A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dingle vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Hiking, and Backpackers

Should you visit Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Should I visit Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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.

Dingle

Dingle is a rustic, picturesque, and serene peninsula. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a historic, breathtaking, and inspiring island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Dingle and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dingle. Although Dingle and Mont-Saint-Michel are both popular with visitors, Dingle has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dingle is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Mont-Saint-Michel is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Dingle and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Dingle is popular for its traditional pubs, stunning coastline, and rugged cliffs. It is also home to The Gallarus Oratory.

How is Dingle different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel and Dingle. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Mont-Saint-Michel on the map. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

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 the Food Better in Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Dingle and Mont-Saint-Michel can be an enjoyable experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Dingle area. You'll find great seafood throughout the peninsula. There's also traditional Irish food available including Irish stew or cabbage and bacon.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Mont-Saint-Michel. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Dingle is a peninsula with a few options for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Dingle is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Beaches?

Dingle is a great destination for the beache. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Is Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Dingle is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dingle. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel has hiking trails worth exploring. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Is Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Dingle is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Dingle. 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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Dingle is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Mont-Saint-Michel makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

Dingle is a great peninsula if you're traveling as a couple. Boat rides, sunset walks, and natural beauty all make this a fun place to explore with your significant other.

Is Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dingle is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Dingle is a great peninsula to visit for backpackers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

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

Is Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its walkability.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable destination. There are many stunning walks in the area.

Dingle is generally not a very walkable peninsula. If you have enough time, there are countless walking trails throughout the peninsula.

For even more information, also check out Is Dingle Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Dingle?

How long in Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel than Dingle. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mont-Saint-Michel that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dingle than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Dingle.

One day in Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With food around the destination of Dingle, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With food around the scenic peninsula of Dingle, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, 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.

Five days in Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With food around the scenic destination of Dingle, there's plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have five days, this peninsula makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Dingle is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. This peninsula offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Dingle has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Dingle and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Dingle are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dingle this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dingle is generally cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Dingle average around 15°C (59°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Mont-Saint-Michel. Dingle usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Dingle gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dingle usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Dingle gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Dingle during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dingle for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Dingle is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dingle averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Dingle often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Dingle gets 79 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dingle. Dingle usually gets more rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Dingle gets 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dingle and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Dingle in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Dingle is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dingle in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Dingle usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Dingle gets 44 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

Dingle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Dingle usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Dingle gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dingle or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dingle as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Most visitors come to Dingle for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the natural beauty.

In April, Dingle is generally cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Dingle average around 9°C (48°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Dingle often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Dingle gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Dingle usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Dingle gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Dingle