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

Should you visit Snowdonia National Park or Kinsale?

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 Kinsale can help you decide which place is right for you.

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is a scenic, rugged, and stunning national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food.

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.

Snowdonia National Park and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with couples


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kinsale than Snowdonia National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kinsale is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Snowdonia National Park is more popular for its skiing, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Kinsale is more touristy than Snowdonia National Park and is popular for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. Also, Kinsale is famous for Charles Fort. Snowdonia National Park is well known for its beautiful mountain landscape.

How is Snowdonia National Park different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Snowdonia National Park or Kinsale Better for Skiing?

Snowdonia National Park
Kinsale

Snowdonia National Park is adequate for skiing. However, Kinsale is not a skiing destination.

Snowdonia National Park is a fun local destination for snow skiers. 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.

Kinsale is not a skiing destination.


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

Snowdonia National Park
Kinsale

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

Kinsale offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Snowdonia National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Snowdonia National Park
Kinsale

Kinsale is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Snowdonia National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its restaurants.

Kinsale has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Snowdonia National Park is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Snowdonia National Park
Kinsale

Kinsale is a moderate seaside town for nightlife and partying. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Snowdonia National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Snowdonia National Park or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Snowdonia National Park
Kinsale

Snowdonia National Park is a national park 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 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.

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 Snowdonia National Park or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Snowdonia National Park
Kinsale

Kinsale is a well-known place for its old town. However, Snowdonia National Park does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Snowdonia National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

Snowdonia National Park
Kinsale

Snowdonia National Park is an amazing national park to visit for hiking. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for the nearby hiking options.

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.

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


Is the Shopping Better in Snowdonia National Park or Kinsale?

Snowdonia National Park
Kinsale

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

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

Snowdonia National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Kinsale Better for Families?

Snowdonia National Park
Kinsale

Snowdonia National Park is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Snowdonia National Park is very family-friendly. 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.

Kinsale is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Snowdonia National Park or Kinsale Better for Couples?

Snowdonia National Park
Kinsale

Snowdonia National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for couples.

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.

Kinsale is a good national park 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 Snowdonia National Park or Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Snowdonia National Park
Kinsale

Snowdonia National Park is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Snowdonia National Park. 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 backpackers visit Kinsale. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

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

Snowdonia National Park
Kinsale

Snowdonia National Park is a national park with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Snowdonia National Park offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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.

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

Is Snowdonia National Park or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Snowdonia National Park
Kinsale

Kinsale is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.

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

Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.


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

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

How long in Snowdonia National Park or Kinsale?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Snowdonia National Park or Kinsale to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Snowdonia National Park than Kinsale because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Snowdonia National Park, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kinsale.

Families should spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than Kinsale. 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 Kinsale. 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 Snowdonia National Park than Kinsale 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 Snowdonia National Park.


  • How many days in Snowdonia National Park or Kinsale? Ideal Length of Stay
    Snowdonia National Park 3-7 
    Kinsale 1-2

One day in Snowdonia National Park or Kinsale?

In Snowdonia National Park, you'll find food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Kinsale is a small town with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this seaside town.

A weekend in Snowdonia National Park or Kinsale?

In Snowdonia National Park, 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 popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Kinsale?

Snowdonia National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Snowdonia National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Kinsale is a great place to explore. Most people head to the area for the food. 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 Kinsale?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Snowdonia National Park. In Snowdonia National Park, you'll find food. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kinsale. Most people head to the area for the food. 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 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 Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.


Which place is cheaper, Kinsale or Snowdonia National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Snowdonia National Park is £75, while the average daily cost in Kinsale is £110. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Snowdonia National Park and Kinsale in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Snowdonia National Park £29
    Kinsale £63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Snowdonia National Park £58
    Kinsale £126
Compare Hotels in Snowdonia National Park and Kinsale

Looking for a hotel in Snowdonia National Park or Kinsale? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Snowdonia National Park


Hotels in Kinsale


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kinsale Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Snowdonia National Park £46
    Kinsale £15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Snowdonia National Park

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Snowdonia National Park:

  • Private Transfer from Caernarfon to Manchester Airport (MAN): $250

Is it cheaper to fly into Snowdonia National Park or Kinsale?

Prices for flights to both Kinsale and Snowdonia National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Snowdonia National Park £19
    Kinsale £39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Snowdonia National Park £18
    Kinsale £4.28

Tours and Activities in Snowdonia National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Snowdonia National Park are as follows:

  • 2 Hours Historical Tour of Caernarfon: $33
  • Anglesey Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • Snowdon Kayak Adventure on Llyn Padarn: $56

Tours and Activities in Kinsale

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kinsale.

  • Titanic Trail Guided Walking Tour Cobh: $21
  • Visit 16 Sites Key Historical Sites And Experience Cobh Rebel Tours: $27
  • Cobh Evening Ghost Tour: $43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Snowdonia National Park £4.86
    Kinsale £13

Sample the Local Flavors in Kinsale

Also in Kinsale, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • (Small Group) Shore Tour from Cork: Blarney Castle & Jameson Distillery: $147


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Snowdonia National Park and Kinsale, we can see that Kinsale 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 Kinsale would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kinsale 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 Kinsale Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Snowdonia National Park 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 Snowdonia National Park or Kinsale in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Snowdonia National Park as well as Kinsale. Many travelers come to Snowdonia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kinsale in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Snowdonia National Park is around the same temperature as Kinsale in the summer. The daily temperature in Snowdonia National Park averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Kinsale fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Snowdonia National Park this time of the year. In the summer, Snowdonia National Park often gets more sunshine than Kinsale. Snowdonia National Park gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Snowdonia National Park 15°C (60°F) 
    Kinsale 16°C (60°F)

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

Both Kinsale and Snowdonia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Snowdonia National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Kinsale for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Snowdonia National Park is around the same temperature as Kinsale. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Snowdonia National Park in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Kinsale averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Snowdonia National Park usually receives more sunshine than Kinsale during autumn. Snowdonia National Park gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Snowdonia National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kinsale. Snowdonia National Park gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Snowdonia National Park 12°C (53°F) 
    Kinsale 11°C (52°F)

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

Both Kinsale and Snowdonia National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Snowdonia National Park for the skiing and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Snowdonia National Park is generally cooler than Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Snowdonia National Park average around 5°C (42°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Snowdonia National Park often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale. Snowdonia National Park gets 63 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. Snowdonia National Park usually gets less rain in January than Kinsale. Snowdonia National Park gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Snowdonia National Park 5°C (42°F) 
    Kinsale 6°C (43°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Snowdonia National Park and Kinsale. The spring months attract visitors to Snowdonia National Park because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year.

Snowdonia National Park is around the same temperature as Kinsale in the spring. The daily temperature in Snowdonia National Park averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Kinsale fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Snowdonia National Park usually receives more sunshine than Kinsale during spring. Snowdonia National Park gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Snowdonia National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kinsale. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Snowdonia National Park 8°C (47°F) 
    Kinsale 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park Kinsale
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 14°C (56°F) 52 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 101 mm (4 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 101 mm (4 in)


Related Articles for Snowdonia National Park
Related Articles for Kinsale