A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Newcastle upon Tyne vs. Connemara for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara?

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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Connemara can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a vibrant, high energy, and livable port city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Connemara

Connemara is a dramatic, breathtaking, and scenic region. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and museums.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Connemara: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne. Although Newcastle upon Tyne and Connemara are popular destinations, Newcastle upon Tyne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Newcastle upon Tyne is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Connemara attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Newcastle upon Tyne is more touristy than Connemara and is popular for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Tyne Bridge. Connemara is famous for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Connemara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Connemara

Newcastle upon Tyne is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

Newcastle upon Tyne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

Connemara is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.


Is the Food Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Connemara

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Newcastle upon Tyne and Connemara can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Connemara makes for a great culinary experience. The area has been influenced by the improving food scene in nearby regions. You'll find everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks that use local ingredients and recipes. The area has no shortage of seafood, shellfish, and even Connemara lamb.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara Better for Nightlife?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Connemara

Newcastle upon Tyne is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Connemara is not a good region for nightlife.

Newcastle upon Tyne offers plenty to do in the evening. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

Connemara doesn't offer many options. You'll find some bars in the area but most people visit for the natural beauty, not the nightlife scene.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara Better for Beaches?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Connemara

Connemara is a very popular place for the beach. However, Newcastle upon Tyne is not a beach destination.

Connemara is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You'll find wide stretches of sandy beach as well as hidden coves that offer a peaceful retreat. Some of the best beaches in the area include Dog’s Bay Beach, Trá an Dóilín, and Glassilaun Beach.

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a beach destination.


Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Connemara

Newcastle upon Tyne is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Newcastle upon Tyne. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara Better for Hiking?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Connemara

Connemara is an amazing region to visit for its hiking trails. However, Newcastle upon Tyne is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Connemara specifically for its hiking. The landscape is considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland and there are many walks and hikes that let you experience it. Some of the best hikes are The Cong and Clonbur Forest Trail, the Claddaghduff Quay to Omey Island Walk, and Mount Gable Walk.

Newcastle upon Tyne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Connemara

Newcastle upon Tyne is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Newcastle upon Tyne. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara Better for Families?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Connemara

Newcastle upon Tyne is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Connemara is not a good region for its kid-friendly activities.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

Connemara is not always a place people visit with their families. There are plenty of places to explore outdoors such as Connemara National Park as well as the nearby beaches. You'll also find several playgrounds in the area.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara Better for Couples?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Connemara

Connemara is a very popular place for couples. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Connemara makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find romantic hotels and beautiful walks through hidden coves and dramatic countryside. Couples will enjoy exploring castles and getting lost in the beauty.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a nice destination for couples. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Connemara

Newcastle upon Tyne is a popular place for backpackers. However, Connemara is not a good region for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Newcastle upon Tyne. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

Connemara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in the area, you really need a car to explore the area in depth. This turns off a lot of backpackers.


Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara Better for Students?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Connemara

Newcastle upon Tyne is a well-known place for students. However, Connemara is not popular with students.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

Connemara is not popular with students.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Connemara

Newcastle upon Tyne is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Connemara is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Newcastle upon Tyne offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

Public transit is quite limited in Connemara. There are a few buses in the area but you really need a private vehicle to get around to most places.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne
Connemara

Newcastle upon Tyne is terrific for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Newcastle upon Tyne on foot. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

Connemara is not a very walkable port city. You really need a vehicle to experience everything that the region has to offer.


For even more information, also check out Is Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Connemara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Connemara or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Connemara. In our opinion, Newcastle upon Tyne has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne than Connemara. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne than Connemara 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 Newcastle upon Tyne.


  • How many days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara? Ideal Length of Stay
    Newcastle upon Tyne 2-3 
    Connemara 2-3

One day in Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara?

