A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nottingham vs. Dublin for Nightlife, Attractions, Music, and Families

Should you visit Nottingham or Dublin?

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 Dublin 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 cultural, authentic, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Dublin

Dublin is a fun, laid-back, and friendly 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.

Nottingham and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Nottingham or Dublin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dublin than Nottingham. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dublin is more touristy than Nottingham and is known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also well known for The Guinness Storehouse. Nottingham is famous for its authenticity and local cuisine.

How is Nottingham different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nottingham
Dublin

Dublin 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 Dublin. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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 Dublin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nottingham
Dublin

Both Nottingham and Dublin offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

Nottingham offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Dublin has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Nottingham or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Nottingham
Dublin

Dublin is very popular for nightlife. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Dublin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

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 Dublin Better for Music?

Nottingham
Dublin

Dublin is well known for live music. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its live music scene.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Dublin. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue 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.


Is Nottingham or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Nottingham
Dublin

Dublin is well known for its historic old town. However, Nottingham does not have a historic old town.

Dublin is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Nottingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Dublin?

Nottingham
Dublin

Shopping is a popular activity in both Dublin 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.

Dublin is well-known for its shopping. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

Is Nottingham or Dublin Better for Families?

Nottingham
Dublin

Dublin is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Dublin is a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

Nottingham offers lots of family activities. 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.


Is Nottingham or Dublin Better for Couples?

Nottingham
Dublin

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

Couples visit Dublin frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

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 Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nottingham
Dublin

Dublin is well known for backpackers. However, Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Nottingham or Dublin Better for Students?

Nottingham
Dublin

Dublin is a city with good options for students. However, Nottingham is not popular with students.

Dublin is popular with students. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

Nottingham is not popular with students.


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

Nottingham
Dublin

Nottingham is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Nottingham can get you around easily. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Nottingham or Dublin a more walkable city?

Nottingham
Dublin

Dublin is very popular for its walkability. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Dublin on foot is easy. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

Nottingham is a very walkable city. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Dublin?

In either Nottingham or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin than Nottingham because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Nottingham, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dublin.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Nottingham or Dublin? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nottingham 1-2 
    Dublin 2-5

One day in Nottingham or Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Nottingham. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

With live music and food around the fun city of Dublin, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Nottingham or Dublin?

Nottingham is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With food and shopping around the destination of Dublin, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Nottingham or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nottingham. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Dublin, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Nottingham or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the authentic destination of Nottingham. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dublin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. 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 Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Dublin 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 Dublin is £123. 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 Dublin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nottingham £64
    Dublin £59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nottingham £128
    Dublin £118
Compare Hotels in Nottingham and Dublin

Looking for a hotel in Nottingham or Dublin? 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 Dublin


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 and Dublin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nottingham £21
    Dublin £17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nottingham

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nottingham:

  • Derby to East Midlands Airport (EMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Leicester-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $76
  • East Midlands Airport to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $76
  • Nottingham to East Midlands Airport Private Departure Transfer: $38
  • Private East Midlands Departure Transfer- Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $54
  • Private Nottingham Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $96
  • Private Nottingham Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $96
  • Private Transfer from Buxton to Manchester Airport (MAN): $86
  • Private Transfer from Derby to Manchester Airport (MAN): $191
  • Private Transfer from Glossop to Manchester Airport (MAN): $79
  • Private Transfer from Nottingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $223

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dublin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Dublin:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    £13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dublin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dublin:

  • Dublin Airport Or Dublin City To Martinstown House Private Chauffeur Transfer: $286
  • 4 to 8 People Private Transfer from Dublin Airport to City Centre: $76
  • Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car from Dublin airport DUB to Dublin: $82
  • Belfast | Coach transfer from / to Dublin: $12
  • Child Friendly | Dublin Airport Transfer: $169
  • Collon House & Garden To Dublin Airport Or City Private Chauffeur Transfer : $298
  • Departure Private Transfer by Business Car from Dublin to Dublin airport DUB: $82
  • Departure Transfer: Dublin to Dublin Airport DUB in Luxury Van: $111
  • Dublin Airport & City Transfers : $182
  • Dublin Airport Or Dublin City To Bellinter House Private Chauffeur Transfer: $292
  • Dublin Airport Or Dublin City To Johnstown Estate Private Luxury Car Transfer: $221
  • Dublin Airport Or Dublin City To Rock Farm Slane Private Chauffeur Transfer: $273

Is it cheaper to fly into Nottingham or Dublin?

