A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dundee vs. Dingle for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Dundee or Dingle?

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

Should I visit Dundee or Dingle? 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.

Dundee

Dundee is a historic, coastal, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Dingle

Dingle is a scenic, rustic, and picturesque peninsula. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Dundee and Dingle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dundee or Dingle?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dundee than Dingle, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dundee is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Dingle is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Dingle is more touristy than Dundee and is known for its traditional pubs, stunning coastline, and rugged cliffs. Dundee is well known for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design. Also, Dundee is famous for Discovery Point and RRS Discovery.

How is Dundee different from Dingle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dundee 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 Dundee. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.

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 Dundee or Dingle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Dundee and Dingle can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Dundee offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

Dingle has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find great seafood throughout the peninsula. There's also traditional Irish food available including Irish stew or cabbage and bacon.

Is Dundee or Dingle Better for Nightlife?

Dundee is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for nightlife.

Dundee has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the 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 Dundee or Dingle Better for Beaches?

Dingle is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Dundee is not a beach destination.

Dingle is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Dundee is not a beach destination.

Is Dundee or Dingle Better for Hiking?

Dingle is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Dundee is not a hiking destination.

Dingle is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Dundee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dundee or Dingle?

Dundee is a city with a few options for its shopping areas. However, Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Dundee has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dundee or Dingle Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Dundee or Dingle.

Dundee is a family-friendly place to visit. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.

Dingle is a family-friendly city. 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 Dundee or Dingle Better for Couples?

Dingle is a well-known place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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

Most people don't think of Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.

Is Dundee or Dingle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dingle is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Dundee or Dingle Better for Students?

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

Dundee is popular with students. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

Dingle is not popular with students.

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

Dundee 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 Dundee, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has a public bus system.

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

Is Dundee or Dingle a more walkable city?

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

Dundee is a somewhat walkable city. There are a number of walks through the town.

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 Dundee Worth Visiting? and Is Dingle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dingle or Dundee?

How long in Dundee or Dingle?

In either Dundee or Dingle, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dingle than Dundee because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Dundee, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dingle.

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

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

One day in Dundee or Dingle?

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

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 Dundee or Dingle?

Dundee 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.

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 Dundee or Dingle?

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

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 Dundee or Dingle?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic destination of Dundee. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, 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 Dundee and Dingle, we can see that Dundee 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 Dundee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dundee 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 Dundee Expensive? and Is Dingle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dundee or Dingle?

Dundee has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Dingle. When comparing the sizes of Dundee 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 Dundee 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 Dundee or Dingle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dundee and Dingle. The summer months attract visitors to Dundee because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dingle this time of year.

In July, Dundee is generally around the same temperature as Dingle. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 14°C (58°F), and Dingle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Dundee usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during summer. Dundee gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dundee usually receives less rain than Dingle. Dundee gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dundee or Dingle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dundee as well as Dingle. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dundee this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Dingle for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Dundee is cooler than Dingle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Dingle fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Dundee often gets more sunshine than Dingle. Dundee gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 79 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dingle. Dundee usually gets less rain in October than Dingle. Dundee 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 Dundee or Dingle in the Winter?

Both Dingle and Dundee are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dundee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Dingle in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dundee. In the winter, Dundee is much colder than Dingle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dundee in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Dingle averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Dundee usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during winter. Dundee gets 58 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, Dundee usually receives less rain than Dingle. Dundee gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dundee or Dingle in the Spring?

Both Dingle and Dundee during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dundee in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Dingle for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Dundee is generally cooler than Dingle. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 7°C (45°F), and Dingle fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Dundee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dingle. Dundee gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 150 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in April than Dingle. Dundee gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dingle and Dundee