A Travel Price Comparison for Ireland Dublin vs. Dingle for Nightlife, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Dublin or Dingle?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Dingle, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Dublin

Dublin is a fun, laid-back, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Dingle

Dingle is a picturesque, serene, and natural 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.

Dublin and Dingle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dublin or Dingle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dublin. Although Dublin and Dingle are both popular with visitors, Dublin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dublin is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Dingle is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Dublin is popular for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also home to The Guinness Storehouse. Dingle is popular for its traditional pubs, stunning coastline, and rugged cliffs.

How is Dublin different from Dingle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dublin is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its historical sights.

Dublin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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 Dublin or Dingle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Dublin and Dingle.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Dublin. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Dingle is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find great seafood throughout the peninsula. There's also traditional Irish food available including Irish stew or cabbage and bacon.

Is Dublin or Dingle Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for nightlife.

The nightlife in Dublin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

Dingle doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. 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 Dublin or Dingle Better for Music?

Dublin is a great destination for its music scene. However, Dingle is not a live music destination.

Dublin has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Dingle is not a live music destination.

Is Dublin or Dingle Better for Beaches?

Dingle is a great destination for the beache. However, Dublin is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Dingle. 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.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Dublin or Dingle Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dingle does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Dublin. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Dingle does not have a historic old town.

Is Dublin or Dingle Better for Hiking?

Dingle is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Dublin is not a hiking destination.

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.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dublin or Dingle?

Dublin is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Dublin. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dublin or Dingle Better for Families?

Dublin is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dingle is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Dublin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

Dingle offers lots of family activities. 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 Dublin or Dingle Better for Couples?

Dublin and Dingle are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Dublin frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Dingle is a great city 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 Dublin or Dingle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin and Dingle are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Dublin is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Dingle. 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.

Is Dublin or Dingle Better for Students?

Dublin is a popular place for students. However, Dingle is not popular with students.

Dublin is popular with students. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

Dingle is not popular with students.

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

Dublin 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 Dublin, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

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

Is Dublin or Dingle a more walkable city?

Dublin is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its walkability.

Getting around Dublin on foot is easy. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dingle or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Dingle?

In either Dublin or Dingle, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Dublin has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Dublin than Dingle. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dublin than Dingle 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 Dublin.

One day in Dublin or Dingle?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dublin. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Dingle. 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.

A weekend in Dublin or Dingle?

Dublin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, 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.

Dingle 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.

Five days in Dublin or Dingle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dublin. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dingle. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dublin or Dingle?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the fun destination of Dublin. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the picturesque destination of Dingle. This peninsula 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Dublin or Dingle?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 520 times larger than the population of Dingle. When comparing the sizes of Dublin 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 Dublin 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 Dublin or Dingle in the Summer?

Both Dingle and Dublin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dublin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Dingle for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Dublin is around the same temperature as Dingle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dublin in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Dingle averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Dublin usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during summer. Dublin gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dublin usually receives less rain than Dingle. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dublin or Dingle in the Autumn?

Both Dingle and Dublin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dublin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Dingle because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dublin is generally around the same temperature as Dingle. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 11°C (52°F), and Dingle fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Dublin often gets more sunshine than Dingle. Dublin gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 79 hours of full sun.

Dingle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dublin usually gets less rain in October than Dingle. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Dingle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dublin and Dingle. The winter months attract visitors to Dublin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dingle this time of year.

Dublin is cooler than Dingle in the winter. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Dingle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Dublin usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during winter. Dublin gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

Dingle receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Dublin usually receives less rain than Dingle. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dublin or Dingle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dublin as well as Dingle. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dublin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dingle for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dublin is around the same temperature as Dingle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dublin in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Dingle averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Dublin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dingle. Dublin gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 150 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets less rain in April than Dingle. Dublin gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dingle and Dublin