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

Should you visit Ghent 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 Ghent 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.

Ghent

Ghent is a historic, under-rated, and youthful city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Killarney

Killarney is a natural, peaceful, and charming town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Ghent and Killarney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Killarney?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ghent. Although Ghent and Killarney are both popular with visitors, Ghent has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ghent is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Killarney is known for its hiking and small town charm. Killarney is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its access to Killarney National Park and its location along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also home to The Fortress of Gravensteen.

How is Ghent different from Killarney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ghent 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 Ghent. The city has many different sights that are concentrated in a compact area. Make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Bavo, The Fortress of Gravensteen, and The Belfry. The audio tour at Gravensteen really brings the history to life and makes for an enjoyable activity.

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 Ghent or Killarney? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ghent 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, Ghent makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is diverse and international, but there are also many local dishes and flavors that you should try. Pas de Rouge is a local cheese and mastel is a local bread. Ganda ham is also a popular meat that is dried and salted. In additional to traditional restaurants, you'll find almost any international cuisine that you could want.

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 Ghent or Killarney Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is terrific for nightlife. However, Killarney is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Ghent is a must-see party destination. With its young student population, you'll find plenty of lively bars and clubs around town. There are many places where you can party or dance into the early hours of the morning and some of the best places are around Oude Beestenmarkt, De Overpoort, and De Vlasmarkt. There's also the famous Ghent Festival every July.

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 Ghent or Killarney Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is well known for its historic old town. However, Killarney does not have a historic old town.

Ghent is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Killarney does not have a historic old town.

Is Ghent or Killarney Better for Hiking?

Killarney is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Killarney is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Killarney?

Ghent is well known for shopping. However, Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Ghent is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has the largest pedestrian shopping area in Belgium, making it a great place to explore on foot. The city has several different shopping areas which each have their own style and personality. You'll find everything from major European brands to local boutiques and street markets.

Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ghent or Killarney Better for Families?

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

Ghent is a family-friendly city. The city has a fun atmosphere with kid-friendly restaurants and a number of attractions that appeal to all ages. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Gravensteen, which is the "Castle of Counts". You can also take a boat tour, rent bikes, or head to one of the town's playgrounds so the kids can burn off some energy.

Is Ghent or Killarney Better for Couples?

Ghent and Killarney both very good destinations for a couple.

Ghent is a very popular place to visit for couples. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Killarney makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Killarney National Park. You can also go kayaking, biking, horseback riding or relax at The Angsana Spa.

Is Ghent or Killarney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ghent and Killarney are good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ghent. The city has a number of hostels to choose from as well as a young vibe with a large student population. Many people overlook Ghent, but it feels more genuine than nearby Bruges, which attracts the larger tourist crowds.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Is Ghent or Killarney Better for Students?

Ghent is terrific for students. However, Killarney is not popular with students.

Ghent is a very popular city for students. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Killarney is not popular with students.

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

Ghent 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 Ghent can take you anywhere. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

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

Is Ghent or Killarney a more walkable city?

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

Ghent is very walkable. The area's with the most tourist attractions are generally walkable.

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 Ghent Worth Visiting? and Is Killarney Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Killarney or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Killarney?

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

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

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

One day in Ghent or Killarney?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Ghent. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ghent has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Killarney, many people enjoy the food and museums that this local destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Ghent or Killarney?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Killarney. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Ghent or Killarney?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the youthful city of Ghent. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Killarney is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Killarney. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Ghent or Killarney?

Ghent is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the natural destination of Killarney. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Killarney?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Killarney. Most visitors come to Ghent for 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.

Ghent is a little warmer than Killarney in the summer. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Killarney fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ghent usually receives more sunshine than Killarney during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives less rain than Killarney. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Killarney in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Killarney. The autumn months attract visitors to Ghent because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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, Ghent is around the same temperature as Killarney. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ghent in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Killarney averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Ghent often gets more sunshine than Killarney. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 79 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Killarney. Ghent usually gets less rain in October than Killarney. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Killarney in the Winter?

Both Killarney and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Killarney for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Ghent in the winter. In January, Ghent is generally much colder than Killarney. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 3°C (38°F), and Killarney fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Ghent usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Killarney during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Killarney. In January, Ghent usually receives less rain than Killarney. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Killarney in the Spring?

Both Killarney and Ghent during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ghent for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Killarney in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Ghent is around the same temperature as Killarney in the spring. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Killarney fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Ghent often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Killarney. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 150 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in April than Killarney. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Killarney and Ghent