A Travel Price Comparison for Ireland Howth vs. Connemara for Hiking, Food, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Howth or Connemara?

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

Should I visit Howth or Connemara? 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.

Howth

Howth is a peaceful, coastal, and beautiful fishing village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking.

Connemara

Connemara is a remote, dramatic, and breathtaking region. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Howth and Connemara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Howth or Connemara?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Howth. Although Howth and Connemara are both popular with visitors, Howth has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Howth is more popular for its nightlife and small town charm, while Connemara is known for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Howth is more touristy than Connemara and is known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. It is also home to The Baily Lighthouse. Connemara is popular for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves.

How is Howth different from Connemara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Howth and Connemara.

Howth offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Connemara. 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 Howth or Connemara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Connemara is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Connemara. 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.

Howth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Howth or Connemara Better for Nightlife?

Howth is a moderate fishing village for its evening party scene. However, Connemara is not a good region for nightlife.

Most people don't head to Howth specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

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 Howth or Connemara Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Howth and Connemara are high quality choices.

Howth is considered a top beach destination. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Connemara is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Is Howth or Connemara Better for Hiking?

Connemara is an amazing region to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Connemara specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Many visitors go to Howth for the hiking trails. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Is Howth or Connemara Better for Families?

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

Howth is a family-friendly place to visit. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

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 Howth or Connemara Better for Couples?

Connemara is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Connemara frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Howth is a good fishing village for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

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

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

Howth has a few public transit options. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

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 Howth or Connemara a more walkable city?

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

Howth is a very walkable destination. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Connemara or Howth?

How long in Howth or Connemara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Howth and Connemara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Connemara than in Howth. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Howth, and 2-3 days is enough time in Connemara.

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

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

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

One day in Howth or Connemara?

You'll find food and museums around the fishing village of Howth. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Howth 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 scenic 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 Howth or Connemara?

You'll find museums and food around the coastal destination of Howth. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this fishing village has to offer. This fishing village 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 Howth or Connemara?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the scenic fishing village of Howth. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Howth or Connemara?

Howth is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Ireland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Ireland.

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

When is the best time to visit Howth 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 Howth or Connemara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Howth and Connemara. The summer months attract visitors to Howth because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Connemara this time of year.

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

Howth usually receives more sunshine than Connemara during summer. Howth gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Howth usually receives less rain than Connemara. Howth gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Howth or Connemara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Howth as well as Connemara. The hiking trails and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Howth this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Connemara for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Howth is generally around the same temperature as Connemara. Daily temperatures in Howth average around 11°C (52°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Howth often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Connemara. Howth gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 96 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Connemara. Howth usually gets less rain in October than Connemara. Howth gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Howth or Connemara in the Winter?

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

Howth is around the same temperature as Connemara in the winter. The daily temperature in Howth averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Connemara fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Howth usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Connemara during winter. Howth gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Connemara. In January, Howth usually receives less rain than Connemara. Howth gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Howth or Connemara in the Spring?

Both Connemara and Howth during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Howth in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Connemara for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Howth is around the same temperature as Connemara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Howth in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Connemara averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Howth often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Connemara. Howth gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 153 hours of full sun.

Howth usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Connemara. Howth gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Connemara and Howth