A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aberdeen vs. Killarney for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Aberdeen or Killarney?

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Killarney? 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Killarney

Killarney is a natural, peaceful, and charming town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Aberdeen and Killarney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Killarney?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Aberdeen. Although Aberdeen and Killarney are both popular with visitors, Aberdeen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Aberdeen is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Killarney is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Killarney is more touristy than Aberdeen and is known for its access to Killarney National Park and its location along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Aberdeen is popular for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also home to St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen.

How is Aberdeen different from Killarney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Killarney 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 Killarney?

Aberdeen is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Killarney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Aberdeen. 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.

Killarney offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to the area's natural beauty, you should also check out Muckross House Gardens, Muckross Abbey, and Ross Castle.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Aberdeen and Killarney can be an enjoyable experience.

Aberdeen offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Killarney has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find great local fish and chips shops as well as locally caught seafood and regional produce. There are cafes and other independent restaurants that provide a local taste of the area.

Is Aberdeen or Killarney Better for Nightlife?

Aberdeen is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Killarney is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Aberdeen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Killarney doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. You can hang out with the locals at one of the bars or Irish pubs in town.

Is Aberdeen or Killarney Better for its Old Town?

Aberdeen is well known for its historic old town. However, Killarney does not have a historic old town.

Aberdeen is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Killarney does not have a historic old town.

Is Aberdeen or Killarney Better for Hiking?

Killarney is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

Killarney is a popular spot for hiking. You'll find many great hiking trails both in and around Killarney National Park. The town is also the starting and ending point for the 200 km Kerry Way walking trail. Other hikes worth checking out in the area include the Knockreer Circular Walk, Muckross Lake Loop Walk, and Old Kenmare Road Walk.

Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Killarney?

Aberdeen is a city with good options for shopping. However, Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Aberdeen or Killarney Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aberdeen or Killarney.

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, Killarney is very family-friendly. The area has many outdoor activities. You can explore Killarney National Park by horseback or head out on bikes. You can also take a boat ride or there's Kennedys Pet Farm for animal lovers.

Is Aberdeen or Killarney Better for Couples?

Killarney 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.

Killarney is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Killarney National Park. You can also go kayaking, biking, horseback riding or relax at The Angsana Spa.

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 Killarney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Killarney. You'll find a surprising number of interesting hostels in the area so you shouldn't have trouble finding a place to stay or meeting fellow backpackers.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Aberdeen or Killarney Better for Students?

Aberdeen is a city with good options for students. However, Killarney 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.

Killarney is not popular with students.

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

Aberdeen is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Killarney is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Aberdeen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Killarney. There's a shuttle bus that travels between some of the tourist attractions.

Is Aberdeen or Killarney a more walkable city?

Aberdeen is well known for its walkability. However, Killarney is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Killarney is not a very walkable city. While there are many great hikes in the area, you'll need a car to access most of them.

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

Should I spend more time in Killarney or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Killarney?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aberdeen and Killarney. In our opinion, Aberdeen has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Aberdeen than Killarney. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Aberdeen or Killarney?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Aberdeen. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The town of Killarney offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

A weekend in Aberdeen or Killarney?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Aberdeen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Killarney 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Killarney, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Killarney?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Aberdeen. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Killarney 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 Killarney?

Aberdeen is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Killarney is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Killarney?

Aberdeen has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Killarney. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen and Killarney, 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 Killarney?

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 Killarney in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Killarney. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Killarney for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Aberdeen is around the same temperature as Killarney in the summer. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Killarney fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Aberdeen usually receives more sunshine than Killarney during summer. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aberdeen usually receives less rain than Killarney. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Killarney in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Killarney. Most visitors come to Aberdeen for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Killarney because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Aberdeen is cooler than Killarney. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aberdeen in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Killarney averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Aberdeen often gets more sunshine than Killarney. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 79 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Killarney. Aberdeen usually gets less rain in October than Killarney. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Killarney in the Winter?

Both Killarney and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Killarney this time of year.

The weather in Aberdeen can be very cold. In January, Aberdeen is generally much colder than Killarney. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 3°C (38°F), and Killarney fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Aberdeen usually receives more sunshine than Killarney during winter. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Killarney. In January, Aberdeen usually receives less rain than Killarney. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Killarney in the Spring?

Both Killarney and Aberdeen during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Killarney for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Aberdeen is cooler than Killarney in the spring. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Killarney fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Aberdeen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Killarney. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 150 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets less rain in April than Killarney. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Killarney and Aberdeen