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

Should you visit Heraklion or Limerick?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Limerick can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Limerick

Limerick is a outdoorsy, fun-filled, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Heraklion and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Limerick?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Heraklion than Limerick, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Heraklion is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Limerick is known for its impressive beauty. Heraklion is more touristy than Limerick and is known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to The Palace of Knossos. Limerick is popular for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Heraklion different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Heraklion is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Heraklion specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

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.

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

Heraklion is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Heraklion has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

Limerick offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Heraklion or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Heraklion has something for everybody. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

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 Heraklion or Limerick Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a great city for the beach. However, Limerick is not a beach destination.

Heraklion is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Limerick is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Limerick?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Heraklion and Limerick.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Heraklion. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Many visitors go to Limerick to go shopping. 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 Heraklion or Limerick Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Limerick are good to visit with kids.

Heraklion is a family-friendly city. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Limerick. 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.

Is Heraklion or Limerick Better for Couples?

Heraklion is a great city for couples. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Heraklion is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

Limerick is a nice destination for couples. 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 Heraklion or Limerick Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Heraklion. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

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 Heraklion or Limerick Better for Students?

Limerick is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Limerick. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Heraklion and Limerick.

Heraklion has some public transit options. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

You'll find some public transit in Limerick, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a city bus service that travels around town.

Is Heraklion or Limerick a more walkable city?

Heraklion is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Heraklion is a very walkable destination. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Limerick?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Heraklion or Limerick to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Heraklion than Limerick because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 1-2 days is enough time in Limerick.

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

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

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

One day in Heraklion or Limerick?

The city of Heraklion offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Heraklion or Limerick?

Heraklion 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Heraklion, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Limerick. 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.

Five days in Heraklion or Limerick?

Heraklion 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Limerick. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Limerick?

Heraklion is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Limerick 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Limerick?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Limerick in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Limerick. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Limerick for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Heraklion is much warmer than Limerick. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Limerick averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Heraklion or Limerick in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Limerick. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Limerick because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in October than Limerick. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Limerick in the Winter?

Both Limerick and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Limerick this time of year.

Heraklion is much warmer than Limerick in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Limerick fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of rain as Limerick. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Limerick in the Spring?

Both Limerick and Heraklion during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Limerick for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Heraklion is much warmer than Limerick. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Limerick averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Limerick. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Limerick and Heraklion