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

Should you visit Aberdeen or Dingle?

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Dingle? 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 architectural, authentic, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dingle

Dingle is a scenic, rustic, and picturesque peninsula. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Aberdeen and Dingle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Dingle?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Aberdeen than Dingle, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Aberdeen is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Dingle is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Dingle is more touristy than Aberdeen and is known for its traditional pubs, stunning coastline, and rugged cliffs. Aberdeen is well known for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. Also, Aberdeen is famous for St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen.

How is Aberdeen different from Dingle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dingle 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 Dingle?

Aberdeen is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Dingle specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit for the natural beauty, but there are a couple of landmarks in the area including the Eask Tower, Gallarus Oratory, and the Blasket Centre.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Aberdeen and Dingle can be an enjoyable experience.

Aberdeen offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Dingle has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find great seafood throughout the peninsula. There's also traditional Irish food available including Irish stew or cabbage and bacon.

Is Aberdeen or Dingle Better for Nightlife?

Aberdeen is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for nightlife.

Aberdeen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Dingle doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The area's not known for its nightlife but you can visit The Hillgrove, which is the peninsula's only nightclub. It's in a hotel and there is weekly entertainment.

Is Aberdeen or Dingle Better for Beaches?

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

Dingle is considered a top beach destination. It's not hard to find a quiet beach with scenic views and a serene setting. Some of the best beaches in the area include Coumeenole, Brandon Bay, and Ventry.

Aberdeen is not a beach destination.

Is Aberdeen or Dingle Better for its Old Town?

Aberdeen is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dingle 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.

Dingle does not have a historic old town.

Is Aberdeen or Dingle Better for Hiking?

Dingle is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

Dingle is a popular spot for hiking. There are a variety of walking paths and hiking trails that take you through the coastal setting, rolling mountains, and remote nature. Some of the best trails in the area include the long distance hiking trail the Dingle Way, Mount Brandon, and Glenteenassig Forest Park.

Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Dingle?

Aberdeen is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Dingle 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.

Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Aberdeen or Dingle Better for Families?

Aberdeen is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dingle is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Dingle offers lots of family activities. There are coastal walks and beaches that are perfect for kids. You can also visit the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, do a dolphin tour, or enjoy some watersports. Horseback riding and Sandy Feet Farm are both fun as well.

Is Aberdeen or Dingle Better for Couples?

Dingle 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.

Dingle is a very popular place to visit for couples. Boat rides, sunset walks, and natural beauty all make this a fun place to explore with your significant other.

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 Dingle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dingle is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Dingle. There are a good number of hostels on the peninsula and there are interesting music festivals and other events that make this a good backpacker destination.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Aberdeen or Dingle Better for Students?

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

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

Dingle is not popular with students.

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

Aberdeen is a popular place for its public transit. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Aberdeen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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 mostly limited in Dingle. Bus Eireann offers buses daily to Tralee and then there are connections to other destinations.

Is Aberdeen or Dingle a more walkable city?

Aberdeen is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Dingle is generally not a very walkable city. If you have enough time, there are countless walking trails throughout the peninsula.

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

Should I spend more time in Dingle or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Dingle?

In either Aberdeen or Dingle, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dingle than Aberdeen because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aberdeen, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dingle.

Families should spend more time in Aberdeen than Dingle. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aberdeen than Dingle if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Aberdeen.

One day in Aberdeen or Dingle?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Aberdeen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful peninsula of Dingle offers 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 Dingle?

Aberdeen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Dingle is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this peninsula 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 Dingle, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Dingle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aberdeen. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Dingle is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dingle, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Aberdeen or Dingle?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Aberdeen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dingle is a great place to explore. 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 peninsula 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 Dingle, we can see that Aberdeen is more expensive. And not only is Dingle much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dingle would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dingle 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 Dingle.

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

Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Dingle?

Aberdeen has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Dingle. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen and Dingle, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Aberdeen or Dingle?

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 Dingle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Dingle. The summer months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dingle this time of year.

In July, Aberdeen is generally around the same temperature as Dingle. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 14°C (58°F), and Dingle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Aberdeen usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during summer. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aberdeen usually receives less rain than Dingle. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Dingle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Dingle. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Dingle for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Aberdeen is cooler than Dingle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Dingle fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Aberdeen often gets more sunshine than Dingle. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 79 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dingle. Aberdeen usually gets less rain in October than Dingle. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Dingle in the Winter?

Both Dingle and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Dingle 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 Dingle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aberdeen in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Dingle averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Aberdeen usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during winter. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dingle. In January, Aberdeen usually receives less rain than Dingle. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Dingle in the Spring?

Both Dingle and Aberdeen during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Dingle for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

In the spring, Aberdeen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dingle. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 150 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets less rain in April than Dingle. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dingle and Aberdeen