A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aberdeen vs. Kinsale for Food, Attractions, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Aberdeen or Kinsale?

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Kinsale? 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 authentic, historic, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a colorful, charming, and quaint seaside town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Aberdeen and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Kinsale?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aberdeen. Although Aberdeen and Kinsale are popular destinations, Aberdeen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aberdeen is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Kinsale attracts visitors for its food, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Kinsale is more touristy than Aberdeen and is popular for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. Aberdeen is famous for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also well known for St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen.

How is Aberdeen different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Aberdeen is great for its historical sights. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Aberdeen. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kinsale. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.

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

Kinsale is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Kinsale is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

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 Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Aberdeen is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

If you're looking for night time activities Aberdeen has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Aberdeen or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Kinsale is a moderate seaside town for its beaches. However, Aberdeen is not a beach destination.

Kinsale is a good spot to see the beach. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Aberdeen is not a beach destination.

Is Aberdeen or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the excellent old towns in both Aberdeen and Kinsale.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Kinsale. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

Is Aberdeen or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

Kinsale is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

Kinsale is a good destination for hiking. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Kinsale?

Both Aberdeen and Kinsale are nice shopping destinations.

Aberdeen is a great destination for 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kinsale. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Is Aberdeen or Kinsale Better for Families?

Aberdeen is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Aberdeen is very family-friendly. 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.

Kinsale is a family-friendly place to visit. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

Is Aberdeen or Kinsale Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Aberdeen and Kinsale make for a nice place to visit.

Aberdeen is a nice destination for couples. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Kinsale makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

Is Aberdeen or Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kinsale is a popular place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kinsale. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Aberdeen or Kinsale Better for Students?

Aberdeen is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Kinsale is not popular with students.

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

Kinsale is not popular with students.

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

Aberdeen is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Aberdeen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Aberdeen or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Aberdeen is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its ease of walking around.

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

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable city. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Kinsale?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Aberdeen or Kinsale to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Aberdeen than Kinsale because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aberdeen, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kinsale.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kinsale than Aberdeen 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 Kinsale.

One day in Aberdeen or Kinsale?

In Aberdeen, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Kinsale is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Aberdeen or Kinsale?

In Aberdeen, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Aberdeen has to offer.

Kinsale is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this seaside town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kinsale, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Kinsale?

Aberdeen is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Kinsale is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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 Kinsale?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aberdeen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Aberdeen. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Kinsale is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This seaside town 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 Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.

When comparing the travel costs between Aberdeen and Kinsale, we can see that Aberdeen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Kinsale?

Aberdeen has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen and Kinsale, 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 Kinsale?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Kinsale in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Kinsale. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Kinsale for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Aberdeen is cooler than Kinsale. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aberdeen in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Kinsale averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Kinsale. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets more rain in July than Kinsale. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Kinsale in the Autumn?

Both Kinsale and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Aberdeen for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Aberdeen is generally cooler than Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 9°C (49°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale during autumn. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aberdeen usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Kinsale in the Winter?

Both Kinsale and Aberdeen during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year.

The weather in Aberdeen can be very cold. Aberdeen is much colder than Kinsale in the winter. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Kinsale. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 60 hours of full sun.

Kinsale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aberdeen usually gets less rain in January than Kinsale. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Kinsale in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Kinsale. The activities around the city are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kinsale for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Aberdeen is cooler than Kinsale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aberdeen in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Kinsale averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Kinsale during spring. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kinsale. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Aberdeen