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

Should you visit Bristol or Limerick?

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 Limerick 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Limerick

Limerick is a fun-filled, historic, and outdoorsy city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bristol and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Bristol or Limerick?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bristol than Limerick. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bristol is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Limerick attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Bristol is famous for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. It is also well known for The Bristol Harbour. Limerick is famous for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Bristol different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bristol
Limerick

Bristol 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 Bristol specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

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

Bristol
Limerick

Dining out at restaurants in both Bristol and Limerick 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.

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.

Is Bristol or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

Bristol
Limerick

Bristol 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 Bristol has something for everybody. 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.

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 the Shopping Better in Bristol or Limerick?

Bristol
Limerick

Bristol 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 Bristol. 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.

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 Bristol or Limerick Better for Families?

Bristol
Limerick

Both Bristol and Limerick are nice to visit with kids.

Bristol offers lots of family activities. 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.

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 Bristol or Limerick Better for Couples?

Bristol
Limerick

Both Bristol and Limerick are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bristol is a good city for couples to visit. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

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 Bristol or Limerick Better for Students?

Bristol
Limerick

For students, both Bristol and Limerick are nice places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Bristol. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

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


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

Bristol
Limerick

Bristol and Limerick both offer nice 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.

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

Is Bristol or Limerick a more walkable city?

Bristol
Limerick

Bristol 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.

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

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 Bristol Worth Visiting? and Is Limerick Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Limerick?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Bristol or Limerick? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bristol 1-3 
    Limerick 1-2

One day in Bristol or Limerick?

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 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 Bristol or Limerick?

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 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 Bristol or Limerick?

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.

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 Bristol or Limerick?

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 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Limerick or Bristol?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bristol is £91, 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 Bristol and Limerick in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bristol £49
    Limerick £42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bristol £98
    Limerick £84
Compare Hotels in Bristol and Limerick

Looking for a hotel in Bristol 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 Bristol


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: Bristol Hotel Prices and Limerick Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bristol £13
    Limerick £34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bristol

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

  • Bristol Airport (BRS): Transfer to Southampton city hotels: $781
  • Bristol Airport (BRS): Private Transfer to London city: $680
  • Private Transfer from Bristol Airport (BRS) to Southampton City : $205
  • Bristol Airport (BRS) to Southampton hotels - Arrival Transfer: $172
  • Bristol Airport to London City Hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $160
  • Bristol Airport (BRS): Private Transfer to Bristol City: $148
  • Bristol Airport Transfers: Bristol City to Bristol Airport BRS in Luxury Car: $108
  • Bristol Airport Transfers: Bristol Airport BRS to Bristol City in Luxury Van: $99
  • Departure Private Transfers: Bristol City to Bristol Airport BRS in Luxury Van: $99
  • Bristol Airport Transfers: Bristol City to Bristol Airport BRS in Luxury Van: $99
  • Bristol Airport Transfers: Bristol City to Bristol Airport BRS in Business Car: $90
  • Departure Private Transfers: Bristol City to Bristol Airport BRS in Business Car: $90

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 Bristol or Limerick?

Prices for flights to both Limerick and Bristol 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
    Bristol £32
    Limerick £30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bristol

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

  • (Thur 7pm) Comedy Magic Show includes 1x Pizza & 2 glasses of Prosecco: $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bristol £13
    Limerick £15

Tours and Activities in Bristol

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

  • 2 Hours Private Walking to Bristol Cider Tour with Cheese: $45
  • Afternoon Bath City Tour - Private tour from Bristol with a local guide: $280
  • Blackbeard to Banksy - The Ultimate Walking Tour of Bristol: $17
  • Bristol Harbourside Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Bristol Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Bristol Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Bristol Sketching Tour for Beginners and Improvers: $38
  • Bristol Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Bristol private pub hopping and sightseeing with local guide: $114
  • Bristol's Brilliant Pubs: A Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour of the Old City: $6.99
  • Bristol's Time-Honored Pubs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Bristol’s Darkest Secrets Tour: $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
    Bristol £11
    Limerick £10

Sample the Local Flavors in Bristol

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bristol:

  • Bristol’s Best Brewery Taprooms: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99


When comparing the travel costs between Bristol and Limerick, we can see that Limerick 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 Bristol Expensive? and Is Limerick Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bristol or Limerick?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol or Limerick in the Summer?

Both Limerick and Bristol are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bristol in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Limerick for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bristol is a little warmer than Limerick in the summer. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Limerick fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In July, Bristol usually receives less rain than Limerick. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bristol 18°C (64°F) 
    Limerick 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Bristol or Limerick in the Autumn?

Both Limerick and Bristol during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bristol for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Limerick because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bristol is a little warmer than Limerick. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bristol in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Limerick averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Bristol usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Limerick. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bristol 13°C (55°F) 
    Limerick 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Bristol or Limerick in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Limerick. 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 Limerick this time of year.

In January, Bristol is generally around the same temperature as Limerick. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 6°C (43°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In January, Bristol usually receives less rain than Limerick. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bristol 6°C (43°F) 
    Limerick 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Bristol or Limerick in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Limerick. The activities around the city are the main draw to Bristol this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Limerick for the natural beauty.

Bristol is a little warmer than Limerick in the spring. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Limerick fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bristol usually gets less rain in April than Limerick. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bristol 10°C (50°F) 
    Limerick 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Limerick and Bristol

Bristol Limerick
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)


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