A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dover vs. Dingle for Hiking, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Dover 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 Dover and Dingle can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a natural, breathtaking, and iconic town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Dingle

Dingle is a rustic, picturesque, and serene peninsula. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Dover and Dingle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Dingle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dingle. Although Dover and Dingle are popular destinations, Dingle has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dingle is very popular for its beaches, while Dover attracts visitors for its museums and impressive beauty. Dingle is more touristy than Dover and is known for its traditional pubs, stunning coastline, and rugged cliffs. It is also well known for The Gallarus Oratory. Dover is famous for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

How is Dover different from Dingle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dover or Dingle?

Dover is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dover. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

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 Dover or Dingle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Dover and Dingle both to be nice destinations.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Dover area. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

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

Is Dover or Dingle Better for Nightlife?

Both Dover and Dingle are reasonable when it comes to partying.

Most people don't head to Dover specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dingle. 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 Dover or Dingle Better for Beaches?

Dingle is a well-known place for the beach. However, Dover 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.

Dover is not a beach destination.

Is Dover or Dingle Better for Hiking?

You'll find great hiking in both Dover and Dingle.

Dover is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Is Dover or Dingle Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Dover or Dingle.

Dover is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Dingle is a family-friendly town. 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 Dover or Dingle Better for Couples?

Both Dover and Dingle are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Dover is a very popular place to visit for couples. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

Dingle makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Boat rides, sunset walks, and natural beauty all make this a fun place to explore with your significant other.

Is Dover or Dingle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dingle is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Dingle is a very popular peninsula for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Dover. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

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

Both Dover and Dingle offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

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

Is Dover or Dingle a more walkable city?

Dover is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its walkability.

Dover is a somewhat walkable town. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Dover Worth Visiting? and Is Dingle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dingle or Dover?

How long in Dover or Dingle?

In either Dover or Dingle, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dingle than Dover because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dingle.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dingle than Dover 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 Dover or Dingle?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Dover. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Dingle, many people enjoy the food that this natural destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This peninsula 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.

A weekend in Dover or Dingle?

Dover is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dingle. 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.

Five days in Dover or Dingle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dover. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Dingle is a fun place to experience. In Dingle, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dover or Dingle?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the breathtaking destination of Dover. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours 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 Dover and Dingle, we can see that Dover 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 Dover would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dover 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 Dover Expensive? and Is Dingle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dover or Dingle?

Dover has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dingle. When comparing the sizes of Dover 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 Dover or Dingle?

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 Dover or Dingle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Dingle. Most visitors come to Dover for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Dingle because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Dover is a little warmer than Dingle in the summer. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Dingle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Dover, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dover usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during summer. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dover usually receives less rain than Dingle. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dover or Dingle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dover as well as Dingle. The autumn months attract visitors to Dover because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dingle this time of year.

In the autumn, Dover is around the same temperature as Dingle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dover in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Dingle averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Dover often gets more sunshine than Dingle. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 79 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dingle. Dover usually gets less rain in October than Dingle. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Dingle in the Winter?

Both Dingle and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dingle for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Dover in the winter. In January, Dover is generally much colder than Dingle. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 4°C (40°F), and Dingle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Dover usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during winter. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dingle. In January, Dover usually receives less rain than Dingle. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dover or Dingle in the Spring?

Both Dingle and Dover during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dover for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Dingle in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Dover is around the same temperature as Dingle in the spring. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Dingle fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Dover often gets more sunshine than Dingle. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 150 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in April than Dingle. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dingle and Dover