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

Should you visit Loch Lomond National Park or Galway?

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 Galway 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 peaceful, relaxing, and scenic national park. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking.

Galway

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

Loch Lomond National Park and Galway: 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
  • 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 Galway?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Galway than Loch Lomond National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Galway is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Loch Lomond National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Loch Lomond National Park is well known for becoming the first designated national park in Scotland in 2002. 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 Loch Lomond National Park different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Loch Lomond National Park
Galway

Galway is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Loch Lomond 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.

Loch Lomond National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Loch Lomond National Park
Galway

Galway 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.

Galway is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

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 Galway Better for Nightlife?

Loch Lomond National Park
Galway

Galway is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Galway has something for everybody. 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.

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

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Galway Better for Hiking?

Loch Lomond National Park
Galway

Loch Lomond National Park is a national park with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Galway is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Loch Lomond National Park. 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.

Galway is not a hiking destination.


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

Loch Lomond National Park
Galway

Galway is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Loch Lomond 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.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Galway Better for Families?

Loch Lomond National Park
Galway

Loch Lomond 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.

Loch Lomond National Park is 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.

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 Loch Lomond National Park or Galway Better for Couples?

Loch Lomond National Park
Galway

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

Loch Lomond National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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

Loch Lomond National Park
Galway

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

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 Galway Better for Students?

Loch Lomond National Park
Galway

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

Loch Lomond National Park is not popular with students.

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

Loch Lomond National Park
Galway

Galway 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 Galway offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

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 Galway a more walkable city?

Loch Lomond National Park
Galway

Galway is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Loch Lomond 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.

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 Galway Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Loch Lomond National Park or Galway?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Loch Lomond National Park and Galway. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Loch Lomond National Park than in Galway. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Loch Lomond National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Galway.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Loch Lomond National Park or Galway? Ideal Length of Stay
    Loch Lomond National Park 2-4 
    Galway 2-3

One day in Loch Lomond National Park or Galway?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the friendly city of Galway. 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 Galway?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Galway. 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 Galway?

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.

Galway is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

A week in Loch Lomond National Park or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the relaxing 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.

Galway 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Galway 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 Galway is £112. 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 Galway in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Loch Lomond National Park £31
    Galway £60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Loch Lomond National Park £62
    Galway £120
Compare Hotels in Loch Lomond National Park and Galway

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


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: Galway Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Loch Lomond National Park £20
    Galway £28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Galway

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Galway:

  • Galway Private Driver: Personalized Tours & Transfers: $749
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Killarney: $668
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Dublin Airport: $668
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Cork City: $561
  • Galway to Limerick | Private Transfer and Car Service: $294
  • Galway to Shannon Airport | Private Transfer & Car Service: $294
  • Shannon Airport to Seamless Private Transfers: $257
  • Galway Private Transfer from Galway Airport to City centre: $90
  • Galway Private Transfer from central Galway to Galway Airport: $90

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

Prices for flights to both Galway 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
    Galway £28

Typical Food Prices in Galway

Some typical examples of dining costs in Galway are as follows:


  • Fish & Chips Dinner
    £6.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Galway

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

  • Tour & Taste Galway Food Tour: $93
  • Galway Food Tour: $107
  • Galway Food Tours: $109
  • Private Irish Cooking Experience in the Heart of Gaeltacht: $136
  • Farm to Table Experience and Irish Cooking Class in Galway: $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Loch Lomond National Park £16
    Galway £10

Tours and Activities in Galway

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Galway are as follows:

  • Abalone farm tour and tasting with coastal seaweed walk. Guided. 2 hours: $82
  • 3 Hours Guided Irish Whiskey Tour and Tasting in Galway City: $180
  • Aran Island, Cliffs of Moher & Cruise tour from Galway. Guided.: $119
  • Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea & Scones - Day Trip to Inisheer from Doolin: $136
  • Aran Islands Bike Tour with Tea and Scones from Galway: $163
  • Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Cruise from Galway: $82
  • Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks: $60
  • Boat cruise with local skipper on Galway Bay. Galway city. 1 hour: $36
  • Burren Botany Experience: $16
  • Castles of Connemara tour departing Galway city. Guided. Full day: $134
  • City Sightseeing Galway Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $17
  • City of the Tribes Tour: $131

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Galway

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Galway:

  • Traditional Irish Poitin & Gin Distillery Tour: $355


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Loch Lomond National Park and Galway, we can see that Galway 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 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 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 Galway Expensive?.