A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Snowdonia National Park vs. Galway for Couples, Families, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Snowdonia National Park or Galway?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Snowdonia National Park and Galway can help you decide which place is right for you.

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is a rugged, stunning, and natural national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Galway

Galway is a lively, friendly, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Snowdonia National Park and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Snowdonia National Park or Galway?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Galway. Although Snowdonia National Park and Galway are popular destinations, Galway has more sights and attractions for tourists. Galway is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Snowdonia National Park attracts visitors for its skiing, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Snowdonia National Park is more touristy than Galway and is known for its beautiful mountain landscape. Galway is famous for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. It is also well known for The Galway Market.

How is Snowdonia National Park different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Snowdonia National Park or Galway Better for Skiing?

Snowdonia National Park is a moderate national park for snow skiing. However, Galway is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Snowdonia National Park to take advantage of their winter sports. The mountains in the area are a bit rugged and coastal, making them not ideal for skiing. But if the weather's right and you are up for the steep terrain, there may be opportunities to ski at times between the months of November and April.

Galway is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Snowdonia National Park or Galway?

Galway is very good for its sights and museums. However, Snowdonia National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Galway offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

Snowdonia National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Snowdonia National Park or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Snowdonia National Park and Galway offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Snowdonia National Park. There are a variety of restaurants in the area that serve up local Welsh flavors. You'll build up your appetite hiking and then head into town to enjoy a quick bite at a cafe or a nice meal at a 5 star hotel.

Galway is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Galway is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Galway offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is among the best in Ireland. The city embraces the friendly Irish hospitality and there are laid back pubs and bars around town as well as a few trendy nightclubs.

Snowdonia National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Galway Better for Beaches?

Snowdonia National Park is a national park with good options for its beaches. However, Galway is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Snowdonia National Park. The white sandy beaches offer spectacular views of the mountains. There are holiday cottages near the beaches that make it a nice vacation spot between the months of September and April. Several of the best beaches in the area include Porthdinllaen, Porth O'er, Llanbedrog, and Harlech Beach.

Galway is not a beach destination.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Galway Better for Hiking?

Snowdonia National Park is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Galway is not a hiking destination.

Around Snowdonia National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are approximately 1,500 miles of walking paths and hiking trails in the area. You can hike to waterfalls, along beaches, or to the top of Mt. Snowden. Aber Falls is a popular trail or you could explore lakes and try to see wild ponies along the Llyn Idwal Trail. For a particularly strenuous and adventurous trail, head to Glyder Fawr or The Snowdon Horseshoe Circular Walk.

Galway is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Snowdonia National Park or Galway?

Galway is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Galway offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find shopping both in the city center as well as at suburban shopping malls. For some of the best shopping head to The Latin Quarter, The Westend or the outdoor market which is found in Church lane by St Nicholas' Church.

Snowdonia National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Galway Better for Families?

Snowdonia National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Snowdonia National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the outdoors. You can also check out Conwy Castle or wander the medieval walls around Conwy. If you're interested in taking a walk, you wander along Newborough Beach or head to the top of Mount Snowdon and enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery. Llechwedd Slate Caverns is also particularly fun for kids.

Galway is a family-friendly national park. Kids will enjoy the National Aquarium Galway or simply wandering around the Latin Quarter. About 15 minutes outside of the city is the Wildlands Adventure Park which has ziplines, ropes courses, and other adrenaline filled activities. Brigit's Garden is another fun place to let kids stretch their legs.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Galway Better for Couples?

Snowdonia National Park is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Snowdonia National Park is a great national park for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Explore the beautiful outdoor scenery by taking one of the many hikes in the park. There are many diverse walking routes or you can head to the top of Mt. Snowden. There are also waterfalls and castles that couples can explore.

Galway makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are nice restaurants, beautiful walks, and a few parks to explore. There are also several romantic places just outside of town that make for a great day trip.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Snowdonia National Park and Galway are superb destinations for backpackers.

Snowdonia National Park is a great national park to visit for backpackers. Camping and hiking is the best way to experience this park. You can explore the stunning natural beauty without spending a fortune on a hotel.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Galway. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Galway Better for Students?

Galway is very good for students. However, Snowdonia National Park is not popular with students.

Galway is a good city to visit for students. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

Snowdonia National Park is not popular with students.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Galway Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Snowdonia National Park and Galway offer nice public transit options.

Snowdonia National Park has a few public transit options. During the peak season you can travel to some areas by bus. Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus operates in part of the park. Train options include The Cambrian and Conwy Valley train lines as well as the Welsh Highland Railway and the Ffestiniog Railway.

Galway has some public transit options. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Galway a more walkable city?

Galway is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.

Galway is a very walkable city. If you stay in central Galway, the area is generally compact and walkable.

Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Snowdonia National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Snowdonia National Park?

How long in Snowdonia National Park or Galway?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Snowdonia National Park and Galway. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than in Galway. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Snowdonia National Park, and 2-3 days is enough time in Galway.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Galway than Snowdonia National Park 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 Galway.

One day in Snowdonia National Park or Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Snowdonia National Park. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the lively city of Galway. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Snowdonia National Park or Galway?

Snowdonia National Park 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.

Galway is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Five days in Snowdonia National Park or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Snowdonia National Park. 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.

Galway is a great place to explore. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

A week in Snowdonia National Park or Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the scenic destination of Snowdonia National Park. This national park 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Galway. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Snowdonia National Park or Galway?

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 Snowdonia National Park or Galway in the Summer?

Both Galway and Snowdonia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Snowdonia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Galway in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Snowdonia National Park is generally around the same temperature as Galway. Daily temperatures in Snowdonia National Park average around 15°C (60°F), and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Snowdonia National Park. Snowdonia National Park usually receives more sunshine than Galway during summer. Snowdonia National Park gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Snowdonia National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Galway. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Galway in the Autumn?

Both Galway and Snowdonia National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Snowdonia National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Galway for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Snowdonia National Park is around the same temperature as Galway in the autumn. The daily temperature in Snowdonia National Park averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Snowdonia National Park often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Galway. Snowdonia National Park gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun.

Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Snowdonia National Park usually gets less rain in October than Galway. Snowdonia National Park gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Galway in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Snowdonia National Park and Galway. Most visitors come to Snowdonia National Park for the skiing and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Galway because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Snowdonia National Park is around the same temperature as Galway. Typically, the winter temperatures in Snowdonia National Park in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Galway averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Snowdonia National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Galway during winter. Snowdonia National Park gets 63 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

Galway receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Snowdonia National Park usually receives less rain than Galway. Snowdonia National Park gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Galway in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Snowdonia National Park as well as Galway. The spring months attract visitors to Snowdonia National Park because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

In April, Snowdonia National Park is generally around the same temperature as Galway. Daily temperatures in Snowdonia National Park average around 8°C (47°F), and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Snowdonia National Park often gets more sunshine than Galway. Snowdonia National Park gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Galway. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Galway and Snowdonia National Park