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

Should you visit Nottingham or Cork?

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 Cork 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Cork

Cork is a cultural, seaside, and youthful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nottingham and Cork: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nottingham or Cork?

Both Cork and Nottingham have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Nottingham is more popular for its music, while Cork is known for its museums, food, and nightlife. Nottingham is popular for its authenticity and local cuisine. Cork is popular for its friendly personality, its thriving art scene and its local craft beer.

How is Nottingham different from Cork?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cork 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 Cork?

Cork is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cork. The city is filled with historic sights and landmarks. Most notable is the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone, but also make sure you check out St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Cork Public Museum, Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre, and St. Anne's Church.

Nottingham offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Is the Food Better in Nottingham or Cork? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cork 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, Cork makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find charming seaside cafes and award winning restaurants. Also make sure you check out the English Market, which is among the best in Ireland.

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 Cork Better for Nightlife?

Cork is well known for nightlife. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Cork is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a university city, so you'll find plenty of students, bars, clubs, and cheap beer. Many pubs also have live music with everything from rock to Irish folk music.

If you're looking for night time activities Nottingham has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Nottingham or Cork Better for Music?

Nottingham is a city with good options for live music. However, Cork is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Nottingham. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Cork is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Cork?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cork and Nottingham.

Nottingham is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Cork is well-known for its shopping. It offers a mix of high street shops and boutique vendors. Head to St. Patrick’s Street for some of the city's best shopping. Also check out Opera Lane and Oliver Plunkett Street.

Is Nottingham or Cork Better for Families?

Both Nottingham and Cork are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nottingham. 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.

Cork offers lots of family activities. For a bit of outside time, head to Fota Wildlife Park, Regional Park Ballincollig, or Inchydoney Beach. Kids will also enjoy exploring Cork City Gaol which is a heritage museum, or the Toy Soldier Factory. And of course, there's the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone.

Is Nottingham or Cork Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Cork frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Visiting Blarney Castle is a highlight, but you can also wander along the river or do the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. There are also several gardens to explore or small theaters where you can see a play.

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 Cork Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cork is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Cork is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels as well as a large student population and an active nightlife.

Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Nottingham or Cork Better for Students?

Cork is well known for students. However, Nottingham is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Cork. It's a university town with many students and plenty to do. The city plays host to many international students.

Nottingham is not popular with students.

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

Nottingham is notable for its public transit. However, Cork is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Nottingham can move around easily with public transportation. 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 mostly limited in Cork. In town you'll find bus service but if you want to explore anywhere else in the county you really need your own vehicle.

Is Nottingham or Cork a more walkable city?

Nottingham is notable for its walkability. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Nottingham is very walkable. 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.

Cork is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is compact and easy enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cork or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Cork?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cork 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 Cork.

One day in Nottingham or Cork?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Nottingham. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Cork, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cork, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Nottingham or Cork?

Nottingham is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Cork, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Nottingham or Cork?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Nottingham. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Cork, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Cork?

The livable city of Nottingham offers shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Cork is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Cork?

Nottingham has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Cork. When comparing the sizes of Nottingham and Cork, 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 Nottingham or Cork?

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 Cork in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nottingham and Cork. The summer months attract visitors to Nottingham because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cork this time of year.

Nottingham is around the same temperature as Cork in the summer. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Cork fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Nottingham usually receives more sunshine than Cork during summer. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cork. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cork receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nottingham or Cork in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nottingham as well as Cork. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Nottingham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cork for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Nottingham is around the same temperature as Cork. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nottingham in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Cork averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Nottingham often gets more sunshine than Cork. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 90 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in October than Cork. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cork receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nottingham or Cork in the Winter?

Both Cork and Nottingham are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nottingham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cork in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nottingham. In January, Nottingham is generally much colder than Cork. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 4°C (39°F), and Cork fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cork during winter. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cork. In January, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Cork. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cork receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nottingham or Cork in the Spring?

Both Cork and Nottingham during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nottingham in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cork for the activities around the city during these months.

Nottingham is around the same temperature as Cork in the spring. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Cork fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Nottingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cork. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 157 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in April than Cork. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cork receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cork and Nottingham