A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Outer Hebrides vs. Dublin for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Dublin?

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 Dublin. 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 spectacular, natural, and tranquil archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Dublin

Dublin is a welcoming, fun, and laid-back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Outer Hebrides and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Dublin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dublin. Although Outer Hebrides and Dublin are popular destinations, Dublin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dublin is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Outer Hebrides attracts visitors for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is popular 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. Outer Hebrides is famous for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dublin is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Outer Hebrides. 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.

Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Outer Hebrides or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Dublin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is a very popular place for live music. However, Outer Hebrides is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Dublin while you're in town. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Outer Hebrides is not a live music destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Dublin Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides is a great destination for the beache. However, Dublin is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Outer Hebrides. 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.

Dublin is not a beach destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Dublin. 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

Is Outer Hebrides or Dublin Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is terrific for its hiking experiences. However, Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Outer Hebrides draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Dublin?

Dublin is a very popular place for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dublin. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Dublin Better for Families?

Dublin is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Dublin is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Outer Hebrides. 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.

Is Outer Hebrides or Dublin Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides and Dublin both great 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 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.

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

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

Dublin is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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 Dublin Better for Students?

Dublin is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Dublin. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Dublin is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Dublin has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Public transit is generally 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.

Is Outer Hebrides or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Dublin. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Dublin?

In either Outer Hebrides or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than Dublin 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 Dublin.

Families should spend more time in Dublin than Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides. 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 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 Dublin.

One day in Outer Hebrides or Dublin?

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 Dublin, you'll find nightlife and live music. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Dublin?

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.

Dublin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Dublin?

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 Dublin. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Outer Hebrides or Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the spectacular 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 shopping and museums when visiting the city of Dublin. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

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

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

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 Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin and Outer Hebrides during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dublin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Outer Hebrides is cooler than Dublin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Outer Hebrides in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Dublin averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Dublin. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in July than Dublin. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Dublin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Dublin. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Outer Hebrides is generally cooler than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 9°C (49°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Dublin during autumn. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Outer Hebrides gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Dublin. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Dublin. The winter months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

The weather in Outer Hebrides can be very cold. Outer Hebrides is cooler than Dublin in the winter. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Dublin. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the winter. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in January than Dublin. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Dublin in the Spring?

Both Dublin and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dublin for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Outer Hebrides is cooler than Dublin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Outer Hebrides in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Dublin averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin during spring. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Dublin. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Outer Hebrides