A Travel Price Comparison for Ireland Howth vs. Cork for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Howth or Cork?

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

Should I visit Howth or Cork? 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 picturesque, scenic, and peaceful fishing village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Cork

Cork is a cultural, seaside, and youthful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Howth and Cork: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Howth or Cork?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cork. Although Howth and Cork are popular destinations, Cork has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cork is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Howth attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Howth is more touristy than Cork and is known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. Cork is famous for its friendly personality, its thriving art scene and its local craft beer. It is also well known for The Blarney Castle and Stone.

How is Howth different from Cork?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cork is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Cork offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historic sights and landmarks. Most notable is the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone, but also make sure you check out St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Cork Public Museum, Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre, and St. Anne's Church.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Howth. 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.

Is the Food Better in Howth or Cork? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cork 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 Cork. You'll find charming seaside cafes and award winning restaurants. Also make sure you check out the English Market, which is among the best in Ireland.

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 Cork Better for Nightlife?

Cork is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Cork is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a university city, so you'll find plenty of students, bars, clubs, and cheap beer. Many pubs also have live music with everything from rock to Irish folk music.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. 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.

Is Howth or Cork Better for Beaches?

Howth is notable for its beaches. However, Cork is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Howth attract visitors from all over. 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.

Cork is not a beach destination.

Is Howth or Cork Better for Hiking?

Howth is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Cork is not a hiking destination.

Howth is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Cork is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Howth or Cork?

Cork is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Cork is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It offers a mix of high street shops and boutique vendors. Head to St. Patrick’s Street for some of the city's best shopping. Also check out Opera Lane and Oliver Plunkett Street.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Howth or Cork Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Howth or Cork.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Howth. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Cork offers lots of family activities. For a bit of outside time, head to Fota Wildlife Park, Regional Park Ballincollig, or Inchydoney Beach. Kids will also enjoy exploring Cork City Gaol which is a heritage museum, or the Toy Soldier Factory. And of course, there's the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone.

Is Howth or Cork Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Cork frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Visiting Blarney Castle is a highlight, but you can also wander along the river or do the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. There are also several gardens to explore or small theaters where you can see a play.

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 Cork Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cork is a popular place for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cork. There are plenty of hostels as well as a large student population and an active nightlife.

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.

Is Howth or Cork Better for Students?

Cork is well known for students. However, Howth is not popular with students.

Cork is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a university town with many students and plenty to do. The city plays host to many international students.

Howth is not popular with students.

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

Howth is a fishing village with good options for its public transit. However, Cork is a mediocre city 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 mostly limited in Cork. In town you'll find bus service but if you want to explore anywhere else in the county you really need your own vehicle.

Is Howth or Cork a more walkable city?

Howth is notable for its walkability. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Cork is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is compact and easy enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cork or Howth?

How long in Howth or Cork?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cork 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 Cork.

One day in Howth or Cork?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Howth. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Cork, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this youthful destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Howth or Cork?

Howth is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cork. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Cork?

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful destination of Howth. This fishing village offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Cork is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cork. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Howth or Cork?

The picturesque fishing village of Howth offers food and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the youthful destination of Cork. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Howth and Cork, we can see that Howth is more expensive. And not only is Cork much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cork would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cork 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 Howth would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Howth than you might in Cork.

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

When is the best time to visit Howth or Cork?

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 Cork in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Howth and Cork. Many visitors come to Howth in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Cork for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

Howth usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cork during summer. Howth gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Howth usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cork. Howth gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cork receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Howth or Cork in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Howth as well as Cork. Most visitors come to Howth for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Cork because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Howth is around the same temperature as Cork in the autumn. The daily temperature in Howth averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Cork fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Howth often gets more sunshine than Cork. Howth gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 90 hours of full sun.

Howth usually gets less rain in October than Cork. Howth gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cork receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Howth or Cork in the Winter?

Both Cork and Howth are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Howth because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cork this time of year.

In the winter, Howth is around the same temperature as Cork. Typically, the winter temperatures in Howth in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Cork averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Howth usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cork during winter. Howth gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cork. In January, Howth usually receives less rain than Cork. Howth gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cork receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Howth or Cork in the Spring?

Both Cork and Howth during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Howth this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cork for the activities around the city.

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

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

Howth usually gets less rain in April than Cork. Howth gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cork receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cork and Howth