A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Birmingham vs. Dingle for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Birmingham or Dingle?

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 Dingle can help you decide which place is right for you.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a vibrant, fun-filled, and bustling 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.

Dingle

Dingle is a rustic, picturesque, and serene peninsula. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Birmingham and Dingle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Birmingham or Dingle?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Birmingham than Dingle, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Birmingham is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Dingle is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Dingle is more touristy than Birmingham and is popular for its traditional pubs, stunning coastline, and rugged cliffs. Birmingham is well known for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. Also, Birmingham is famous for Victoria Square.

How is Birmingham different from Dingle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Birmingham is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Dingle specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Is Birmingham or Dingle Better for Theater?

Birmingham is a great destination for its shows and theatre. However, Dingle 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.

Dingle is not a theatre destination.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Birmingham and Dingle can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Dingle. You'll find great seafood throughout the peninsula. There's also traditional Irish food available including Irish stew or cabbage and bacon.

Is Birmingham or Dingle Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Birmingham know how to have a good time. 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.

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 Birmingham or Dingle Better for Music?

Birmingham is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Dingle 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.

Dingle is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Dingle Better for Beaches?

Dingle is great for its beaches. However, Birmingham is not a beach destination.

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

Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Is Birmingham or Dingle Better for Hiking?

Dingle is great for hiking. However, Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Dingle for the hiking trails. 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.

Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Dingle?

Birmingham is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Dingle 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.

Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Birmingham or Dingle Better for Families?

Birmingham is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dingle is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Dingle offers lots of family activities. 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 Birmingham or Dingle Better for Couples?

Both Birmingham and Dingle 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.

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.

Is Birmingham or Dingle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dingle is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Birmingham is not a good destination for backpackers.

Dingle is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Birmingham is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular destination for backpackers, but there's at least one affordable hostel in town.

Is Birmingham or Dingle Better for Students?

Birmingham is an unbeatable place for students. However, Dingle 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.

Dingle is not popular with students.

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

Birmingham is a popular place for its public transit. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Birmingham, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.

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

Is Birmingham or Dingle a more walkable city?

Birmingham is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its walkability.

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

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 Birmingham Worth Visiting? and Is Dingle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dingle or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Dingle?

In either Birmingham or Dingle, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Birmingham has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Birmingham than Dingle. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dingle.

Families should spend more time in Birmingham than Dingle. 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 Dingle. 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 Dingle 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.

One day in Birmingham or Dingle?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Birmingham. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

With food around the natural peninsula of Dingle, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Dingle?

Birmingham is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With food around the destination of Dingle, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this peninsula.

Five days in Birmingham or Dingle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Birmingham. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Dingle, a popular peninsula, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this peninsula. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Birmingham or Dingle?

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the historic destination of Birmingham. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dingle is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Birmingham and Dingle, we can see that Birmingham 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 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 Dingle.

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

Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Dingle?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 500 times larger than the population of Dingle. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham 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 Birmingham or Dingle?

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 Dingle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Dingle. Most visitors come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dingle because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Birmingham is generally a little warmer than Dingle. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 17°C (63°F), and Dingle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the summer, Birmingham often gets more sunshine than Dingle. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 140 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in July than Dingle. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Dingle in the Autumn?

Both Dingle and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dingle this time of year.

Birmingham is around the same temperature as Dingle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Dingle fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Birmingham usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during autumn. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 79 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dingle. In October, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Dingle. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Birmingham or Dingle in the Winter?

Both Dingle and Birmingham during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dingle for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Birmingham in the winter. In the winter, Birmingham is much colder than Dingle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Birmingham in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Dingle averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Birmingham often gets more sunshine than Dingle. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 44 hours of full sun.

Dingle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Birmingham usually gets less rain in January than Dingle. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Dingle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Dingle. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dingle in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

Birmingham usually receives less sunshine than Dingle during spring. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Dingle. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dingle and Birmingham