A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Howth vs. Glencoe for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Howth or Glencoe?

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

Should I visit Howth or Glencoe? 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. 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.

Glencoe

Glencoe is a beautiful, picturesque, and natural village. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food and hiking.

Howth and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Howth or Glencoe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Howth. Although Howth and Glencoe are both popular with visitors, Howth has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Howth is more popular for its museums, beaches, and small town charm, while Glencoe is known for its impressive beauty. Howth is more touristy than Glencoe and is known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. It is also home to The Baily Lighthouse. Glencoe is popular for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting.

How is Howth different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Howth is a fishing village with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Howth and Glencoe 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.

Glencoe is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.

Is Howth or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Glencoe doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.

Is Howth or Glencoe Better for Beaches?

Howth is well known for the beach. However, Glencoe 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.

Glencoe is not a beach destination.

Is Howth or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Howth and Glencoe both have excellent 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 Glencoe for the hiking trails. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.

Is Howth or Glencoe Better for Families?

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

Glencoe is a very kid-friendly village. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.

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 Glencoe Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Glencoe frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.

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 Glencoe 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, Glencoe is not particularly known 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 Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.

Is Howth or Glencoe a more walkable city?

Howth is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Glencoe is not particularly known 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.

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable fishing village. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Howth?

How long in Howth or Glencoe?

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

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

One day in Howth or Glencoe?

In Howth, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This fishing village offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Glencoe, many people enjoy the food that this natural destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This village 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 Glencoe?

In Howth, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Howth has to offer.

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

Howth is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Glencoe is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Glencoe. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Howth or Glencoe?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Howth. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Howth. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food around the beautiful destination of Glencoe. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom.

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