A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dover vs. Galway for Nightlife, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Dover or Galway?

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

Dover

Dover is a rustic, stunning, and natural town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Galway

Galway is a lively, friendly, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dover and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Galway?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Galway than Dover, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Galway is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Dover is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Dover is more touristy than Galway and is known for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. Also, Galway is famous for The Galway Market.

How is Dover different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Dover or Galway.

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.

Galway is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

Is the Food Better in Dover or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Dover and Galway both to be notable 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 Galway. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Is Dover or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Galway is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

Galway offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is among the best in Ireland. The city embraces the friendly Irish hospitality and there are laid back pubs and bars around town as well as a few trendy nightclubs.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Galway Better for Hiking?

Dover is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Galway is not a hiking destination.

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.

Galway is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Galway?

Galway is very good for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Galway to go shopping. You'll find shopping both in the city center as well as at suburban shopping malls. For some of the best shopping head to The Latin Quarter, The Westend or the outdoor market which is found in Church lane by St Nicholas' Church.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Galway Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Dover or Galway.

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.

Galway is a family-friendly town. Kids will enjoy the National Aquarium Galway or simply wandering around the Latin Quarter. About 15 minutes outside of the city is the Wildlands Adventure Park which has ziplines, ropes courses, and other adrenaline filled activities. Brigit's Garden is another fun place to let kids stretch their legs.

Is Dover or Galway Better for Couples?

Dover is notable for romance. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Galway makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are nice restaurants, beautiful walks, and a few parks to explore. There are also several romantic places just outside of town that make for a great day trip.

Is Dover or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway 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.

Galway is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dover. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

Is Dover or Galway Better for Students?

Galway is very good for students. However, Dover is not popular with students.

Galway is a good city to visit for students. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

Dover is not popular with students.

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

Galway is very good for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Galway has a few public transit options. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

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

Is Dover or Galway a more walkable city?

Galway is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

Galway is a very walkable destination. If you stay in central Galway, the area is generally compact and walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Galway or Dover?

How long in Dover or Galway?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dover and Galway. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dover than in Galway. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 2-3 days is enough time in Galway.

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

Couples should spend more time in Dover than Galway. 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 Galway 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 Galway.

One day in Dover or Galway?

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 Galway, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. This city 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 Galway?

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 Galway. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Galway?

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.

Galway is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Galway. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dover or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the rustic 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 and shopping around the historical destination of Galway. 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between Dover and Galway, we can see that Dover 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 Dover Expensive? and Is Galway Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dover or Galway?

Galway has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover and Galway, 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 Galway?

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 Galway in the Summer?

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

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dover. Dover usually receives more sunshine than Galway during summer. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dover usually receives less rain than Galway. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dover or Galway in the Autumn?

Both Galway and Dover during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dover in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Galway for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Dover is generally around the same temperature as Galway. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 12°C (54°F), and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Dover often gets more sunshine than Galway. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun.

Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dover usually gets less rain in October than Galway. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Galway in the Winter?

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

Dover can be very cold during winter. Dover is cooler than Galway in the winter. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Dover usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Galway during winter. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

Galway receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Dover usually receives less rain than Galway. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dover or Galway in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dover as well as Galway. The spring months attract visitors to Dover because of the natural beauty. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

In the spring, Dover is around the same temperature as Galway. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dover in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Galway averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Galway. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in April than Galway. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Galway and Dover