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

Should you visit Belfast or Killarney?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Killarney, 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 affordable, under-rated, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife and shopping.

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.

Belfast and Killarney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Killarney?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Belfast. Although Belfast and Killarney are both popular with visitors, Belfast has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Belfast is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Killarney is known for its museums, food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Killarney is more touristy than Belfast and is known for its access to Killarney National Park and its location along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Belfast is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". It is also home to Belfast Castle.

How is Belfast different from Killarney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Killarney is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Killarney is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to the area's natural beauty, you should also check out Muckross House Gardens, Muckross Abbey, and Ross Castle.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Killarney is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

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

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 Killarney Better for Nightlife?

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

Belfast has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

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 Belfast or Killarney Better for Hiking?

Killarney is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Belfast 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.

Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Killarney?

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

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

Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Belfast or Killarney Better for Families?

Killarney 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.

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

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 Killarney Better for Couples?

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

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 Killarney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Killarney 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 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.

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 Killarney Better for Students?

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

Killarney is not popular with students.

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

Both Belfast and Killarney offer decent public transit options.

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

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

Is Belfast or Killarney a more walkable city?

Belfast is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Killarney is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Belfast is somewhat walkable.

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 Belfast Worth Visiting? and Is Killarney Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Killarney or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Killarney?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Belfast and Killarney. In our opinion, Killarney has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Killarney than Belfast. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Belfast, and 2-3 days is enough time in Killarney.

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

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

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

One day in Belfast or Killarney?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Belfast. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Belfast has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Killarney, you'll find food and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Belfast or Killarney?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Belfast. 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.

In Killarney, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Killarney has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Killarney?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the affordable city of Belfast. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Killarney is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Killarney?

Belfast is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Killarney. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Killarney. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between Belfast and Killarney, we can see that Killarney is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Killarney?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Killarney. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Killarney in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Killarney. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Killarney for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Belfast usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Killarney during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Killarney. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Killarney in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Killarney. Many travelers come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Killarney in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Belfast is cooler than Killarney. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Belfast in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Killarney averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets more sunshine than Killarney. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 79 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Killarney. Belfast usually gets less rain in October than Killarney. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Killarney in the Winter?

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

Belfast can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Belfast is generally much colder than Killarney. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 4°C (39°F), and Killarney fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Belfast usually receives more sunshine than Killarney during winter. Belfast gets 50 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, Belfast usually receives less rain than Killarney. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Killarney in the Spring?

Both Killarney and Belfast during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Belfast for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Killarney because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Belfast is cooler than Killarney in the spring. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Killarney fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

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

Belfast usually gets less rain in April than Killarney. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Killarney and Belfast