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

Should you visit Birmingham or Kinsale?

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

Birmingham

Birmingham is a fun-filled, bustling, and historic city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a picturesque, colorful, and charming seaside town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking.

Birmingham and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Birmingham or Kinsale?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Birmingham. Although Birmingham and Kinsale are popular destinations, Birmingham has more sights and attractions for tourists. Birmingham is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Kinsale attracts visitors for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Kinsale is more touristy than Birmingham and is known for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. Birmingham is famous for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. It is also well known for Victoria Square.

How is Birmingham different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Birmingham is great for its historical sights. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Birmingham. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kinsale. 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.

Is Birmingham or Kinsale Better for Theater?

Birmingham is great for its theatre productions. However, Kinsale is not a theatre destination.

Birmingham attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Kinsale is not a theatre destination.

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

Kinsale is an amazing seaside town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Birmingham is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kinsale has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

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 Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham is great for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Birmingham for the nightlife scene. 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.

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 Birmingham or Kinsale Better for Music?

Birmingham is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Kinsale is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Birmingham. 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.

Kinsale is not a live music destination.

Is Birmingham or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Kinsale is adequate for its beaches. However, Birmingham 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.

Birmingham is not a beach destination.

Is Birmingham or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Kinsale is great for its historic old town. However, Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Kinsale. 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.

Birmingham does not have a historic old town.

Is Birmingham or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

Kinsale is very good for hiking. However, Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kinsale. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Birmingham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Kinsale?

Birmingham is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its shopping areas.

Birmingham is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Kinsale to go shopping. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Is Birmingham or Kinsale Better for Families?

Birmingham is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Birmingham is very family-friendly. 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.

Kinsale is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Birmingham or Kinsale Better for Couples?

Birmingham is great for its romantic activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for couples.

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.

Kinsale is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Is Birmingham or Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kinsale is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Birmingham is not a good destination for backpackers.

Kinsale is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

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 Kinsale Better for Students?

Birmingham is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Kinsale is not popular with students.

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

Kinsale is not popular with students.

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

Birmingham is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Birmingham offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.

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

Is Birmingham or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Birmingham is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its ease of walking around.

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

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Birmingham Worth Visiting? and Is Kinsale Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Kinsale?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Birmingham or Kinsale to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Birmingham than Kinsale because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kinsale.

Families should spend more time in Birmingham than Kinsale. 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 Kinsale. 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 Kinsale than Birmingham 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 Birmingham or Kinsale?

In Birmingham, you'll find food and shopping. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kinsale, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Birmingham or Kinsale?

In Birmingham, you'll find shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Birmingham has to offer.

Even though Kinsale is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this seaside town.

Five days in Birmingham or Kinsale?

Birmingham is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Birmingham has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Kinsale, a popular seaside town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Kinsale?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Birmingham. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Birmingham. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Kinsale is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Kinsale?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 260 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham 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 Birmingham or Kinsale?

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 Birmingham or Kinsale in the Summer?

Both Kinsale and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Birmingham for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kinsale in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Birmingham is around the same temperature as Kinsale. Typically, the summer temperatures in Birmingham in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Kinsale averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Birmingham usually receives more sunshine than Kinsale during summer. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Birmingham or Kinsale in the Autumn?

Both Kinsale and Birmingham during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Birmingham in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Kinsale for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Birmingham is generally around the same temperature as Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 11°C (52°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Birmingham often gets more sunshine than Kinsale. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in October than Kinsale. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Birmingham or Kinsale in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Kinsale. Most visitors come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Birmingham can be very cold during winter. Birmingham is much colder than Kinsale in the winter. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Birmingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale during winter. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kinsale receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Birmingham or Kinsale in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Kinsale. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year.

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

In the spring, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Kinsale. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in April than Kinsale. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Birmingham