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

Should you visit Bristol or Kilkenny?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bristol and Kilkenny can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bristol

Bristol is a friendly, authentic, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a active, ancient, and medieval town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bristol and Kilkenny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Kilkenny?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bristol. Although Bristol and Kilkenny are both popular with visitors, Bristol has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bristol is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kilkenny is known for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Bristol is popular for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. It is also home to The Bristol Harbour. Kilkenny is popular for its medieval castle and long running history.

How is Bristol different from Kilkenny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Kilkenny and Bristol.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bristol. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Kilkenny. 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.

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

Kilkenny is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kilkenny has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Bristol offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Is Bristol or Kilkenny Better for Nightlife?

Bristol is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Bristol know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

If you're looking for night time activities Kilkenny has a few options to choose from. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Is Bristol or Kilkenny Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny is great for its historic old town charm. However, Bristol does not have a historic old town.

Kilkenny is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Bristol does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Kilkenny?

Bristol is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Bristol is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

Kilkenny has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Bristol or Kilkenny Better for Families?

Kilkenny is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bristol 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 Kilkenny. 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.

Bristol is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Is Bristol or Kilkenny Better for Couples?

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

Kilkenny is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Bristol is a nice destination for couples. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Is Bristol or Kilkenny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Kilkenny is a good town to visit for backpackers. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Bristol or Kilkenny Better for Students?

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

Bristol is popular with students. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

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

Bristol and Kilkenny both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Bristol offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

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

Is Bristol or Kilkenny a more walkable city?

Bristol and Kilkenny are superb when it comes to walkability.

Bristol is a very walkable destination. The city center is well designed for walking.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kilkenny or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Kilkenny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bristol or Kilkenny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bristol 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 Bristol, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kilkenny.

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

The city of Bristol 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.

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 Bristol or Kilkenny?

Bristol 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 Bristol, 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 Bristol or Kilkenny?

Bristol 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 Bristol or Kilkenny?

Bristol 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in 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 Bristol and Kilkenny, we can see that Bristol 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 Bristol would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bristol 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 Bristol Expensive? and Is Kilkenny Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bristol or Kilkenny?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Bristol 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 Bristol or Kilkenny?

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 Bristol or Kilkenny in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Kilkenny. Many visitors come to Bristol in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Kilkenny for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Bristol is generally a little warmer than Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 18°C (64°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Bristol usually gets less rain in July than Kilkenny. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Kilkenny in the Autumn?

Both Kilkenny and Bristol are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bristol for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Bristol is a little warmer than Kilkenny in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In October, Bristol usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kilkenny. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bristol or Kilkenny in the Winter?

Both Kilkenny and Bristol during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Bristol because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year.

In the winter, Bristol is a little warmer than Kilkenny. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bristol in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Bristol usually gets more rain in January than Kilkenny. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Kilkenny in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Kilkenny. The activities around the city are the main draw to Bristol this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kilkenny for the natural beauty.

In April, Bristol is generally a little warmer than Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 10°C (50°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In April, Bristol usually receives less rain than Kilkenny. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kilkenny and Bristol