Prices for flights to both Dublin 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
    Dublin £42

Typical Food Prices in Dublin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dublin:


  • Lunch Lynam's Pub
    £3.39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dublin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dublin.

  • Walking Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $29
  • Dublin 3-Course Dinner and Live Shows at The Irish House Party: $31
  • No Diet Club - Best Food Tour in Dublin !: $59
  • Dublin Irish Night Show, Dance and Traditional 3-Course Dinner: $60
  • Grand Canal Cruise with Dinner: $72
  • Delicious Walking Food Tour: $80
  • Delicious Dublin Food Tour: $82
  • Private Cooking Class in a Modern Home with Sea Views in Skerries, Dublin: $84
  • Howth Coastal Craft Beer and Seafood Tour: $95
  • Private Market Tour and Irish Cooking Class in a Modern Skerries Home: $102
  • Irish Craic & Cuisine: Cooking Class & Dinner in Central Dublin: $106
  • Dublin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nottingham £28
    Dublin £21

Tours and Activities in Nottingham

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

  • Nottingham Treasure Hunt Adventure - Robin Hood's Secret Stash: $9.44
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Chesterfield by Operation City Quest: $10
  • 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: $31
  • Whatsapp Murder Mystery Interactive City Tour: $74
  • Private Immersive Play Wall Experience in Nottingham: $88
  • Stamford and Oakham Private Tour: $113
  • Stamford and Burghley House Private Tour: $138

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dublin

Here are a few typical costs in Dublin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Wild Wicklow Tour
    £22
  • Guinness Brewery for Two
    £23
  • St Pauls Cathedral
    £3.86
  • Dublin Writer's Museum
    £5.40

Tours and Activities in Dublin

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Dublin Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • Retracing Viking Origins on a Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.60
  • Dublin city tour: audio guide for smartphone in French: $5.35
  • Dublin city tour: audio guide in your smartphone: $5.35
  • Self Guided City Audio Tour in Dublin: $5.45
  • Turtle Bunbury's A Self-Guided Audio Tour from a Celebrated Author: $5.99
  • Temple Bar Self-Guided Must-See Highlights Tour: $6.31
  • City Highlights Self-guided Walking Tour: $6.31
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.42
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nottingham £7.10
    Dublin £15

Sample the Local Flavors in Nottingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nottingham:

  • Meet the Distiller Special and DropWorks Distillery Tour: $31
  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47

Sample the Local Flavors in Dublin

Also in Dublin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Authentic Brewery Tour: $11
  • Generation Pub Crawl: $15
  • Dublin Epic Pub Crawl: Experience Dublin's pubs and nightlife: $15
  • "Dublin Delight Pub Expedition" Pub Crawl: $16
  • The Dublin Liberties Distillery: Tour with Whiskey Tasting: $18
  • Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour & Tasting: $21
  • Skip the Line: Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour and Tasting in Dublin Ticket: $22
  • Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery Experience: $24
  • City Pub Crawl Experience: $24
  • Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery: Trilogy Experience: $24
  • Roe and Co Distillery Cocktail Workshop Experience: $27
  • Dublin Jameson Distillery Tour with Whiskey Tastings & Cocktail: $33


When comparing the travel costs between Nottingham and Dublin, we can see that Dublin 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 Dublin Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nottingham. When comparing the sizes of Nottingham and Dublin, 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 Dublin?

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 Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin and Nottingham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nottingham for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nottingham is around the same temperature as Dublin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nottingham in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Dublin averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Nottingham usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during summer. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dublin. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Nottingham or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Nottingham during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Nottingham because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

In October, Nottingham is generally around the same temperature as Dublin. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 11°C (52°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Nottingham often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in October than Dublin. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Nottingham or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nottingham and Dublin. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nottingham this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Nottingham in the winter. Nottingham is much colder than Dublin in the winter. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Nottingham usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during winter. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Dublin. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Nottingham or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nottingham as well as Dublin. Many travelers come to Nottingham for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Dublin in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Nottingham is around the same temperature as Dublin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nottingham in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Dublin averages at about 8°C (47°F).

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

Nottingham usually gets less rain in April than Dublin. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nottingham 8°C (46°F) 
    Dublin 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Dublin and Nottingham

Nottingham Dublin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 76 mm (3 in)