A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Kinsale for Food, Old Town, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Kinsale can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a historic, quaint, and idyllic town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the food and theater.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a charming, quaint, and picturesque 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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kinsale than Stratford-upon-Avon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kinsale is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Stratford-upon-Avon is more popular for its theatre productions. Kinsale is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is known for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. Also, Kinsale is famous for Charles Fort. Stratford-upon-Avon is well known for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale?

Kinsale is very good for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is an amazing town to visit for its theatre productions. However, Kinsale is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Stratford-upon-Avon that are not to be missed. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Kinsale is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kinsale is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Stratford-upon-Avon area. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Kinsale is a decent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Kinsale. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Kinsale is a decent place to visit for the beache. However, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a beach destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Kinsale is a very popular place for its old town. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a nice historic old town area. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

Kinsale is very good for its hiking trails. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kinsale. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale?

Kinsale is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kinsale. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a family-friendly town. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kinsale. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale Better for Couples?

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Kinsale are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Stratford-upon-Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Kinsale is a good 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kinsale is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Kinsale is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Kinsale.

Public transit is mostly limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

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

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Stratford-upon-Avon and Kinsale are notable when it comes to walkability.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable place. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable 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 Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Kinsale Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale?

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

Families should spend more time in Kinsale than Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Kinsale than Stratford-upon-Avon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kinsale that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kinsale than Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town with plenty to do. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Kinsale, many people enjoy the museums and food that this small town destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Lots of people come for the food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale?

Stratford-upon-Avon 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. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stratford-upon-Avon has to offer.

Many people visit Kinsale for a weekend. Lots of people come for the food. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kinsale, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale?

Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

The beautiful small town of Kinsale offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. Since Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the theater. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Kinsale. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This seaside town offers something for everyone. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, 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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Kinsale, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon Expensive? and Is Kinsale Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale?

Stratford-upon-Avon has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Kinsale. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Kinsale in the summer. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Kinsale fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

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

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Kinsale. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the autumn for the small town atmosphere. 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, Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Kinsale. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Kinsale averages at about 11°C (52°F).

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

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in October than Kinsale. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale in the Winter?

Both Kinsale and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Stratford-upon-Avon can be very cold during winter. In January, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally much colder than Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 3°C (38°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kinsale. In January, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Kinsale in the Spring?

Both Kinsale and Stratford-upon-Avon during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town charm. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year.

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

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

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in April than Kinsale. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon