A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hofn vs. Dingle for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hofn or Dingle?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hofn 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.

Where Should I go: Hofn or Dingle?

Hofn

Hofn is a very small fishing town on the southeast of Iceland, measuring just over half a mile across. It is best known for being located in the beautiful Vatnajokull Region, where the largest glacier in Europe is located. Hofn, and the surrounding area, is full of breathtaking natural scenery including lagoons, icefalls, and mountains.

Dingle

In County Kerry, in southwest Ireland, the Dingle Peninsula is the smaller of the two peninsulas. It has beautiful and wild landscape. The eastern side of the peninsula is steep and dramatic while the western side has a dramatic coastline with cliffs and beaches. Dingle town, also known as An Daingean, is a small town that you can walk around. It also has many restaurants and shops that line the streets. The town is located between the mountains and the sea and it is a great place to relax. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, hostels, and restaurants so this is a great place to base yourself during your time in the area.

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


Which place is cheaper, Dingle or Hofn?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hofn is $151, while the average daily cost in Dingle is $128. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hofn and Dingle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $97
    Dingle $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $194
    Dingle $146
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Dingle

Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Dingle? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Hofn


Hotels in Dingle


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hofn Hotel Prices and Dingle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $27
    Dingle $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dingle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dingle:

  • Dingle To Kerry Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Dingle?

Prices for flights to both Dingle and Hofn change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hofn $36
    Dingle $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $18
    Dingle $10

Tours and Activities in Hofn

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hofn.

  • Ice Exploration Tour from the Glacier Lagoon: $129
  • Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull: $160
  • Sapphire Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón - Extra Small Group: $170
  • Crystal Ice Cave Adventure : $185
  • Blue Ice Cave Adventure: $284
  • Private Iceland Aurora Hunting and Photography Tour from Hofn: $291

Tours and Activities in Dingle

Here are a few actual costs in Dingle for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-hour Guided Mini Eco Tour at Dingle, Ireland: $49
  • 3 Hour Slea Head Drive Tour - Personal Chauffeur Guided Tour: $283
  • Blasket Eco Tour.: $82
  • Blasket Island Sea Life Rib Tour,: $93
  • Boat Tour of Dingle Peninsula: $14
  • Dingle Bay Cliff Tour: $21
  • Dingle Boat Tours Wildlife RIB Adventure: $87
  • Dingle Dolphin Blasket Adventures: $84
  • Dingle Peninsula Guided Walking Tour: $174
  • Dingle Peninsula Virtual Tour: $16
  • Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head Drive Group Tour: $76
  • Dingle Tasting Tour: $109

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hofn $12
    Dingle $17


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


Which is Bigger, Hofn or Dingle?

Dingle has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn 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 Hofn or Dingle?

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 Hofn or Dingle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Dingle. Also, most visitors come to Dingle for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Hofn is much colder than Dingle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hofn in July average around 9°C (48°F), and Dingle averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Hofn usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Dingle. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hofn 9°C (48°F) 
    Dingle 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Dingle in the Autumn?

Both Dingle and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Dingle because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Hofn can be very cold during autumn. In October, Hofn is generally much colder than Dingle. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 4°C (40°F), and Dingle fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dingle. It's quite rainy in Hofn. In October, Hofn usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dingle. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hofn 4°C (40°F) 
    Dingle 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Dingle in the Winter?

Both Dingle and Hofn during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dingle this time of year.

The weather in Hofn can be very cold. Hofn is much colder than Dingle in the winter. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Dingle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Dingle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets less rain in January than Dingle. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hofn -0°C (31°F) 
    Dingle 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Dingle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Dingle. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dingle for the beaches and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Hofn in the spring. In the spring, Hofn is much colder than Dingle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hofn in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Dingle averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In April, Hofn usually receives more rain than Dingle. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hofn 2°C (36°F) 
    Dingle 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Dingle and Hofn

Hofn Dingle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 12°C (53°F) 156 mm (6.2 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 9°C (48°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)