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

Should you visit Loch Lomond National Park or Dublin?

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 Dublin 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's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Dublin

Dublin is a laid-back, friendly, and welcoming city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Loch Lomond National Park and Dublin: 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
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dublin. Although Loch Lomond National Park and Dublin are both popular with visitors, Dublin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dublin is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Loch Lomond National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Loch Lomond National Park and is popular for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also home to The Guinness Storehouse. Loch Lomond National Park is popular for becoming the first designated national park in Scotland in 2002.

How is Loch Lomond National Park different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Loch Lomond National Park
Dublin

Dublin is a great city for its historical sights. However, Loch Lomond National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dublin. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

Loch Lomond National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Loch Lomond National Park
Dublin

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

Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

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 Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Loch Lomond National Park
Dublin

Dublin is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Dublin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

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

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Dublin Better for Music?

Loch Lomond National Park
Dublin

Dublin is a great city for its music scene. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a live music destination.

Dublin has a thriving music scene. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a live music destination.


Is Loch Lomond National Park or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Loch Lomond National Park
Dublin

Dublin is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Loch Lomond National Park does not have a historic old town.

Dublin is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Loch Lomond National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Dublin Better for Hiking?

Loch Lomond National Park
Dublin

Loch Lomond National Park is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Loch Lomond National Park has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Loch Lomond National Park or Dublin?

Loch Lomond National Park
Dublin

Dublin is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Dublin. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Loch Lomond National Park or Dublin Better for Families?

Loch Lomond National Park
Dublin

Both Loch Lomond National Park and Dublin are high quality to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Loch Lomond National Park. 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.

Dublin is a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Dublin Better for Couples?

Loch Lomond National Park
Dublin

Both Loch Lomond National Park and Dublin are high quality 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.

Dublin is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

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

Loch Lomond National Park
Dublin

Dublin is a great city 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 Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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 Dublin Better for Students?

Loch Lomond National Park
Dublin

Dublin is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

Loch Lomond National Park is not popular with students.

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

Loch Lomond National Park
Dublin

Dublin is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not known for its public transit.

While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

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

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

Loch Lomond National Park
Dublin

Dublin is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a walkable destination.

Dublin is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

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 Dublin Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Loch Lomond National Park or Dublin?

In either Loch Lomond National Park or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin 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 Dublin.

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

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

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


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

One day in Loch Lomond National Park or Dublin?

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 live music and food when visiting the fun city of Dublin. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Dublin?

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 and shopping when visiting the destination of Dublin. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Most people visit for the nightlife. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Loch Lomond National Park or Dublin?

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.

Dublin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Dublin?

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.

Dublin is a popular choice for travelers. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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 Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Dublin 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 Dublin is £123. 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 Dublin in more detail.



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

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


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: Dublin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Loch Lomond National Park £20
    Dublin £17

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dublin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Dublin:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    £13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dublin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dublin:

  • One-Way Private Transfer to Killarney: $775
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Galway: $668
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Cork City: $636
  • Shannon: Private Airport Arrival Transfer to Dublin: $615
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Shannon Airport: $615
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Limerick: $583
  • Dublin Airport:, Executive/chauffeur transfer to Belfast: $562
  • Dublin Glasnevin National Cemetery Audio Tour with Transfers: $339
  • Dublin Zoo Skip-the-line Tickets and Private Transfers: $305
  • Collon House & Garden To Dublin Airport Or City Private Chauffeur Transfer : $298
  • Dublin Airport To Collon House & Garden Private Chauffeur Transfer: $298
  • Private Transfer from Dublin Airport to Belfast City Airport (BHD): $292

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

Prices for flights to both Dublin 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
    Dublin £42

Typical Food Prices in Dublin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dublin:


  • Lunch Lynam's Pub
    £3.38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dublin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dublin.

  • Walking Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $29
  • Dublin 3-Course Dinner and Live Shows at The Irish House Party: $31
  • No Diet Club - Best Food Tour in Dublin !: $59
  • Dublin Irish Night Show, Dance and Traditional 3-Course Dinner: $60
  • Grand Canal Cruise with Dinner: $72
  • Delicious Walking Food Tour: $80
  • Delicious Dublin Food Tour: $82
  • Private Cooking Class in a Modern Home with Sea Views in Skerries, Dublin: $84
  • Howth Coastal Craft Beer and Seafood Tour: $95
  • Private Market Tour and Irish Cooking Class in a Modern Skerries Home: $102
  • Irish Craic & Cuisine: Cooking Class & Dinner in Central Dublin: $106
  • Dublin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Loch Lomond National Park £16
    Dublin £21

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dublin

Here are a few typical costs in Dublin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Wild Wicklow Tour
    £22
  • Guinness Brewery for Two
    £23
  • St Pauls Cathedral
    £3.85
  • Dublin Writer's Museum
    £5.39

Tours and Activities in Dublin

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

  • A Self Guided Walking Tour of Dublin's Docklands: $12
  • (Small Group) Cliffs of Moher and Castle Tour from Dublin: $141
  • (Small Group) Shore Tour from Dublin:Dublin Highlights and Glendalough Day Trip: $119
  • 1-Hour Cocktail Masterclass Experience in Dublin: $49
  • 2-Day Northern Ireland Tour from Dublin Including Belfast and Giants Causeway: $217
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour from Dublin : $21
  • 2-Hours Indoor Challenge Adventure Experience in Ireland: $31
  • 2-Hours and 30 Minutes Historical Walking Tour in Dublin: $28
  • 3 Hour Tour Freemasons and Templars Secret Societies: $20
  • 3-Hour Drinks on Foot Dublin Walking Guided Tour: $30
  • 4-Day Grand Atlantic Rail Tour from Dublin: $1,173
  • 5-Day Tour of West Ireland: Blarney Stone & Cliffs of Moher: $1,451

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Loch Lomond National Park £3.93
    Dublin £15

Sample the Local Flavors in Dublin

Also in Dublin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Authentic Brewery Tour: $11
  • Generation Pub Crawl: $15
  • Dublin Epic Pub Crawl: Experience Dublin's pubs and nightlife: $15
  • "Dublin Delight Pub Expedition" Pub Crawl: $16
  • The Dublin Liberties Distillery: Tour with Whiskey Tasting: $18
  • Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour & Tasting: $21
  • Skip the Line: Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour and Tasting in Dublin Ticket: $22
  • Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery Experience: $24
  • City Pub Crawl Experience: $24
  • Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery: Trilogy Experience: $24
  • Roe and Co Distillery Cocktail Workshop Experience: $27
  • Dublin Jameson Distillery Tour with Whiskey Tastings & Cocktail: $33


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