A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Connemara vs. Saint-Etienne for Hiking, Food, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Connemara or Saint-Etienne?

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

Should I visit Connemara or Saint-Etienne? 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 natural, remote, and dramatic region. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a historic, park-filled, and industrial city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Connemara and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Connemara or Saint-Etienne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Connemara. Although Connemara and Saint-Etienne are both popular with visitors, Connemara has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Connemara is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is known for its nightlife and shopping. Connemara is popular for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves. It is also home to Connemara National Park. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Connemara different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Connemara or Saint-Etienne.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Connemara. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.

Saint-Etienne is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Connemara or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Connemara is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Connemara has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Connemara or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Connemara is not a good region for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in 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 Connemara or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Connemara is great for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Connemara for it's beautiful 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Connemara or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Connemara is an amazing region to visit for hiking. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Connemara is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Is the Shopping Better in Connemara or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne is a moderate city for its shopping areas. However, Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Connemara or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Connemara is not a good region for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

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 Connemara or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Connemara is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Connemara is a great region if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

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

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

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

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 Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

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 Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Connemara?

How long in Connemara or Saint-Etienne?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Connemara than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

One day in Connemara or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the dramatic destination of Connemara. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

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

A weekend in Connemara or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Connemara. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the breathtaking destination of Connemara. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the industrial city of Saint-Etienne. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Connemara or Saint-Etienne?

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful region of Connemara. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Saint-Etienne 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.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Connemara and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Connemara or Saint-Etienne?

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 Connemara or Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

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

In July, Connemara is generally cooler than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Connemara average around 16°C (60°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Etienne. In the summer, Connemara often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Connemara gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

Connemara usually gets less rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Connemara gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Connemara or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

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

Connemara is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Connemara averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Connemara usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during autumn. Connemara gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Connemara. In October, Connemara usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Connemara gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Connemara or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne and Connemara during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Connemara this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint-Etienne. In the winter, Connemara is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Connemara in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Connemara often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint-Etienne. Connemara gets 59 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Connemara. Connemara usually gets more rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Connemara gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Connemara or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Connemara and Saint-Etienne. Many travelers come to Connemara for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Connemara is generally cooler than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Connemara average around 9°C (48°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Connemara usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during spring. Connemara gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Connemara usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Connemara gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Connemara