The WanderWise Guide to Ireland on Points
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Ireland is the rare destination that's exactly as good as everyone says it is.
The pubs really do have live music on a Tuesday night. The strangers really do talk to you — not politely, not performatively, but like they've known you for twenty years and are delighted you finally showed up. The cliffs really do take your breath away. And the light — that soft, silvery, constantly shifting light — makes every landscape look like it was painted by someone who loved it deeply.
For Americans of a certain generation, Ireland isn't just a destination. It's a homecoming. Over 30 million Americans claim Irish ancestry, and there's something about setting foot on that green, rain-scrubbed island that feels less like travel and more like a return. Even if your last name is Kowalski.
Here's what makes Ireland particularly perfect for points travelers over 55: it's close (5–6 hours from the East Coast), it's English-speaking, it's extraordinarily welcoming to older visitors, and — thanks to Aer Lingus and the Avios program — it's one of the most accessible destinations in Europe on points.
Let's plan your trip.
Getting There: Flights to Ireland on Points
Dublin (DUB) is your primary gateway. Shannon (SNN) is a smart alternative if you're headed straight to the west coast — and it avoids the Dublin traffic entirely. Cork (ORK) has limited transatlantic service but makes sense for southern Ireland itineraries.
The Aer Lingus Sweet Spot: Avios
Aer Lingus uses Avios as its loyalty currency — the same points used by British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, and Qatar Airways. This is significant because Avios are one of the easiest points currencies to earn: you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, and Capital One Miles to Avios programs. All three major transferable points currencies connect to Avios. That's rare, and it makes Ireland uniquely accessible on points.
Economy Class Options
| Route | Program | Points (Round Trip) | Cash Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Coast → Dublin | Aer Lingus (via Avios) | 26,000–52,000 | $500–$1,000 | Nonstop from BOS, JFK, EWR, PHL, IAD, ORD, CLT, MIA |
| East Coast → Dublin | British Airways Avios | 26,000–52,000 | $500–$1,000 | Same Avios currency; can book Aer Lingus flights |
| East Coast → Dublin | United MileagePlus (via Chase UR) | 60,000 | $500–$1,000 | Aer Lingus partner award |
| East Coast → Shannon | Aer Lingus (via Avios) | 26,000–52,000 | $500–$1,000 | Nonstop from BOS, JFK, EWR (seasonal) |
| Any US City → Dublin | Capital One Miles | Varies | Varies | Portal booking at 1¢/mile |
The WanderWise move: Transfer Chase UR, Amex MR, or Capital One Miles to British Airways Executive Club (which uses Avios). Then search and book Aer Lingus flights directly on BA.com or the BA app. Aer Lingus economy awards start at just 13,000 Avios each way off-peak — that's 26,000 round trip per person from cities like Boston, New York, or Philadelphia. This is one of the best transatlantic award values in existence.
Important note on Avios pricing: Aer Lingus uses distance-based Avios pricing with peak and off-peak rates. Off-peak dates (typically mid-January through mid-June and September through mid-December, excluding holidays) price at 13,000 Avios each way. Peak summer dates jump to 20,000–26,000 each way. If your schedule is flexible — and in retirement, it should be — fly off-peak and save 40% of your points.
Taxes and fees: Aer Lingus Avios redemptions have moderate taxes and surcharges: expect $100–$250 per person round trip. Still a fraction of the cash fare.
Business Class Options
The flight is short enough that economy is perfectly fine — but Aer Lingus's business class is lovely on their A330s. Lie-flat seats, Irish breakfast service, and a pre-departure lounge at Dublin airport with complimentary bar.
| Route | Program | Points (Round Trip) | Cash Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Coast → Dublin | Aer Lingus (via Avios) | 75,000–100,000 | $2,500–$5,000 | Lie-flat on A330; off-peak pricing at 37,500 each way |
| East Coast → Dublin | United MileagePlus | 120,000–160,000 | $2,500–$5,000 | Dynamic pricing; Aer Lingus metal |
| East Coast → Dublin | Aeroplan (via Chase/Amex) | 100,000–120,000 | $2,500–$5,000 | Partner award on Aer Lingus |
The WanderWise move: For business class, transfer to British Airways Avios and book Aer Lingus business class at 37,500 Avios each way off-peak (75,000 round trip). That's two people in lie-flat business class for 150,000 Avios total — achievable with two Chase Sapphire Preferred sign-up bonuses. The value per point in business class: 3–6¢, depending on cash fares. This is one of our favorite transatlantic sweet spots.
