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

Should you visit Connemara or Lille?

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

Should I visit Connemara or Lille? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Connemara

Connemara is a breathtaking, scenic, and natural region. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Lille

Lille is a fascinating, cultural, and culinary city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Connemara and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Connemara or Lille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lille. Although Connemara and Lille are both popular with visitors, Lille has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lille is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Connemara is known for its museums, beaches, and hiking. Lille is more touristy than Connemara and is known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. It is also home to Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle). Connemara is popular for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves.

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Connemara different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Connemara is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

Connemara offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.

While most people don't head to Lille specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The city offers an amazing atmosphere, with many of the most beautiful buildings near Place du Général de Gaulle (the main square). Top rated attractions in town include Palais des Beaux-Arts, Musée du Louvre-Lens, and Eglise Saint-Maurice.

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

Lille is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Lille is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a cuisine all its own. There are many local dishes that are recommended with some of the most popular being les moules (mussels), the Welsh (a beer and cheddar cheese dish), and la carbonade flamande (beef stew). Most dishes are served with a hearty side of fries. The mussels are a favorite and are served with various toppings including local cheese. You can expect your very own pot of mussels with each order. Many of the restaurants around the main square (General de Gaulle Square) offer these local specialties. Outside the old town you'll also find plenty of international restaurants including Asian street food.

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.

Is Connemara or Lille Better for Nightlife?

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

Lille offers plenty to do in the evening. With its young population and countless places to hang out, there's rarely a dull night around town. The most popular nightlife areas are Rue Masséna and Rue Solférino. The city also offers plenty of theaters and shows that you can enjoy.

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 Connemara or Lille Better for Beaches?

Connemara is notable for the beache. However, Lille is not a beach destination.

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

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Connemara or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Lille. The old town (Le Vieux Lille) is charming to explore. Many of the buildings are from the 16th or 17th centuries and feature very ornate architecture. The area is filled with shops and restaurants and it stays active throughout the day. This is an area where locals and tourists alike live and play.

Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Is Connemara or Lille Better for Hiking?

Connemara is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Lille is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Connemara draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Lille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Connemara or Lille?

Lille is terrific for its shopping areas. However, Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Lille is a world class destination for shoppers. The city is filled with shopping opportunities. Almost any store you could want is in or around the old town and the two main shopping centers in town are McArthur Glen and A l'Usine. Also by the train station is a shopping mall.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Connemara or Lille Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Connemara or Lille as a family destination.

Connemara is not the most family-friendly destination. 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.

Lille is not always a place people visit with their families. There are a handful of kid-focused activities like a small zoo, a small amusement park, several museums and even a puppet theater. Many of the restaurants also have kid's menus that are reasonably priced.

Is Connemara or Lille Better for Couples?

Connemara is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Lille is a good region for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy shopping, dining out, and exploring beautiful cities will enjoy a visit. There are many great restaurants worth experiencing, as well as beautiful architecture and fun shops.

Is Connemara or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lille is a popular place for backpackers. However, Connemara is not a good region for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lille. This small city flies under the radar for most backpackers, but there are a handful of hostels and a great experience for those who venture here. It feels more off the beaten path than some French cities, but you'll find great food and a nice atmosphere.

Connemara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in the area, you really need a car to explore the area in depth. This turns off a lot of backpackers.

Is Connemara or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is a well-known place for students. However, Connemara is not popular with students.

Lille is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city is home to a number of students, both local and international. It has a lower cost of living than many places in France as well as a youthful vibe with fun activities and plenty of shopping.

Connemara is not popular with students.

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

Lille is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Connemara is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Lille offers a very effecient public transportation network. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

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 Connemara or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is terrific for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Lille on foot. The old town in particular is compact and best explored on foot, but even outside of the old town, many areas are easily explored on foot.

Connemara is not a very walkable region. You really need a vehicle to experience everything that the region has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Connemara Worth Visiting? and Is Lille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lille or Connemara?

How long in Connemara or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Connemara and Lille. In our opinion, Lille has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lille than Connemara. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Connemara, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

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

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

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

One day in Connemara or Lille?

In Connemara, many people enjoy the food and museums that this dramatic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the hiking. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Lille. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lille has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Connemara or Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Connemara. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the friendly destination of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Five days in Connemara or Lille?

Connemara is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Connemara. Lots of people come for the hiking. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Lille. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Connemara or Lille?

You'll find museums and food around the dramatic destination of Connemara. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lille is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Connemara and Lille, we can see that Connemara is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

When is the best time to visit Connemara or Lille?

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 Connemara or Lille in the Summer?

Both Lille and Connemara are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Connemara for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lille in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Lille. Connemara usually receives less sunshine than Lille during summer. Connemara gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Connemara usually receives less rain than Lille. Connemara gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Connemara or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Connemara during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Connemara in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Connemara is around the same temperature as Lille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Connemara averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Connemara often gets less sunshine than Lille. Connemara gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Connemara. Connemara usually gets more rain in October than Lille. Connemara gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Connemara or Lille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Connemara and Lille. Most visitors come to Connemara for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Lille because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lille can be very cold. In the winter, Connemara is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Connemara in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Lille averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Connemara usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Connemara gets 59 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

Connemara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Connemara usually receives more rain than Lille. Connemara gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Connemara or Lille in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Connemara as well as Lille. The spring months attract visitors to Connemara because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In April, Connemara is generally around the same temperature as Lille. Daily temperatures in Connemara average around 9°C (48°F), and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Connemara often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Connemara gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Connemara usually gets more rain in April than Lille. Connemara gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Connemara