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

Should you visit Faro or Limerick?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Limerick, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Faro

Faro is a active, popular, and busy resort town. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Faro and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Faro or Limerick?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Faro than Limerick, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Faro is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Limerick is more popular for its museums, food, and impressive beauty. Faro is more touristy than Limerick and is known for its historical sights and rich culture. Also, Faro is famous for The Arco da Vila. Limerick is well known for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Faro different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Faro
Limerick

Limerick is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Faro
Limerick

Limerick is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Faro. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.

Is Faro or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

Faro
Limerick

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

The nightlife in Faro has something for everybody. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

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 Faro or Limerick Better for Resorts?

Faro
Limerick

Faro is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Limerick is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Faro is a perfect choice. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Limerick is not a resort destination.


Is Faro or Limerick Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro
Limerick

Faro is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Limerick is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Faro. There are both snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the area. It's possible to snorkel off of several beaches or arrange a scuba diving excursion with a local dive shop.

Limerick is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Limerick Better for Beaches?

Faro
Limerick

Faro is very good for the beach. However, Limerick is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Faro to enjoy the beach. The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.

Limerick is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Limerick Better for its Old Town?

Faro
Limerick

Faro is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Limerick does not have a historic old town.

Faro has an old town worth visiting. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.

Limerick does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Limerick?

Faro
Limerick

If you're looking to go shopping, Faro and Limerick both offer plenty of notable spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Faro. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.

Limerick offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Faro or Limerick Better for Families?

Faro
Limerick

Limerick is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Limerick offers lots of family activities. 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.

Faro is not the most family-friendly destination. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Is Faro or Limerick Better for Couples?

Faro
Limerick

Faro and Limerick are both notable to visit as a couple.

Faro is a nice destination for couples. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

Limerick makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Faro or Limerick Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Faro
Limerick

Faro is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known for backpackers.

Faro is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.

Is Faro or Limerick Better for Students?

Faro
Limerick

Limerick is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Faro is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Limerick. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

Faro is not popular with students.

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

Faro
Limerick

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

While Faro offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

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


Is Faro or Limerick a more walkable city?

Faro
Limerick

Faro and Limerick are notable when it comes to walkability.

Faro is somewhat walkable. The city's old town is particularly walkable.

Limerick is a somewhat walkable place. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Faro Worth Visiting? and Is Limerick Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Faro?

How long in Faro or Limerick?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Faro 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 Faro.


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

One day in Faro or Limerick?

The resort town of Faro offers nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Limerick. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Faro or Limerick?

Faro is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Faro, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Limerick is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in Faro or Limerick?

Faro is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Faro, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Limerick. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Faro or Limerick?

Faro is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort town offers something for everyone.

The fun-filled city of Limerick offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Limerick or Faro?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Faro is €133, while the average daily cost in Limerick is €108. 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 Faro and Limerick in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro 75
    Limerick 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro 150
    Limerick 98
Compare Hotels in Faro and Limerick

Looking for a hotel in Faro 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 Faro


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: Faro Hotel Prices and Limerick Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro 9.52
    Limerick 40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • Airport Transfer to Malaga: $743
  • Airport Transfer to Cadiz: $669
  • Airport Transfer to Sintra: $569
  • Airport Transfer to Lisbon: $533
  • Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 8pax): $481
  • Private Seville airport transfers (up to 8pax): $481
  • Airport Transfer to Sevilla: $476
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Lisboa: $465
  • Airport Transfer to Evora: $414
  • From Faro Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Lisbon: $385
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Sevilha: $380
  • Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 4pax cars): $374

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 Faro or Limerick?

Prices for flights to both Limerick and Faro 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
    Faro 36
    Limerick 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro

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

  • The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $83
  • 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $97
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $162

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Faro 9.41
    Limerick 17

Tours and Activities in Faro

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

  • Faro to Benagil Hiking Tour and Marinha beach: $60
  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27
  • 2:30 Hours Tour: $273
  • 3 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $33
  • 3-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve: $33
  • 5 hours tour in Ria Formosa: $49
  • 5-hour island hopping tour: $60
  • 6 hour boat tour navegating through the Islands of Ria Formosa National Park : $65
  • A Timeless Private Walking Tour Experience in Tavira: $202
  • Algarve Buggy Tours: $202
  • Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour: $55

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
    Faro 3.13
    Limerick 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $19
  • Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $27
  • Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $48


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


Which is Bigger, Faro or Limerick?

Limerick has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro 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 Faro 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 Faro or Limerick in the Summer?

Both Limerick and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Faro for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Limerick because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Faro is generally much warmer than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 25°C (78°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during summer. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Faro usually receives less rain than Limerick. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Faro 25°C (78°F) 
    Limerick 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Faro or Limerick in the Autumn?

Both Limerick and Faro during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Faro because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Limerick this time of year.

Faro is much warmer than Limerick in the autumn. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Limerick fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. In the autumn, Faro often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in October than Limerick. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Faro 20°C (68°F) 
    Limerick 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Faro or Limerick in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Limerick. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Limerick for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Faro is much warmer than Limerick. Typically, the winter temperatures in Faro in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Limerick averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Faro usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during winter. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Faro usually receives less rain than Limerick. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Faro 12°C (54°F) 
    Limerick 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Faro or Limerick in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Faro as well as Limerick. Many travelers come to Faro for the beaches. Additionally, many visitors come to Limerick in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Faro is generally much warmer than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 17°C (62°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In the spring, Faro often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in April than Limerick. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Faro 17°C (62°F) 
    Limerick 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Limerick and Faro

Faro Limerick
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)