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

Should you visit Dundee or Kilkenny?

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

Should I visit Dundee or Kilkenny? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Dundee

Dundee is a cultural, historic, and coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a ancient, medieval, and fascinating town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dundee and Kilkenny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dundee or Kilkenny?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dundee. Although Dundee and Kilkenny are popular destinations, Dundee has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dundee is very popular for its big city activities, while Kilkenny attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Kilkenny is more touristy than Dundee and is known for its medieval castle and long running history. Dundee is famous for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design. It is also well known for Discovery Point and RRS Discovery.

How is Dundee different from Kilkenny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Kilkenny offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Dundee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.

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

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kilkenny makes for a great culinary experience. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Dundee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

Is Dundee or Kilkenny Better for Nightlife?

Both Dundee and Kilkenny are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dundee. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kilkenny. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Is Dundee or Kilkenny Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Dundee does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Kilkenny. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Dundee does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dundee or Kilkenny?

Kilkenny is a popular place for shopping. However, Dundee is not a good city for its shopping opportunities.

Kilkenny is a great destination for shopping. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Dundee has some nice offerings. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Is Dundee or Kilkenny Better for Families?

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Kilkenny is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Dundee is a family-friendly city. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.

Is Dundee or Kilkenny Better for Couples?

Kilkenny is a well-known place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Kilkenny is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Most people don't think of Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.

Is Dundee or Kilkenny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny is a popular place for backpackers. However, Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kilkenny. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Dundee or Kilkenny Better for Students?

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

Dundee is popular with students. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

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

Both Dundee and Kilkenny offer nice public transit options.

Dundee has a few public transit options. The city has a public bus system.

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

Is Dundee or Kilkenny a more walkable city?

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Dundee is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walks through the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Kilkenny or Dundee?

How long in Dundee or Kilkenny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dundee or Kilkenny to fill your time. In our opinion, Kilkenny has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Kilkenny than Dundee. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kilkenny. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Dundee or Kilkenny?

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

Kilkenny is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dundee or Kilkenny?

Dundee 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kilkenny. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dundee or Kilkenny?

Dundee 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the ancient destination of Kilkenny. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, 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 Dundee and Kilkenny, we can see that Dundee 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 Dundee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dundee 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 Dundee Expensive? and Is Kilkenny Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dundee or Kilkenny?

Dundee has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Dundee 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 Dundee or Kilkenny?

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 Dundee or Kilkenny in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dundee and Kilkenny. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dundee this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kilkenny for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dundee is around the same temperature as Kilkenny. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dundee in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 15°C (60°F).

Dundee usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during summer. Dundee gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 131 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dundee usually receives less rain than Kilkenny. Dundee gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dundee or Kilkenny in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dundee as well as Kilkenny. Many travelers come to Dundee for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Kilkenny in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dundee is generally cooler than Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 10°C (49°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Dundee often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. Dundee gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 83 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in October than Kilkenny. Dundee gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dundee or Kilkenny in the Winter?

Both Kilkenny and Dundee are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dundee in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kilkenny for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Dundee can get quite cold in the winter. Dundee is much colder than Kilkenny in the winter. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Dundee usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during winter. Dundee gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dundee usually receives less rain than Kilkenny. Dundee gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dundee or Kilkenny in the Spring?

Both Kilkenny and Dundee during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dundee for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dundee is cooler than Kilkenny. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dundee in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Dundee often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. Dundee gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 139 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in April than Kilkenny. Dundee gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kilkenny and Dundee