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

Should you visit Aberdeen or Limerick?

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Limerick? 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 authentic, historic, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Limerick

Limerick is a historic, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Aberdeen and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Limerick?

You'll generally find more things to do in Aberdeen than Limerick. Aberdeen is bigger than Limerick, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Aberdeen is better known for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities, while Limerick is more popular for its impressive beauty. Aberdeen is well known for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. Also, Aberdeen is famous for St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen. Limerick is well known for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Aberdeen different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Aberdeen
Limerick

Aberdeen is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Aberdeen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Limerick is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.


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

Aberdeen
Limerick

Dining out at restaurants in both Aberdeen and Limerick 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.

Limerick has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a mix of traditional Irish restaurants and more modern international cuisine. Local specialties to try include Limerick Ham, Cahill's Whiskey Cheese, and Walnut Cheddar.

Is Aberdeen or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

Aberdeen
Limerick

Both Aberdeen and Limerick are notable 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 Limerick. It's a student town so much of the nightlife scene centers around the student population. There are lively pubs and clubs around town so it's not hard to have a fun night out.

Is Aberdeen or Limerick Better for its Old Town?

Aberdeen
Limerick

Aberdeen is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Limerick does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Limerick does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Limerick?

Aberdeen
Limerick

Both Aberdeen and Limerick are notable 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 Limerick. You'll find a mix of brand name chains and independent boutiques in the city center. There are several major shopping streets in town including O'Connell Street, and the pedestrian streets of Bedford Row and Cruises Street.

Is Aberdeen or Limerick Better for Families?

Aberdeen
Limerick

Aberdeen is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Aberdeen. 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.

Limerick is a family-friendly place to visit. Families will enjoy visiting King John's Castle but for kids who need a break from the sightseeing, there are kid-friendly activities around town like Curraghchase Forest Park and the Peoples Park. Families should also check out the Dreamland Fun Center. Museums like Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum are also fun for the whole family.

Is Aberdeen or Limerick Better for Couples?

Aberdeen
Limerick

With fun activities for couples, both Aberdeen and Limerick make for a notable place to visit.

Aberdeen is a nice destination for couples. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Limerick makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are river cruises, kayaking, and nature to explore. Head to the Curraghchase Forest Park or any of the many beautiful parks around town. Couples can combine history with nature and enjoy a nice, romantic trip through Limerick.


Is Aberdeen or Limerick Better for Students?

Aberdeen
Limerick

Aberdeen and Limerick are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

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

Plenty of students visit Limerick. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

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

Aberdeen
Limerick

Both Aberdeen and Limerick offer notable 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.

Limerick has some public transit options. There's a city bus service that travels around town.

Is Aberdeen or Limerick a more walkable city?

Aberdeen
Limerick

Aberdeen is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Limerick is somewhat walkable. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Limerick?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Aberdeen or Limerick to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Aberdeen than Limerick 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 Limerick.

Families should spend more time in Aberdeen than Limerick. 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 Limerick. 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 Limerick 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 Limerick.


  • How many days in Aberdeen or Limerick? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aberdeen 2-3 
    Limerick 1-2

One day in Aberdeen or Limerick?

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 city of Limerick offers food and shopping. 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 Limerick?

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.

Limerick 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Limerick, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Limerick?

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.

Limerick 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 Limerick?

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.

Limerick is a great place to explore. 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.


