A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Connemara for Hiking, Food, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Connemara?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Connemara can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a natural, pristine, and remote archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking.

Connemara

Connemara is a dramatic, breathtaking, and scenic region. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Orkney Islands and Connemara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Connemara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Connemara. Although Orkney Islands and Connemara are popular destinations, Connemara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Orkney Islands is famous for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights. Connemara is famous for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves. It is also well known for Connemara National Park.

How is Orkney Islands different from Connemara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Connemara?

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Connemara and Orkney Islands.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Orkney Islands. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

Connemara is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Orkney Islands or Connemara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Orkney Islands and Connemara.

Orkney Islands has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

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.

Is Orkney Islands or Connemara Better for Nightlife?

Connemara is mediocre for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Connemara You'll find some bars in the area but most people visit for the natural beauty, not the nightlife scene.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Connemara Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands and Connemara are great choices for a beach vacation.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Connemara. 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.

Is Orkney Islands or Connemara Better for Hiking?

Connemara is renowned for hiking. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Connemara specifically for its hiking. 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.

Orkney Islands is a popular spot for hiking. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Is Orkney Islands or Connemara Better for Families?

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

Orkney Islands is a family-friendly place to visit. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm 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 Orkney Islands or Connemara Better for Couples?

Both Orkney Islands and Connemara are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

Connemara is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Orkney Islands or Connemara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Connemara is not a good region for backpackers and budget travelers.

Orkney Islands is a very popular archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

Connemara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in the area, you really need a car to explore the area in depth. This turns off a lot of backpackers.

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

Orkney Islands is a popular place for its public transit. However, Connemara is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Orkney Islands has a few public transit options. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

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 Orkney Islands or Connemara a more walkable city?

Connemara is mediocre for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Connemara or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Connemara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orkney Islands and Connemara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in Connemara. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 2-3 days is enough time in Connemara.

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

Couples should spend more time in Connemara than Orkney Islands. 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 Orkney Islands than Connemara 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 Orkney Islands.

One day in Orkney Islands or Connemara?

You'll find food and museums around the archipelago of Orkney Islands. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Connemara, you'll find museums and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Connemara?

You'll find museums and food around the remote destination of Orkney Islands. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Connemara is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Connemara?

You'll find food and museums around the remote archipelago of Orkney Islands. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this archipelago makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this archipelago has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Connemara. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Connemara?

Orkney Islands is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Orkney Islands, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the region of Connemara. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands or Connemara?

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 Orkney Islands or Connemara in the Summer?

Both Connemara and Orkney Islands during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Connemara because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Connemara in the summer. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and Connemara fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Connemara. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 142 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Connemara. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Connemara in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Connemara. The autumn months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Connemara this time of year.

In the autumn, Orkney Islands is cooler than Connemara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orkney Islands in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Connemara averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Connemara during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 96 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Connemara receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives less rain than Connemara. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Connemara in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Connemara. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Connemara for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Orkney Islands in the winter. In January, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Connemara. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 4°C (39°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Connemara. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 59 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Connemara. Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. Orkney Islands usually gets less rain in January than Connemara. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Connemara in the Spring?

Both Connemara and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Connemara in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Connemara in the spring. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Connemara fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Connemara during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Connemara. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Connemara and Orkney Islands