A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Inverness vs. Kilkenny for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Inverness or Kilkenny?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Inverness and Kilkenny can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a local, historic, and cultural city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a ancient, medieval, and fascinating town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Inverness and Kilkenny: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Inverness or Kilkenny?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kilkenny than Inverness, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kilkenny is better known for its historical sights and impressive beauty, while Inverness is more popular for its shopping and small town charm. Inverness is more touristy than Kilkenny and is known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. Kilkenny is well known for its medieval castle and long running history. Also, Kilkenny is famous for The Kilkenny Castle.

The Kilkenny Castle
The Kilkenny Castle

How is Inverness different from Kilkenny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Inverness or Kilkenny?

Inverness
Kilkenny

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Inverness and Kilkenny.

Many visitors head to Inverness specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Kilkenny can be an interesting and educational experience. It's seeped in history and there are many historic landmarks in the area including Kilkenny Castle. Also make sure you check out the National Design & Craft Gallery, Saint Mary's Cathedral, and the Medieval Mile Museum.


Is the Food Better in Inverness or Kilkenny? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Inverness
Kilkenny

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Inverness and Kilkenny.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Inverness. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

Kilkenny has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Is Inverness or Kilkenny Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Kilkenny

Both Inverness and Kilkenny are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kilkenny. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Is Inverness or Kilkenny Better for its Old Town?

Inverness
Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its old town. However, Inverness does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Kilkenny. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Inverness does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Kilkenny?

Inverness
Kilkenny

Inverness is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Inverness is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

Kilkenny has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of shopping malls, shopping streets, and local markets. Make sure you check out Market Cross Shopping Centre, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, Connolly's Red Mills, and Castleinch Sunday Market.

Is Inverness or Kilkenny Better for Families?

Inverness
Kilkenny

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

Kilkenny is a very kid-friendly town. The obvious activity is visiting the Kilkenny Castle, but there are so many other adventures that your family can have. You can do the zip line and other outdoor adventures at Castlecomer Discovery Park, try out falconry, or visit the National Reptile Museum. There's also river rafting, kayaking, and many other outdoor adventures in the area.

Inverness is a family-friendly city. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

Is Inverness or Kilkenny Better for Couples?

Inverness
Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Kilkenny is a very popular place to visit for couples. Adventure lovers will enjoy rafting, kayaking, hiking, and cycling through the area. There are also Michelin starred restaurants and other romantic settings that make for a great couple's weekend.

Inverness is a good city for couples to visit. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.


Is Inverness or Kilkenny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Kilkenny

Kilkenny is very good for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kilkenny is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.

Is Inverness or Kilkenny Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Inverness
Kilkenny

Kilkenny is very good for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Kilkenny has a few public transit options. There are city buses through town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.

Is Inverness or Kilkenny a more walkable city?

Inverness
Kilkenny

Inverness and Kilkenny both are very good when exploring on foot.

Inverness is a very walkable city. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

Kilkenny is a very walkable destination. The town is easy to walk around and most areas can be explored on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Inverness Worth Visiting? and Is Kilkenny Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kilkenny or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Kilkenny?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kilkenny than Inverness 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 Kilkenny.


  • How many days in Inverness or Kilkenny? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Kilkenny 1-2

One day in Inverness or Kilkenny?

The city of Inverness offers food and shopping. 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 town of Kilkenny. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kilkenny has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Inverness or Kilkenny?

Inverness 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Inverness, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fascinating destination of Kilkenny. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Inverness or Kilkenny?

Inverness 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 fascinating town of Kilkenny. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Inverness or Kilkenny?

Inverness is a great place to explore. 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.

Kilkenny 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Kilkenny or Inverness?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £168, while the average daily cost in Kilkenny is £76. 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 Inverness and Kilkenny in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Kilkenny £38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Kilkenny £76
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Kilkenny

Looking for a hotel in Inverness 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.

Hotels in Inverness


Hotels in Kilkenny


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: Inverness Hotel Prices and Kilkenny Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Kilkenny £18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Kilkenny?

Prices for flights to both Kilkenny and Inverness 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
    Inverness £49
    Kilkenny £25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Kilkenny £13

Tours and Activities in Inverness

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:

  • City Discovery App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $15
  • Inverness City Daily Walking Tour (11:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm): $15
  • Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $17
  • SEA LIFE Loch Lomond General Admission Ticket: $20
  • Northern Highlights Sightseeing Pass: $25
  • Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views: $27
  • Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch: $38
  • Glenaladale Cruise - Great for wizard spotting!: $38
  • Inverness Bike Tour a 2 hours guided bike tour around the Waterways of Inverness: $39
  • Gaskan cruise - Golden Eagles!: $44
  • Puffin Tour: $57

Tours and Activities in Kilkenny

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

  • Medieval Mile Museum Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.81
  • Historical Highlights Walking Tour: $13
  • Kilkenny city tour in German.: $13
  • Best of Kilkenny, two hour walking tour with a qualified guide: $13
  • Historical tour of Kilkenny in French.: $13
  • The Medieval Mile Museum Guided Tour: $13
  • Guided City Boat Tour with Kilkenny Castle Views: $16
  • Knight For Hire Tour: $16
  • Kilkenny Haunted Dark Tours: $21
  • The Witch Tour: $21
  • Kilkenny Haunted Dark Tours: $21
  • Smithwick's Beer Experience: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Kilkenny £10

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124

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 Inverness and Kilkenny, we can see that Inverness 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 Inverness would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Inverness 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 Inverness Expensive? and Is Kilkenny Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Kilkenny?

Inverness has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Inverness 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 Inverness or Kilkenny?

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 Inverness or Kilkenny in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Kilkenny. The summer months attract visitors to Inverness because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year.

Inverness is around the same temperature as Kilkenny in the summer. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Inverness usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during summer. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 131 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Inverness usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kilkenny. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Kilkenny 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Kilkenny in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Kilkenny. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Inverness this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Kilkenny for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Inverness is cooler than Kilkenny. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Inverness in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Inverness often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kilkenny. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 83 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in October than Kilkenny. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Kilkenny 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Kilkenny in the Winter?

Both Kilkenny and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Inverness for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Kilkenny in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Inverness. In January, Inverness is generally much colder than Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 3°C (38°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Kilkenny during winter. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Inverness usually receives less rain than Kilkenny. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Kilkenny 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Kilkenny in the Spring?

Both Kilkenny and Inverness during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Inverness in the spring for the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Kilkenny for the natural beauty during these months.

Inverness is cooler than Kilkenny in the spring. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Inverness often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kilkenny. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 139 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in April than Kilkenny. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Kilkenny 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Kilkenny and Inverness

Inverness Kilkenny
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)