It may be a surprise to find that the Republic is not a cheap place to travel. The least expensive accommodation in a hostel bed will rarely cost less than ?6/€7.62 a night, while bed and breakfast generally works out at ?16-20/€20.36- 25.70 per person sharing, ?25-30/€31.74-38.09 in Dublin (and single travellers can expect to pay a supplement ranging from 25 to 50 percent extra in many instances - hostels aside). Reckon on about ?5/€6.35 for a basic, filling meal , and on spending more than you expect on drink, partly because it's expensive and partly because so much social life and entertainment revolves around the pubs. In short, you're likely to spend an absolute minimum of ?20/€25.70 a day, even if you're being very careful, and it's easy to find yourself getting through ?30/€38.09 or more if you plan to live it up in the slightest. As always, if you're travelling in a group you may be able to save some money by sharing rooms and food. Prices in the North tend to be less expensive; in particular B&B accommodation, basic groceries and consumer goods which are all cheaper.

If you are planning on visiting a lot of historic monuments in the Republic , it may be worth buying a Heritage Card (?15/€19.05; children/students ?10/€12.82), valid for one year from the date of purchase. This gives you unlimited admittance to sites cared for by Duchas , the Heritage Service, which runs many parks, monuments and gardens. Cards can be bought from the first Duchas site you visit, or in advance from their main office at 6 Ely Place, Dublin 2 (tel 01/647 2461 or within the Republic tel 1850 600601, www.heritageireland.ie ). Monuments for which the card is valid are indicated throughout this guide; membership of An Oige also includes discounts on access to certain sites . In the North , the National Trust offers a similar deal, but there are a lot fewer sights. If, however, you are also visiting Britain, membership (?30; under-25s ?15; family ?57) may be worthwhile. Write to them at Rowallane House, Saintfield, Co Down BT24 7LH (or telephone for an application tel 028/9751 0721); alternatively, contact the National Trust Membership Department, PO Box 39, Bromley, Kent BR1 3XL (tel 0208 3151111, www.nationaltrust.org.uk ).

Throughout this guide, the full entry price for museums, art galleries and other sights has been given. Many places will also offer a concesionary price for children, students and those over 60, which is usually at least a thrid off the full amount.