Where to Stay: Irish Hotels on Points
Ireland's hotel landscape is a mix of international chains (surprisingly well-placed for points redemptions) and independent properties ranging from Georgian townhouses to actual castles. The best strategy: use points for your city base nights, save cash for the castle splurge.
Dublin Hotels on Points
| Hotel | Program | Points/Night | Cash Rate (Approx.) | Why We Love It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin | Hyatt | 12,000–18,000 | $200–$350 | Walkable to everything; excellent pub neighborhood |
| Conrad Dublin (Hilton) | Hilton Honors | 50,000–70,000 | $300–$500 | Elegant, central, overlooking St. Stephen's Green |
| The Westin Dublin (Marriott) | Bonvoy | 40,000–60,000 | $350–$550 | Gorgeous former bank building on Westmoreland Street |
| Moxy Dublin City | Bonvoy | 18,000–25,000 | $150–$250 | Modern, affordable, Docklands location |
| The Alex Dublin (Curio, Hilton) | Hilton Honors | 40,000–60,000 | $250–$400 | Near Merrion Square; stylish rooms |
The WanderWise move: The Hyatt Centric The Liberties is a genuine steal. At 12,000–18,000 Hyatt points per night (transferred 1:1 from Chase UR), you're in Dublin's most characterful neighborhood — historic pubs, the Guinness Storehouse a 5-minute walk away, and the city center 15 minutes on foot. Two nights: 24,000–36,000 points. That's less than a single Chase Sapphire Preferred sign-up bonus covers.
Galway Hotels on Points
Galway is smaller, and chain hotel options are more limited — but one standout exists:
| Hotel | Program | Points/Night | Cash Rate (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Hardiman (formerly Meyrick) — independent | — | N/A | €200–€400 | Galway's grand dame; no points, but worth the cash on Eyre Square |
| Galway Marriott Hotel (if available) | Bonvoy | 25,000–35,000 | $180–$280 | Outside city center but comfortable |
The WanderWise take on Galway: This is where the hybrid strategy shines. Use points for Dublin, and spend cash in Galway — the B&Bs and boutique hotels here are part of the experience. A proper Irish B&B in Galway's Latin Quarter, with a full Irish breakfast served by someone who wants to hear your life story, costs €100–€180/night and delivers more charm than any chain.
Castle Hotels: The Irish Splurge
No trip to Ireland is complete without at least one night in a castle. These aren't museums — they're living, breathing hotels where you sleep in canopy beds, dine by candlelight, and walk the same grounds that witnessed 800 years of Irish history.
- Ashford Castle (Cong, County Mayo): Ireland's most famous castle hotel. 800 years old, set on 350 acres along Lough Corrib. Falconry, horseback riding, golf. Rooms from €450–€1,200/night. Occasionally bookable through the Chase Travel portal at 1.5¢/point (Sapphire Reserve) — a $700 night costs ~47,000 Chase UR.
- Dromoland Castle (County Clare): A 16th-century castle near Shannon Airport — perfect for your first or last night. Championship golf course. Rooms from €350–€800/night. Also bookable through card portals.
- Ballynahinch Castle (Connemara): More intimate, set on a river in wild Connemara. Salmon fishing, walking trails. €250–€500/night. Utterly romantic.
- Adare Manor (County Limerick): Ultra-luxury, Tom Fazio golf course, Michelin-starred dining. €600–€1,500/night. The "if money were no object" choice.
The WanderWise move: Book one castle night through the Chase Travel portal using points, then book the rest directly with the hotel. One night at Dromoland Castle near Shannon makes a magnificent first-night-in-Ireland experience — you'll land, drive 20 minutes, and be sleeping in a castle before your jet lag kicks in. At 1.5¢/point through the Sapphire Reserve, a €400 night costs roughly 30,000 Chase UR points. That's a story you'll tell forever.
The Golf Question
Ireland is a pilgrimage site for golfers, and if you or your partner play, building the trip around golf is a magnificent idea. The courses here — links courses carved into coastal dunes and cliffs — are unlike anything in America.
