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

Should you visit Dundee or Kinsale?

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

Should I visit Dundee or Kinsale? 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 cultural, historic, and coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a colorful, charming, and quaint seaside town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Dundee and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dundee or Kinsale?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kinsale. Although Dundee and Kinsale are popular destinations, Kinsale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kinsale is very popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Dundee attracts visitors for its nightlife and big city activities. Kinsale is more touristy than Dundee and is popular for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. It is also well known for Charles Fort. Dundee is famous for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design.

How is Dundee different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Dundee and Kinsale have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Dundee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Kinsale offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.

Is the Food Better in Dundee or Kinsale? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kinsale is an amazing seaside town to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Kinsale is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

Dundee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

Is Dundee or Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Dundee is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

If you're looking for night time activities Dundee has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Dundee or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Kinsale is a moderate seaside town for its beaches. However, Dundee is not a beach destination.

Kinsale is a good spot to see the beach. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Dundee is not a beach destination.

Is Dundee or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Kinsale is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Dundee does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Kinsale. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

Dundee does not have a historic old town.

Is Dundee or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

Kinsale is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Dundee is not a hiking destination.

Kinsale is a good destination for hiking. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Dundee is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dundee or Kinsale?

Kinsale is a popular place for shopping. However, Dundee is not a good city for its shopping opportunities.

Kinsale is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

If you're looking to go shopping, Dundee has some nice offerings. 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.

Is Dundee or Kinsale Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Dundee or Kinsale.

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.

Kinsale is a family-friendly city. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

Is Dundee or Kinsale Better for Couples?

Kinsale is a popular place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Kinsale is a nice destination for couples. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

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 Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kinsale is a popular place for backpackers. However, Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kinsale. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Dundee or Kinsale Better for Students?

Dundee is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Kinsale is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Dundee. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

Kinsale is not popular with students.

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

Dundee is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Dundee offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has a public bus system.

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Dundee or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Dundee and Kinsale both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Dundee Worth Visiting? and Is Kinsale Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Dundee?

How long in Dundee or Kinsale?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dundee or Kinsale to fill your time. In our opinion, Kinsale has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Kinsale than Dundee. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kinsale than Dundee 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 Kinsale.

One day in Dundee or Kinsale?

In Dundee, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Kinsale might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Dundee or Kinsale?

In Dundee, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dundee has to offer.

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

Five days in Dundee or Kinsale?

Dundee is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kinsale. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A week in Dundee or Kinsale?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dundee. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dundee. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Kinsale is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This seaside town 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.

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 Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dundee and Kinsale, we can see that Dundee is more expensive. And not only is Kinsale much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kinsale would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kinsale 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 Kinsale.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dundee Expensive? and Is Kinsale Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dundee or Kinsale?

Dundee has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Dundee and Kinsale, 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 Kinsale?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dundee or Kinsale in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dundee as well as Kinsale. Many visitors come to Dundee in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Kinsale for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Dundee is around the same temperature as Kinsale. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dundee in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Kinsale averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Dundee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale. Dundee gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kinsale. Dundee gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dundee or Kinsale in the Autumn?

Both Kinsale and Dundee are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dundee for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dundee is generally cooler than Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 10°C (49°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Dundee usually receives more sunshine than Kinsale during autumn. Dundee gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dundee usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Dundee gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dundee or Kinsale in the Winter?

Both Kinsale and Dundee during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Dundee because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year.

The weather in Dundee can be very cold. Dundee is much colder than Kinsale in the winter. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Dundee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale. Dundee gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 60 hours of full sun.

Kinsale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dundee usually gets less rain in January than Kinsale. Dundee gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dundee or Kinsale in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dundee and Kinsale. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dundee this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kinsale for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dundee is cooler than Kinsale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dundee in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Kinsale averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Dundee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale during spring. Dundee gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dundee usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Dundee gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Dundee