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

Should you visit Southampton or Kinsale?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Kinsale? 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 waterfront, dynamic, and up-and-coming port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a picturesque, colorful, and charming seaside town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking.

Southampton and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Kinsale?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kinsale than Southampton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kinsale is better known for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Southampton is more popular for its nightlife. Kinsale is more touristy than Southampton and is known for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. Also, Kinsale is famous for Charles Fort. Southampton is well known for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kinsale 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 Kinsale?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Southampton and Kinsale.

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

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 Southampton or Kinsale? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kinsale is an amazing seaside town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Kinsale is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Southampton area. 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.

Is Southampton or Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Southampton is a port city 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 Southampton has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

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 Southampton or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Kinsale is adequate for the beache. However, Southampton is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Kinsale. 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.

Southampton is not a beach destination.

Is Southampton or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Kinsale is a great seaside town for its old town. However, Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Is Southampton or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

Kinsale is a popular place for hiking. However, Southampton is not a hiking destination.

Kinsale is a good destination for hiking. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Southampton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Kinsale?

If you're looking to go shopping, Southampton and Kinsale both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Southampton. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

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

Is Southampton or Kinsale Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Southampton or Kinsale.

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.

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 Southampton or Kinsale Better for Couples?

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

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.

Kinsale is a good port city 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 Southampton or Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kinsale is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kinsale. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Southampton and Kinsale both offer respectable 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 Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Southampton or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Southampton and Kinsale are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable port city. 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 Southampton Worth Visiting? and Is Kinsale Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Kinsale?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Southampton or Kinsale to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Southampton 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 Southampton, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kinsale.

Families should spend more time in Kinsale than Southampton. 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 Southampton than Kinsale. 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 Kinsale 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 Kinsale.

One day in Southampton or Kinsale?

In Southampton, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Kinsale is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the food. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Southampton or Kinsale?

In Southampton, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Southampton has to offer.

Kinsale might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This seaside town 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 Kinsale?

Southampton 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.

Because Kinsale is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Southampton or Kinsale?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Southampton. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Southampton. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Since Kinsale is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the food. 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 Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Southampton and Kinsale, we can see that Southampton 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 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 Kinsale.

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

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Kinsale?

Southampton has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton or Kinsale in the Summer?

Both Kinsale and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Southampton in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Kinsale for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Southampton is a little warmer than Kinsale in the summer. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Kinsale fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

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

In July, Southampton usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Southampton 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 Southampton or Kinsale in the Autumn?

Both Kinsale and Southampton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Southampton for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

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

Southampton usually gets less rain in October than Kinsale. Southampton 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 Southampton or Kinsale in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Kinsale. The winter months attract visitors to Southampton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year.

The weather in Southampton can be very cold. In January, Southampton is generally cooler than Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 4°C (40°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Kinsale during winter. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kinsale receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Southampton usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Southampton 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 Southampton or Kinsale in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Kinsale. The natural beauty are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Kinsale for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

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

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

Southampton usually gets less rain in April than Kinsale. Southampton 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 Southampton