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

Should you visit Loch Lomond National Park or Howth?

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 Howth 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.

Howth

Howth is a picturesque, scenic, and peaceful fishing village. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Loch Lomond National Park and Howth: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Howth. Although Loch Lomond National Park and Howth are both popular with visitors, Howth has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Howth is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Loch Lomond National Park is known for its impressive beauty. Howth is more touristy than Loch Lomond National Park and is popular for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. It is also home to The Baily Lighthouse. 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 Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Howth is a fishing village 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 Howth. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

Loch Lomond National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Howth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

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 Howth Better for Nightlife?

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

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

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

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Howth Better for Beaches?

Howth is a great fishing village for the beach. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Howth attract visitors from all over. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Howth Better for Hiking?

Howth is a great fishing village 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 Howth for the hiking trails. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

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 Howth Better for Families?

Loch Lomond National Park is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Loch Lomond National Park is a very kid-friendly 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.

Howth offers lots of family activities. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Howth Better for Couples?

Loch Lomond National Park is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Loch Lomond National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Howth is a good national park for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

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

Loch Lomond National Park is a popular place for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.

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

Howth is a fishing village 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 Howth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

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 Howth a more walkable city?

Howth is a great fishing village for its ease of walking around. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a walkable destination.

Howth is a very walkable destination. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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 Howth Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Loch Lomond National Park or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Loch Lomond National Park or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Loch Lomond National Park than Howth because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Loch Lomond National Park, and 1-2 days is enough time in Howth.

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

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

One day in Loch Lomond National Park or Howth?

In Loch Lomond National Park, many people enjoy the that this relaxing destination offers. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the beautiful fishing village of Howth. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Loch Lomond National Park or Howth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Loch Lomond National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Howth. 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 Howth?

Loch Lomond National Park is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Loch Lomond National Park. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Howth is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Howth?

You'll find around the scenic destination of Loch Lomond National Park. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Howth 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

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