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

Should you visit Bath or Connemara?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bath and Connemara can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bath

Bath is a historical, beautiful, and architectural spa town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Connemara

Connemara is a dramatic, breathtaking, and scenic region. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums.

Bath and Connemara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bath or Connemara?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bath than Connemara, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bath is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Connemara is more popular for its food, beaches, and hiking. Bath is more touristy than Connemara and is popular for its world-renowned Roman built baths as well as its historical architecture and many museums. Also, Bath is famous for The Historic Roman Baths. Connemara is well known for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves.

The Historic Roman Baths

How is Bath different from Connemara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bath is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Bath on the map. The main draw to Bath is the rich history and most sights are focused on the area's spa city past. The Roman Baths are a highlight of a trip to the city, but other not to be missed places include Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge.

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 Bath or Connemara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Connemara is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Connemara. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bath. Sample afternoon tea or try some local fish and chips. There are a diversity of restaurants to choose from so it's easy to find local favorites, vegetarian options, or international cuisine.

Is Bath or Connemara Better for Nightlife?

Bath 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 Bath. Head to George Street, which is the liveliest part of the city at night. You'll find a mix of high end restaurants, pubs, and cocktail bars that keep the energy high. One of the most popular nightlife venues in Bath is Bath Komedia, which is a popular music and comedy club.

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 Bath or Connemara Better for Beaches?

Connemara is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Bath is not a beach destination.

Connemara is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Bath is not a beach destination.

Is Bath or Connemara Better for its Old Town?

Bath 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 Bath. The Roman old town has charming streets and a vibrant environment. On pleasant weekends you'll find tourists and locals alike filling the restaurants and town squares, giving the city an energy and lively atmosphere.

Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Is Bath or Connemara Better for Hiking?

Connemara is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Bath is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Connemara specifically for its hiking. 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.

Bath is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bath or Connemara?

Bath is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bath. Head to Stall Street and Union Street for the most popular shopping streets in town. Many visitors pick up jewelry, glass, and fudge or other sweets while exploring the area.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bath or Connemara Better for Families?

Bath is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Connemara is not a good region for its kid-friendly activities.

Bath is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is all about history and architecture, so at times it can be challenging for the kids to stay entertained. For a change of pace, take a boat on the canal or explore one of the beautiful gardens.

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 Bath or Connemara Better for Couples?

Bath is terrific for couples. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for romance.

Bath makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its beautiful architecture and fascinating history, this city is perfect for couples. Take a canal cruise or wander through the scenic areas to enjoy a romantic trip.

Connemara makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Bath or Connemara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bath is a popular place for backpackers. However, Connemara is not a good region for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bath. You'll find a surprising number of hostels around town so it's not hard to meet other backpackers while you're in the area.

Connemara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in the area, you really need a car to explore the area in depth. This turns off a lot of backpackers.

Is Bath or Connemara Better for Students?

Bath is a well-known place for students. However, Connemara is not popular with students.

Bath is a very popular spa town for students and younger travelers. The University of Bath offers a number of different programs so this is a popular city for local and international students.

Connemara is not popular with students.

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

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

Bath has a few public transit options. You likely won't need public transit because it's easy to walk most places, but there are buses around town.

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 Bath or Connemara a more walkable city?

Bath is terrific for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Bath on foot. It is a very walkable city with most sights and activities packed into a very compact area. There are also many pedestrian areas that are easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Connemara or Bath?

How long in Bath or Connemara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bath and Connemara. In our opinion, Bath has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bath than Connemara. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bath, and 2-3 days is enough time in Connemara.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bath than Connemara 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 Bath.

One day in Bath or Connemara?

You'll find shopping and museums around the spa town of Bath. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bath has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Connemara. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bath or Connemara?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the architectural destination of Bath. 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 spa town has to offer. This spa town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Connemara is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bath or Connemara?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the architectural spa town of Bath. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and food around the scenic destination of Connemara. This region offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bath or Connemara?

Bath 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.

The scenic region of Connemara offers food and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in 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 Bath and Connemara, we can see that Bath 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 Bath would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bath 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 Bath Expensive? and Is Connemara Expensive?.