A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Southampton vs. Dingle for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Southampton or Dingle?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Dingle? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Southampton

Southampton is a dynamic, up-and-coming, and waterfront port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dingle

Dingle is a scenic, rustic, and picturesque peninsula. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food.

Southampton and Dingle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Dingle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dingle. Although Southampton and Dingle are both popular with visitors, Dingle has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dingle is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Southampton is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Dingle is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for its traditional pubs, stunning coastline, and rugged cliffs. It is also home to The Gallarus Oratory. Southampton is popular for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Dingle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Southampton or Dingle?

Southampton is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Southampton. Museums are a favorite activity in town. There are a surprising number of options including SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and Southampton City Art Gallery.

While most people don't head to Dingle specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit for the natural beauty, but there are a couple of landmarks in the area including the Eask Tower, Gallarus Oratory, and the Blasket Centre.

Is the Food Better in Southampton or Dingle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Southampton and Dingle can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Southampton has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Dingle area. You'll find great seafood throughout the peninsula. There's also traditional Irish food available including Irish stew or cabbage and bacon.

Is Southampton or Dingle Better for Nightlife?

Southampton is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for nightlife.

Southampton has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

Dingle doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The area's not known for its nightlife but you can visit The Hillgrove, which is the peninsula's only nightclub. It's in a hotel and there is weekly entertainment.

Is Southampton or Dingle Better for Beaches?

Dingle is a great peninsula for the beache. However, Southampton is not a beach destination.

Dingle is considered a top beach destination. It's not hard to find a quiet beach with scenic views and a serene setting. Some of the best beaches in the area include Coumeenole, Brandon Bay, and Ventry.

Southampton is not a beach destination.

Is Southampton or Dingle Better for Hiking?

Dingle is a great peninsula for hiking. However, Southampton is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Dingle for the hiking trails. There are a variety of walking paths and hiking trails that take you through the coastal setting, rolling mountains, and remote nature. Some of the best trails in the area include the long distance hiking trail the Dingle Way, Mount Brandon, and Glenteenassig Forest Park.

Southampton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Dingle?

Southampton is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Southampton to go shopping. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Southampton or Dingle Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Southampton or Dingle.

Southampton offers lots of family activities. This cruise port city offers a handful of fascinating activities for kids including learning about the Mayflower and the Titanic. There are also many parks and gardens as well as the Mayflower Theater, which regularly has kid-family productions.

Dingle is a family-friendly place to visit. There are coastal walks and beaches that are perfect for kids. You can also visit the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, do a dolphin tour, or enjoy some watersports. Horseback riding and Sandy Feet Farm are both fun as well.

Is Southampton or Dingle Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Southampton and Dingle make for a high quality place to visit.

Southampton is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

Dingle is a very popular place to visit for couples. Boat rides, sunset walks, and natural beauty all make this a fun place to explore with your significant other.

Is Southampton or Dingle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dingle is a great peninsula for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Many backpackers visit Dingle. There are a good number of hostels on the peninsula and there are interesting music festivals and other events that make this a good backpacker destination.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Southampton or Dingle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Southampton and Dingle both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Southampton. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Dingle. Bus Eireann offers buses daily to Tralee and then there are connections to other destinations.

Is Southampton or Dingle a more walkable city?

Southampton is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its walkability.

Southampton is a somewhat walkable port city. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.

Dingle is generally not a very walkable port city. If you have enough time, there are countless walking trails throughout the peninsula.

For even more information, also check out Is Southampton Worth Visiting? and Is Dingle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dingle or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Dingle?

In either Southampton or Dingle, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dingle than Southampton because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Southampton, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dingle.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dingle than Southampton 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 Dingle.

One day in Southampton or Dingle?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Southampton. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the picturesque peninsula of Dingle. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Southampton or Dingle?

Southampton is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the rustic destination of Dingle. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This peninsula offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Southampton or Dingle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Southampton. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the picturesque peninsula of Dingle. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Southampton or Dingle?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the up-and-coming destination of Southampton. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the food when visiting Dingle. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. 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 from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Dingle?

Southampton has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Dingle. When comparing the sizes of Southampton and Dingle, 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 Southampton or Dingle?

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 Southampton or Dingle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Dingle. The summer months attract visitors to Southampton because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dingle this time of year.

In the summer, Southampton is a little warmer than Dingle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Southampton in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Dingle averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In the summer, Southampton often gets more sunshine than Dingle. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 140 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in July than Dingle. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Dingle in the Autumn?

Both Dingle and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dingle for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Southampton is generally around the same temperature as Dingle. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 12°C (53°F), and Dingle fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Southampton usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during autumn. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 79 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dingle. In October, Southampton usually receives less rain than Dingle. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Southampton or Dingle in the Winter?

Both Dingle and Southampton during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Southampton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Dingle in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Southampton. Southampton is much colder than Dingle in the winter. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Dingle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Southampton often gets more sunshine than Dingle. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 44 hours of full sun.

Dingle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Southampton usually gets less rain in January than Dingle. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Dingle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Dingle. Many visitors come to Southampton in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Dingle for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

Southampton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dingle during spring. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Southampton usually receives less rain than Dingle. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dingle and Southampton