A Travel Price Comparison for Ireland Howth vs. Dublin for Nightlife, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Howth or Dublin?

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

Should I visit Howth or Dublin? 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 beautiful, picturesque, and scenic fishing village. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Dublin

Dublin is a fun, laid-back, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Howth and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Howth or Dublin?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dublin than Howth, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dublin is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Howth is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Howth is well known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. Dublin is well known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. Also, Dublin is famous for The Guinness Storehouse.

How is Howth different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dublin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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 Dublin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Howth and Dublin can be difficult as they are each notable 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.

Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Howth or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Dublin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

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 Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is well known for its live music scene. However, Howth is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Dublin. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Howth is not a live music destination.

Is Howth or Dublin Better for Beaches?

Howth is a great destination for the beache. However, Dublin is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Howth. 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.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Howth or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is well known for its old town. However, Howth does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Dublin. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Howth or Dublin Better for Hiking?

Howth is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Dublin is not a hiking destination.

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.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Howth or Dublin?

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

Dublin is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Howth or Dublin Better for Families?

Dublin is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Dublin is a very kid-friendly city. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

Howth offers lots of family activities. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Howth or Dublin Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Dublin frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

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 Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Dublin is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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 Dublin Better for Students?

Dublin is a popular place for students. However, Howth is not popular with students.

Dublin is popular with students. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

Howth is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Howth and Dublin.

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.

While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Howth or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Dublin on foot is easy. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Howth?

How long in Howth or Dublin?

In either Howth or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin 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 Dublin.

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

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

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

One day in Howth or Dublin?

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 Dublin, many people enjoy the live music and food that this friendly destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This city 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 Dublin?

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 Dublin. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Dublin?

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.

Dublin is a fun place to experience. In Dublin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Howth or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the picturesque 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 museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Dublin. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Dublin, we can see that Dublin 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 Dublin Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Howth or Dublin?

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 Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin and Howth are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Howth for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Dublin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Howth is around the same temperature as Dublin in the summer. The daily temperature in Howth averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

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

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

Should I visit Howth or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Howth during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Howth in the autumn for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dublin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In the autumn, Howth is around the same temperature as Dublin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Howth in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Dublin averages at about 11°C (52°F).

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

Howth usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Dublin. Howth gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Howth or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Howth and Dublin. Most visitors come to Howth for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Dublin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Howth is generally around the same temperature as Dublin. Daily temperatures in Howth average around 6°C (42°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

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

In January, Howth usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dublin. Howth gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Howth or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Howth as well as Dublin. The spring months attract visitors to Howth because of the beaches and the small town charm. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

Howth is around the same temperature as Dublin in the spring. The daily temperature in Howth averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

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

Typical Weather for Dublin and Howth