everything you could want in a vintage store: racks and racks of well-organized, interesting clothes, bags, and jewelry–without even a trace of that musty vintage smell. Some parts of the store are organized by decade, other parts by item.

If you love handbags–beware–this store has an incredible selection of gently-used bags. And belts. And even hats, too.

The Loft at Powerscourt Townhouse
59 South William Street, Dublin 2
Web site

Cheapos walking into the indoor shopping center that is the Powerscourt Townhouse might think at first that they’ll never find anything affordable. Yet if you’re visiting on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday–climb the stairs to the very top floor where you’ll find a space called “the Loft.”

Here, independent designers and vintage enthusiasts set up a little rack of their items. Handmade jewelry, bath products, affordable little dresses and vintage belts are all on offer here. You can shop happily knowing your purchase will support small businesses.

A Store is Born
34 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2

Only open on Saturday from 11 a.m.–6 p.m., you could walk by this space any other time of the week and barely notice it. It is the size of a garage, and is packed with interesting sweaters, scarves and jackets. If the Dublin weather has you wishing you packed something heavier, stop into this store on a Saturday to stock up on warm items.

If possible, arrive early as the small space gets crowded by mid-afternoon. The earlier you arrive, the better the selection.

All three of these vintage stores are located within a 5-minute walk of each other, making a manageable day of shopping. There are other vintage shops in Dublin that specialize in gowns or silk blouses–but Cheapos will be best served by sticking to this list.

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