A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aberdeen vs. Kilkenny for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Aberdeen or Kilkenny?

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Kilkenny? 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.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a architectural, authentic, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a ancient, medieval, and fascinating town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Aberdeen and Kilkenny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Kilkenny?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aberdeen. Although Aberdeen and Kilkenny are popular destinations, Aberdeen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aberdeen is very popular for its big city activities, while Kilkenny attracts visitors for its food and impressive beauty. Aberdeen is famous for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also well known for St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen. Kilkenny is famous for its medieval castle and long running history.

How is Aberdeen different from Kilkenny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aberdeen or Kilkenny?

Both Aberdeen and Kilkenny have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

Aberdeen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

Many visitors head to Kilkenny specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's seeped in history and there are many historic landmarks in the area including Kilkenny Castle. Also make sure you check out the National Design & Craft Gallery, Saint Mary's Cathedral, and the Medieval Mile Museum.

Is the Food Better in Aberdeen or Kilkenny? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kilkenny makes for a great culinary experience. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Aberdeen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Is Aberdeen or Kilkenny Better for Nightlife?

Both Aberdeen and Kilkenny are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kilkenny. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Is Aberdeen or Kilkenny Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the great old towns in both Aberdeen and Kilkenny.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Kilkenny. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Kilkenny?

Both Aberdeen and Kilkenny are nice shopping destinations.

Aberdeen is a great destination for shopping. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kilkenny. There's a mix of shopping malls, shopping streets, and local markets. Make sure you check out Market Cross Shopping Centre, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, Connolly's Red Mills, and Castleinch Sunday Market.

Is Aberdeen or Kilkenny Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aberdeen or Kilkenny.

Aberdeen is a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Kilkenny is very family-friendly. The obvious activity is visiting the Kilkenny Castle, but there are so many other adventures that your family can have. You can do the zip line and other outdoor adventures at Castlecomer Discovery Park, try out falconry, or visit the National Reptile Museum. There's also river rafting, kayaking, and many other outdoor adventures in the area.

Is Aberdeen or Kilkenny Better for Couples?

Kilkenny is a well-known place for romance. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Kilkenny is a very popular place to visit for couples. Adventure lovers will enjoy rafting, kayaking, hiking, and cycling through the area. There are also Michelin starred restaurants and other romantic settings that make for a great couple's weekend.

Aberdeen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Is Aberdeen or Kilkenny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny is a popular place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kilkenny. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Aberdeen or Kilkenny Better for Students?

Aberdeen is very good for students. However, Kilkenny is not popular with students.

Aberdeen is popular with students. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

Is Aberdeen or Kilkenny Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Aberdeen and Kilkenny offer nice public transit options.

Aberdeen has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Kilkenny has some public transit options. There are city buses through town.

Is Aberdeen or Kilkenny a more walkable city?

Aberdeen and Kilkenny both are great when exploring on foot.

Aberdeen is very walkable. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

Kilkenny is a very walkable city. The town is easy to walk around and most areas can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting? and Is Kilkenny Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kilkenny or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Kilkenny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Aberdeen or Kilkenny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Aberdeen than Kilkenny because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aberdeen, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kilkenny.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kilkenny than Aberdeen 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 Kilkenny.

One day in Aberdeen or Kilkenny?

The city of Aberdeen offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The town of Kilkenny offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Aberdeen or Kilkenny?

Aberdeen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aberdeen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kilkenny is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kilkenny, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Kilkenny?

Aberdeen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kilkenny is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Aberdeen or Kilkenny?

Aberdeen is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Kilkenny is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Kilkenny?

Aberdeen has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen and Kilkenny, 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.

When is the best time to visit Aberdeen or Kilkenny?

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 Aberdeen or Kilkenny in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Kilkenny. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kilkenny for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Aberdeen is around the same temperature as Kilkenny. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aberdeen in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 15°C (60°F).

Aberdeen usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during summer. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 131 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kilkenny. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Kilkenny in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Kilkenny. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Kilkenny in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Aberdeen is generally cooler than Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 9°C (49°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Aberdeen often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 83 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets less rain in October than Kilkenny. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Kilkenny in the Winter?

Both Kilkenny and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kilkenny for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Aberdeen can get quite cold in the winter. Aberdeen is much colder than Kilkenny in the winter. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kilkenny during winter. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kilkenny. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Kilkenny in the Spring?

Both Kilkenny and Aberdeen during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Aberdeen for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Aberdeen is cooler than Kilkenny. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aberdeen in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Aberdeen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kilkenny. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 139 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kilkenny. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kilkenny and Aberdeen