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

Should you visit Belfast or Connemara?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Connemara, 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.

Belfast

Belfast is a authentic, affordable, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife and shopping.

Connemara

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

Belfast and Connemara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Connemara?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Belfast than Connemara, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Belfast is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Connemara is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Belfast is more touristy than Connemara and is known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Also, Belfast is famous for Belfast Castle. Connemara is well known for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves.

How is Belfast different from Connemara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Connemara is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Connemara is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Connemara Better for Nightlife?

Belfast 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 Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

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 Belfast or Connemara Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Connemara. 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.

Belfast is not a beach destination.

Is Belfast or Connemara Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Connemara draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Connemara?

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

Many visitors go to Belfast to go shopping. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Belfast or Connemara Better for Families?

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

Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

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 Belfast or Connemara Better for Couples?

Connemara is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Connemara Better for Students?

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

Belfast is a good city to visit for students. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

Connemara is not popular with students.

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

Belfast is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Connemara is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

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 Belfast or Connemara a more walkable city?

Belfast is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable city.

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 Belfast Worth Visiting? and Is Connemara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Connemara or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Connemara?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Connemara than Belfast. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Belfast 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 Belfast.

One day in Belfast or Connemara?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Belfast. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Belfast has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Connemara, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This region offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Belfast or Connemara?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Belfast. 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.

In Connemara, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Connemara has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Connemara?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the under-rated city of Belfast. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Connemara is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A week in Belfast or Connemara?

Belfast is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Connemara. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Connemara. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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 Belfast and Connemara, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive? and Is Connemara Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Belfast 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 Belfast or Connemara in the Summer?

Both Connemara and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Belfast in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Connemara for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Belfast is generally around the same temperature as Connemara. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 15°C (59°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Belfast usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Connemara during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives more rain than Connemara. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Connemara in the Autumn?

Both Connemara and Belfast during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Connemara because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Belfast is cooler than Connemara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Connemara fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Connemara. Belfast gets 92 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. Belfast usually gets less rain in October than Connemara. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Connemara in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Connemara. The winter months attract visitors to Belfast because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Connemara this time of year.

The weather in Belfast can be very cold. In the winter, Belfast is cooler than Connemara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belfast in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Connemara averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Connemara during winter. Belfast gets 50 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, Belfast usually receives less rain than Connemara. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Connemara in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Connemara. The activities around the city are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Connemara for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Belfast is generally cooler than Connemara. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 8°C (46°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Belfast often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Connemara. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 153 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Connemara. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Connemara and Belfast