A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nottingham vs. Connemara for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Nottingham or Connemara?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nottingham and Connemara 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.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a dynamic, livable, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Connemara

Connemara is a scenic, natural, and remote region. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, museums, and food.

Nottingham and Connemara: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Nottingham or Connemara?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nottingham than Connemara, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nottingham is better known for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Connemara is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Nottingham is more touristy than Connemara and is known for its authenticity and local cuisine. Also, Nottingham is famous for Old Market Square. Connemara is well known for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves.

How is Nottingham different from Connemara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nottingham or Connemara?

Nottingham
Connemara

Both Nottingham and Connemara have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Nottingham is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find history and culture around town. Some of the notable landmarks include Wollaton Hall, the National Justice Museum, Nottingham Castle, and Old Market Square.

Connemara offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Nottingham or Connemara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nottingham
Connemara

Connemara is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Nottingham has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a diversity of restaurants around town that range from local fish and chips shops to international options. Pubs, cafes, and fine dining are all available in town.

Is Nottingham or Connemara Better for Nightlife?

Nottingham
Connemara

Nottingham is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Connemara is not a good region for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Nottingham. Head to the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, for a pint or check out one of the trendy clubs around town. The city is also a big sports town, so see if there are any sporting events going on while you're visiting.

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 Nottingham or Connemara Better for Music?

Nottingham
Connemara

Nottingham is a popular place for its music scene. However, Connemara is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Nottingham is active and vibrant. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Connemara is not a live music destination.


Is Nottingham or Connemara Better for Beaches?

Nottingham
Connemara

Connemara is well known for its beaches. However, Nottingham is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Connemara attract visitors from all over. 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.

Nottingham is not a beach destination.

Is Nottingham or Connemara Better for Hiking?

Nottingham
Connemara

Connemara is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Nottingham is not a hiking destination.

Around Connemara visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Nottingham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Connemara?

Nottingham
Connemara

Nottingham 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 Nottingham. Head to the Lace Market, which is a popular shopping area. You can also wander around the center of town on foot and head to the pedestrian streets that are often lined with independent shops or international chains.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Nottingham or Connemara Better for Families?

Nottingham
Connemara

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

Nottingham is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of parks and play areas that younger kids will enjoy. You can check out Wheelgate Park, White Post Farm, Rufford Abbey, or Sherwood Pines. Sundown Adventureland is a small theme park that's designed for younger kids under 10. If your kids are into museums, head to the Newark Air Museum.

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 Nottingham or Connemara Better for Couples?

Nottingham
Connemara

Connemara is well known for romance. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Connemara frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Nottingham makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find the typical date night activities around town like arcades, minigolf, and some interesting restaurants. There are also parks where you can enjoy a stroll in nature.

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

Nottingham
Connemara

Nottingham 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.

Nottingham offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

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 Nottingham or Connemara a more walkable city?

Nottingham
Connemara

Nottingham is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

Nottingham is a very walkable destination. It is trying to transform itself into a pedestrian-friendly city, and you'll find some areas that are particularly walkable. The city center is very compact and generally walkable.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Nottingham Worth Visiting? and Is Connemara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Connemara or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Connemara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nottingham and Connemara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Connemara than in Nottingham. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Nottingham, and 2-3 days is enough time in Connemara.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Connemara than Nottingham 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 Connemara.


  • How many days in Nottingham or Connemara? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nottingham 1-2 
    Connemara 2-3

One day in Nottingham or Connemara?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Nottingham. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nottingham has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and food around the natural region of Connemara, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Nottingham or Connemara?

You'll find live music and food around the authentic destination of Nottingham. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With food and museums around the destination of Connemara, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this region.


Five days in Nottingham or Connemara?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the authentic city of Nottingham. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Connemara, a popular region, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Nottingham or Connemara?

Nottingham is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Connemara is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle 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 Nottingham?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nottingham is £117, 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 Nottingham and Connemara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nottingham £64
    Connemara £46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nottingham £128
    Connemara £92
Compare Hotels in Nottingham and Connemara

Looking for a hotel in Nottingham 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 Nottingham


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: Nottingham Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nottingham £21
    Connemara £35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nottingham

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nottingham:

  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Loughborough City Transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer from Loughborough to East Midlands Airport: $35
  • Derby to East Midlands Airport (EMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $38
  • Nottingham to East Midlands Airport Private Departure Transfer: $38
  • Private East Midlands Departure Transfer- Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $55
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Leicester-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $76
  • East Midlands Airport to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $76
  • Private Transfer from Glossop to Manchester Airport (MAN): $80
  • Private Nottingham Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $97
  • Nottinghamshire to Manchester Airport (MAN) Luxury Transfers: $210
  • Private Transfer from Nottingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $224

Is it cheaper to fly into Nottingham or Connemara?

Prices for flights to both Connemara and Nottingham 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
    Nottingham £36
    Connemara £32

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nottingham £28
    Connemara £22

Tours and Activities in Nottingham

Here are a few actual costs in Nottingham for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Stamford Town Guided Tours: $13
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $17
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $18
  • Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz Tour App: $19
  • Watson Fothergill Walk: Architecture of Victorian Nottingham Guided Tour: $25
  • Baroness Bolsover's Town Tour with Afternoon Tea: $32
  • Whatsapp Murder Mystery Interactive City Tour: $74
  • Private Immersive Play Wall Experience in Nottingham: $89
  • Half-Day Spa Experiences : $103
  • Stamford and Oakham Private Tour: $114
  • Lincoln Private Walking Tour: $140
  • Private City Walking Tour: $144

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nottingham £7.10
    Connemara £11

Sample the Local Flavors in Nottingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nottingham:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


When comparing the travel costs between Nottingham and Connemara, we can see that Nottingham is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



When is the best time to visit Nottingham or Connemara?

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 Nottingham or Connemara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nottingham and Connemara. Many travelers come to Nottingham for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Connemara in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nottingham is generally around the same temperature as Connemara. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 16°C (62°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Nottingham usually receives more sunshine than Connemara during summer. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Connemara. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nottingham 16°C (62°F) 
    Connemara 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Connemara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nottingham as well as Connemara. Many visitors come to Nottingham in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Connemara for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Nottingham is around the same temperature as Connemara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Connemara fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Nottingham often gets more sunshine than Connemara. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 96 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Connemara. Nottingham usually gets less rain in October than Connemara. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nottingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Connemara 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Connemara in the Winter?

Both Connemara and Nottingham are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nottingham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Connemara because of the museums and the cuisine.

Nottingham can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Nottingham is cooler than Connemara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nottingham in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Connemara averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Connemara during winter. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Connemara. In January, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Connemara. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nottingham 4°C (39°F) 
    Connemara 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Connemara in the Spring?

Both Connemara and Nottingham during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Nottingham because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Connemara this time of year.

In April, Nottingham is generally cooler than Connemara. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 8°C (46°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Nottingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Connemara. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 153 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in April than Connemara. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nottingham 8°C (46°F) 
    Connemara 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Connemara and Nottingham

Nottingham Connemara
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (53°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)


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