Comparison · Belfast vs Dublin · United Kingdom / Ireland
Belfast vs Dublin
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Belfast for Titanic, Political murals and lower day-to-day costs; choose Dublin for Guinness, Pubs and live trad music and beaches. Belfast is generally less expensive, and the two are about 140 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 140 km
- Less expensive
- Belfast
- Best time for Belfast
- May–June and August–September
- Best time for Dublin
- May–September
Side by side
| Belfast | Dublin | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Kingdom | Ireland |
| Known for | Titanic, Political murals and Victorian pubs | Guinness, Pubs and live trad music and Book of Kells |
| Best time to visit | May–June and August–September | May–September |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $150–$260 | $200–$350 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 19°C (66°F) | July, 20°C (68°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 8°C (46°F) | January, 8°C (46°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 10 | 9 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | Sandymount Strand |
| Airports | BFS, BHD | DUB |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Belfast for…
Titanic, Political murals and lower day-to-day costs. Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, grew rich on linen, rope-making and shipbuilding — the Harland & Wolff yard built the Titanic here — and that history is told at Titanic Belfast on the old slipways. The compact centre around City Hall is walkable…
Choose Dublin for…
Guinness, Pubs and live trad music and beaches. Dublin is a compact, walkable capital split by the River Liffey, with Trinity College, Grafton Street and the Georgian squares on the south side and O'Connell Street and the Docklands to the north and east. The Book of Kells, the national museums, Dublin…
Top sights compared
| # | Belfast | Dublin |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Titanic Belfast | Trinity College and the Book of Kells |
| 2 | SS Nomadic | Guinness Storehouse |
| 3 | Belfast City Hall | Kilmainham Gaol |
| 4 | Ulster Museum | National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology |
| 5 | Botanic Gardens and Palm House | National Gallery of Ireland |
Food compared
| Belfast | Dublin |
|---|---|
| Ulster fry | Full Irish breakfast |
| Soda bread and potato bread | Irish stew |
| Champ | Dublin coddle |
| Irish stew | Soda bread |
Which is cheaper?
Belfast is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $150–$260 per person there, against $200–$350 in Dublin (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Belfast on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Belfast and Dublin are about 140 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Belfast and 3 in Dublin.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Belfast or Dublin cheaper?
Belfast is usually less expensive: about $150–$260 a day mid-range against $200–$350 (estimates).
+Is Belfast or Dublin better for a first trip?
Pick Belfast for Titanic, Political murals and lower day-to-day costs, or Dublin for Guinness, Pubs and live trad music and beaches.
+How far is Belfast from Dublin?
About 140 km in a straight line.