I’ve been to Ireland four times, all pre-pandemic. I’m returning in June and am trying to find lodging. How things have changed! Prices have gone up quite a bit . Between inflation, conversion of many properties into Airbnb type rentals, and the government using many hotels and lodging for refugees and asylum seekers, it’s not an easy trip to plan for a budget traveler.

My itinerary includes 5 nights in County Donegal, I thought I’d spend two nights somewhere in the Donegal town- Ardara - Dungloe area and 3 nights in the Malin Head area. I think I’m set for Malin Head region, but if anyone has a suggestion for a place for around $100/night for a single person in Donegal town region,, please let me know. I have seen others on the forum talk about Bayview and it looks good but I think $150/night is pricey for modest accommodation.

Thanks!

$100 is only about €95 so that would be pretty cheap in this day and age. With all the new taxes and fees host have to pay and inflation since the pandemic all prices have gone up. Plus June is starting towards high season. In January sure -- probably under €100 would be easy. But as a single I'd personally expect to pay around €125-€150 for a decent place in June.

Out of curiosity I went back and checked a place I've stayed a couple of times 5+ years ago (not near your locations). It has gone up from €67 in 2018 to €132 for the same week in July this year. Of course the $ is stronger against the € now so it isn't quite as bad as it seems.

A few years ago, we stayed at The Gateway Lodge in Donegal town, and were happy with it - but it's in the €130+ range now. You could consider some B&Bs, probably slightly more economical, by filtering you search on a site like booking.com.

My Spain hotels in October were €75-85. It’s a bummer that I’ll have to increase my budget for Ireland.
Anuj, your lodge starts at €268+ for my dates.
I’m experienced with booking.com and other such sites. I was just hoping someone on Fodors might have a gem that doesn’t show up on such sites. I’m literally looking on google maps, checking random places that I see on the map.

worth noting that average Irish wages are now above average US wages.