A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aberdeen vs. Connemara for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Aberdeen or Connemara?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Aberdeen or Connemara? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a historic, cultural, and architectural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Connemara

Connemara is a remote, dramatic, and breathtaking region. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Aberdeen and Connemara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Connemara?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aberdeen than Connemara, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aberdeen is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Connemara is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Aberdeen is more touristy than Connemara and is known for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. Also, Aberdeen is famous for St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen. Connemara is well known for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves.

How is Aberdeen different from Connemara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Connemara and Aberdeen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aberdeen or Connemara?

Aberdeen is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

Aberdeen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

Connemara is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.

Is the Food Better in Aberdeen or Connemara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Connemara is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Connemara makes for a great culinary experience. The area has been influenced by the improving food scene in nearby regions. You'll find everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks that use local ingredients and recipes. The area has no shortage of seafood, shellfish, and even Connemara lamb.

Aberdeen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Is Aberdeen or Connemara Better for Nightlife?

Aberdeen is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Connemara is not a good region for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Connemara doesn't offer many options. You'll find some bars in the area but most people visit for the natural beauty, not the nightlife scene.

Is Aberdeen or Connemara Better for Beaches?

Connemara is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Aberdeen is not a beach destination.

Connemara is considered a top beach destination. You'll find wide stretches of sandy beach as well as hidden coves that offer a peaceful retreat. Some of the best beaches in the area include Dog’s Bay Beach, Trá an Dóilín, and Glassilaun Beach.

Aberdeen is not a beach destination.

Is Aberdeen or Connemara Better for its Old Town?

Aberdeen is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Is Aberdeen or Connemara Better for Hiking?

Connemara is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

People visit Connemara specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The landscape is considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland and there are many walks and hikes that let you experience it. Some of the best hikes are The Cong and Clonbur Forest Trail, the Claddaghduff Quay to Omey Island Walk, and Mount Gable Walk.

Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Connemara?

Aberdeen is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Aberdeen to go shopping. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Aberdeen or Connemara Better for Families?

Aberdeen is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Connemara is not a good region for its kid-friendly activities.

Aberdeen is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

Connemara is not always a place people visit with their families. There are plenty of places to explore outdoors such as Connemara National Park as well as the nearby beaches. You'll also find several playgrounds in the area.

Is Aberdeen or Connemara Better for Couples?

Connemara is a well-known place for romance. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Connemara is a very popular place to visit for couples. You'll find romantic hotels and beautiful walks through hidden coves and dramatic countryside. Couples will enjoy exploring castles and getting lost in the beauty.

Aberdeen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Is Aberdeen or Connemara Better for Students?

Aberdeen is a popular place for students. However, Connemara is not popular with students.

Aberdeen is a good city to visit for students. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Connemara is not popular with students.

Is Aberdeen or Connemara Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aberdeen is a popular place for its public transit. However, Connemara is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Aberdeen has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Public transit is quite limited in Connemara. There are a few buses in the area but you really need a private vehicle to get around to most places.

Is Aberdeen or Connemara a more walkable city?

Aberdeen is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

Aberdeen is a very walkable destination. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

Connemara is not a very walkable city. You really need a vehicle to experience everything that the region has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting? and Is Connemara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Connemara or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Connemara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aberdeen and Connemara. In our opinion, Aberdeen has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Aberdeen than Connemara. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Aberdeen than Connemara. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Aberdeen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Connemara than Aberdeen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Connemara that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Aberdeen or Connemara?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Aberdeen. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful region of Connemara offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Aberdeen or Connemara?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the architectural destination of Aberdeen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Connemara is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this region makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Connemara, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Connemara?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the architectural city of Aberdeen. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Connemara is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Aberdeen or Connemara?

Aberdeen is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Connemara is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This region offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aberdeen and Connemara, we can see that Aberdeen is more expensive. And not only is Connemara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Connemara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Connemara and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Aberdeen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aberdeen than you might in Connemara.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aberdeen Expensive? and Is Connemara Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Aberdeen or Connemara?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Connemara in the Summer?

Both Connemara and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Connemara this time of year.

In July, Aberdeen is generally cooler than Connemara. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 14°C (58°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Aberdeen usually receives more sunshine than Connemara during summer. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aberdeen usually receives more rain than Connemara. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Connemara in the Autumn?

Both Connemara and Aberdeen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Connemara for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Aberdeen is cooler than Connemara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Connemara fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Aberdeen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Connemara. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 96 hours of full sun.

Connemara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aberdeen usually gets less rain in October than Connemara. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Connemara in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Connemara. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Connemara in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Aberdeen. In the winter, Aberdeen is much colder than Connemara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aberdeen in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Connemara averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Connemara during winter. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

Connemara receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Aberdeen usually receives less rain than Connemara. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Connemara in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Connemara. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Connemara for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Aberdeen is generally cooler than Connemara. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 7°C (44°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Aberdeen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Connemara. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 153 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Connemara. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Connemara and Aberdeen