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    Let's be friends!

    Guilty as charged. Guilty as charged.
    Romanticizing my 5 hour flight in a tiny plane.✨ Romanticizing my 5 hour flight in a tiny plane.✨

This flight was actually so smooth. We had great weather, and — more importantly — WiFi.

You could say the flight ~flew~ by.

We spent about 5 hours flying from northeast Wisconsin to Cheyenne, Wyoming, for my uncle’s Air Force Change Of Command.

Would you fly cross country in a tiny plane? ✈️
    Testing his patience one vertical video at a time. Testing his patience one vertical video at a time.🫡
    10 non-negotiable USA national parks to visit this 10 non-negotiable USA national parks to visit this summer!

When I started visiting the national parks, I quickly realized that many national parks are seasonal. While the park entrances and overlooks may be open year-round, there are definitely better and worse times to visit some of them.

For example, if you try going to the mountains in fall through early spring, some of the hiking trails and roads will be closed due to snow.

On the flip side, if you try going to the desert in summer, you’ll be battling that fatal heat.

So, these are 10 of the best US national parks to visit in summer!

Share this with your road trip buddy to drop a subtle hint. 🚗

#usaroadtrip #usatravel #usroadtrip #roadtripusa #nationalparksusa
    He looked me dead in the eye and said, “Not arou He looked me dead in the eye and said, “Not around here partner… Not around here.”
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Ireland Vs Iceland: Which Is Better?

By: Indigo Sahara, M.A. | Published: July 24, 2023 | Updated: November 22, 2023

Both Ireland and Iceland will leave you breathless. From epic cliffs and green mountain ranges to volcanic rock formations and rich culture, there’s no wondering why Ireland and Iceland are on so many bucket lists. But, between Ireland vs Iceland, which is better?

Here, we’ll discuss the similarities between Ireland and Iceland, the differences between Ireland and Iceland, which country is cheaper to visit, as well as how to determine which country is best for you.

Ireland Vs Iceland: Which Is Better?
Cliffs Of Moher, Ireland

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Are Ireland and Iceland similar?
  • Is it cheaper to go to Ireland or Iceland?
  • Ireland Vs Iceland Size
  • Is Ireland colder than Iceland?
  • Northern Ireland Vs Iceland
  • Republic Of Ireland Vs Iceland
  • Is Ireland or Iceland better?
  • More Ireland Travel Guides
  • More Iceland Travel Guides
  • Save This Guide For Later

Are Ireland and Iceland similar?

First thing’s first, are Ireland and Iceland similar?

Yes, Ireland and Iceland are very similar. In both countries, you can witness jaw-dropping coastal routes, mega mountain ranges and other awe-inspiring attractions.

ireland vs iceland
Kirkjufellsfoss, Iceland

For example, Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway is very comparable to Iceland’s Reynisfjara Beach. Likewise, Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route mimics the look and feel of Iceland’s famous Ring Road. And lastly, Iceland’s F-Road mountains look very similar to Ireland’s Ring Of Kerry.

As you can see, Ireland and Iceland are very similar in some ways.

However, there are a few primary differences between Ireland vs Iceland, including cost to visit, currency, culture, climate, food, etc.

Is it cheaper to go to Ireland or Iceland?

To introduce the differences between Ireland vs Iceland, let’s begin with the question you all are probably wondering: is it cheaper to go to Ireland or Iceland?

In short, Ireland is much cheaper to go to than Iceland. Although, both countries are relatively expensive to visit.

iceland vs ireland
McDermott’s Castle, Ireland

In Ireland, you can expect to pay around $150 USD per night for basic accommodations. In Iceland, you can expect to pay no less than $200 per night for basic accommodations. Unless, you plan on camping or staying in hostels.

Below, you’ll see my Ireland accommodations on the left and Iceland accommodations on the right.

northern ireland aesthetic
Northern Ireland
donegal ireland
Iceland

Even though restaurant food in Ireland is, on average, slightly more expensive than US restaurant food, Ireland’s food is way cheaper than Iceland’s restaurant food.

If you decide to visit Iceland, I highly suggest buying groceries at Kronan upon arrival instead of eating out for every meal. Otherwise, you can expect to pay roughly $30-40 USD per person per meal out. For more tips on saving money in Iceland, I have a whole guide to planning an Iceland trip on a budget here.

wild atlantic way ireland
The Soup Company, Iceland

Finally, in terms of flights, flight prices to Ireland vs Iceland are actually fairly comparable. Because the two countries are both islands, they both require you to fly.

I booked both my Ireland and Iceland flights for free using credit card points. If you’re interested in opening a travel credit card to earn free flights, I definitely recommend you take this free quiz to decide which travel credit card is best for you.

iceland packing list

Overall, Iceland is more expensive to visit than Ireland.

Ireland Vs Iceland Size

In terms of size, Iceland is slightly bigger than Ireland. Specifically, Iceland is about 40,000 square miles large, and Ireland is 33,000 square miles large.

So, these two countries are very comparable in size.

I will admit, though, that when you’re on the ground, Iceland feels much bigger than Ireland because it is much more remote, there are few cities and there are fewer people.

ireland vs iceland
Ring Road, Iceland

The land in Iceland feels much more vast and remote.

Next, we have to discuss climate.

Is Ireland colder than Iceland?

Both Ireland and Iceland have fairly cold climates, but Iceland is much colder than Ireland in general.

Iceland’s weather is more extreme in its dropping temperatures, Arctic winds and snowstorms. On the other hand, Ireland’s weather is usually mild with year-round stable temperatures and frequent misty-rain clouds.

