A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oxford vs. Kinsale for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Oxford or Kinsale?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Kinsale, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a historic, scholarly, and collegiate college town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, 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.

Oxford and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Kinsale?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kinsale. Although Oxford and Kinsale are popular destinations, Kinsale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kinsale is very popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Oxford attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and impressive beauty. Kinsale is more touristy than Oxford and is known for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. It is also well known for Charles Fort. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Oxford different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oxford or Kinsale?

Oxford is great for its historical sights. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Oxford. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kinsale. 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.

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

Kinsale is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kinsale is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Oxford is great for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Oxford for the nightlife scene. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Oxford or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Kinsale is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Oxford is not a beach destination.

Kinsale is a good spot to see the beach. 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.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is Oxford or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Kinsale is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Kinsale to see the historical old town. 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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is Oxford or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

Kinsale is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Kinsale has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Kinsale?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Oxford and Kinsale.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Oxford. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Kinsale offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Is Oxford or Kinsale Better for Families?

Oxford and Kinsale are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

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 Oxford or Kinsale Better for Couples?

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

Oxford is a great college town if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Kinsale is a good college town 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 Oxford or Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kinsale is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kinsale. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Kinsale Better for Students?

Oxford is an amazing college town to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Kinsale is not popular with students.

Oxford is a very popular college town for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Kinsale is not popular with students.

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

Oxford is a college town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Oxford offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Oxford or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Oxford is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its ease of walking around.

Oxford is a very walkable college town. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Kinsale?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Oxford or Kinsale to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Oxford than Kinsale because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Oxford, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kinsale.

Families should spend more time in Kinsale than Oxford. 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.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kinsale than Oxford 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 Oxford or Kinsale?

Oxford is a small town with plenty to do. This college town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the small town destination of Kinsale. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Oxford or Kinsale?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Oxford has to offer.

Kinsale is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Oxford or Kinsale?

Oxford is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kinsale. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Oxford or Kinsale?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. Since Oxford is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint small town of Kinsale. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oxford and Kinsale, we can see that Oxford is more expensive. And not only is Kinsale much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kinsale would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kinsale 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 Oxford would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oxford than you might in Kinsale.

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Kinsale?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Oxford and Kinsale, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Oxford 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 Oxford or Kinsale in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Kinsale. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kinsale for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Oxford is around the same temperature as Kinsale. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oxford in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Kinsale averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Oxford usually receives more sunshine than Kinsale during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oxford or Kinsale in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Kinsale. Many travelers come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Kinsale in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Oxford is generally around the same temperature as Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 11°C (52°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Oxford often gets more sunshine than Kinsale. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in October than Kinsale. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Kinsale in the Winter?

Both Kinsale and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Oxford in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kinsale for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Oxford can get quite cold in the winter. Oxford is much colder than Kinsale in the winter. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Kinsale during winter. Oxford gets 52 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. In January, Oxford usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oxford or Kinsale in the Spring?

Both Kinsale and Oxford during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Oxford is around the same temperature as Kinsale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oxford in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Kinsale averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in April than Kinsale. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Oxford