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

Should you visit Birmingham or Limerick?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Birmingham and Limerick can help you decide which place is right for you.

Birmingham

Birmingham is a fun-filled, bustling, and historic city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Limerick

Limerick is a historic, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Birmingham and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Birmingham or Limerick?

You'll generally find more things to do in Birmingham than Limerick. Birmingham is bigger than Limerick, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Birmingham is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Limerick is more popular for its impressive beauty. Birmingham is well known for its strong musical routes and its very livable atmosphere. Also, Birmingham is famous for Victoria Square. Limerick is well known for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Birmingham different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Birmingham or Limerick?

Birmingham
Limerick

Birmingham 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 Birmingham specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Museum & Art Gallery, Thinktank, and St. Philip's Cathedral.

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 Birmingham or Limerick Better for Theater?

Birmingham
Limerick

Birmingham is a great city for its shows and theatre. However, Limerick is not a theatre destination.

Birmingham has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. The impressive theater scene includes Broadway shows and musicals. Birmingham Hippodrome is a major theater in town.

Limerick is not a theatre destination.

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

Birmingham
Limerick

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Birmingham and Limerick can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Birmingham. Food reviews are mixed around town. The city has its share of award-winning restaurants, but there are also popular dishes that are more of an acquired taste. Local flavors include pork scratching, Birmingham soup, and brummie bacon cakes.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Limerick. 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 Birmingham or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

Birmingham
Limerick

Birmingham is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Birmingham has something for everybody. With tons of students and young people looking to party, there is plenty to do in the evening. You'll find no shortage of pubs, clubs, and music venues around town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Birmingham or Limerick Better for Music?

Birmingham
Limerick

Birmingham is terrific for its music scene. However, Limerick is not a live music destination.

Birmingham has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city has long been a haven for musical creativity, and its influence over the global music scene is apparent. Popular music venues around town include Ghetto Golf, Digbeth Dining Club, and the Sunflower Lounge.

Limerick is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Birmingham or Limerick?

Birmingham
Limerick

Birmingham is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Birmingham. The city offers everything from large department stores to smaller local shops. There are several good shopping streets around town as well as large markets and even a jewelry quarter.

Limerick is a great destination for shopping. 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 Birmingham or Limerick Better for Families?

Birmingham
Limerick

Birmingham 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 Birmingham. The city has put effort into making sure there are plenty of family-friendly activities around. You can visit a chocolate factory, explore an aquarium, enjoy an animal safari, or explore one of the hands-on museums.

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 Birmingham or Limerick Better for Couples?

Birmingham
Limerick

Birmingham is a great city for couples. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Birmingham is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Romantic activities around town include taking a beautiful stroll through town, wandering around a park or garden, or seeing the ballet.

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.

Is Birmingham or Limerick Better for Students?

Birmingham
Limerick

Birmingham is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Birmingham. With world class academic institutions and a very diverse and international population, this is a popular place for international students to study.

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

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

Birmingham
Limerick

Birmingham and Limerick both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Birmingham offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a reasonably comprehensive bus system.

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


Is Birmingham or Limerick a more walkable city?

Birmingham
Limerick

Birmingham 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.

Birmingham is a very walkable destination. Many parts of the city are very walkable.

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 Birmingham Worth Visiting? and Is Limerick Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Birmingham?

How long in Birmingham or Limerick?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Birmingham or Limerick to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Birmingham than Limerick because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Birmingham, and 1-2 days is enough time in Limerick.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Birmingham or Limerick? Ideal Length of Stay
    Birmingham 1-5 
    Limerick 1-2

One day in Birmingham or Limerick?

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

With museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy city of Limerick, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Limerick, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Birmingham or Limerick?

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of Limerick, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Birmingham or Limerick?

Birmingham is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Birmingham, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Limerick, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Birmingham or Limerick?

