Does Ireland deserve its rip-off reputation? Every Friday in August, PriceWatch asks visitors what they find cheapest and most expensive here
Hana Vaclavova (28) from Slovakia
In Ireland for 11 months
What's expensive in Ireland? It is difficult to say. If you want to buy a house, the prices are incredible. Rent is not so dear when you consider the wages here, and when you consider the actual prices it is okay. Services, things like going to the hairdressers, are very expensive.
What's cheap? Food is not very expensive and clothes are cheap.
Is it dearer than you thought? It is hard to say. I thought accommodation would be cheaper but everything else is pretty much as I expected it.
Have you spent more than you expected? No.
Would high prices stop you coming back? Well, I am planning to stay here for a while so definitely not. The comparative difference between wages and prices here is much fairer than in my country.
Ignio Rubio (25) from Spain
In Ireland for one month
What's expensive in Ireland? Everything is expensive - the drink, the food in restaurants, the bus tickets. Everything. Alcohol is twice as dear as it is at home.
What's cheap? Nothing at all.
Is it dearer than you thought? It is a lot more expensive than I thought.
Have you spent more than you expected? Yes, I think I have spent maybe 25 per cent more than I thought I would.
Would high prices stop you coming back? I don't think so.
Lana Syergina (20) from Russia
In Ireland for three weeks
What's expensive in Ireland? I don't know what to say - I think the prices in Ireland are very expensive. But then the average monthly wage at home is only €200. I think the food here is rather expensive, so I don't buy any. I am staying with my sister and she buys everything.
What's cheap? Nothing at all. But there are many clothes on sale right now so they are not expensive at all, even when compared to Russia. I don't know about designer clothes though.
Is it dearer than you thought? To tell you the truth, I didn't think about the prices.
Have you spent more than you expected? I brought some money with me and it is enough.
Would high prices stop you coming back? I think I will come back. I don't think that prices are a big influence on tourists.
