A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isle of Skye vs. Kilkenny for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Kilkenny?

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 Isle of Skye and Kilkenny. 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.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a scenic, picturesque, and stunning island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a medieval, fascinating, and active town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Isle of Skye and Kilkenny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Kilkenny?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kilkenny. Although Isle of Skye and Kilkenny are popular destinations, Kilkenny has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kilkenny is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Isle of Skye attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Isle of Skye is more touristy than Kilkenny and is popular for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. Kilkenny is famous for its medieval castle and long running history. It is also well known for The Kilkenny Castle.

The Kilkenny Castle

How is Isle of Skye different from Kilkenny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isle of Skye or Kilkenny?

Kilkenny is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Kilkenny. 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.

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Kilkenny? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Isle of Skye and Kilkenny.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Isle of Skye. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kilkenny. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Is Isle of Skye or Kilkenny Better for Nightlife?

Kilkenny is a good destination for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Kilkenny Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is a great destination for the beache. However, Kilkenny is not a beach destination.

Isle of Skye is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

Kilkenny is not a beach destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Kilkenny Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Is Isle of Skye or Kilkenny Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye is terrific for its hiking experiences. However, Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Isle of Skye specifically for its hiking. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Kilkenny?

Kilkenny is a good destination for shopping. However, Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kilkenny. 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.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Kilkenny Better for Families?

Kilkenny is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Isle of Skye is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Kilkenny is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Isle of Skye. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

Is Isle of Skye or Kilkenny Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye and Kilkenny both high quality destinations for a couple.

Isle of Skye makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

Couples visit Kilkenny frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Isle of Skye or Kilkenny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isle of Skye is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Isle of Skye is a great island to visit for backpackers. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kilkenny. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

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

Kilkenny is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

Is Isle of Skye or Kilkenny a more walkable city?

Kilkenny is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

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

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting? and Is Kilkenny Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kilkenny or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Kilkenny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Isle of Skye or Kilkenny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Isle of Skye than Kilkenny because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Isle of Skye, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kilkenny.

Families should spend more time in Kilkenny than Isle of Skye. 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 Isle of Skye. 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.

One day in Isle of Skye or Kilkenny?

The beautiful island of Isle of Skye offers food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Kilkenny, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this active town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Kilkenny?

Isle of Skye is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island 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 Isle of Skye, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kilkenny is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isle of Skye or Kilkenny?

Isle of Skye is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Isle of Skye, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the medieval destination of Kilkenny. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isle of Skye or Kilkenny?

Isle of Skye is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Kilkenny is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Kilkenny?

Kilkenny has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Kilkenny in the Summer?

Both Kilkenny and Isle of Skye during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Isle of Skye for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kilkenny in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Isle of Skye is cooler than Kilkenny. Typically, the summer temperatures in Isle of Skye in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 15°C (60°F).

In the summer, Isle of Skye often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 131 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in July than Kilkenny. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Kilkenny in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Kilkenny. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kilkenny for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Isle of Skye is generally cooler than Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 9°C (49°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kilkenny during autumn. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Isle of Skye gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Kilkenny. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Kilkenny in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Kilkenny. Most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Isle of Skye can be very cold during winter. Isle of Skye is cooler than Kilkenny in the winter. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Kilkenny. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 50 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye receives a lot of rain in the winter. Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in January than Kilkenny. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Kilkenny in the Spring?

Both Kilkenny and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Isle of Skye because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year.

In the spring, Isle of Skye is cooler than Kilkenny. Typically, the spring temperatures in Isle of Skye in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during spring. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 139 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Kilkenny. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kilkenny and Isle of Skye