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

Should you visit Nottingham or Kinsale?

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 Kinsale 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 authentic, dynamic, and livable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a quaint, picturesque, and colorful seaside town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

Nottingham and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nottingham or Kinsale?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nottingham. Although Nottingham and Kinsale are popular destinations, Nottingham has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nottingham is very popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Kinsale attracts visitors for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Kinsale is more touristy than Nottingham and is popular for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. Nottingham is famous for its authenticity and local cuisine. It is also well known for Old Market Square.

How is Nottingham different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Nottingham and Kinsale have nice 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.

Kinsale offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.

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

Kinsale is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Kinsale have been singled out for their culinary prowess. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

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 Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Nottingham is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

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.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Nottingham or Kinsale Better for Music?

Nottingham is a city with good options for its live music scene. However, Kinsale 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.

Kinsale is not a live music destination.

Is Nottingham or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Kinsale is a seaside town with a few options for its beaches. However, Nottingham is not a beach destination.

Kinsale is a good spot to see the beach. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Nottingham is not a beach destination.

Is Nottingham or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

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

Kinsale is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

Nottingham does not have a historic old town.

Is Nottingham or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

Kinsale is a seaside town with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Nottingham is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Kinsale. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Nottingham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Kinsale?

Nottingham is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its shopping areas.

Nottingham is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Kinsale to go shopping. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Is Nottingham or Kinsale Better for Families?

Both Nottingham and Kinsale are nice 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.

Kinsale offers lots of family activities. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

Is Nottingham or Kinsale Better for Couples?

Both Nottingham and Kinsale are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nottingham is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Kinsale makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

Is Nottingham or Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kinsale is a seaside town with good options for backpackers. However, Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Kinsale is a good seaside town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Nottingham is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Nottingham can get you to some places 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Nottingham or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Nottingham is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its ease of walking around.

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.

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable city. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Kinsale?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nottingham or Kinsale to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Nottingham or Kinsale?

In Nottingham, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Kinsale might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kinsale, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Nottingham or Kinsale?

In Nottingham, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nottingham has to offer.

Even though Kinsale is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this seaside town.

Five days in Nottingham or Kinsale?

Nottingham is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Kinsale, a popular seaside town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Kinsale?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nottingham. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Nottingham. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Kinsale is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.

When comparing the travel costs between Nottingham and Kinsale, 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 Kinsale Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Kinsale?

Nottingham has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Nottingham and Kinsale, 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 Kinsale?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nottingham or Kinsale in the Summer?

Both Kinsale and Nottingham during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Nottingham because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year.

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

In the summer, Nottingham often gets more sunshine than Kinsale. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kinsale. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nottingham or Kinsale in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nottingham and Kinsale. 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 Kinsale for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Nottingham usually receives more sunshine than Kinsale during autumn. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nottingham or Kinsale in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nottingham as well as Kinsale. Many travelers come to Nottingham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Kinsale in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nottingham. Nottingham is much colder than Kinsale in the winter. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Nottingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 60 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kinsale. Nottingham usually gets less rain in January than Kinsale. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nottingham or Kinsale in the Spring?

Both Kinsale and Nottingham are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nottingham in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Kinsale for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Nottingham is around the same temperature as Kinsale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nottingham in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Kinsale averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale during spring. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Nottingham