A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lake District National Park vs. Connemara for Hiking, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Lake District National Park or Connemara?

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 Lake District National Park and Connemara. 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.

Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park is a relaxing, enjoyable, and unique national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food and hiking.

Connemara

Connemara is a natural, remote, and dramatic region. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and museums.

Lake District National Park and Connemara: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Lake District National Park or Connemara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Connemara. Although Lake District National Park and Connemara are popular destinations, Connemara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Connemara is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and beaches, while Lake District National Park attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Lake District National Park is more touristy than Connemara and is popular for its mountains, lakes, stunning natural beauty, and amazing hikes. Connemara is famous for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves. It is also well known for Connemara National Park.

How is Lake District National Park different from Connemara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Connemara and Lake District National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lake District National Park or Connemara?

Lake District National Park
Connemara

Connemara is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Lake District National Park 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 Connemara. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.

Lake District National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Lake District National Park or Connemara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lake District National Park
Connemara

Foodies will find both Lake District National Park and Connemara both to be superb destinations.

Lake District National Park has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a long history of culinary arts in the region and you'll enjoy locally sourced ingredients at many restaurants. There are also a number of Michelin starred restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Connemara makes for a great culinary experience. The area has been influenced by the improving food scene in nearby regions. You'll find everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks that use local ingredients and recipes. The area has no shortage of seafood, shellfish, and even Connemara lamb.

Is Lake District National Park or Connemara Better for Nightlife?

Lake District National Park
Connemara

Connemara is not a good area for its evening party scene. However, Lake District National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Connemara doesn't offer many options. You'll find some bars in the area but most people visit for the natural beauty, not the nightlife scene.

Lake District National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Lake District National Park or Connemara Better for Beaches?

Lake District National Park
Connemara

Connemara is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Lake District National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Connemara for it's beautiful beaches. You'll find wide stretches of sandy beach as well as hidden coves that offer a peaceful retreat. Some of the best beaches in the area include Dog’s Bay Beach, Trá an Dóilín, and Glassilaun Beach.

Lake District National Park is not a beach destination.


Is Lake District National Park or Connemara Better for Hiking?

Lake District National Park
Connemara

Hiking trails can be found around both Lake District National Park and Connemara, and they are amazing.

Lake District National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There's a huge selection of hikes to choose from in the area, ranging from easy strolls to more strenuous climbs. The park offers some of the best hiking in the country and you can spend days exploring. Some of the favorite hikes in the area include Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Catbells.

People visit Connemara specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The landscape is considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland and there are many walks and hikes that let you experience it. Some of the best hikes are The Cong and Clonbur Forest Trail, the Claddaghduff Quay to Omey Island Walk, and Mount Gable Walk.

Is Lake District National Park or Connemara Better for Families?

Lake District National Park
Connemara

Lake District National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Connemara is not a good region for its kid-friendly activities.

Lake District National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy getting out in nature as much as the adults do. They can stretch their legs and run around, or you can check out some of the family-friendly activities in the area. Popular options include the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, the World of Beatrix Potter, Wray Castle, and the adventure park Brockhole on Windermere. There's also Lakes Aquarium, Lake District Wildlife Park, and Lake District Coast Aquarium for animal lovers.

Connemara is not always a place people visit with their families. There are plenty of places to explore outdoors such as Connemara National Park as well as the nearby beaches. You'll also find several playgrounds in the area.

Is Lake District National Park or Connemara Better for Couples?

Lake District National Park
Connemara

Lake District National Park and Connemara both superb destinations for a couple.

Lake District National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. One of the most impressive national parks in the country, couples will enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring this stunning setting. Whether you're watching the sunset from a mountaintop or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the water, this park is a perfect place to relax.

Couples visit Connemara frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You'll find romantic hotels and beautiful walks through hidden coves and dramatic countryside. Couples will enjoy exploring castles and getting lost in the beauty.


Is Lake District National Park or Connemara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lake District National Park
Connemara

Lake District National Park is terrific for backpackers. However, Connemara is not a good region for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lake District National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of camping options throughout the park with a range of hookup facilities to meet everyone's needs. Waterfront campsites are also available.

Connemara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in the area, you really need a car to explore the area in depth. This turns off a lot of backpackers.

Is Lake District National Park or Connemara Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lake District National Park
Connemara

Lake District National Park is a moderate national park for its public transit. However, Connemara is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Lake District National Park. There are shuttlebuses in parts of the park.

Public transit is quite limited in Connemara. There are a few buses in the area but you really need a private vehicle to get around to most places.