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Newcastle upon Tyne. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Connemara, many people enjoy the food and museums that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Lots of people come for the hiking. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many people visit Connemara for a weekend. Lots of people come for the hiking. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Connemara, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy port city of Newcastle upon Tyne. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The beautiful destination of Connemara offers food and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Connemara. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This region offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Connemara or Newcastle upon Tyne?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Newcastle upon Tyne is £130, while the average daily cost in Connemara is £101. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Connemara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Newcastle upon Tyne £51
    Connemara £46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Newcastle upon Tyne £102
    Connemara £92
Compare Hotels in Newcastle upon Tyne and Connemara

Looking for a hotel in Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara? 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 Newcastle upon Tyne


Hotels in Connemara


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: Newcastle upon Tyne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Newcastle upon Tyne £12
    Connemara £35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Newcastle upon Tyne

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Newcastle upon Tyne:


  • Parking
    £1.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newcastle upon Tyne

Also for Newcastle upon Tyne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Newcastle Airport to Lake District Ski Resort Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Private Newcastle Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $55
  • Newcastle Airport to Lake District Ski Club - Round-Trip Transfer: $65
  • Newcastle Airport to Newcastle Hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $104

Is it cheaper to fly into Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara?

Prices for flights to both Connemara and Newcastle upon Tyne 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
    Newcastle upon Tyne £68
    Connemara £32
Typical Food Prices in Newcastle upon Tyne

For Newcastle upon Tyne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee (2)
    £4.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newcastle upon Tyne

For Newcastle upon Tyne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Ultimate Cheese & Wine Food Tour: $83
  • Newcastle Street Food Tour: $88
  • A Taste Of Newcastle Food Tour: $89
  • Northumbrian Coastline Food Tour: $191

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Newcastle upon Tyne £17
    Connemara £22

Tours and Activities in Newcastle upon Tyne

For Newcastle upon Tyne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Hadrian's Wall: A Self-Guided Audio Tour along the Ruins: $5.20
  • Annual Admission Newcastle Castle Ticket: $16
  • Private Bike Tour of Berwick: $19
  • Newcastle Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Sunderland by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Newcastle True Crime Walking Tour: $23
  • 1.5 Hour Explore Newcastle Walking Tour: $23
  • 1-Hour and a Half Walking Guided Tour in Medieval Newcastle: $25
  • Guided Walks and Tours, Seahouses, Beadnell & Bamburgh: $29
  • Northumberland Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • Halloween Special: Newcastle's Dark Side Walking Tour: $32
  • 3 Hour Walking Tour through Newcastle upon Tyne: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Newcastle upon Tyne £9.43
    Connemara £11

Sample the Local Flavors in Newcastle upon Tyne

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Newcastle upon Tyne:

  • Private Newcastle Pub Tour: $191
  • Newcastle Private Historic Pub Tour: $203


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

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



When is the best time to visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Connemara. Most visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Connemara because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Newcastle upon Tyne is around the same temperature as Connemara in the summer. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Connemara fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets more sunshine than Connemara. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 142 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in July than Connemara. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Newcastle upon Tyne 15°C (59°F) 
    Connemara 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara in the Autumn?

Both Connemara and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Newcastle upon Tyne because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Connemara this time of year.

In the autumn, Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Connemara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Connemara averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Connemara during autumn. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 96 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Connemara. It's quite rainy in Newcastle upon Tyne. In October, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Connemara. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Newcastle upon Tyne 10°C (49°F) 
    Connemara 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara in the Winter?

Both Connemara and Newcastle upon Tyne during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Newcastle upon Tyne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Connemara for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Newcastle upon Tyne in the winter. In January, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally much colder than Connemara. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 3°C (38°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Connemara. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 59 hours of full sun.

Connemara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in January than Connemara. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Newcastle upon Tyne 3°C (38°F) 
    Connemara 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Connemara in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Connemara. Also, many visitors come to Connemara in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Connemara in the spring. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Connemara fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Connemara during spring. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Connemara. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Newcastle upon Tyne 7°C (45°F) 
    Connemara 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Connemara and Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne Connemara
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
May 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 11°C (53°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)