The legendary courses:
- Ballybunion Old Course (County Kerry): Consistently ranked top 10 in the world. Green fees: €220–€280.
- Lahinch Golf Club (County Clare): The "St. Andrews of Ireland." Green fees: €200–€260.
- Old Head Golf Links (County Cork): Built on a peninsula jutting into the Atlantic. Vertigo-inducing views. Green fees: €250–€350.
- Portmarnock Golf Club (Dublin): Championship links, 20 minutes from the city. Green fees: €220–€300.
- Waterville Golf Links (County Kerry): Remote, wild, and unforgettable. Green fees: €200–€250.
Points play for golfers: Several golf tour operators (including Carr Golf and Southwest Ireland Golf) offer packages that bundle tee times, accommodations, and transfers. These can be booked through the Chase Travel portal or Capital One Purchase Eraser for points redemption. A 5-day golf package (3 rounds, castle hotel, transfers) typically runs $3,000–$5,000/person — which is 200,000–333,000 Chase UR points at 1.5¢ via Sapphire Reserve.
The WanderWise take: Even if you're not a serious golfer, book one round at Lahinch or Old Head for the scenery alone. Walking an Irish links course on a summer evening, the Atlantic crashing below, may be the most beautiful outdoor experience in Europe.
Driving in Ireland: Car Rental Tips for the Left Side of the Road
You'll want a car for the countryside — the Ring of Kerry, Connemara, the Wild Atlantic Way. But driving on the left side of the road, in a right-hand-drive car, on narrow country lanes, is... an adjustment. Here's how to do it confidently:
Before you go:
- Book an automatic transmission. Manual cars are cheaper and more common in Europe, but shifting with your left hand while navigating roundabouts on the wrong side of the road is a recipe for marital tension. Pay the extra $5–$10/day for an automatic. Your marriage is worth it.
- Book through AutoSlash.com for the best rates, then use your Chase Sapphire Reserve's primary rental car insurance to decline the agency's overpriced CDW (Collision Damage Waiver). This saves $20–$40/day.
- Get a smaller car than you think you need. Irish country roads are narrow. A mid-size sedan is the maximum for comfortable driving. SUVs are a headache on single-track lanes.
On the road:
- Roundabouts go clockwise. Look right, not left, before entering. This will feel wrong for about 48 hours, then it becomes second nature.
- Stay left, look right. Your mantra. Say it at every intersection.
- Pull into designated passing places on single-track roads to let oncoming traffic through. The other driver will wave. Wave back.
- Don't drive the Ring of Kerry on a tour bus day. The coaches all travel counterclockwise. Driving clockwise (Kenmare → Killarney) gives you better views and fewer buses in your rearview mirror.
- Fuel up often. Gas stations (called "filling stations" or "petrol stations") can be sparse in rural areas.
Points play for car rental: Book through the Chase Travel portal (1.25–1.5¢/point) or use Capital One miles as a statement credit. A week's rental for an automatic mid-size car in Ireland runs $300–$500 — that's 20,000–33,000 Chase UR through the Sapphire Reserve portal.
