A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Belfast vs. Kilkenny for Food, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Belfast or Kilkenny?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Kilkenny, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife and shopping.

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.

Belfast and Kilkenny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Kilkenny?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kilkenny. Although Belfast and Kilkenny are popular destinations, Kilkenny has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kilkenny is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Belfast attracts visitors for its big city activities. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Kilkenny is famous for its medieval castle and long running history. It is also well known for The Kilkenny Castle.

The Kilkenny Castle

How is Belfast different from Kilkenny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Kilkenny can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Kilkenny Better for Nightlife?

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

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

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 Belfast or Kilkenny Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Kilkenny to see the historical old town. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Kilkenny?

Both Belfast and Kilkenny are nice shopping destinations.

Belfast is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

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 Belfast or Kilkenny Better for Families?

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Kilkenny is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Belfast or Kilkenny Better for Couples?

Kilkenny is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Kilkenny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kilkenny. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Kilkenny Better for Students?

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

Belfast is popular with students. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

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

Kilkenny is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Kilkenny a more walkable city?

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Kilkenny or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Kilkenny?

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

Families should spend more time in Kilkenny than Belfast. 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 Belfast. 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Kilkenny?

The city of Belfast offers shopping and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Kilkenny, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Belfast or Kilkenny?

Belfast 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 Belfast, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Kilkenny, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kilkenny has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Kilkenny?

Belfast 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 great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Belfast or Kilkenny?

Belfast 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kilkenny. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kilkenny. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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 Belfast and Kilkenny, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive? and Is Kilkenny Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Kilkenny?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Kilkenny in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Kilkenny. Most visitors come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Belfast is around the same temperature as Kilkenny. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 15°C (60°F).

Belfast usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 131 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives more rain than Kilkenny. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Kilkenny in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Kilkenny. The autumn months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year.

In October, Belfast is generally cooler than Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 9°C (48°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 83 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Kilkenny. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Kilkenny in the Winter?

Both Kilkenny and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kilkenny for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Belfast in the winter. Belfast is cooler than Kilkenny in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

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

In January, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kilkenny. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Kilkenny in the Spring?

Both Kilkenny and Belfast during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Belfast for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Kilkenny in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Belfast is around the same temperature as Kilkenny. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Belfast often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kilkenny. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 139 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kilkenny. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kilkenny and Belfast