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

Should you visit Lake District National Park or Galway?

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 Galway. 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 beautiful, spectacular, and relaxing national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food and hiking.

Galway

Galway is a historical, vibrant, and lively city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lake District National Park and Galway: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Galway than Lake District National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Galway is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Lake District National Park is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lake District National Park is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its mountains, lakes, stunning natural beauty, and amazing hikes. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. Also, Galway is famous for The Galway Market.

How is Lake District National Park different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Galway 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 Galway. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

Lake District National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lake District National Park is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lake District National Park makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Galway has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Is Lake District National Park or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Galway is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lake District National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Galway has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is among the best in Ireland. The city embraces the friendly Irish hospitality and there are laid back pubs and bars around town as well as a few trendy nightclubs.

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

Is Lake District National Park or Galway Better for Hiking?

Lake District National Park is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Galway is not a hiking destination.

Around Lake District National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Galway is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lake District National Park or Galway?

Galway is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake District National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Galway has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shopping both in the city center as well as at suburban shopping malls. For some of the best shopping head to The Latin Quarter, The Westend or the outdoor market which is found in Church lane by St Nicholas' Church.

Lake District National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lake District National Park or Galway Better for Families?

Lake District National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Lake District National Park is 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.

Galway is a family-friendly national park. Kids will enjoy the National Aquarium Galway or simply wandering around the Latin Quarter. About 15 minutes outside of the city is the Wildlands Adventure Park which has ziplines, ropes courses, and other adrenaline filled activities. Brigit's Garden is another fun place to let kids stretch their legs.

Is Lake District National Park or Galway Better for Couples?

Lake District National Park is notable for romance. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Lake District National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Galway makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are nice restaurants, beautiful walks, and a few parks to explore. There are also several romantic places just outside of town that make for a great day trip.

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

Lake District National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lake District National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Many backpackers visit Galway. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Is Lake District National Park or Galway Better for Students?

Galway is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Lake District National Park is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Galway. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

Lake District National Park is not popular with students.

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

Galway is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Lake District National Park is lacking in options for its public transit.

Galway has some public transit options. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

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

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

Galway is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Lake District National Park is not a walkable destination.

Galway is a very walkable destination. If you stay in central Galway, the area is generally compact and walkable.

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 Galway Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Lake District National Park or Galway?

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

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

One day in Lake District National Park or Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Lake District National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Galway. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Lake District National Park or Galway?

Lake District National Park is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people visit Galway for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake District National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The lively destination of Galway offers shopping and museums. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. 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 Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the spectacular destination of Lake District National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Galway, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lake District National Park and Galway, we can see that Galway 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 Galway would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Galway 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 Galway Expensive?.

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

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 Galway in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lake District National Park as well as Galway. Most visitors come to Lake District National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Galway because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lake District National Park is around the same temperature as Galway. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lake District National Park in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Galway averages at about 16°C (60°F).

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

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

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

Both Galway and Lake District National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Lake District National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

In October, Lake District National Park is generally cooler than Galway. Daily temperatures in Lake District National Park average around 10°C (49°F), and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

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

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

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

Both Galway and Lake District National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. The cuisine are the main draw to Lake District National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Galway for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Lake District National Park in the winter. Lake District National Park is much colder than Galway in the winter. The daily temperature in Lake District National Park averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

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

Galway 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 Galway. Lake District National Park gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lake District National Park and Galway. Many travelers come to Lake District National Park for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Galway in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Lake District National Park is cooler than Galway. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lake District National Park in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Galway averages at about 9°C (48°F).

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

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

Typical Weather for Galway and Lake District National Park