Which place is cheaper, Kilkenny or Hofn?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hofn or Kilkenny?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hofn or Kilkenny, 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.
Where Should I go: Hofn or Kilkenny?
Hofn
Hofn is a very small fishing town on the southeast of Iceland, measuring just over half a mile across. It is best known for being located in the beautiful Vatnajokull Region, where the largest glacier in Europe is located. Hofn, and the surrounding area, is full of breathtaking natural scenery including lagoons, icefalls, and mountains.
Kilkenny
Kilkenny is a city in the southeast of Ireland with a history dating back to the medieval era. It has a long-established religious heritage with many historic buildings including castles, cathedrals, abbeys, and churches. Kilkenny is also a popular tourist destination due to its rich history as well as its current culture which is very active in the arts.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHofn $151Kilkenny $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Hofn is $151, while the average daily cost in Kilkenny is $95. 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 Hofn and Kilkenny in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHofn $97Kilkenny $47
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHofn $194Kilkenny $94
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Kilkenny
Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Kilkenny? 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: Hofn Hotel Prices and Kilkenny Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hofn $27Kilkenny $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Kilkenny?
Prices for flights to both Kilkenny and Hofn 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 dayHofn $36Kilkenny $31
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hofn $18Kilkenny $16
Tours and Activities in Hofn
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hofn.
- Ice Exploration Tour from the Glacier Lagoon: $129
- Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull: $160
- Sapphire Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón - Extra Small Group: $170
- Crystal Ice Cave Adventure : $185
- Blue Ice Cave Adventure: $284
- Private Iceland Aurora Hunting and Photography Tour from Hofn: $291
Tours and Activities in Kilkenny
Here are a few actual costs in Kilkenny for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Best of Kilkenny, two hour walking tour with a qualified guide: $13
- From Dublin: 5-Day Tour of Ireland's South-East: $1,287
- Fun Family Walking Tour in Kilkenny: $217
- Fun Family walking tour in Kilkenny: $426
- Fun Walking Tour during Christmas in Kilkenny: $533
- Fun Walking Tour during Christmas in Kilkenny: $271
- Historical tour of Kilkenny in French.: $13
- Hurling Tours Ireland - Freshford Experience: $32
- Hurling Tours Ireland - Kilkenny City Experience: $32
- Hurling Tours Ireland - O'Loughlin Gaels : $33
- Kayak and SUP Tours Kilkenny: $27
- Kilkenny Haunted Dark Tours: $21
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHofn $12Kilkenny $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Kilkenny
Also in Kilkenny, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Kilkenny Culinary and Brewery Tour: $150
- Kilkenny Culinary and Brewery Tour : $158
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hofn and Kilkenny, we can see that Hofn is more expensive. And not only is Kilkenny much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kilkenny would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kilkenny 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 Hofn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hofn than you might in Kilkenny.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hofn Expensive? and Is Kilkenny Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hofn or Kilkenny?
Kilkenny has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Kilkenny, 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 Hofn or Kilkenny?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Hofn or Kilkenny in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Kilkenny. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the family-friendly experiences.
Hofn is much colder than Kilkenny in the summer. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 9°C (48°F) in July, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
Hofn usually gets more rain in July than Kilkenny. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHofn 9°C (48°F)Kilkenny 15°C (60°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Kilkenny in the Autumn?
Both Kilkenny and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year.
The weather in Hofn can be very cold. In the autumn, Hofn is much colder than Kilkenny. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hofn in October average around 4°C (40°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 11°C (51°F).
It's quite rainy in Hofn. In October, Hofn usually receives more rain than Kilkenny. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHofn 4°C (40°F)Kilkenny 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Kilkenny in the Winter?
Both Kilkenny and Hofn during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kilkenny for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Hofn in the winter. In January, Hofn is generally much colder than Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around -0°C (31°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets more rain in January than Kilkenny. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHofn -0°C (31°F)Kilkenny 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Kilkenny in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Kilkenny. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kilkenny in the spring for the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Hofn. Hofn is much colder than Kilkenny in the spring. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
In April, Hofn usually receives more rain than Kilkenny. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHofn 2°C (36°F)Kilkenny 8°C (47°F)
Typical Weather for Kilkenny and Hofn
| Hofn | Kilkenny | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (31°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 0°C (32°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 0°C (32°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 5°C (40°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 8°C (46°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (48°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Aug | 9°C (48°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 4°C (40°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (34°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.