A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Wales vs. Northern Ireland for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Wales or Northern Ireland?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Wales and Northern Ireland can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Wales or Northern Ireland?

Wales

While it's not terribly full of people, Wales definitely has its fair share of castles. This beautifully landscaped country is practically covered in majestic castles. These castles, and the country's rich history, created a popular tourist scene in Wales after it's time in the coal industry faded.

This little country to the west of England is a part of the larger United Kingdom. The UK, or Great Britain, is made up of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Remember that those are four different countries when talking to the locals.

And the locals will want to talk. With a strong Celtic background, the Welsh are some of the funniest and friendliest people in the world.

With the rugged landscape and wild coasts, you'd never guess that this little country is only a two hour ride fro the bustling metropolis of London. The two areas are starkly different.

Northern Ireland

You may think you know Northern Ireland, but guess again. This once turbulent and dangerous country has calmed down and continues to pleasantly surprise visitors from all over the world.

Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom, or Great Britain. Northern Ireland joins England, Scotland and Wales in the UK. This is still a point of controversy within this region depending on whom you are talking to. Unionists, or those who prefer being a part of Great Britain, will proudly call themselves British and try very much to differentiate themselves from their Irish neighbors. Republicans, or those who would prefer to be a part of the Republic of Ireland, call themselves Irish. Nowhere is this more prominent than in the historic city of Londonderry. That is what Unionists call the city, as the "London" was added after Northern Ireland joined the UK. On the other hand, you'll hear Republicans refer to the city as its original Derry.

Dress in layers, as it's not uncommon to experience every season in an hour in Northern Ireland. This part of the British Isles arguably receives more rain than anywhere.

More difficult than the weather, however, are the accents of the locals. While it may not sound like it at times, they are speaking English. Simply ask them to slow down so you can better understand their very thick accents.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom.

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

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

Which has a larger population, Wales or Northern Ireland?

Wales has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Northern Ireland. When comparing the sizes of Wales and Northern Ireland, 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.