A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manchester vs. Kinsale for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Manchester or Kinsale?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Manchester and Kinsale can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a picturesque, colorful, and charming seaside town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and hiking.

Manchester and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Kinsale?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Manchester. Although Manchester and Kinsale are popular destinations, Manchester has more sights and attractions for tourists. Manchester is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Kinsale attracts visitors for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Kinsale is more touristy than Manchester and is known for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. Manchester is famous for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also well known for The National Football Museum.

How is Manchester different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kinsale and Manchester. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Manchester or Kinsale?

Manchester is great for its historical sights. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Manchester. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kinsale. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.

Is the Food Better in Manchester or Kinsale? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kinsale is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kinsale has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Is Manchester or Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Manchester is great for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Manchester for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Manchester or Kinsale Better for Music?

Manchester is great for its live music scene. However, Kinsale is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Manchester draws a good crowd. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Kinsale is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Kinsale is adequate for its beaches. However, Manchester is not a beach destination.

Kinsale is a good spot to see the beach. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Manchester is not a beach destination.

Is Manchester or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Kinsale is great for its historic old town. However, Manchester does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Kinsale. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is Manchester or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

Kinsale is very good for hiking. However, Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kinsale. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Kinsale?

Manchester is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its shopping areas.

Manchester is well-known for its shopping. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Many visitors go to Kinsale to go shopping. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Is Manchester or Kinsale Better for Families?

Manchester is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Manchester is very family-friendly. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

Kinsale is a family-friendly place to visit. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

Is Manchester or Kinsale Better for Couples?

Manchester is great for its romantic activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for couples.

Manchester is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

Kinsale is a good city for couples to visit. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

Is Manchester or Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Manchester and Kinsale are nice places to visit.

Manchester is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kinsale. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

Is Manchester or Kinsale Better for Students?

Manchester is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Kinsale is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Manchester. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Kinsale is not popular with students.

Is Manchester or Kinsale Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Manchester is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Manchester can get you to some places easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Manchester or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Manchester and Kinsale are nice when it comes to walkability.

Manchester is somewhat walkable. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Manchester Worth Visiting? and Is Kinsale Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Kinsale?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Manchester than Kinsale. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Manchester that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Manchester than Kinsale 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 Manchester.

One day in Manchester or Kinsale?

Because Manchester is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Kinsale might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kinsale, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Manchester or Kinsale?

Because Manchester is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Manchester has to offer.

Even though Kinsale is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this seaside town.

Five days in Manchester or Kinsale?

Manchester is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Kinsale, a popular seaside town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Kinsale?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Manchester. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Manchester. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Kinsale is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manchester Expensive? and Is Kinsale Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Kinsale?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester or Kinsale in the Summer?

Both Kinsale and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Manchester for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kinsale in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Manchester is around the same temperature as Kinsale. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manchester in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Kinsale averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Manchester usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale during summer. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Manchester usually receives more rain than Kinsale. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Manchester or Kinsale in the Autumn?

Both Kinsale and Manchester during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Manchester in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Kinsale for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Manchester is generally around the same temperature as Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 11°C (52°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Manchester often gets more sunshine than Kinsale. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in October than Kinsale. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Kinsale in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Kinsale. Most visitors come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Manchester can be very cold during winter. Manchester is much colder than Kinsale in the winter. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Kinsale during winter. Manchester gets 53 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, Manchester usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Manchester or Kinsale in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Kinsale. The spring months attract visitors to Manchester because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year.

In the spring, Manchester is around the same temperature as Kinsale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manchester in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Kinsale averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Kinsale. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in April than Kinsale. Manchester gets 51 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 Manchester