A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Northern Ireland vs. Pays de la Loire for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Northern Ireland or Pays de la Loire?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Northern Ireland or Pays de la Loire, 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 Pays de la Loire?

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.

Pays de la Loire

Pays de la Loire is a region in western France with a coastline on the Bay of Biscay. It encompasses part of the Loire Valley and is famed for its vineyards. The valley's grand chateaux include the Chateau de Saumur, a hilltop medieval fort that contains a city museum, and the 7-story Chateau de Brissac, featuring period decor. Nantes, the regional capital, is home to the moated Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne, now a museum. Just a short ride from Paris, the region was once of immense strategic importance. Kings, queens, dukes and nobles came here to establish feudal castles and, later on, sumptuous pleasure palaces - that's why this fertile river valley is sprinkled with hundreds of France's most extravagant fortresses. It is also known for its outstanding wines and lively, sophisticated cities.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in France, and The Best Luxury Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Northern Ireland and Pays de la Loire, we can see that Northern Ireland is more expensive. And not only is Pays de la Loire much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pays de la Loire would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pays de la Loire 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 Pays de la Loire.

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 Pays de la Loire Expensive?.

Which has a larger population, Northern Ireland or Pays de la Loire?

Pays de la Loire has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Northern Ireland. When comparing the sizes of Northern Ireland and Pays de la Loire, 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.