Don’t get me wrong, though, if you choose to go to Ireland, you’ll still need to dress warm. Here’s an entire guide on what not to wear in Ireland that goes into depth about why you should dress warm.

Ireland Vs Iceland: Which Is Better?
Cliffs Of Moher, Iceland

Northern Ireland Vs Iceland

Now, it’s important to note that the Irish island is made up of two separate countries: Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (otherwise known as Ireland). Even though the differences between Northern Ireland and Ireland are minimal, it’s worth comparing both with Iceland separately.

First, let’s dive into Northern Ireland vs Iceland.

You will find very similar landscapes and experiences in Northern Ireland as in Iceland. In both countries, you can see massive coastal cliffs, iconic beaches, beautiful green pastures and even volcanic rock formations.

To give a deeper sense of their similarities, in the photo below on the left, you’ll see Ireland’s volcanic Giant’s Causeway. In the photo below on the right, you’ll see Iceland’s volcanic Reynisfjara Beach.

iceland vs ireland
Giant’s Causeway, Ireland
ireland or iceland
Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland

However, in addition to mountains and beaches, Northern Ireland is also home to dozens of castles, quaint Irish towns and thriving culture that you will not find in Iceland.

iceland or ireland
McDermott’s Castle, Ireland

The attractions of Iceland, on the contrary, are much more remote — connected by only one paved road (Ring Road). Additionally, in Iceland, you can experience daring winter activities, such as glacier hiking, ice climbing, ice cave touring and more, which you cannot experience in any part of Ireland.

iceland and ireland
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Iceland

Republic Of Ireland Vs Iceland

Next, let’s compare the Ireland, AKA the Republic of Ireland vs Iceland.

Like Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland is very established, with bustling towns throughout almost the entire country. Here, you can visit castles, see marvelous landscapes (my favorite landscapes include Connemara National Park, the Ring Of Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher) and interact with locals daily.

In the photo below, here’s an example photo of an Irish castle located in the Republic of Ireland.

ireland and iceland
Castle Coole, Ireland

In contrast, again, Iceland is very remote. Instead of diving into culture and quaint European towns, you’ll take on jaw-dropping experiences and explore vast otherworldly landscapes.

ireland vs iceland
Skogafoss, Iceland

Is Ireland or Iceland better?

Overall, Ireland is better if you want to tour castles, immerse yourself in European culture and see spectacular views. Iceland is better if you prefer remote environments to urban cities, want to adventure through otherworldly places and love exploring nature.

Basically, Ireland is for the Europe lovers. Iceland is for the adventure lovers.

Which country do you think is best for you — Ireland or Iceland?

iceland vs ireland
Classieblawn Castle, Ireland
Ireland Vs Iceland: Which Is Better?
Ring Road, Iceland

Have any more questions about visiting Iceland vs Ireland? Leave a reply below, or follow and send me a DM on Instagram. I’m here to help!

More Ireland Travel Guides

Most Unique Places To Visit In Ireland
Travel Tips For Ireland That Will Make Or Break Your Trip
What Not To Wear In Ireland
What To Wear In Ireland In Summer

More Iceland Travel Guides

Crazy Things To Do In Iceland You Can’t Miss
Iceland Ring Road Itinerary You Need To Steal
Cheap Iceland Trip Tips You Need To Know
Do You Need To Rent A Car In Iceland?

Ireland Vs Iceland: Which Is Better?

Save This Guide For Later

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By: Indigo Sahara, M.A.

About Indigo Sahara, M.A.

Indigo Sahara, M.A., is the founder and CEO of the Indigo Sahara travel blog. Since earning her master's degree in global leadership, she has traveled to more than 20 countries. Now, her goal is to make travel accessible to all by teaching others how to travel on a budget. She writes world travel guides and travel hacking tips weekly.

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Comments

  1. kato henry joram says

    April 15, 2024 at 9:58 am

    i would say both worth a chance to visit….( bt iceland is sensational)

    Reply
    • Indigo Sahara, M.A. says

      April 15, 2024 at 3:52 pm

      I agree! Both are absolutely worth visiting. 🙂

      Reply
  2. kato henry joram says

    April 15, 2024 at 10:00 am

    both worth a chance to visit

    Reply
  3. kato henry joram says

    April 15, 2024 at 10:01 am

    both worth a chance to explore

    Reply

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Guilty as charged. Guilty as charged.
Romanticizing my 5 hour flight in a tiny plane.✨ Romanticizing my 5 hour flight in a tiny plane.✨

This flight was actually so smooth. We had great weather, and — more importantly — WiFi.

You could say the flight ~flew~ by.

We spent about 5 hours flying from northeast Wisconsin to Cheyenne, Wyoming, for my uncle’s Air Force Change Of Command.

Would you fly cross country in a tiny plane? ✈️
Testing his patience one vertical video at a time. Testing his patience one vertical video at a time.🫡
10 non-negotiable USA national parks to visit this 10 non-negotiable USA national parks to visit this summer!

When I started visiting the national parks, I quickly realized that many national parks are seasonal. While the park entrances and overlooks may be open year-round, there are definitely better and worse times to visit some of them.

For example, if you try going to the mountains in fall through early spring, some of the hiking trails and roads will be closed due to snow.

On the flip side, if you try going to the desert in summer, you’ll be battling that fatal heat.

So, these are 10 of the best US national parks to visit in summer!

Share this with your road trip buddy to drop a subtle hint. 🚗

#usaroadtrip #usatravel #usroadtrip #roadtripusa #nationalparksusa
He looked me dead in the eye and said, “Not arou He looked me dead in the eye and said, “Not around here partner… Not around here.”

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