Which place is cheaper, Killarney or Hofn?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hofn or Killarney?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hofn or Killarney, 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 Killarney?
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.
Killarney
Rated by TripAdvisor as Ireland's most popular travel destination for 2015, Killarney attracts many visitors each year for its natural heritage, history, and its location on the Ring of Kerry (a 179-km-long circular tourist route in County Kerry, south-western Ireland). Dating back to early Irish history with religious settlements, Killarney's rich history lays evident in the ruins of various abbeys, monasteries, and castles. The archaeological sites are popular with tourists as well as the town's natural wonders, gift shops, pubs, and horse-drawn carriages.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHofn $151Killarney $179
The average daily cost (per person) in Hofn is $151, 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 Hofn and Killarney in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHofn $97Killarney $110
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHofn $194Killarney $220
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Killarney
Looking for a hotel in Hofn 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.
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 Killarney Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hofn $27Killarney $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Killarney
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Killarney:
- Killarney - Shannon Airport | Private Transfer & Car Service: $348
- Cork Airport Private Transfer: Killarney to Cork Airport: $282
- Kerry Airport Transfers: Killarney to Kerry Airport: $53
Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Killarney?
Prices for flights to both Killarney 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
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Food Meals for one dayHofn $36Killarney $49
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hofn $18Killarney $20
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 Killarney
Here are a few actual costs in Killarney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Hour Guided Carriage Tour in Killarney National Park: $38
- 1 hour Lake Cruise on Killarney's Largest Lake: $16
- Boat Only Ticket (Walk the Gap of Dunloe): $35
- Bus & Boat Tour: $63
- Bus, Boat & Jaunting Cart Tour (Jaunting Cart Paid Separately) : $63
- Cruise Tour on Kenmare Bay: $27
- Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head Day Tour: $39
- From Portmagee & Skellig Ring Full-Day Tour: $75
- Full-Day Ring of Kerry Tour from Killarney: $35
- Full-Day Tour of the Dingle Peninsula, Slea Head, and Inch Beach: $65
- Gap of Dunloe & Lakes of Killlarney Boat Tour: $59
- Gap of Dunloe Day Tour and Boat Ride from Killarney: $44
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHofn $12Killarney $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 Hofn and Killarney, we can see that Killarney is more expensive. And not only is Hofn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hofn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hofn 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 Hofn.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hofn Expensive? and Is Killarney Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hofn or Killarney?
Killarney has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn 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 Hofn or Killarney?
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 Killarney in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Killarney. Additionally, many travelers come to Killarney for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Hofn is generally much colder than Killarney. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 9°C (48°F), and Killarney fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Hofn usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Killarney. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHofn 9°C (48°F)Killarney 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Killarney in the Autumn?
Both Killarney and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Killarney in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Hofn. Hofn is much colder than Killarney in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 4°C (40°F) in October, and Killarney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Killarney. It's quite rainy in Hofn. In October, Hofn usually receives around the same amount of rain as Killarney. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHofn 4°C (40°F)Killarney 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Killarney in the Winter?
Both Killarney and Hofn during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Killarney for the museums and the cuisine during these months.
Hofn can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Hofn is much colder than Killarney. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hofn in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Killarney averages at about 7°C (44°F).
Killarney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets less rain in January than Killarney. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHofn -0°C (31°F)Killarney 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Killarney in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Killarney. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Killarney because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Hofn can be very cold during spring. In April, Hofn is generally much colder than Killarney. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 2°C (36°F), and Killarney fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In April, Hofn usually receives more rain than Killarney. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHofn 2°C (36°F)Killarney 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for Killarney and Hofn
| Hofn | Killarney | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (31°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 0°C (32°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| Mar | 0°C (32°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| May | 5°C (40°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 8°C (46°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (48°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Aug | 9°C (48°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Oct | 4°C (40°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 156 mm (6.2 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (34°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 159 mm (6.3 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.