The WanderWise Ireland Itinerary: 7 Days
Day-by-Day
| Day | Location | Highlights | Where to Sleep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dublin | Arrive, Trinity College & Book of Kells, Temple Bar pubs, traditional music session | Hyatt Centric Liberties (12,000–18,000 Hyatt pts) |
| 2 | Dublin | Guinness Storehouse, St. Stephen's Green, Grafton Street shopping, literary pub crawl | Hyatt Centric Liberties |
| 3 | Dublin → Kilkenny → Rock of Cashel → Killarney | Scenic drive south; medieval Kilkenny Castle, Rock of Cashel (ancient cathedral), arrive in Killarney | B&B in Killarney (€120–€180 cash) |
| 4 | Ring of Kerry | Full-day driving loop (115 miles): Killarney → Kenmare → Sneem → Waterville → Ladies View → Killarney. Coastal cliffs, sheep-dotted hillsides, epic photo ops | B&B in Killarney |
| 5 | Killarney → Cliffs of Moher → Galway | Drive north via Limerick to the Cliffs of Moher (bucket-list moment), continue to Galway. Evening: Galway's Latin Quarter for oysters and Guinness | Boutique hotel in Galway (€150–€250 cash) |
| 6 | Galway + Connemara | Morning in Galway (Spanish Arch, the Long Walk, Galway Market). Afternoon: drive Connemara loop — Clifden, Kylemore Abbey, Sky Road. Wild, empty, achingly beautiful | Boutique hotel in Galway |
| 7 | Galway → Shannon or Dublin | Return to Shannon Airport (1.5 hrs) or Dublin (2.5 hrs). If Shannon: stop at Dromoland Castle for a farewell lunch. If Dublin: detour through Clonmacnoise monastic ruins | Fly home |
Total Budget Breakdown (Two People)
| Category | Points | Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (East Coast → Dublin, round trip, economy off-peak) | 52,000 Avios (via Chase UR or Amex MR) | $200–$400 taxes/fees |
| Dublin hotel (2 nights, Hyatt Centric) | 24,000–36,000 Hyatt points (via Chase UR) | $0 |
| Killarney B&B (2 nights) | — | €240–€360 ($260–$390) |
| Galway boutique hotel (2 nights) | — | €300–€500 ($325–$540) |
| Car rental (5 days, automatic) | 22,000 Chase UR (via portal at 1.5¢) | $0 |
| Fuel | — | $100–$150 |
| Meals and pubs (7 days, generous) | — | $700–$1,000 |
| Activities (Guinness Storehouse, Cliffs of Moher, Kylemore Abbey, etc.) | — | $150–$250 |
| Totals | ~98,000–110,000 points | $1,735–$2,780 cash |
What this trip would cost without points: $4,500–$6,500 for two people (adding $1,000–$2,000 for flights, $500–$800 for Dublin hotels, and $400+ for car rental at cash prices).
Your savings: $2,500–$3,700 — enough to justify that extra night in a castle, or a round of golf at Lahinch, or simply the satisfaction of traveling smarter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to rent a car in Ireland?
For Dublin, absolutely not — it's walkable and has good public transport. For the countryside (Ring of Kerry, Connemara, Cliffs of Moher), a car is the best way to experience Ireland. You can join organized day tours from Galway or Killarney if you'd rather not drive.
Is Ireland expensive?
Moderately. Hotels and restaurants in Dublin approach London prices. The countryside is more affordable. Ireland's biggest bargain: pub lunches (€12–€18 for hearty, filling meals). Its biggest premium: Dublin hotel rooms in summer.
When is the best time to visit?
May through September for the best weather (which in Ireland means "least rain" — bring a waterproof jacket regardless). June offers the longest days. September has smaller crowds and golden light. Winter is dark and wet but has its own cozy, fire-by-the-pub charm.
What about Northern Ireland?
If your itinerary includes the north (Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Derry), it's a seamless drive across the border — no passport check, no customs. Northern Ireland uses British pounds, not euros, and the road signs switch to miles. The Giant's Causeway is extraordinary and worth a 1–2 day detour from Galway or Dublin.
Your Ireland Action Plan
- Check your points balances. You need roughly 100,000–110,000 flexible points across programs. One Chase Sapphire Preferred sign-up bonus (80,000 points) gets you most of the way there.
- Pick your dates. May, June, or September for the best combination of weather, prices, and award availability.
- Transfer points to British Airways Avios and book Aer Lingus flights — off-peak for the best rates.
- Book the Hyatt Centric Dublin with Hyatt points transferred from Chase UR.
- Reserve your car (automatic!) through AutoSlash, then book via the Chase portal for points coverage.
- Read our Business Class to Europe Guide if you want to fly lie-flat on Aer Lingus for the crossing.
- Join our Facebook Group — our Ireland planning threads are brimming with pub recommendations, driving tips, and photos that'll make you book tonight.
Ireland doesn't try to impress you. It doesn't need to. It just opens its door, pours you a pint, pulls up a chair, and starts talking. And by the time you leave, you feel like you've been gone far too long — even if you've never been before.
Go. Your points will get you there. Ireland will do the rest.
Planning your Ireland trip on points? Share your questions in our Facebook Group — our community loves talking Ireland itineraries. Or take our Travel Score Quiz to see how far your points will take you across the Emerald Isle.