Birmingham is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Limerick or Birmingham?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Birmingham is £133, 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 Birmingham and Limerick in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Birmingham £66
    Limerick £42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Birmingham £132
    Limerick £84
Compare Hotels in Birmingham and Limerick

Looking for a hotel in Birmingham 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 Birmingham


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: Birmingham Hotel Prices and Limerick Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Birmingham £25
    Limerick £34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Birmingham

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

  • Birmingham to Heathrow Airport private taxi transfers: $280
  • Private Transfer from Birmingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $199
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to City centre: $114
  • Birmingham Private Transfer from Birmingham city centre to Birmingham Airport: $114
  • Birmingham Airport (BHX): Private Transfer to Birmingham: $111
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Airport BHX to Birmingham City in Luxury Car: $101
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport BHX to Birmingham in Luxury Van: $76
  • Birmingham Airport Transfers: Birmingham City to Airport BHX in Business Car: $64
  • Private Birmingham Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $57
  • Private Transfer from Birmingham Airport to Birmingham City: $36
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Birmingham: $8.12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Limerick

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Birmingham or Limerick?

Prices for flights to both Limerick and Birmingham 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
    Birmingham £38
    Limerick £30
Typical Food Prices in Birmingham

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Birmingham:


  • Two Subs at Birmingham Bus Station
    £5.58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Birmingham

For Birmingham, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking and Food Tour: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Birmingham £48
    Limerick £15

Tours and Activities in Birmingham

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

  • 2.5-Hours Walking Tour of Birmingham into Black Heritage Madiba: $18
  • Best of Birmingham 12km Running Tour: $76
  • Birmingham : Must-see Attractions Private Walking Tour: $75
  • Birmingham : Private Custom Walking Tour With a Local Guide: $86
  • Birmingham Beer Bike - Private 1h tour with unlimited drinks: $625
  • Birmingham City Centre Daily Walking Tour (10:30am & 5pm): $15
  • Birmingham Gangs Nighttime Historical Walking Tour with Pub Stops: $32
  • Birmingham Private Ghosts and Gallows Tour: $144
  • Birmingham Private Guided Walking Tour: $267
  • Birmingham Private Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Birmingham Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $235
  • Birmingham Slogging Gangs Walking Tour with Edward Shelby: $25

Tours and Activities in Limerick

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Birmingham £11
    Limerick £10

Sample the Local Flavors in Birmingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Birmingham:

  • Birmingham Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Birmingham and Limerick, we can see that Birmingham 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 Birmingham would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Birmingham 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 Birmingham Expensive? and Is Limerick Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Birmingham or Limerick?

Birmingham has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Birmingham 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 Birmingham or Limerick?

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 Birmingham or Limerick in the Summer?

Both Limerick and Birmingham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Birmingham because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Limerick this time of year.

In July, Birmingham is generally around the same temperature as Limerick. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 17°C (63°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Birmingham usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during summer. Birmingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Limerick. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Birmingham 17°C (63°F) 
    Limerick 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Limerick in the Autumn?

Both Limerick and Birmingham during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Birmingham this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Limerick for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Birmingham is around the same temperature as Limerick in the autumn. The daily temperature in Birmingham averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Limerick fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Birmingham often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Birmingham gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in October than Limerick. Birmingham gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Birmingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Limerick 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Birmingham or Limerick in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Birmingham and Limerick. Many travelers come to Birmingham for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Limerick in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Birmingham. In the winter, Birmingham is much colder than Limerick. Typically, the winter temperatures in Birmingham in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Limerick averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Birmingham usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during winter. Birmingham gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Birmingham usually receives less rain than Limerick. Birmingham gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Birmingham or Limerick in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Birmingham as well as Limerick. Additionally, most visitors come to Limerick for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Birmingham is generally around the same temperature as Limerick. Daily temperatures in Birmingham average around 9°C (48°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Birmingham often gets less sunshine than Limerick. Birmingham gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun.

Birmingham usually gets less rain in April than Limerick. Birmingham gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Birmingham 9°C (48°F) 
    Limerick 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Limerick and Birmingham

Birmingham Limerick
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)


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