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

Should you visit Belfast or Dingle?

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

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

Dingle

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

Belfast and Dingle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Dingle?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Belfast than Dingle, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Belfast is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Dingle is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Dingle is more touristy than Belfast and is known for its traditional pubs, stunning coastline, and rugged cliffs. Belfast is well known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Also, Belfast is famous for Belfast Castle.

How is Belfast different from Dingle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dingle is a moderate peninsula for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Dingle offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dingle is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Dingle offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find great seafood throughout the peninsula. There's also traditional Irish food available including Irish stew or cabbage and bacon.

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 Dingle Better for Nightlife?

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

Belfast has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

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 Belfast or Dingle Better for Beaches?

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

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

Belfast is not a beach destination.

Is Belfast or Dingle Better for Hiking?

Dingle is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Belfast 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.

Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Dingle?

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

Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Belfast or Dingle Better for Families?

Belfast and Dingle are both notable destinations for the whole family.

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.

Dingle is a family-friendly city. 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 Belfast or Dingle Better for Couples?

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

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 Dingle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dingle is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Dingle Better for Students?

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

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

Dingle is not popular with students.

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

Both Belfast and Dingle offer respectable public transit options.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Dingle. Bus Eireann offers buses daily to Tralee and then there are connections to other destinations.

Is Belfast or Dingle a more walkable city?

Belfast is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its walkability.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable city.

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 Belfast Worth Visiting? and Is Dingle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dingle or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Dingle?

In either Belfast or Dingle, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dingle than Belfast because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Belfast, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dingle.

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

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

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

One day in Belfast or Dingle?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Belfast. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Dingle, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This peninsula 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 Dingle?

Belfast 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.

In Dingle, you'll find 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dingle has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Dingle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dingle has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Belfast or Dingle?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic destination of Belfast. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dingle. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Dingle. 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 Dingle, we can see that Belfast 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 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 Dingle.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Dingle?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Dingle. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Dingle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Dingle. Many visitors come to Belfast in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dingle for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

Belfast usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dingle during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dingle. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Dingle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Dingle. Most visitors come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Dingle because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Belfast is cooler than Dingle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Dingle fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets more sunshine than Dingle. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 79 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dingle. Belfast usually gets less rain in October than Dingle. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Dingle in the Winter?

Both Dingle and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Dingle this time of year.

The weather in Belfast can be very cold. In the winter, Belfast is much colder than Dingle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belfast in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Dingle averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Belfast usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during winter. Belfast gets 50 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, Belfast usually receives less rain than Dingle. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Dingle in the Spring?

Both Dingle and Belfast during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dingle for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

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

Belfast usually gets less rain in April than Dingle. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dingle and Belfast