A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Loch Lomond National Park vs. Dingle for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Loch Lomond National Park or Dingle?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Loch Lomond National Park and Dingle 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.

Loch Lomond National Park

Loch Lomond National Park is a scenic, serene, and peaceful national park. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Dingle

Dingle is a serene, natural, and scenic peninsula. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Loch Lomond National Park and Dingle: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Loch Lomond National Park or Dingle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dingle. Although Loch Lomond National Park and Dingle are popular destinations, Dingle has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dingle is more touristy than Loch Lomond National Park and is popular for its traditional pubs, stunning coastline, and rugged cliffs. It is also well known for The Gallarus Oratory. Loch Lomond National Park is famous for becoming the first designated national park in Scotland in 2002.

How is Loch Lomond National Park different from Dingle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Loch Lomond National Park or Dingle?

Loch Lomond National Park
Dingle

Dingle is adequate for its historical sights. However, Loch Lomond National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Dingle specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit for the natural beauty, but there are a couple of landmarks in the area including the Eask Tower, Gallarus Oratory, and the Blasket Centre.

Loch Lomond National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Loch Lomond National Park or Dingle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Loch Lomond National Park
Dingle

Dingle is a peninsula with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Dingle is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find great seafood throughout the peninsula. There's also traditional Irish food available including Irish stew or cabbage and bacon.

Loch Lomond National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find some traditional Scottish food to sample but in general for the best food, head to one of the nicer hotels in the area.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Dingle Better for Nightlife?

Loch Lomond National Park
Dingle

Dingle is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Dingle doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The area's not known for its nightlife but you can visit The Hillgrove, which is the peninsula's only nightclub. It's in a hotel and there is weekly entertainment.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Dingle Better for Beaches?

Loch Lomond National Park
Dingle

Dingle is a great peninsula for the beach. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Dingle attract visitors from all over. It's not hard to find a quiet beach with scenic views and a serene setting. Some of the best beaches in the area include Coumeenole, Brandon Bay, and Ventry.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a beach destination.


Is Loch Lomond National Park or Dingle Better for Hiking?

Loch Lomond National Park
Dingle

Dingle is a great peninsula for hiking. Also, Loch Lomond National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Dingle for the hiking trails. There are a variety of walking paths and hiking trails that take you through the coastal setting, rolling mountains, and remote nature. Some of the best trails in the area include the long distance hiking trail the Dingle Way, Mount Brandon, and Glenteenassig Forest Park.

Loch Lomond National Park offers some nice hiking trails. You can choose from relaxing walks or more strenuous hikes and options run along the shoreline or into the surrounding hills and forests. Some of the more popular hikes in the area include Ben Lomond, Conic Hill, and Callander Crags.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Dingle Better for Families?

Loch Lomond National Park
Dingle

Loch Lomond National Park is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dingle is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Loch Lomond National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. You'll find a wide range of diverse activities for kids around the park. They can explore the maze at the Lodge Forest Visitor Center, get up close with animals at Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, or Loch Lomond Pony Trekking, or have an adventure at Doune Castle. Other highlights for the kids include Wellsfield Farm and the Maid of the Loch Paddle Steamer.

Dingle offers lots of family activities. There are coastal walks and beaches that are perfect for kids. You can also visit the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, do a dolphin tour, or enjoy some watersports. Horseback riding and Sandy Feet Farm are both fun as well.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Dingle Better for Couples?

Loch Lomond National Park
Dingle

Both Loch Lomond National Park and Dingle are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Loch Lomond National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. There are many waterfront accommodation options that make for a beautiful and peaceful couples retreat. The nature and serenity is perfect for couples who want to get away from it all.

Dingle is a very popular place to visit for couples. Boat rides, sunset walks, and natural beauty all make this a fun place to explore with your significant other.


Is Loch Lomond National Park or Dingle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Loch Lomond National Park
Dingle

Dingle is a great peninsula for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Loch Lomond National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Dingle. There are a good number of hostels on the peninsula and there are interesting music festivals and other events that make this a good backpacker destination.

Plenty of backpackers visit Loch Lomond National Park. There are some camping options available for backpackers and those who want to experience nature in its fullest.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Dingle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Loch Lomond National Park
Dingle

Loch Lomond National Park and Dingle both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Loch Lomond National Park. You can reach the park by train, but transportation option within the area are generally limited.

Public transit is generally limited in Dingle. Bus Eireann offers buses daily to Tralee and then there are connections to other destinations.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Dingle a more walkable city?

Loch Lomond National Park
Dingle

Dingle is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a walkable destination.

Dingle is generally not a very walkable peninsula. If you have enough time, there are countless walking trails throughout the peninsula.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a walkable destination.


For even more information, also check out Is Loch Lomond National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Dingle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dingle or Loch Lomond National Park?

How long in Loch Lomond National Park or Dingle?

In either Loch Lomond National Park or Dingle, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dingle than Loch Lomond National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Loch Lomond National Park, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dingle.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dingle than Loch Lomond National Park 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 Dingle.


  • How many days in Loch Lomond National Park or Dingle? Ideal Length of Stay
    Loch Lomond National Park 2-4 
    Dingle 2-5

One day in Loch Lomond National Park or Dingle?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Loch Lomond National Park. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the rustic peninsula of Dingle. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Loch Lomond National Park or Dingle?

Loch Lomond National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Dingle. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Loch Lomond National Park or Dingle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Loch Lomond National Park. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Dingle is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this peninsula makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.


A week in Loch Lomond National Park or Dingle?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the peaceful destination of Loch Lomond National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dingle is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Dingle or Loch Lomond National Park?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Loch Lomond National Park is £61, while the average daily cost in Dingle is £103. 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 Loch Lomond National Park and Dingle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Loch Lomond National Park £31
    Dingle £58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Loch Lomond National Park £62
    Dingle £116
Compare Hotels in Loch Lomond National Park and Dingle

Looking for a hotel in Loch Lomond National Park or Dingle? 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 Loch Lomond National Park


Hotels in Dingle


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dingle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Loch Lomond National Park £20
    Dingle £15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dingle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dingle:

  • Dingle To Kerry Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Loch Lomond National Park or Dingle?

Prices for flights to both Dingle and Loch Lomond 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
    Loch Lomond National Park £15
    Dingle £35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Loch Lomond National Park £16
    Dingle £8.14

Tours and Activities in Dingle

Here are a few actual costs in Dingle for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-hour Guided Mini Eco Tour at Dingle, Ireland: $49
  • 3 Hour Slea Head Drive Tour - Personal Chauffeur Guided Tour: $283
  • Blasket Eco Tour.: $82
  • Blasket Island Sea Life Rib Tour,: $93
  • Boat Tour of Dingle Peninsula: $14
  • Dingle Bay Cliff Tour: $21
  • Dingle Boat Tours Wildlife RIB Adventure: $87
  • Dingle Dolphin Blasket Adventures: $84
  • Dingle Peninsula Guided Walking Tour: $174
  • Dingle Peninsula Virtual Tour: $16
  • Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head Drive Group Tour: $76
  • Dingle Tasting Tour: $109

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Loch Lomond National Park £3.93
    Dingle £13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Loch Lomond National Park and Dingle, we can see that Dingle is more expensive. And not only is Loch Lomond National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Loch Lomond National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Loch Lomond 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 Dingle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dingle than you might in Loch Lomond National Park.

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