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

Should you visit Belfast or Limerick?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Limerick, 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 authentic, affordable, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and shopping.

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.

Belfast and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Limerick?

You'll generally find more things to do in Belfast than Limerick. Belfast is bigger than Limerick, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Belfast is better known for its big city activities, while Limerick is more popular for its museums, food, and impressive beauty. Belfast is well known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Also, Belfast is famous for Belfast Castle. Limerick is well known for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Belfast different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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

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 Limerick Better for Nightlife?

Both Belfast and Limerick are notable 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 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 the Shopping Better in Belfast or Limerick?

Both Belfast and Limerick are notable 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 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 Belfast or Limerick Better for Families?

Belfast and Limerick are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Limerick is a family-friendly city. 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 Belfast or Limerick Better for Couples?

Limerick is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Limerick is a nice destination for couples. 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.

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 Limerick Better for Students?

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

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

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

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

Limerick 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.

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

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

Is Belfast or Limerick a more walkable city?

Belfast and Limerick both are notable when exploring on foot.

Belfast is somewhat walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Limerick?

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

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

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

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

One day in Belfast or Limerick?

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 Limerick, you'll find nightlife and food. This city 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 Limerick?

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

Five days in Belfast or Limerick?

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.

Limerick is a great place to explore. 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 Limerick?

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 Limerick. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Limerick. 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 from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belfast and Limerick, we can see that Belfast 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 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 Limerick.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Limerick?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Limerick in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Limerick. Most visitors come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Limerick because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Belfast is generally around the same temperature as Limerick. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 15°C (59°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Belfast often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Limerick. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in July than Limerick. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Limerick in the Autumn?

Both Limerick and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Limerick this time of year.

Belfast is cooler than Limerick in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Limerick fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Belfast usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during autumn. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Limerick. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Belfast or Limerick in the Winter?

Both Limerick and Belfast during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Limerick for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Belfast in the winter. In the winter, Belfast is cooler than Limerick. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belfast in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Limerick averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Belfast often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Limerick. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets less rain in January than Limerick. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Limerick in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Limerick. Many travelers come to Belfast for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Limerick in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Belfast is generally cooler than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 8°C (46°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Belfast usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Limerick during spring. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Belfast usually receives less rain than Limerick. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Limerick and Belfast