A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Outer Hebrides vs. Dingle for Hiking, Food, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Dingle?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Outer Hebrides and Dingle. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a remote, stunning, and spectacular archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Dingle

Dingle is a natural, scenic, and rustic peninsula. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Outer Hebrides and Dingle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Dingle?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dingle than Outer Hebrides, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dingle is better known for its museums and nightlife, while Outer Hebrides is more popular for its food and hiking. Dingle is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is popular for its traditional pubs, stunning coastline, and rugged cliffs. Also, Dingle is famous for The Gallarus Oratory. Outer Hebrides is well known for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Dingle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Dingle?

Dingle is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Dingle specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit for the natural beauty, but there are a couple of landmarks in the area including the Eask Tower, Gallarus Oratory, and the Blasket Centre.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Outer Hebrides or Dingle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Outer Hebrides is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dingle is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Outer Hebrides is an experience not to be missed. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dingle. You'll find great seafood throughout the peninsula. There's also traditional Irish food available including Irish stew or cabbage and bacon.

Is Outer Hebrides or Dingle Better for Nightlife?

Dingle is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dingle. The area's not known for its nightlife but you can visit The Hillgrove, which is the peninsula's only nightclub. It's in a hotel and there is weekly entertainment.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Dingle Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides and Dingle both offer superb beaches.

Many people visit Outer Hebrides for it's beautiful beaches. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Dingle is considered a top beach destination. It's not hard to find a quiet beach with scenic views and a serene setting. Some of the best beaches in the area include Coumeenole, Brandon Bay, and Ventry.

Is Outer Hebrides or Dingle Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Dingle is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Outer Hebrides specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Many visitors go to Dingle for the hiking trails. There are a variety of walking paths and hiking trails that take you through the coastal setting, rolling mountains, and remote nature. Some of the best trails in the area include the long distance hiking trail the Dingle Way, Mount Brandon, and Glenteenassig Forest Park.

Is Outer Hebrides or Dingle Better for Families?

Both Outer Hebrides and Dingle are notable family-friendly destinations.

Outer Hebrides is a family-friendly archipelago. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Dingle. There are coastal walks and beaches that are perfect for kids. You can also visit the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, do a dolphin tour, or enjoy some watersports. Horseback riding and Sandy Feet Farm are both fun as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Dingle Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides and Dingle both superb destinations for a couple.

Outer Hebrides makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Couples visit Dingle frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Boat rides, sunset walks, and natural beauty all make this a fun place to explore with your significant other.

Is Outer Hebrides or Dingle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dingle is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Dingle is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a good number of hostels on the peninsula and there are interesting music festivals and other events that make this a good backpacker destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

Is Outer Hebrides or Dingle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Outer Hebrides and Dingle.

Public transit is mostly limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Public transit is generally limited in Dingle. Bus Eireann offers buses daily to Tralee and then there are connections to other destinations.

Is Outer Hebrides or Dingle a more walkable city?

Dingle is a decent place to visit for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

Dingle is generally not a very walkable peninsula. If you have enough time, there are countless walking trails throughout the peninsula.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Outer Hebrides Worth Visiting? and Is Dingle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dingle or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Dingle?

In either Outer Hebrides or Dingle, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than Dingle because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dingle.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dingle than Outer Hebrides 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 Dingle.

One day in Outer Hebrides or Dingle?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Outer Hebrides. 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 Dingle, you'll find 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 Outer Hebrides or Dingle?

Outer Hebrides is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Dingle 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 Outer Hebrides or Dingle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Outer Hebrides. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Dingle. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Outer Hebrides or Dingle?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the serene destination of Outer Hebrides. 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 food when visiting the peninsula of Dingle. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in 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 Outer Hebrides and Dingle, we can see that Outer Hebrides is more expensive. And not only is Dingle much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dingle would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dingle 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 Outer Hebrides would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Outer Hebrides than you might in Dingle.

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

When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides or Dingle?

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 Outer Hebrides or Dingle in the Summer?

Both Dingle and Outer Hebrides during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dingle for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Outer Hebrides is generally cooler than Dingle. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 13°C (55°F), and Dingle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the summer, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Dingle. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 140 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Dingle. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Dingle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Dingle. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dingle in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Outer Hebrides is cooler than Dingle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Dingle fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dingle during autumn. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 79 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Dingle receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Outer Hebrides gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Outer Hebrides usually receives less rain than Dingle. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Dingle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Dingle. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the winter for the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Dingle for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Outer Hebrides can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Outer Hebrides is much colder than Dingle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Outer Hebrides in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Dingle averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Dingle. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 44 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dingle. Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the winter. Outer Hebrides usually gets less rain in January than Dingle. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Dingle in the Spring?

Both Dingle and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dingle because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Outer Hebrides is generally cooler than Dingle. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 7°C (44°F), and Dingle fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dingle during spring. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Outer Hebrides usually receives less rain than Dingle. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dingle and Outer Hebrides