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 from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Limerick or Aberdeen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aberdeen is £121, while the average daily cost in Limerick is £92. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Aberdeen and Limerick in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aberdeen £65
    Limerick £42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aberdeen £130
    Limerick £84
Compare Hotels in Aberdeen and Limerick

Looking for a hotel in Aberdeen or Limerick? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Aberdeen


Hotels in Limerick


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Aberdeen Hotel Prices and Limerick Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aberdeen £34
    Limerick £34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aberdeen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aberdeen:

  • Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ): Private Transfer to Aberdeen: $181
  • Aberdeen Airport to Aberdeen - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $131
  • Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ) to Aberdeen - Arrival Private Transfer: $57
  • Aberdeen City to Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $57
  • Private Aberdeen Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $49
  • Private Aberdeen Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $49
  • Aberdeen Dyce Airport(ABZ) to Balmedie - Arrival Private Transfer: $44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Limerick

Also for Limerick, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $136
  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Limerick City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $158
  • Limerick Private Transfer from central Limerick to Shannon: $203
  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & ADARE | Premium Vehicles: $213
  • Private Transfer between CORK & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $300
  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Galway City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $300

Is it cheaper to fly into Aberdeen or Limerick?

Prices for flights to both Limerick and Aberdeen change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Aberdeen £35
    Limerick £30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aberdeen £19
    Limerick £15

Tours and Activities in Aberdeen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Aberdeen are as follows:

  • 3 hour Gin School Experience in Aberdeen: $153
  • 500 Years of Crime and Punishment: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Aberdeen City Centre Walking Tour (2pm): $18
  • Aberdeen Historical & Turbulent Times Walking Tour: $76
  • Aberdeen Historical Walking Tour: $60
  • Aberdeen Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Aberdeen's Ancient Heritage and Folklore Tour: $87
  • Aberdeen's Union Street: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Daily City Centre Walking Tour (2pm): $17
  • Dark history Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Private Street Art Guided Walking Tour: $144
  • Union Street App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99

Tours and Activities in Limerick

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Limerick.

  • Skip the Line: Hunt Museum Ticket: $14
  • Self Guided Bike Tour on the Limerick Greenway: $16
  • Limericks Lost Whiskey Walking Tour: $19
  • Skip the Line: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Admission Ticket: $21
  • Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $43
  • Dingle Peninsula Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $53
  • Ring of Kerry Day Tour from Including Killarney National Park: $53
  • Cliffs of Moher explorer day tour from Limerick. Guided.: $54
  • Guided eBike Tours on the Lough Derg Shore: $82
  • Angela's Ashes 1.5hrs Walking Tour: $142
  • Private Walking Tour of Limerick City: $142
  • Private Walking Tour of Adare: $272

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aberdeen £3.57
    Limerick £10

Sample the Local Flavors in Aberdeen

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Aberdeen:

  • Gin Distillery Discovery Tour with Welcome Drink: $34
  • Aberdeen’s Distillery Discovery Tour: $34
  • City of Aberdeen Distillery: Gin School Experience: $150
  • Aberdeen&Shire Castle & Distillery Private Group 1 Day Tour: $401


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aberdeen and Limerick, we can see that Aberdeen is more expensive. And not only is Limerick much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Limerick would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Limerick 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 Limerick.

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


Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Limerick?

Aberdeen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen and Limerick, 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 Limerick?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Limerick in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Limerick. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Limerick for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Aberdeen is generally cooler than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 14°C (58°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Aberdeen often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Limerick. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aberdeen 14°C (58°F) 
    Limerick 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Aberdeen or Limerick in the Autumn?

Both Limerick and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Limerick in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Aberdeen is cooler than Limerick in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Limerick fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Aberdeen usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during autumn. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aberdeen usually receives less rain than Limerick. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aberdeen 9°C (49°F) 
    Limerick 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Aberdeen or Limerick in the Winter?

Both Limerick and Aberdeen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Limerick for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Aberdeen can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Aberdeen is much colder than Limerick. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aberdeen in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Limerick averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Aberdeen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Limerick. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets less rain in January than Limerick. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aberdeen 3°C (38°F) 
    Limerick 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Aberdeen or Limerick in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Limerick. Most visitors come to Aberdeen for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Limerick because of the natural beauty.

In April, Aberdeen is generally cooler than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 7°C (44°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Limerick during spring. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Limerick. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aberdeen 7°C (44°F) 
    Limerick 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Limerick and Aberdeen

Aberdeen Limerick
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 75 mm (3 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 75 mm (3 in) 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)


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