A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Galway for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Galway?

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 Galway can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a serene, tranquil, and natural archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Galway

Galway is a lively, friendly, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Orkney Islands and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Galway?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Galway than Orkney Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Galway is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Orkney Islands is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Orkney Islands is well known for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. Also, Galway is famous for The Galway Market.

How is Orkney Islands different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Galway 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.

Galway is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

Is the Food Better in Orkney Islands or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orkney Islands is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Orkney Islands makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Galway has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Is Orkney Islands or Galway Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Galway for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is among the best in Ireland. The city embraces the friendly Irish hospitality and there are laid back pubs and bars around town as well as a few trendy nightclubs.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Galway Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is notable for its beaches. However, Galway is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Orkney Islands attract visitors from all over. 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.

Galway is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Galway Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Galway is not a hiking destination.

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.

Galway is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Galway?

Galway is very good for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Galway has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shopping both in the city center as well as at suburban shopping malls. For some of the best shopping head to The Latin Quarter, The Westend or the outdoor market which is found in Church lane by St Nicholas' Church.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Galway Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Orkney Islands or Galway.

Orkney Islands offers lots of family activities. 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.

Galway is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the National Aquarium Galway or simply wandering around the Latin Quarter. About 15 minutes outside of the city is the Wildlands Adventure Park which has ziplines, ropes courses, and other adrenaline filled activities. Brigit's Garden is another fun place to let kids stretch their legs.

Is Orkney Islands or Galway Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands is notable for romance. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Galway makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are nice restaurants, beautiful walks, and a few parks to explore. There are also several romantic places just outside of town that make for a great day trip.

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

For backpackers, both Orkney Islands and Galway are superb places to visit.

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Galway. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Is Orkney Islands or Galway Better for Students?

Galway is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Galway. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Orkney Islands and Galway both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Orkney Islands offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Galway has a few public transit options. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

Is Orkney Islands or Galway a more walkable city?

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

Galway is a very walkable destination. If you stay in central Galway, the area is generally compact and walkable.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Galway or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Galway?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Galway than Orkney Islands 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 Galway.

One day in Orkney Islands or Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Orkney Islands. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Galway, you'll find museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Galway?

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Galway is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Galway. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the serene destination of Orkney Islands. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Galway. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Galway, we can see that Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands Expensive? and Is Galway Expensive?.

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

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 Galway in the Summer?

Both Galway and Orkney Islands during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Galway in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Orkney Islands is cooler than Galway. Typically, the summer temperatures in Orkney Islands in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Galway averages at about 16°C (60°F).

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

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

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Galway in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Galway. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Galway for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Galway. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 9°C (48°F), and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

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

Galway 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 Galway. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Galway in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Galway. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Galway because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Orkney Islands can be very cold during winter. Orkney Islands is cooler than Galway in the winter. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Galway fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

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

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

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Galway in the Spring?

Both Galway and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

In the spring, Orkney Islands is cooler than Galway. Typically, the spring temperatures in Orkney Islands in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Galway averages at about 9°C (48°F).

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

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

Typical Weather for Galway and Orkney Islands