A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ghent vs. Connemara for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Ghent or Connemara?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Ghent and Connemara. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Ghent

Ghent is a youthful, high energy, and cultural city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Connemara

Connemara is a natural, remote, and dramatic region. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Ghent and Connemara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Connemara?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ghent than Connemara, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ghent is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Connemara is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Ghent is more touristy than Connemara and is known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Also, Ghent is famous for The Fortress of Gravensteen. Connemara is well known for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves.

How is Ghent different from Connemara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ghent or Connemara?

Ghent is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

Ghent offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has many different sights that are concentrated in a compact area. Make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Bavo, The Fortress of Gravensteen, and The Belfry. The audio tour at Gravensteen really brings the history to life and makes for an enjoyable activity.

Connemara is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.

Is the Food Better in Ghent or Connemara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Ghent and Connemara both to be superb destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Ghent makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is diverse and international, but there are also many local dishes and flavors that you should try. Pas de Rouge is a local cheese and mastel is a local bread. Ganda ham is also a popular meat that is dried and salted. In additional to traditional restaurants, you'll find almost any international cuisine that you could want.

Connemara has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The area has been influenced by the improving food scene in nearby regions. You'll find everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks that use local ingredients and recipes. The area has no shortage of seafood, shellfish, and even Connemara lamb.

Is Ghent or Connemara Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Connemara is not a good region for nightlife.

Ghent is a must-see party destination. With its young student population, you'll find plenty of lively bars and clubs around town. There are many places where you can party or dance into the early hours of the morning and some of the best places are around Oude Beestenmarkt, De Overpoort, and De Vlasmarkt. There's also the famous Ghent Festival every July.

Connemara doesn't offer many options. You'll find some bars in the area but most people visit for the natural beauty, not the nightlife scene.

Is Ghent or Connemara Better for Beaches?

Connemara is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Ghent is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Connemara for it's beautiful beaches. You'll find wide stretches of sandy beach as well as hidden coves that offer a peaceful retreat. Some of the best beaches in the area include Dog’s Bay Beach, Trá an Dóilín, and Glassilaun Beach.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Ghent or Connemara Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Is Ghent or Connemara Better for Hiking?

Connemara is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Connemara is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The landscape is considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland and there are many walks and hikes that let you experience it. Some of the best hikes are The Cong and Clonbur Forest Trail, the Claddaghduff Quay to Omey Island Walk, and Mount Gable Walk.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Connemara?

Ghent is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Ghent. The city has the largest pedestrian shopping area in Belgium, making it a great place to explore on foot. The city has several different shopping areas which each have their own style and personality. You'll find everything from major European brands to local boutiques and street markets.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ghent or Connemara Better for Families?

Ghent is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Connemara is not a good region for its kid-friendly activities.

Ghent is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a fun atmosphere with kid-friendly restaurants and a number of attractions that appeal to all ages. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Gravensteen, which is the "Castle of Counts". You can also take a boat tour, rent bikes, or head to one of the town's playgrounds so the kids can burn off some energy.

Connemara is not always a place people visit with their families. There are plenty of places to explore outdoors such as Connemara National Park as well as the nearby beaches. You'll also find several playgrounds in the area.

Is Ghent or Connemara Better for Couples?

Ghent and Connemara both superb destinations for a couple.

Ghent is a very popular place to visit for couples. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Connemara makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find romantic hotels and beautiful walks through hidden coves and dramatic countryside. Couples will enjoy exploring castles and getting lost in the beauty.

Is Ghent or Connemara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent is a popular place for backpackers. However, Connemara is not a good region for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ghent. The city has a number of hostels to choose from as well as a young vibe with a large student population. Many people overlook Ghent, but it feels more genuine than nearby Bruges, which attracts the larger tourist crowds.

Connemara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in the area, you really need a car to explore the area in depth. This turns off a lot of backpackers.

Is Ghent or Connemara Better for Students?

Ghent is terrific for students. However, Connemara is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Ghent. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Connemara is not popular with students.

Is Ghent or Connemara Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ghent is terrific for its public transit. However, Connemara is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Ghent can take you anywhere. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Public transit is quite limited in Connemara. There are a few buses in the area but you really need a private vehicle to get around to most places.

Is Ghent or Connemara a more walkable city?

Ghent is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

Ghent is a very walkable destination. The area's with the most tourist attractions are generally walkable.

Connemara is not a very walkable city. You really need a vehicle to experience everything that the region has to offer.

For even more information, also check out Is Ghent Worth Visiting? and Is Connemara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Connemara or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Connemara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ghent and Connemara. In our opinion, Ghent has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ghent than Connemara. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ghent, and 2-3 days is enough time in Connemara.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ghent than Connemara 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 Ghent.

One day in Ghent or Connemara?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Ghent. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ghent has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Connemara, many people enjoy the food and museums that this breathtaking destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the hiking. This region 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 Ghent or Connemara?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy destination of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Connemara. 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 Ghent or Connemara?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the youthful city of Ghent. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Connemara is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Connemara. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Ghent or Connemara?

Ghent is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find museums and food around the scenic destination of Connemara. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.

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

When is the best time to visit Ghent or Connemara?

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 Ghent or Connemara in the Summer?

Both Connemara and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Connemara for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ghent. Ghent usually receives more sunshine than Connemara during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives more rain than Connemara. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Connemara in the Autumn?

Both Connemara and Ghent during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Connemara in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Ghent often gets more sunshine than Connemara. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 96 hours of full sun.

Connemara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ghent usually gets less rain in October than Connemara. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Connemara in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Connemara. Many visitors come to Ghent in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Connemara for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Ghent can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Ghent is much colder than Connemara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ghent in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Connemara averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Connemara during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

Connemara receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ghent usually receives less rain than Connemara. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Connemara in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Connemara. Most visitors come to Ghent for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Connemara because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Ghent is generally around the same temperature as Connemara. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 8°C (47°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Ghent often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Connemara. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 153 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in April than Connemara. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Connemara and Ghent