A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isle of Skye vs. Kinsale for Food, Hiking, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Kinsale?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isle of Skye and Kinsale. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a stunning, diverse, and dramatic island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a charming, quaint, and picturesque seaside town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Isle of Skye and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Kinsale?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kinsale. Although Isle of Skye and Kinsale are popular destinations, Kinsale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kinsale is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Isle of Skye attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Isle of Skye is famous for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. Kinsale is famous for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. It is also well known for Charles Fort.

How is Isle of Skye different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isle of Skye or Kinsale?

Kinsale is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Kinsale is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Kinsale? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kinsale is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Isle of Skye is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Kinsale, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Isle of Skye. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

Is Isle of Skye or Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Kinsale is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Kinsale. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is great for the beache. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for the beach.

The beaches at Isle of Skye attract visitors from all over. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

The beach in Kinsale is worth checking out. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Is Isle of Skye or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Kinsale is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Kinsale. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Is Isle of Skye or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye is an amazing island to visit for hiking. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for the nearby hiking options.

Around Isle of Skye visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

Kinsale offers some nice hiking trails. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Kinsale?

Kinsale is a good destination for shopping. However, Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kinsale. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Kinsale Better for Families?

Both Isle of Skye and Kinsale are nice family-friendly destinations.

Isle of Skye is a family-friendly island. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kinsale. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

Is Isle of Skye or Kinsale Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye is great for its romantic activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for couples.

Isle of Skye is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

Kinsale is a good island for couples to visit. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

Is Isle of Skye or Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isle of Skye is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Isle of Skye. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

Plenty of backpackers visit Kinsale. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

Is Isle of Skye or Kinsale Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kinsale is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

Is Isle of Skye or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Kinsale is a good destination for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

Kinsale is somewhat walkable. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting? and Is Kinsale Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Kinsale?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Isle of Skye or Kinsale to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Isle of Skye than Kinsale because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Isle of Skye, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kinsale.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kinsale than Isle of Skye 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 Kinsale.

One day in Isle of Skye or Kinsale?

In Isle of Skye, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Kinsale is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this seaside town.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Kinsale?

In Isle of Skye, you'll find 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Isle of Skye has to offer.

Kinsale is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isle of Skye or Kinsale?

Isle of Skye is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Isle of Skye has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Kinsale is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 food. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isle of Skye or Kinsale?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isle of Skye. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Isle of Skye. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

Kinsale is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.

When comparing the travel costs between Isle of Skye and Kinsale, we can see that Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye Expensive? and Is Kinsale Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Kinsale?

Isle of Skye has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye and Kinsale, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Isle of Skye or Kinsale?

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 Isle of Skye or Kinsale in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Kinsale. Most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Isle of Skye is cooler than Kinsale. Typically, the summer temperatures in Isle of Skye in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Kinsale averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Kinsale during summer. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Kinsale. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Kinsale in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Kinsale. The autumn months attract visitors to Isle of Skye because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year.

In October, Isle of Skye is generally cooler than Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 9°C (49°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Kinsale. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in October than Kinsale. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Kinsale in the Winter?

Both Kinsale and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The cuisine are the main draw to Isle of Skye this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kinsale for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Isle of Skye in the winter. Isle of Skye is cooler than Kinsale in the winter. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Kinsale during winter. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kinsale. It's quite rainy in Isle of Skye. In January, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Kinsale. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Kinsale in the Spring?

Both Kinsale and Isle of Skye during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Isle of Skye for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kinsale in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Isle of Skye is cooler than Kinsale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Isle of Skye in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Kinsale averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Isle of Skye often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kinsale. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Isle of Skye