Is Lake District National Park or Connemara a more walkable city?

Lake District National Park
Connemara

Connemara is not a good area for its ease of walking around. However, Lake District National Park is not a walkable destination.

Connemara is not a very walkable region. You really need a vehicle to experience everything that the region has to offer.

Lake District National Park is not a walkable destination.


For even more information, also check out Is Lake District National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Connemara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Connemara or Lake District National Park?

How long in Lake District National Park or Connemara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lake District National Park and Connemara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lake District National Park than in Connemara. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lake District National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Connemara.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lake District National Park than Connemara 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 Lake District National Park.


  • How many days in Lake District National Park or Connemara? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lake District National Park 3-7 
    Connemara 2-3

One day in Lake District National Park or Connemara?

You'll find food around the national park of Lake District National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the dramatic destination of Connemara. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Lake District National Park or Connemara?

You'll find food around the unique destination of Lake District National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many people visit Connemara for a weekend. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Lake District National Park or Connemara?

You'll find food around the unique national park of Lake District National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this national park makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer.

The breathtaking destination of Connemara offers food and museums. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Lake District National Park or Connemara?

Lake District National Park is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lake District National Park, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Connemara, a popular region, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Connemara or Lake District National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lake District National Park is £81, while the average daily cost in Connemara is £101. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lake District National Park and Connemara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lake District National Park £39
    Connemara £46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lake District National Park £78
    Connemara £92
Compare Hotels in Lake District National Park and Connemara

Looking for a hotel in Lake District National Park or Connemara? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Lake District National Park


Hotels in Connemara


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lake District National Park £33
    Connemara £35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake District National Park

Also for Lake District National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Lake District Ski Club to Newcastle Airport - Departure Transfer: $33
  • Lake District Ski Club to Manchester Airport - Departure Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Lake District National Park or Connemara?

Prices for flights to both Connemara and Lake District National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Lake District National Park £21
    Connemara £32

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lake District National Park £20
    Connemara £22

Tours and Activities in Lake District National Park

For Lake District National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Guided Canoeing Experience on Coniston Water - Half Day: $89
  • Ghyll Scrambling Water Adventure in the Lake District: $89
  • 3-Hours Via Ferrata Experience in Keswick: $140

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lake District National Park £4.64
    Connemara £11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lake District National Park and Connemara, we can see that Connemara is more expensive. And not only is Lake District National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lake District National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lake District National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Connemara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Connemara than you might in Lake District National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lake District National Park Expensive? and Is Connemara Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Lake District National Park or Connemara?

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 Lake District National Park or Connemara in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lake District National Park as well as Connemara. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lake District National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Connemara for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Lake District National Park is around the same temperature as Connemara in the summer. The daily temperature in Lake District National Park averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Connemara fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Lake District National Park often gets more sunshine than Connemara. Lake District National Park gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 142 hours of full sun.

Lake District National Park usually gets more rain in July than Connemara. Lake District National Park gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lake District National Park 15°C (59°F) 
    Connemara 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Connemara in the Autumn?

Both Connemara and Lake District National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lake District National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Connemara in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lake District National Park is cooler than Connemara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lake District National Park in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Connemara averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Lake District National Park usually receives less sunshine than Connemara during autumn. Lake District National Park gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 96 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Connemara. It's quite rainy in Lake District National Park. In October, Lake District National Park usually receives more rain than Connemara. Lake District National Park gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lake District National Park 10°C (49°F) 
    Connemara 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Connemara in the Winter?

Both Connemara and Lake District National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lake District National Park in the winter for the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Connemara for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Lake District National Park can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Lake District National Park is generally much colder than Connemara. Daily temperatures in Lake District National Park average around 3°C (38°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Lake District National Park often gets less sunshine than Connemara. Lake District National Park gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 59 hours of full sun.

Connemara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lake District National Park. Lake District National Park usually gets more rain in January than Connemara. Lake District National Park gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lake District National Park 3°C (38°F) 
    Connemara 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Lake District National Park or Connemara in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lake District National Park and Connemara. Most visitors come to Lake District National Park for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Connemara because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Lake District National Park is cooler than Connemara in the spring. The daily temperature in Lake District National Park averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Connemara fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Lake District National Park usually receives less sunshine than Connemara during spring. Lake District National Park gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lake District National Park usually receives more rain than Connemara. Lake District National Park gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lake District National Park 7°C (45°F) 
    Connemara 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Connemara and Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park Connemara
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
May 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 11°C (53°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)