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

Should you visit Dover or Howth?

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 Howth 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. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Howth

Howth is a coastal, beautiful, and picturesque fishing village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking.

Dover and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Howth?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Howth. Although Dover and Howth are both popular with visitors, Howth has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Howth is more popular for its beaches and small town charm, while Dover is known for its impressive beauty. Howth is more touristy than Dover and is known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. It is also home to The Baily Lighthouse. Dover is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

How is Dover different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Howth is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

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

Foodies will find both Dover and Howth both to be good 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 Howth. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Dover or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Both Dover and Howth are decent 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 Howth. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Dover or Howth Better for Beaches?

Howth is a well-known place for the beach. However, Dover is not a beach destination.

Howth is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Dover is not a beach destination.

Is Dover or Howth Better for Hiking?

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

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 Howth. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Is Dover or Howth Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Dover or Howth.

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.

Howth is a family-friendly town. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Dover or Howth Better for Couples?

Dover is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Dover frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Howth is a good town for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Dover or Howth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dover is a popular place for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dover. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.

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

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

Howth has a few public transit options. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

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

Is Dover or Howth a more walkable city?

Howth 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.

Howth is a very walkable destination. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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 Howth Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Howth or Dover?

How long in Dover or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dover or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dover than Howth because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 1-2 days is enough time in Howth.

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

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

One day in Dover or Howth?

In Dover, many people enjoy the food and museums that this natural destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town 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.

In Howth, many people enjoy the food and museums that this coastal destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dover or Howth?

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

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

Dover is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Dover. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

A week in Dover or Howth?

You'll find museums and food around the iconic destination of Dover. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and food around the picturesque destination of Howth. 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between Dover and Howth, 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 Howth Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Dover or Howth?

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 Howth in the Summer?

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

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

In Dover, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dover usually receives more sunshine than Howth during summer. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dover usually receives less rain than Howth. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dover or Howth in the Autumn?

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

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

In the autumn, Dover often gets more sunshine than Howth. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 97 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in October than Howth. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Howth in the Winter?

Both Howth 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 Howth for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Dover in the winter. In the winter, Dover is cooler than Howth. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dover in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Howth averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Dover usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Howth during winter. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dover usually receives less rain than Howth. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dover or Howth in the Spring?

Both Howth and Dover during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dover for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Howth in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

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

In the spring, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Howth. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 157 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in April than Howth. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Howth receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Howth and Dover