A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Windsor vs. Connemara for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Windsor or Connemara?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Connemara? 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a beautiful, royal, and traditional town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Connemara

Connemara is a remote, dramatic, and breathtaking region. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Windsor and Connemara: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Windsor Castle
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Windsor or Connemara?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Connemara. Although Windsor and Connemara are both popular with visitors, Connemara has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Connemara is more popular for its food, beaches, and hiking, while Windsor is known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Windsor is more touristy than Connemara and is known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Connemara is popular for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves. It is also home to Connemara National Park.

How is Windsor different from Connemara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Windsor or Connemara?

Windsor
Connemara

Windsor is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Connemara is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.


Is the Food Better in Windsor or Connemara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Windsor
Connemara

Connemara is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Connemara. The area has been influenced by the improving food scene in nearby regions. You'll find everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks that use local ingredients and recipes. The area has no shortage of seafood, shellfish, and even Connemara lamb.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Connemara Better for Nightlife?

Windsor
Connemara

Windsor is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Connemara is not a good region for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Windsor. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Connemara doesn't offer many options. You'll find some bars in the area but most people visit for the natural beauty, not the nightlife scene.

Is Windsor or Connemara Better for Beaches?

Windsor
Connemara

Connemara is well known for the beache. However, Windsor is not a beach destination.

Connemara is considered a top beach destination. You'll find wide stretches of sandy beach as well as hidden coves that offer a peaceful retreat. Some of the best beaches in the area include Dog’s Bay Beach, Trá an Dóilín, and Glassilaun Beach.

Windsor is not a beach destination.


Is Windsor or Connemara Better for its Old Town?

Windsor
Connemara

Windsor is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Windsor offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Is Windsor or Connemara Better for Hiking?

Windsor
Connemara

Connemara is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Windsor is not a hiking destination.

People visit Connemara specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The landscape is considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland and there are many walks and hikes that let you experience it. Some of the best hikes are The Cong and Clonbur Forest Trail, the Claddaghduff Quay to Omey Island Walk, and Mount Gable Walk.

Windsor is not a hiking destination.

Is Windsor or Connemara Better for Families?

Windsor
Connemara

Windsor is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Connemara is not a good region for its kid-friendly activities.

Windsor is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Connemara is not always a place people visit with their families. There are plenty of places to explore outdoors such as Connemara National Park as well as the nearby beaches. You'll also find several playgrounds in the area.


Is Windsor or Connemara Better for Couples?

Windsor
Connemara

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

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Connemara is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. You'll find romantic hotels and beautiful walks through hidden coves and dramatic countryside. Couples will enjoy exploring castles and getting lost in the beauty.

Is Windsor or Connemara Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Windsor
Connemara

Windsor is a popular place for its public transit. However, Connemara is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Windsor has a few public transit options. There is a bus system around town.

Public transit is quite limited in Connemara. There are a few buses in the area but you really need a private vehicle to get around to most places.

Is Windsor or Connemara a more walkable city?

Windsor
Connemara

Windsor is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

Windsor is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

Connemara is not a very walkable town. You really need a vehicle to experience everything that the region has to offer.


For even more information, also check out Is Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Connemara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Connemara or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Connemara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Windsor and Connemara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Connemara than in Windsor. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Windsor, and 2-3 days is enough time in Connemara.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Connemara than Windsor 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 Connemara.


  • How many days in Windsor or Connemara? Ideal Length of Stay
    Windsor 1-2 
    Connemara 2-3

One day in Windsor or Connemara?

Even though Windsor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Windsor has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Connemara, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This region offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Windsor or Connemara?

Windsor is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Connemara, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Connemara has to offer.

Five days in Windsor or Connemara?

Windsor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Connemara is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.


A week in Windsor or Connemara?

Windsor is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Connemara. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Connemara. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Connemara or Windsor?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Windsor is £150, while the average daily cost in Connemara is £101. 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 Windsor and Connemara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Windsor £70
    Connemara £46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Windsor £140
    Connemara £92
Compare Hotels in Windsor and Connemara

Looking for a hotel in Windsor or Connemara? 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 Windsor


Hotels in Connemara


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: Windsor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Windsor £66
    Connemara £35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Windsor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Windsor:

  • "Private Transfer: From London Heathrow Airport to Windsor": $56
  • London: Transfer to Southampton with Windsor Castle Visit: $161
  • Windsor Castle Ticket & Private Transfer: $319
  • London: Windsor Castle Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $562

Is it cheaper to fly into Windsor or Connemara?

Prices for flights to both Connemara and Windsor 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
    Windsor £39
    Connemara £32
Typical Food Prices in Windsor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Windsor:


  • Morning Tea
    £2.50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Windsor £26
    Connemara £22

Tours and Activities in Windsor

Here are a few actual costs in Windsor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1,000 Years of Royal History from Windsor to Eton: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Daily Walking Tour with Local Guide (11am & 2pm): $17
  • Windsor Daily Town Walking Tour: 11am & 2pm: $18
  • Windsor : Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz Tour App: $19
  • Golden Tours Open Top Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $24
  • Windsor Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour: $24
  • Windsor Duck Tour: Bus and Boat Ride: $34
  • Windsor Quest: Self Guided Sightseeing & Immersive Treasure Hunt: $37
  • Windsor and Thames Valley Bike Tour: $38
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: Entrance Ticket: $44
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort 2 Day Admission Ticket: $66
  • Windsor Castle Afternoon Tour from London: $86

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Windsor £7.55
    Connemara £11


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

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



When is the best time to visit Windsor or Connemara?

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 Windsor or Connemara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Connemara. The summer months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Connemara this time of year.

In the summer, Windsor is a little warmer than Connemara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Windsor in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Connemara averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Windsor usually receives more sunshine than Connemara during summer. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Windsor usually receives less rain than Connemara. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Windsor 18°C (64°F) 
    Connemara 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Connemara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Connemara. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Connemara for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Windsor is generally around the same temperature as Connemara. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 12°C (53°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Windsor often gets more sunshine than Connemara. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 96 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Connemara. Windsor usually gets less rain in October than Connemara. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Windsor 12°C (53°F) 
    Connemara 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Connemara in the Winter?

Both Connemara and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Windsor for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Connemara in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Windsor. Windsor is cooler than Connemara in the winter. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Connemara fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Connemara during winter. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Connemara. In January, Windsor usually receives less rain than Connemara. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Windsor 4°C (40°F) 
    Connemara 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Connemara in the Spring?

Both Connemara and Windsor during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Windsor in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Connemara for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

In the spring, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Connemara. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 153 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in April than Connemara. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Windsor 9°C (48°F) 
    Connemara 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Connemara and Windsor

Windsor Connemara
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (53°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (44°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)


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