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

Should you visit Belfast or Kinsale?

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

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

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife and shopping.

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.

Belfast and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Kinsale?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kinsale. Although Belfast and Kinsale are popular destinations, Kinsale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kinsale is very popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Belfast attracts visitors for its nightlife and big city activities. Kinsale is more touristy than Belfast and is popular for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. It is also well known for Charles Fort. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Belfast different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kinsale is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kinsale is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kinsale is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

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 Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Belfast 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 Belfast has a few options to choose from. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

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 Belfast or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Kinsale is a moderate seaside town for its beaches. However, Belfast 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.

Belfast is not a beach destination.

Is Belfast or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Kinsale is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Kinsale to see the historical old town. 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.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is Belfast or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

Kinsale is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Kinsale has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Kinsale?

Both Belfast and Kinsale are nice shopping destinations.

Belfast is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

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

Is Belfast or Kinsale Better for Families?

Belfast and Kinsale are both nice 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.

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

Kinsale is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Kinsale is a nice destination for couples. 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.

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 Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kinsale is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kinsale. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

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 Kinsale Better for Students?

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

Kinsale is not popular with students.

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

Both Belfast and Kinsale offer reasonable public transit options.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Belfast or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Belfast and Kinsale both are nice when exploring on foot.

Belfast is somewhat walkable.

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Belfast Worth Visiting? and Is Kinsale Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Kinsale?

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

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

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

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

One day in Belfast or Kinsale?

In Belfast, you'll find nightlife and shopping. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Kinsale is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This seaside town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Belfast or Kinsale?

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

Kinsale might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kinsale has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Kinsale?

Belfast is a great place to explore. 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 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.

A week in Belfast or Kinsale?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Belfast. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kinsale. Since Kinsale is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belfast and Kinsale, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Kinsale much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kinsale would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kinsale 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 Kinsale.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Kinsale?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Kinsale in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Kinsale. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kinsale for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Belfast is around the same temperature as Kinsale. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Kinsale averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Kinsale. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in July than Kinsale. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Kinsale in the Autumn?

Both Kinsale and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. 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.

In October, Belfast is generally cooler than Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 9°C (48°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Belfast usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale during autumn. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Belfast usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Belfast or Kinsale in the Winter?

Both Kinsale and Belfast during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Belfast in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kinsale for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Belfast can get quite cold in the winter. Belfast is much colder than Kinsale in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Kinsale. Belfast gets 50 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. Belfast usually gets less rain in January than Kinsale. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Kinsale in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Kinsale. Most visitors come to Belfast for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Belfast is around the same temperature as Kinsale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Kinsale averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Belfast usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale during spring. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Belfast usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Belfast