A Travel Price Comparison for Ireland Howth vs. Dingle for Beaches, Hiking, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Howth or Dingle?

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

Should I visit Howth or Dingle? 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. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include hiking, museums, and food.

Dingle

Dingle is a scenic, rustic, and picturesque peninsula. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Howth and Dingle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Howth or Dingle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Howth. Although Howth and Dingle are both popular with visitors, Howth has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Howth is more popular for its museums and small town charm, while Dingle is known for its impressive beauty. Howth is popular for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. It is also home to The Baily Lighthouse. Dingle is popular for its traditional pubs, stunning coastline, and rugged cliffs.

How is Howth different from Dingle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Howth is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

While most people don't head to Dingle specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit for the natural beauty, but there are a couple of landmarks in the area including the Eask Tower, Gallarus Oratory, and the Blasket Centre.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Howth and Dingle can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Howth. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Dingle is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find great seafood throughout the peninsula. There's also traditional Irish food available including Irish stew or cabbage and bacon.

Is Howth or Dingle Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Howth and Dingle.

Howth is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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.

Dingle doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The area's not known for its nightlife but you can visit The Hillgrove, which is the peninsula's only nightclub. It's in a hotel and there is weekly entertainment.

Is Howth or Dingle Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Howth and Dingle 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.

Dingle is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. It's not hard to find a quiet beach with scenic views and a serene setting. Some of the best beaches in the area include Coumeenole, Brandon Bay, and Ventry.

Is Howth or Dingle Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Howth and Dingle both have high quality trails.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Howth. 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.

Many visitors go to Dingle for the hiking trails. There are a variety of walking paths and hiking trails that take you through the coastal setting, rolling mountains, and remote nature. Some of the best trails in the area include the long distance hiking trail the Dingle Way, Mount Brandon, and Glenteenassig Forest Park.

Is Howth or Dingle Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Howth or Dingle.

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.

Dingle offers lots of family activities. There are coastal walks and beaches that are perfect for kids. You can also visit the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, do a dolphin tour, or enjoy some watersports. Horseback riding and Sandy Feet Farm are both fun as well.

Is Howth or Dingle Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Dingle frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Boat rides, sunset walks, and natural beauty all make this a fun place to explore with your significant other.

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 Dingle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dingle is well known for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Dingle is a great peninsula to visit for backpackers. There are a good number of hostels on the peninsula and there are interesting music festivals and other events that make this a good backpacker destination.

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 Dingle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Howth is a popular place for its public transit. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Howth, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dingle. Bus Eireann offers buses daily to Tralee and then there are connections to other destinations.

Is Howth or Dingle a more walkable city?

Howth is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options 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.

Dingle is generally not a very walkable fishing village. If you have enough time, there are countless walking trails throughout the peninsula.

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

Should I spend more time in Dingle or Howth?

How long in Howth or Dingle?

In either Howth or Dingle, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dingle than Howth because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Howth, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dingle.

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

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

One day in Howth or Dingle?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Howth. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Dingle, many people enjoy the food that this natural destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This peninsula 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 Dingle?

Howth is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dingle. 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 Dingle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Howth. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Dingle is a fun place to experience. In Dingle, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Howth or Dingle?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Howth. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food around the rustic destination of Dingle. Most people come for the beaches. 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 comparing the travel costs between Howth and Dingle, 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 Dingle Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Howth or Dingle?

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 Dingle in the Summer?

Both Dingle and Howth are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Howth because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dingle this time of year.

In the summer, Howth is around the same temperature as Dingle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Howth in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Dingle averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Howth usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during summer. Howth gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Howth usually receives less rain than Dingle. Howth gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Howth or Dingle in the Autumn?

Both Dingle and Howth during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Howth this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dingle for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Howth is generally around the same temperature as Dingle. Daily temperatures in Howth average around 11°C (52°F), and Dingle fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Howth often gets more sunshine than Dingle. Howth gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 79 hours of full sun.

Dingle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Howth usually gets less rain in October than Dingle. Howth gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Howth or Dingle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Howth and Dingle. Many travelers come to Howth for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dingle in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Howth is cooler than Dingle in the winter. The daily temperature in Howth averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Dingle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Howth usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during winter. Howth gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

Dingle receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Howth usually receives less rain than Dingle. Howth gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Howth or Dingle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Howth as well as Dingle. Many visitors come to Howth in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Additionally, most visitors come to Dingle for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

In the spring, Howth often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dingle. Howth gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 150 hours of full sun.

Howth usually gets less rain in April than Dingle. Howth gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dingle and Howth