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

Should you visit Birmingham 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 Birmingham and Connemara can help you decide which place is right for you.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

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 museums, food, and beaches.

Birmingham and Connemara: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Birmingham or Connemara?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Birmingham than Connemara, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Birmingham is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Connemara is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Birmingham is more touristy than Connemara and is popular for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. Also, Birmingham is famous for Victoria Square. Connemara is well known for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves.

How is Birmingham different from Connemara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Birmingham
Connemara

Birmingham is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

Birmingham offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

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 Birmingham or Connemara Better for Theater?

Birmingham
Connemara

Birmingham is a well-known place for its shows and theatre. However, Connemara is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Birmingham. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Connemara is not a theatre destination.

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

Birmingham
Connemara

Connemara is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 Birmingham. Food reviews are mixed around town. The city has its share of award-winning restaurants, but there are also popular dishes that are more of an acquired taste. Local flavors include pork scratching, Birmingham soup, and brummie bacon cakes.

Is Birmingham or Connemara Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham
Connemara

Birmingham is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Connemara is not a good region for nightlife.

Birmingham offers plenty to do in the evening. With tons of students and young people looking to party, there is plenty to do in the evening. You'll find no shortage of pubs, clubs, and music venues around town.

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 Birmingham or Connemara Better for Music?

Birmingham
Connemara

Birmingham is terrific for its music scene. However, Connemara is not a live music destination.

In Birmingham you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city has long been a haven for musical creativity, and its influence over the global music scene is apparent. Popular music venues around town include Ghetto Golf, Digbeth Dining Club, and the Sunflower Lounge.

Connemara is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Connemara Better for Beaches?

Birmingham
Connemara

Connemara is great for its beaches. However, Birmingham 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.

Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Is Birmingham or Connemara Better for Hiking?

Birmingham
Connemara

Connemara is an amazing region to visit for hiking. However, Birmingham 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.

Birmingham is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Connemara?

Birmingham
Connemara

Birmingham 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 Birmingham. The city offers everything from large department stores to smaller local shops. There are several good shopping streets around town as well as large markets and even a jewelry quarter.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Birmingham or Connemara Better for Families?

Birmingham
Connemara

Birmingham is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Connemara is not a good region for its kid-friendly activities.

Birmingham is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has put effort into making sure there are plenty of family-friendly activities around. You can visit a chocolate factory, explore an aquarium, enjoy an animal safari, or explore one of the hands-on museums.

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 Birmingham or Connemara Better for Couples?

Birmingham
Connemara

Both Birmingham and Connemara are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Birmingham is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

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.


Is Birmingham or Connemara Better for Students?

Birmingham
Connemara

Birmingham is terrific for students. However, Connemara is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Birmingham. With world class academic institutions and a very diverse and international population, this is a popular place for international students to study.

Connemara is not popular with students.

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

Birmingham
Connemara

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

Birmingham has a few public transit options. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.

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 Birmingham or Connemara a more walkable city?

Birmingham
Connemara

Birmingham is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

Birmingham is a very walkable destination. Many parts of the city are very walkable.

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 Birmingham Worth Visiting? and Is Connemara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Connemara or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Connemara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Birmingham and Connemara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Birmingham than in Connemara. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 2-3 days is enough time in Connemara.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Birmingham or Connemara? Ideal Length of Stay
    Birmingham 1-5 
    Connemara 2-3

One day in Birmingham or Connemara?

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

With museums and food around the natural region of Connemara, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Birmingham or Connemara?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the bustling destination of Birmingham. 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.

With food and museums around the destination of Connemara, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this region.

Five days in Birmingham or Connemara?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the fun-filled city of Birmingham. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Connemara, a popular region, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


A week in Birmingham or Connemara?

Birmingham 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.

Connemara is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Connemara or Birmingham?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Birmingham is £133, while the average daily cost in Connemara is £101. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Birmingham and Connemara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Birmingham £66
    Connemara £46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Birmingham £132
    Connemara £92
Compare Hotels in Birmingham and Connemara

Looking for a hotel in Birmingham or Connemara? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Birmingham


Hotels in Connemara


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Birmingham Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Birmingham £25
    Connemara £35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Birmingham

Also for Birmingham, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Birmingham: $8.12
  • Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to Birmingham City: $36
  • Private Birmingham Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $57
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Birmingham City to Airport BHX in Business Car: $64
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport BHX to Birmingham in Luxury Van: $76
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Airport BHX to Birmingham City in Luxury Car: $101
  • Birmingham Airport (BHX): Private Transfer to Birmingham: $111
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to City centre: $114
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham city centre to Birmingham Airport: $114
  • Private Transfer from Birmingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $199
  • Birmingham to Heathrow Airport private taxi transfers: $280

Is it cheaper to fly into Birmingham or Connemara?

Prices for flights to both Connemara and Birmingham change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Birmingham £38
    Connemara £32
Typical Food Prices in Birmingham

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Birmingham:


  • Two Subs at Birmingham Bus Station
    £5.58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Birmingham

For Birmingham, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking and Food Tour: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Birmingham £48
    Connemara £22

Tours and Activities in Birmingham

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Birmingham.

  • On the Origins of Charles Darwin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Shrewsbury: $6.99
  • Winterbourne House and Garden Admission Ticket: $9.99
  • Skip the Line: House and Garden Admission Ticket : $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Birmingham Private Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • City Center Walking Tour (10:30am & 5:00pm): $15
  • Birmingham Walking Tour: Migration Stories from the Stratford Road : $15
  • Birmingham City Centre Daily Walking Tour (10:30am & 5pm): $15
  • Discovering Birmingham Walking Tour: $17
  • 2.5-Hours Walking Tour of Birmingham into Black Heritage Madiba: $18
  • Victorian Canals to Today's City Walking Tour: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Birmingham £11
    Connemara £11

Sample the Local Flavors in Birmingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Birmingham:

  • Birmingham Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Birmingham and Connemara, we can see that Birmingham 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 Birmingham would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Birmingham 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 Birmingham Expensive? and Is Connemara Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Birmingham or Connemara?

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 Birmingham or Connemara in the Summer?

Both Connemara and Birmingham during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Connemara because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Birmingham is generally around the same temperature as Connemara. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 17°C (63°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Birmingham often gets more sunshine than Connemara. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 142 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in July than Connemara. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F) 
    Connemara 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Connemara in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Connemara. The autumn months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the shopping scene and the music scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Connemara this time of year.

Birmingham is around the same temperature as Connemara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Connemara fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Birmingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Connemara during autumn. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 96 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Connemara receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Connemara. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Birmingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Connemara 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Connemara in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Connemara. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Connemara for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Birmingham in the winter. In the winter, Birmingham is much colder than Connemara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Birmingham in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Connemara averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Birmingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Connemara. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 59 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Connemara. Birmingham usually gets less rain in January than Connemara. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Birmingham 3°C (38°F) 
    Connemara 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Connemara in the Spring?

Both Connemara and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Connemara in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Birmingham is generally around the same temperature as Connemara. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 9°C (48°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Connemara during spring. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Connemara. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Birmingham 9°C (48°F) 
    Connemara 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Connemara and Birmingham

Birmingham Connemara
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (53°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 6°C (44°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)


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