A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Northern Ireland vs. Centre and Loire Valley for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Northern Ireland or Centre and Loire Valley?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Northern Ireland or Centre and Loire Valley, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Northern Ireland or Centre and Loire Valley?

Northern Ireland

You may think you know Northern Ireland, but guess again. This once turbulent and dangerous country has calmed down and continues to pleasantly surprise visitors from all over the world.

Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom, or Great Britain. Northern Ireland joins England, Scotland and Wales in the UK. This is still a point of controversy within this region depending on whom you are talking to. Unionists, or those who prefer being a part of Great Britain, will proudly call themselves British and try very much to differentiate themselves from their Irish neighbors. Republicans, or those who would prefer to be a part of the Republic of Ireland, call themselves Irish. Nowhere is this more prominent than in the historic city of Londonderry. That is what Unionists call the city, as the "London" was added after Northern Ireland joined the UK. On the other hand, you'll hear Republicans refer to the city as its original Derry.

Dress in layers, as it's not uncommon to experience every season in an hour in Northern Ireland. This part of the British Isles arguably receives more rain than anywhere.

More difficult than the weather, however, are the accents of the locals. While it may not sound like it at times, they are speaking English. Simply ask them to slow down so you can better understand their very thick accents.

Centre and Loire Valley

The Loire Valley, part of the larger Centre region of France, is located in the middle stretch of the Loire River. It is referred to as the Cradle of the French and the Garden of France because of the many vineyards, fruit orchards, and vegetable fields, which line the banks of the river. The Loire Valley has been inhabited since the Middle Paleolithic period, so it has many notable historic towns, architecture, and wines. The central part of the Loire Valley is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sights. This area is a great location if you are looking for French splendor, style, and cuisine. The Loire Valley was once of great strategic importance between the north and south of France, so there are many amazing castles and towers in the area. The Valley is best known for its outstanding wines and its lively, sophisticated cities. The area in general has a pleasant or laid back feel, and has been called a bit of a story-book wonderland. It is definitely a must see if you're planning a trip to France.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Centre and Loire Valley or Northern Ireland?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Northern Ireland is £131, while the average daily cost in Centre and Loire Valley is £107. 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 Northern Ireland and Centre and Loire Valley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Northern Ireland £68
    Centre and Loire Valley £51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Northern Ireland £136
    Centre and Loire Valley £102
Compare Hotels in Northern Ireland and Centre and Loire Valley

Looking for a hotel in Northern Ireland or Centre and Loire Valley? 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 Northern Ireland


Hotels in Centre and Loire Valley


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Northern Ireland £14
    Centre and Loire Valley £19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Centre and Loire Valley

Also for Centre and Loire Valley, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Nantes to Nantes Airport (NTE) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Private Transfer from Airports to Nantes: $33
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes city centre to Nantes Airport: $65
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes Airport to City centre: $65
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Airport (NTE) to La Rochelle Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Hotels to La Rochelle Cruise Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Atlantique Airport NTE to Puy du Fou Park: $174

Is it cheaper to fly into Northern Ireland or Centre and Loire Valley?

Prices for flights to both Centre and Loire Valley and Northern Ireland 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
    Northern Ireland £49
    Centre and Loire Valley £34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Centre and Loire Valley

For Centre and Loire Valley, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Lunchtime Food Tour of Tours: $93
  • Nantes Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Nantes Old Town with Local Guide: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Northern Ireland £18
    Centre and Loire Valley £16

Tours and Activities in Centre and Loire Valley

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Centre and Loire Valley.

  • Guided tour of the museum - Tasting: $5.46
  • Nantes Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Loire Valley Chateau d'Angers Entrance Ticket: $12
  • Loire Valley Chateau d'Azay le Rideau Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Chateau Gaillard Royal Domain Admission Ticket: $15
  • Guided treetop adventure course in the heart of Nantes: $31
  • Nantes : Private Walking Tour With A Local : $51
  • Epicurean Discovery Tour with Wine & Local Specialties: $52
  • Nantes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • PANORAMA TOUR OF NANTES by electric bike: $60
  • Picnic in the Vines - A Unique Loire Wine Experience: $83
  • Loire Valley Wine Half Day Tour in Vouvray: $104

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Northern Ireland £7.77
    Centre and Loire Valley £10

Sample the Local Flavors in Centre and Loire Valley

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Centre and Loire Valley:

  • Wine tour and tasting at domain FL: $9.81
  • Caves Ambacia, Tour and Wine Tasting in Amboise, Loire Valley: $20
  • Tour of a Vineyard, Winery & Cellar with Wine Tasting in Vouvray, Loire Valley: $59
  • Loire Valley Half Day Wine Tour from Tours : Vouvray Wine Tasting: $108
  • Morning - Loire Valley Wine Tour in Vouvray and Montlouis : $137
  • Loire Valley Wine Tour in Chinon & Bourgueil: $153
  • Afternoon Loire Valley Wine Tour from Tours or Amboise: $158


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Northern Ireland Expensive? and Is Centre and Loire Valley Expensive?.


Which has a larger population, Northern Ireland or Centre and Loire Valley?

Centre and Loire Valley has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Northern Ireland. When comparing the sizes of Northern Ireland and Centre and Loire Valley, 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.

Related Articles for Northern Ireland
Related Articles for Centre and Loire Valley