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

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Kinsale?

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 Kinsale. 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 serene, remote, and stunning archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a charming, quaint, and picturesque seaside town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Outer Hebrides and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Kinsale?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kinsale. Although Outer Hebrides and Kinsale are popular destinations, Kinsale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kinsale is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Outer Hebrides attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Kinsale is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is known for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. It is also well known for Charles Fort. Outer Hebrides is famous for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kinsale is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kinsale is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Kinsale, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

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.

Is Outer Hebrides or Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Kinsale 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 Kinsale. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Outer Hebrides attract visitors from all over. 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.

The beach in Kinsale is worth checking out. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Is Outer Hebrides or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Kinsale 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 Kinsale. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

Is Outer Hebrides or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is an amazing archipelago to visit for hiking. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for the nearby hiking options.

Around Outer Hebrides visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Kinsale offers some nice hiking trails. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Kinsale?

Kinsale is a good destination for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kinsale. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Kinsale Better for Families?

Both Outer Hebrides and Kinsale 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 Kinsale. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

Is Outer Hebrides or Kinsale Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides is great for its romantic activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for couples.

Outer Hebrides is a great archipelago if you're traveling as 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.

Kinsale is a good archipelago for couples to visit. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

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

Outer Hebrides and Kinsale are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kinsale. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Outer Hebrides and Kinsale.

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 Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Outer Hebrides or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Kinsale is a good destination for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

Kinsale is somewhat walkable. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Kinsale?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Outer Hebrides or Kinsale to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Outer Hebrides than Kinsale 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 Kinsale.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kinsale 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 Kinsale.

One day in Outer Hebrides or Kinsale?

In Outer Hebrides, you'll find food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This archipelago offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Kinsale might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Kinsale?

In Outer Hebrides, you'll find food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Kinsale 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 Kinsale?

Outer Hebrides is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Outer Hebrides has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kinsale. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Outer Hebrides or Kinsale?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Outer Hebrides. In Outer Hebrides, you'll find food. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Kinsale is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 food. 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 Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.

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

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Kinsale in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Kinsale. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Kinsale during summer. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Kinsale. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Kinsale in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Kinsale. The autumn months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year.

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

In the autumn, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Kinsale. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in October than Kinsale. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Kinsale in the Winter?

Both Kinsale and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The cuisine are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kinsale for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Outer Hebrides in the winter. Outer Hebrides is cooler than Kinsale in the winter. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Kinsale during winter. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kinsale. It's quite rainy in Outer Hebrides. In January, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Kinsale. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Kinsale in the Spring?

Both Kinsale and Outer Hebrides during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kinsale in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Outer Hebrides is cooler than Kinsale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Outer Hebrides in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Kinsale averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Outer Hebrides often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in April than Kinsale. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Outer Hebrides