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

Should you visit Bristol or Killarney?

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 Killarney 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 historic, diverse, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Killarney

Killarney is a local, natural, and peaceful town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Bristol and Killarney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Killarney?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bristol than Killarney, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bristol is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Killarney is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Killarney is more touristy than Bristol and is popular for its access to Killarney National Park and its location along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Bristol is well known for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. Also, Bristol is famous for The Bristol Harbour.

How is Bristol different from Killarney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bristol is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Killarney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Killarney offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to the area's natural beauty, you should also check out Muckross House Gardens, Muckross Abbey, and Ross Castle.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Bristol and Killarney can be an enjoyable experience.

Bristol is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

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.

Is Bristol or Killarney Better for Nightlife?

Bristol is well known for nightlife. However, Killarney is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Bristol is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

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 Bristol or Killarney Better for Hiking?

Killarney is great for hiking. However, Bristol is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Killarney for the hiking trails. 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.

Bristol is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Killarney?

Bristol is well known for shopping. However, Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Bristol is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bristol or Killarney Better for Families?

Killarney 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 Killarney. 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.

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 Killarney Better for Couples?

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

Killarney is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Killarney National Park. You can also go kayaking, biking, horseback riding or relax at The Angsana Spa.

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 Killarney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Killarney is a good town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Bristol or Killarney Better for Students?

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

Killarney is not popular with students.

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

Bristol is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Killarney is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Bristol, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

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

Is Bristol or Killarney a more walkable city?

Bristol is well known for its walkability. However, Killarney is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

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 Bristol Worth Visiting? and Is Killarney Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Killarney or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Killarney?

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

Families should spend more time in Killarney than Bristol. 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.

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

One day in Bristol or Killarney?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bristol. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bristol 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 Bristol or Killarney?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Bristol. 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 Bristol or Killarney?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Bristol. 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 Bristol or Killarney?

Bristol 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bristol and Killarney, we can see that Killarney is more expensive. And not only is Bristol much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bristol would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bristol 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 Killarney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Killarney than you might in Bristol.

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

Which is Bigger, Bristol or Killarney?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Killarney. When comparing the sizes of Bristol 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 Bristol or Killarney?

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 Killarney in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Killarney. The summer months attract visitors to Bristol because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Killarney this time of year.

In the summer, Bristol is a little warmer than Killarney. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bristol in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Killarney averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Bristol usually gets less rain in July than Killarney. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Killarney in the Autumn?

Both Killarney and Bristol are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bristol this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Killarney for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bristol is generally a little warmer than Killarney. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 13°C (55°F), and Killarney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Killarney. In October, Bristol usually receives less rain than Killarney. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bristol or Killarney in the Winter?

Both Killarney and Bristol during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bristol for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Killarney in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Bristol is cooler than Killarney in the winter. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Killarney fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Killarney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bristol usually gets less rain in January than Killarney. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Killarney in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Killarney. Many visitors come to Bristol in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Killarney for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Bristol is a little warmer than Killarney. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bristol in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Killarney averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In April, Bristol usually receives less rain than Killarney. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Killarney and Bristol