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

Should you visit Hofn or Kinsale?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hofn or Kinsale, 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 Kinsale?

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.

Kinsale

Near the River Bandon you'll find the small town of Kinsale, also known as Cionn tSaile. It sits comfortably in the hills that separate it from the nearby ocean. It's a quaint town that is also a historic port. Today is remains popular as a travel destination for sailors and travelers.

The town has two forts that protected it from invasion and served as the site for one of the most important battles in Irish history, in 1601. During this battle the Irish army arrived from the north to defend the town from an English siege. At the time the town was occupied by the Spanish. The Irish lost the battle and this was the defeat that led to the end of the ancient Gaelic aristocracy in Ireland.

Today the town is not only a charming place to visit, but also a great place to enjoy seafood, particularly during the yearly festival.

The climate in Kinsale is similar to that of nearby Cork. Average highs during the summer months are around 19 degrees Celsius and lows are about 12 degrees Celsius. During the winter months average highs are around 9 degrees Celsius and lows stay just above freezing at 3 degrees Celsius. Rain is generally consistent throughout the year, although you can expect slightly more precipitation during the winter months.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.

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

Which is Bigger, Hofn or Kinsale?

Kinsale has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn 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 Hofn or Kinsale?

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 Hofn or Kinsale in the Summer?

Both Kinsale and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Kinsale for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hofn is much colder than Kinsale in the summer. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 9°C (48°F) in July, and Kinsale fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In July, Hofn usually receives more rain than Kinsale. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hofn or Kinsale in the Autumn?

Both Kinsale and Hofn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Kinsale in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hofn. In the autumn, Hofn is much colder than Kinsale. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hofn in October average around 4°C (40°F), and Kinsale averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets more rain in October than Kinsale. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hofn or Kinsale in the Winter?

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

Hofn can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hofn is generally much colder than Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around -0°C (31°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Kinsale receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hofn gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hofn usually receives more rain than Kinsale. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hofn or Kinsale in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Kinsale. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Hofn can be very cold during spring. Hofn is much colder than Kinsale in the spring. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Kinsale fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Hofn usually gets more rain in April than Kinsale. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Hofn