A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisse vs. Kinsale for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lisse or Kinsale?

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

Should I visit Lisse or Kinsale? 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.

Where Should I go: Lisse or Kinsale?

Lisse

Lisse is very much a seasonal destination. During a two month period every spring it becomes one of the Netherlands most popular tourist destinations. In the Bulb Region of South Holland, it is home to the Keukenhof amusement park, which comes to life every spring with millions of flowers coming into full bloom. The spectacular sight attracts over eight hundred thousand visitors every year, all during that two month time period. This sight truly is amazing with rows of colored flowers lighting up the grounds. The flowers cover more than 32 hectares and include tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other spring flowers. Its a wonderful sight for people of all ages, and a wonderful photographic opportunity for anybody in the area.

Kinsale

Near the River Bandon you'll find the small town of Kinsale, also known as Cionn tSaile. It sits comfortably in the hills that separate it from the nearby ocean. It's a quaint town that is also a historic port. Today is remains popular as a travel destination for sailors and travelers.

The town has two forts that protected it from invasion and served as the site for one of the most important battles in Irish history, in 1601. During this battle the Irish army arrived from the north to defend the town from an English siege. At the time the town was occupied by the Spanish. The Irish lost the battle and this was the defeat that led to the end of the ancient Gaelic aristocracy in Ireland.

Today the town is not only a charming place to visit, but also a great place to enjoy seafood, particularly during the yearly festival.

The climate in Kinsale is similar to that of nearby Cork. Average highs during the summer months are around 19 degrees Celsius and lows are about 12 degrees Celsius. During the winter months average highs are around 9 degrees Celsius and lows stay just above freezing at 3 degrees Celsius. Rain is generally consistent throughout the year, although you can expect slightly more precipitation during the winter months.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisse or Kinsale?

Lisse has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Lisse 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 Lisse 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 Lisse or Kinsale in the Summer?

Both Kinsale and Lisse are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Kinsale for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lisse is around the same temperature as Kinsale in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisse averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Kinsale fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisse. Lisse usually receives more sunshine than Kinsale during summer. Lisse gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisse usually receives more rain than Kinsale. Lisse gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lisse or Kinsale in the Autumn?

Both Kinsale and Lisse during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lisse is around the same temperature as Kinsale. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisse in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Kinsale averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Lisse often gets more sunshine than Kinsale. Lisse gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets less rain in October than Kinsale. Lisse gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisse or Kinsale in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisse and Kinsale. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year.

The weather in Lisse can be very cold. In January, Lisse is generally much colder than Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Lisse average around 2°C (36°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Lisse usually receives less sunshine than Kinsale during winter. Lisse gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kinsale receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Lisse usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Lisse gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisse or Kinsale in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lisse as well as Kinsale. Also, many travelers come to Kinsale for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Lisse is cooler than Kinsale in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisse averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Kinsale fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Lisse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale. Lisse gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kinsale. Lisse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Lisse