A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Akureyri vs. Kinsale for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Akureyri or Kinsale?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Kinsale, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Akureyri or Kinsale?

Akureyri

Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.

Kinsale

Near the River Bandon you'll find the small town of Kinsale, also known as Cionn tSaile. It sits comfortably in the hills that separate it from the nearby ocean. It's a quaint town that is also a historic port. Today is remains popular as a travel destination for sailors and travelers.

The town has two forts that protected it from invasion and served as the site for one of the most important battles in Irish history, in 1601. During this battle the Irish army arrived from the north to defend the town from an English siege. At the time the town was occupied by the Spanish. The Irish lost the battle and this was the defeat that led to the end of the ancient Gaelic aristocracy in Ireland.

Today the town is not only a charming place to visit, but also a great place to enjoy seafood, particularly during the yearly festival.

The climate in Kinsale is similar to that of nearby Cork. Average highs during the summer months are around 19 degrees Celsius and lows are about 12 degrees Celsius. During the winter months average highs are around 9 degrees Celsius and lows stay just above freezing at 3 degrees Celsius. Rain is generally consistent throughout the year, although you can expect slightly more precipitation during the winter months.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.

When comparing the travel costs between Akureyri and Kinsale, we can see that Kinsale 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 Akureyri Expensive? and Is Kinsale Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Kinsale?

Akureyri has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri 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 Akureyri 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 Akureyri or Kinsale in the Summer?

Both Kinsale and Akureyri during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Kinsale for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Akureyri is cooler than Kinsale. Typically, the summer temperatures in Akureyri in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Kinsale averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Kinsale. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Kinsale. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Akureyri or Kinsale in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Kinsale. Also, many visitors come to Kinsale in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In October, Akureyri is generally much colder than Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 3°C (38°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Kinsale during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Akureyri or Kinsale in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Kinsale. Also, most visitors come to Kinsale for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Akureyri can get quite cold in the winter. Akureyri is much colder than Kinsale in the winter. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around -2°C (28°F) in January, and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Kinsale. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 60 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kinsale. Akureyri usually gets less rain in January than Kinsale. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Akureyri or Kinsale in the Spring?

Both Kinsale and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Akureyri can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Akureyri is much colder than Kinsale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Akureyri in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Kinsale averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Kinsale during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Akureyri