Which place is cheaper, Limerick or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Limerick?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Limerick? 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.
Where Should I go: Funchal or Limerick?
Funchal
Funchal is the capital city of the autonomous region of Madeira on the island of Madeira. The city is located to the south between the cities of Santa Cruz and Camara de Lobos. It is actually named for the fennel plant which grows liberally on the island. The city was most significant as a shipping center between the 15th and 17th centuries. Today it has a population of over 100,000 people and is, arguably, one of the most picturesque cities in Portugal. It's appeal as a tourist destination has made it the leading Portuguese port for cruise line dockings.
Limerick
Limerick is a city located in the Mid-West Region of Ireland on the River Shannon just before it widens and opens into the Atlantic Ocean. The historic core of the city is located on King's Island, bounded by the Shannon and the Abbey River. Historical structures of the city include places like King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral, and the Treaty Stone, amongst others. Having been named Ireland's inaugural National City of Culture, Limerick also attracts visitors due to its wide variety of artistic and cultural events occurring throughout the year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Limerick €108
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, 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 Funchal and Limerick in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Limerick €49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Limerick €98
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Limerick
Looking for a hotel in Funchal 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.
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: Funchal Hotel Prices and Limerick Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Limerick €40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Funchal Airport to Madeira Island: $123
- PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $71
- Sunrise Transfer to Hike Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo: $71
- Private Transfer from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport to Funchal Hotels: $69
- Madeira Airport Transfers Round Trip (FNC): $65
- Private Transfer from Funchal airport to Madeira south area: $59
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Departure Transfer (Funchal Hotels to Madeira Airport): $54
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $54
- Madeira Island Transfers: $53
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
- Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
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 Funchal or Limerick?
Prices for flights to both Limerick and Funchal 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
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Food Meals for one dayFunchal €31Limerick €35
Typical Food Prices in Funchal
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Funchal:
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Coffee€1.40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Funchal
For Funchal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Walking Food Tour Around Funchal: $31
- Madeira Nights Tour - Dinner and Show: $41
- Sunset Tour to Pico do Arieiro with Dinner and Drinks included: $76
- Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $112
- Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $112
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Limerick €17
Tours and Activities in Funchal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.
- Low Cost Wheelchair Handicap Half Day Tour, Fully Accessible Tour : $76
- “Le tour de Churchill” - From Funchal to Câmara de Lobos: $58
- Magnificent East Tour: $33
- 4 Hours Adventure Jeep Tour in Central Madeira Portugal: $47
- 4x4 Jeep Safari Porto Moniz - the "Farowest" tour - Full Day Small Groups : $71
- Accessible Half Day Tour Cabo Girão: $120
- Adventure Trikes Private Tour in Madeira : $158
- Amazing East Tour : $31
- Amazing West - Jeep Safari Tour - Full Day: $60
- Arieiro Peak, Santo da Serra and Cristo Rei 4x4 Experience: $49
- Around The Island - Two Days Tour From 9am To 5pm (Each Day): $65
- Around the island - Two days tour: $82
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Limerick €12
Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal
Also in Funchal, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Skywalk and 4x4 Adventure with Amazing Views and Wine Tasting: $49
- Half day jeep Wine tour and tasting, & sea cliff adventure: $53
- Bestselling Wine Tour, Tasting Experience & Skywalk 4x4 Adventure: $53
- Wine tasting and Jeep Adventure in Madeira's Majestic Countryside: $56
- Pub Crawl: $59
- Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $86
- Amazing Skywalk, Wine Tasting & 4x4 Adventure + Dolphin Watching: $97
- Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $98
- Tuk Tuk Wine Tour - Madeira Island: $102
- Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $109
- Wine Tour by Overland Madeira: $150
- Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $158
When comparing the travel costs between Funchal 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 Funchal Expensive? and Is Limerick Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Limerick?
Funchal has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Funchal 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 Funchal 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 Funchal or Limerick in the Summer?
Both Limerick and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Limerick for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Funchal is a little warmer than Limerick. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Limerick averages at about 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Limerick. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Limerick 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Limerick in the Autumn?
Both Limerick and Funchal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Limerick in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Funchal is generally much warmer than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Limerick. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Limerick 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Limerick in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Limerick. Furthermore, most visitors come to Limerick for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Funchal is much warmer than Limerick in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Limerick fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.
Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Limerick. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Limerick 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Limerick in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Limerick. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Limerick because of the natural beauty.
In the spring, Funchal is much warmer than Limerick. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Limerick averages at about 9°C (48°F).
In the spring, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Limerick. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Limerick 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for Limerick and Funchal
| Funchal | Limerick | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.