A Travel Price Comparison for Ireland Kinsale vs. Howth for Food, Beaches, Hiking, and Attractions

Should you visit Kinsale or Howth?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kinsale and Howth can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a quaint, picturesque, and colorful seaside town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Howth

Howth is a picturesque, scenic, and peaceful fishing village. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches.

Kinsale and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kinsale or Howth?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kinsale than Howth, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kinsale is better known for its food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Howth is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Kinsale is well known for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. Also, Kinsale is famous for Charles Fort. Howth is well known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin.

How is Kinsale different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kinsale or Howth?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Kinsale and Howth.

Kinsale offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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 Kinsale or Howth? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kinsale is an amazing seaside town to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Kinsale is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

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 Kinsale or Howth Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is respectable in both Kinsale and Howth.

Kinsale doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Most people don't head to Howth specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. 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 Kinsale or Howth Better for Beaches?

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

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.

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 Kinsale or Howth Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Kinsale or Howth Better for Hiking?

Howth is great for hiking. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Howth for the hiking trails. 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.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Kinsale or Howth?

Kinsale is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Kinsale offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kinsale or Howth Better for Families?

Both Kinsale and Howth are notable to visit with kids.

Kinsale offers lots of family activities. 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.

Howth is a family-friendly place to visit. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Kinsale or Howth Better for Couples?

Both Kinsale and Howth are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Kinsale makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Howth is a good seaside town for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Kinsale or Howth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

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

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

Howth is a fishing village with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Howth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

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

Is Kinsale or Howth a more walkable city?

Howth is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its ease of walking around.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Howth or Kinsale?

How long in Kinsale or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kinsale or Howth to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Kinsale or Howth?

Even though Kinsale is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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.

A weekend in Kinsale or Howth?

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

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.

Five days in Kinsale or Howth?

Kinsale is a fun place to experience. Kinsale is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

A week in Kinsale or Howth?

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. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Dublin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Dublin.

When comparing the travel costs between Kinsale and Howth, 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 Kinsale Expensive? and Is Howth Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Kinsale or Howth?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kinsale or Howth in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kinsale as well as Howth. Many travelers come to Kinsale for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Howth in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In the summer, Kinsale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Howth. Kinsale gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 166 hours of full sun.

Kinsale usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Howth. Kinsale gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kinsale or Howth in the Autumn?

Both Howth and Kinsale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kinsale in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Howth for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere during these months.

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

Kinsale usually receives less sunshine than Howth during autumn. Kinsale gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kinsale usually receives more rain than Howth. Kinsale gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kinsale or Howth in the Winter?

Both Howth and Kinsale during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kinsale for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Howth because of the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Kinsale is generally around the same temperature as Howth. Daily temperatures in Kinsale average around 6°C (43°F), and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Kinsale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Howth. Kinsale gets 60 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 56 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kinsale. Kinsale usually gets more rain in January than Howth. Kinsale gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kinsale or Howth in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kinsale and Howth. The spring months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

Kinsale is around the same temperature as Howth in the spring. The daily temperature in Kinsale averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Howth fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Kinsale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Howth during spring. Kinsale gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kinsale usually receives more rain than Howth. Kinsale gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Howth receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Howth and Kinsale