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

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Kinsale?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a historic, charming, and quaint university town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a colorful, charming, and quaint seaside town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Saint Andrews and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Kinsale?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kinsale than Saint Andrews, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kinsale is better known for its food, historical sights, and small town charm, while Saint Andrews is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and shopping. Kinsale is more touristy than Saint Andrews and is popular for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. Also, Kinsale is famous for Charles Fort. Saint Andrews is well known for its reputation as the birthplace of golf.

How is Saint Andrews different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Andrews or Kinsale?

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Saint Andrews and Kinsale.

Saint Andrews offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.

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 Saint Andrews or Kinsale? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kinsale is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Saint Andrews has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Saint Andrews or Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Saint Andrews is a university town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint Andrews has a few options to choose from. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

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 Saint Andrews or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Saint Andrews is a university town with good options for the beache. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for the beach.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Saint Andrews. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

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 Saint Andrews or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Kinsale is a well-known place for its old town. However, Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Andrews or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews and Kinsale are both places where visitors can find notable hiking trails.

Saint Andrews has hiking trails worth exploring. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Kinsale. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Kinsale?

Saint Andrews is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its shopping areas.

Saint Andrews is well-known for its shopping. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

Many visitors go to Kinsale to go shopping. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Is Saint Andrews or Kinsale Better for Families?

Saint Andrews and Kinsale are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly place to visit. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Kinsale is a family-friendly university town. 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 Saint Andrews or Kinsale Better for Couples?

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

Saint Andrews is a great university town if you're traveling as a couple. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

Kinsale is a good university 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 Saint Andrews or Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kinsale is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Saint Andrews is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really a backpacker's destination, but there are some guesthouses and apartments that are more affordable.

Is Saint Andrews or Kinsale Better for Students?

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

Saint Andrews is a very popular university town for students. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

Kinsale is not popular with students.

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

Saint Andrews is a university 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 Saint Andrews offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses through St. Andrews.

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

Is Saint Andrews or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Saint Andrews and Kinsale both are notable when exploring on foot.

Saint Andrews is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable university 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 Saint Andrews Worth Visiting? and Is Kinsale Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Kinsale?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Andrews or Kinsale to fill your time. In our opinion, Saint Andrews has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Saint Andrews than Kinsale. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Saint Andrews is a small town with plenty to do. This university 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 museums and food when visiting the colorful small town of Kinsale. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Saint Andrews or Kinsale?

Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kinsale. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint Andrews or Kinsale?

Saint Andrews 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint small town of Kinsale. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Saint Andrews or Kinsale?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Andrews. Since Saint Andrews 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.

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful seaside town of Kinsale. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing 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 Saint Andrews and Kinsale, we can see that Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews Expensive? and Is Kinsale Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Kinsale?

Saint Andrews has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or Kinsale?

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 Saint Andrews or Kinsale in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Kinsale. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kinsale for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Andrews is around the same temperature as Kinsale in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Kinsale fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Saint Andrews often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kinsale. Saint Andrews gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Kinsale in the Autumn?

Both Kinsale and Saint Andrews are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Andrews for the hiking trails, 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 the autumn, Saint Andrews is cooler than Kinsale. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Andrews in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Kinsale averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives more sunshine than Kinsale during autumn. Saint Andrews gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Kinsale in the Winter?

Both Kinsale and Saint Andrews during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kinsale for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Saint Andrews can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Saint Andrews is generally much colder than Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 3°C (38°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Saint Andrews often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 60 hours of full sun.

Kinsale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in January than Kinsale. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Kinsale in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Kinsale. Most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, 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.

Saint Andrews is cooler than Kinsale in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Kinsale fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale during spring. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Saint Andrews