Glasgow vs. Dublin: Which One Should I Visit?
Glasgow, Scotland and Dublin, Ireland are two of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in all of Europe, so deciding Glasgow vs. Dublin when choosing a travel destination is not easy. Many factors need to be considered in order to draw comparisons between Glasgow and Dublin, but for the average person, and in the current year, we do believe there is a somewhat objective answer to this question.
While both cities are certainly worthwhile tourist destinations, Glasgow is the more practical destination over Dublin for the average person. Factoring in the attractions, the cost, and the climate, Glasgow undoubtedly comes out on top. The money you’ll save alone makes Glasgow the better bet.
| Category | Glasgow | Dublin |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Range for 1 Week | $1,636 USD | $2,685 USD |
| Transportation | A city bus, subway, taxi, train, bicycle | Tram, taxi, bicycle, city bus, train |
| Notable Attractions | Glasgow University, Riverside Museum, Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Botanic Garden of Glasgow, George Square | Trinity College, Dublin Castle, The National Gallery of Ireland, GPO Witness History Museum, Grafton Street |
| Weather | Mild summer weather, somewhat cool temperature but with a lot of rain to be expected. The winter seasons are harsh and long. | Nice summer season with relatively cold and long-lasting winter. Overcast clouds are typical all year. |
| Food and Drink | Famous for pies and puddings, as well as sausage and haggis. Bars are commonplace in Glasgow. | Dublin is famous for its pubs and bars, so finding drinks is no challenge. Irish stew is a very famous dish in Dublin. They are also renowned for their baked goods and puddings. |
| Activities for Kids | Glasgow Tigers Speedway, Scottish Football Museum, City Center Mural Trail, Glasgow Science Center | Dublin Children’s Museum, Explorium Sport & Science Center, Funky Monkeys Dundrum Dublin |
| Natural Attractions | Linn Park, Finnich Glen, Seven Lochs Wetland Park, Lochs and Glens North Cycle Route | Dublin Mountains, Phoenix Park, Iveagh Gardens, Sugarloaf Mountains |
In this article, we will break down in greater detail the most important factors to consider when deciding between Glasgow and Dublin as a tourist destination. From there, we will then be able to decide a winner by weighing each potential destination against one another by category. Let’s dive right in.
Cost of Stay
When it comes to cost, Dublin is notoriously expensive. It is common in Dublin to pay 5 Irish Pounds (7.50 US Dollars) for a single pint of Guinness Beer! Compare this with the average price in Glasgow, which is 4 Great British Pounds, or roughly 5 US Dollars, and it’s not hard to tell which city comes out on top in terms of affordability.
Best Affordable Hotels
For a high end but still affordable hotel in Glasgow, we recommend the Blythswood Square Hotel. This incredible hotel includes all the amenities you could imagine and is a very short walking distance from many beautiful sightseeing locations.
For a slightly more affordable alternative, we recommend the Hampton by Hilton Glasgow Central. Not only is this hotel elegant, but it is also located in close proximity to Glasgow central station and less than 10 miles from the airport making this an ideally convenient location for tourists.
The Roxford Lodge Hotel of Dublin is very affordable yet provides a very accommodating stay. The location is convenient, the prices are fair, and the food is exquisite.
Main Attractions
Glasgow is home to The University of Glasgow. The University of Glasgow was constructed in 1451 under the rule of King James ll and played a major role in the Scottish Enlightenment of the 18th Century. The University of Glasgow is the 4th oldest university in the English world. If you are looking to fit a little bit more socializing into your visit, George Square is the place to be.
Home of the Glasgow city council headquarters, this civic center is chock-full of restaurants, monuments, statues, and live shows and provides a great atmosphere for anyone hoping to get in touch with the spirit of Glasgow.
If you find yourself in Dublin, it is recommended that you take a trip to Trinity College. Trinity College of Dublin was founded in 1592 under the rule of Queen Elizabeth l. In 2010, it was ranked among the 15 most beautiful college campuses in the world by Forbes Magazine, and for a good reason. If you’re looking to mingle and explore, or just looking to get a little shopping done, Grafton Street has you covered.
Here you can expect to find pubs, coffee shops, gift shops, live street performances, as well as kind, welcoming local people. So if you’re in Dublin, take a trip to Grafton Street and see what you can discover.
Activities For Kids
Although both Glasgow and Dublin are heavily steeped in museums and cathedrals, both offer a wide range of attractions for children as well, including Science centers, arcades, sporting events, and indoor amusement parks.
Food and Drink
Glasgow is famous for being the home of some very unique dishes that you will certainly not find anywhere else in the world. Some of these dishes include Scottish pie, chicken tikka masala, as well as various types of seafood cuisines. Glasgow is a food lover’s dream!
When speaking of Dublin, the first thing that comes to many people’s minds is their pubs. Dublin is globally renowned for its pub culture and sports bars, as well as being the home of the world-famous Guinness beer.
Weather
When it comes to Glasgow, there is one thing you can be sure of: it rains a lot! The annual amount of rainfall in Glasgow works out to 1171 millimeters or 46.1 inches. Scotland, in general, has a reputation for being very rainy and overcast.
When you visit Glasgow, it is critical that you pack a raincoat and an umbrella. Thankfully, you can purchase a quality rain jacket at a fair price. You will not regret it if you’re in Glasgow. We recommend this Helly-Hansen Unisex Rain Coat. Not only is it 100% waterproof, but it also looks great on practically anybody.
In Dublin, the annual amount of rainfall is much lower than that of Glasgow, coming in at just 767 millimeters or 30.2 inches per year. This is good news for anybody who is deciding to visit the former. The average annual temperature is warmer, and the days are brighter. For this reason, it’s best to go with Dublin on this one.
Safety
Glasgow and Dublin are both considered to be safe tourist destinations, with hospitable and friendly locals. However, as with any place, always exercise caution when traveling alone, especially at night. Use your instincts, and avoid isolated places to ensure safety.
Transportation
Getting around in Glasgow and Dublin is very simple and easy for pedestrians. The main methods of transportation in both places respectively are by bus, taxi, train, the subway in Glasgow, and the tram car in Dublin.
Conclusion: Glasgow Vs. Dublin
Choosing between Glasgow and Dublin is not easy because they are both infused with historical beauty, they both have vibrant and hospitable civic centers, and they both have more than enough to keep you busy exploring.
However, we simply cannot ignore the high cost of Dublin, which was ultimately the deciding factor in choosing Glasgow. If money is no issue for you, then you really can not go wrong, but the average tourist will definitely see their dollar go a lot further in Glasgow. And in all honesty, there is not much in Dublin that you could not find in Glasgow. Good luck!
