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

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Howth?

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 Howth. 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.

Howth

Howth is a scenic, peaceful, and coastal fishing village. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums.

Outer Hebrides and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Howth?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Howth. Although Outer Hebrides and Howth are popular destinations, Howth has more sights and attractions for tourists. Howth is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and small town charm, while Outer Hebrides attracts visitors for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Howth is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is popular for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. It is also well known for The Baily Lighthouse. Outer Hebrides is famous for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Howth is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Howth is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Outer Hebrides is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Howth 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.

Howth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Outer Hebrides or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Howth 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 Howth. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Howth Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides and Howth 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.

Howth is considered a top beach destination. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Is Outer Hebrides or Howth Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is an amazing archipelago to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Howth 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 Howth for the hiking trails. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Is Outer Hebrides or Howth Better for Families?

Both Outer Hebrides and Howth are nice 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 Howth. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Outer Hebrides or Howth Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Outer Hebrides frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Howth is a good archipelago for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

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

Outer Hebrides is a popular place for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.

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

Howth 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.

Howth has some public transit options. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

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 Howth a more walkable city?

Howth is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

Howth is very walkable. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Howth or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Outer Hebrides or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Outer Hebrides than Howth because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 1-2 days is enough time in Howth.

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

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

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

One day in Outer Hebrides or Howth?

In Outer Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this natural destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the hiking. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Howth, you'll find museums and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Howth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Outer Hebrides. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Howth 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 Howth?

Outer Hebrides is a fun place to experience. In Outer Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

A week in Outer Hebrides or Howth?

In Outer Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this serene destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the fishing village of Howth. 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between Outer Hebrides and Howth, 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 Howth Expensive?.

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

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 Howth in the Summer?

Both Howth 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. Also, many travelers come to Howth for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

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

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

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Howth in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Howth. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Howth in the autumn for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere.

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

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Howth during autumn. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Howth 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 Howth. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Howth in the Winter?

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

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

In the winter, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Howth. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth 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 Howth. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Howth in the Spring?

Both Howth 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 Howth because of the beaches and the small town charm.

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Howth and Outer Hebrides