A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Geneva vs. Killarney for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Geneva or Killarney?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Geneva and Killarney. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Geneva

Geneva is a professional, classy, and diverse city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Killarney

Killarney is a charming, local, and natural town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Geneva and Killarney: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Geneva or Killarney?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Geneva. Although Geneva and Killarney are both popular with visitors, Geneva has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Geneva is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Killarney is known for its hiking and small town charm. Killarney is more touristy than Geneva and is known for its access to Killarney National Park and its location along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Geneva is popular for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. It is also home to The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau).

How is Geneva different from Killarney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Geneva or Killarney?

Geneva
Killarney

Geneva 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 Geneva. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

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 Geneva or Killarney? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Geneva
Killarney

Geneva is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Killarney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Geneva makes for a great culinary experience. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

Killarney has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Geneva or Killarney Better for Nightlife?

Geneva
Killarney

Geneva is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Killarney is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Geneva has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

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 Geneva or Killarney Better for its Old Town?

Geneva
Killarney

Geneva is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Killarney does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Geneva to see the historical old town. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Killarney does not have a historic old town.


Is Geneva or Killarney Better for Hiking?

Geneva
Killarney

Killarney is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Geneva is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Killarney. 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.

Geneva is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Killarney?

Geneva
Killarney

Geneva is terrific for shopping. However, Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Geneva is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Geneva or Killarney Better for Families?

Geneva
Killarney

Killarney is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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

Geneva offers lots of family activities. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.


Is Geneva or Killarney Better for Couples?

Geneva
Killarney

Killarney is a great destination for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Killarney frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Killarney National Park. You can also go kayaking, biking, horseback riding or relax at The Angsana Spa.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Is Geneva or Killarney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Geneva
Killarney

Killarney is a good destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Killarney. 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.

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is Geneva or Killarney Better for Students?

Geneva
Killarney

Geneva is well known for students. However, Killarney is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Geneva. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

Killarney is not popular with students.


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

Geneva
Killarney

Geneva is terrific for its public transit. However, Killarney is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Geneva can take you anywhere. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

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

Is Geneva or Killarney a more walkable city?

Geneva
Killarney

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

Geneva is very walkable. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

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 Geneva Worth Visiting? and Is Killarney Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Killarney or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Killarney?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Geneva or Killarney? Ideal Length of Stay
    Geneva 1-3 
    Killarney 2-3

One day in Geneva or Killarney?

People visit Geneva because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Geneva has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Killarney. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Geneva or Killarney?

People visit Geneva because there is so much to do. 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.

Killarney 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 Geneva or Killarney?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the international city of Geneva. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Killarney. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Geneva or Killarney?

Geneva 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the natural destination of Killarney. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Killarney or Geneva?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Geneva is $210, while the average daily cost in Killarney is $179. 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 Geneva and Killarney in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Geneva $145
    Killarney $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Geneva $290
    Killarney $220
Compare Hotels in Geneva and Killarney

Looking for a hotel in Geneva or Killarney? 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 Geneva


Hotels in Killarney


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: Geneva Hotel Prices and Killarney Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Geneva $9.38
    Killarney $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:

  • Airport Transfer Geneva Airport to Villars sur Ollon: $361
  • Airport transfer - Geneva city center: $134
  • Arrival Transfer from Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Sedan: $73
  • Departure Transfer from Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by MiniVan: $95
  • From Private Transfer to Chamonix Mont Blanc: $267
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Chamonix (FR) - Arrival Private Transfer: $131
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Chamonix (FR) - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $262
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Courchevel (FR) Arrival Private Transfer: $174
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Geneva - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Lausanne - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Meribel (FR) - Arrival Private Transfer: $195
  • Geneva Airport (GVA) to Montreux - Arrival Private Transfer: $135

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Killarney

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Killarney:

  • Cork Airport Private Transfer: Killarney to Cork Airport: $282
  • Kerry Airport Transfers: Killarney to Kerry Airport: $53
  • Killarney - Shannon Airport | Private Transfer & Car Service: $348

Is it cheaper to fly into Geneva or Killarney?

Prices for flights to both Killarney and Geneva 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
    Geneva $52
    Killarney $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.

  • Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $144
  • City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class: $185
  • Food tour in Geneva: $2,406

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Killarney

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Killarney.

  • Killarney Jaunting Car Tour with Craft Brewery Beer & Pizza: $76
  • Killarney Food Tour: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Geneva $30
    Killarney $20

Tours and Activities in Geneva

Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Geneva Lakeside Stroll: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Geneva Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $8.02
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
  • International District Self-Guided City Sightseeing: $15
  • Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
  • Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16

Tours and Activities in Killarney

Here are a few actual costs in Killarney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 hour Lake Cruise on Killarney's Largest Lake: $16
  • Killarney Hop - On, Hop - Off Tour: $16
  • Guided Killarney National Park Walking Tour: $17
  • Self-Guided Bike Tour of Killarney National Park, Muckross Gardens & Waterfall: $22
  • Guided Boat Tour to Innisfallen Island: $22
  • Cruise Tour on Kenmare Bay: $27
  • Self Guided Bike Tour on theTralee to Fenit Greenway: $27
  • Muckross House and Gardens, Killarney - Scenic Tour (Minimum 4 People - 1 way).: $33
  • Full-Day Ring of Kerry Tour from Killarney: $35
  • Boat Only Ticket (Walk the Gap of Dunloe): $35
  • Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours in Killarney : $36
  • Killarney Carriage Tours National Park and Lakes: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Geneva $22
    Killarney $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Killarney

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Killarney:

  • Jaunting Car Tour with Craft Brewery Visit: $75


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

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


Which is Bigger, Geneva or Killarney?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Killarney. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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 Geneva or Killarney?

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 Geneva or Killarney in the Summer?

Both Killarney and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Killarney because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Geneva is a little warmer than Killarney in the summer. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Killarney fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Geneva. Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Killarney during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Geneva usually receives less rain than Killarney. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Geneva 22°C (71°F) 
    Killarney 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Killarney in the Autumn?

Both Killarney and Geneva during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Geneva because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Killarney this time of year.

In the autumn, Geneva is a little warmer than Killarney. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Geneva in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Killarney averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Killarney. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 79 hours of full sun.

Killarney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Geneva usually gets less rain in October than Killarney. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Geneva 14°C (56°F) 
    Killarney 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Killarney in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Geneva in the winter. In January, Geneva is generally much colder than Killarney. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 4°C (39°F), and Killarney fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Killarney during winter. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

Killarney receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Geneva usually receives less rain than Killarney. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Geneva 4°C (39°F) 
    Killarney 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Geneva or Killarney in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Killarney. Many travelers come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Killarney in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Geneva is a little warmer than Killarney in the spring. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Killarney fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Killarney. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 150 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets less rain in April than Killarney. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Geneva 11°C (53°F) 
    Killarney 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Killarney and Geneva

Geneva Killarney
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 14°C (56°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 156 mm (6.2 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)