A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kilkenny vs. Cairngorms National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park?

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 Kilkenny and Cairngorms National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a medieval, fascinating, and active town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is a remote, beautiful, and serene national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food and hiking.

Kilkenny and Cairngorms National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kilkenny. Although Kilkenny and Cairngorms National Park are both popular with visitors, Kilkenny has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kilkenny is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Cairngorms National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Cairngorms National Park is more touristy than Kilkenny and is popular for its impressive hikes, scenic natural beauty, and nice mountains. Kilkenny is popular for its medieval castle and long running history. It is also home to The Kilkenny Castle.

The Kilkenny Castle

How is Kilkenny different from Cairngorms National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park?

Kilkenny is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cairngorms National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Kilkenny specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Cairngorms National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kilkenny is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Cairngorms National Park offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the area that offer hearty dishes to fill a hungry hiker.

Is Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park Better for Nightlife?

Kilkenny is very good for its evening party scene. However, Cairngorms National Park 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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Cairngorms National Park 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.

Cairngorms National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park Better for Hiking?

Cairngorms National Park is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Cairngorms National Park. There are hikes for every skill level. You'll find waterfalls, open glens, mountains, and beautiful lakes. Some of the best hikes include the Falls of Bruar, Morrone, and the Seven Bridges Trail.

Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park?

Kilkenny is very good for its shopping areas. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park.

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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Cairngorms National Park. The outdoor wilderness, natural lakes, and fun activities make for a great family holiday. Head to the beach at Loch Morlich or go for a pony trek. You can also take a ride on the Strathspey Steam Railway or if the kids are craving a bit more excitement head to Landmark Forest Adventure Park.

Is Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park Better for Couples?

Both Kilkenny and Cairngorms National Park are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Cairngorms National Park is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The hiking, natural beauty, and stunning setting make for a wonderful couples getaway. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the serene setting and it's not uncommon for some couples to get engaged in this beautiful park.

Is Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny and Cairngorms National Park are good places to visit 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cairngorms National Park. Transportation without a car is basically impossible, but camping is a great way to experience the park to its fullest without breaking the bank.

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

Kilkenny is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Cairngorms National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Cairngorms National Park. To fully explore the park, you really need to have your own vehicle, but there are local buses and trains that travel to the park.

Is Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park a more walkable city?

Kilkenny is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.

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

Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Kilkenny Worth Visiting? and Is Cairngorms National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cairngorms National Park or Kilkenny?

How long in Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park?

In either Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairngorms National Park than Kilkenny because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kilkenny, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairngorms National Park.

Families should spend more time in Kilkenny than Cairngorms National Park. 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 Cairngorms National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kilkenny that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kilkenny than Cairngorms National Park 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.

One day in Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park?

With food and shopping around the ancient town of Kilkenny, there's plenty to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The beautiful national park of Cairngorms National Park 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.

A weekend in Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park?

With shopping and museums around the ancient destination of Kilkenny, there's plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cairngorms National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the medieval town of Kilkenny. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Cairngorms National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cairngorms National Park, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park?

Kilkenny is a great place to explore. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Cairngorms National Park is a great place to explore. 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 national park offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.

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

When is the best time to visit Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park?

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 Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kilkenny as well as Cairngorms National Park. The summer months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cairngorms National Park this time of year.

In the summer, Kilkenny is around the same temperature as Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kilkenny in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the summer, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Kilkenny gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 147 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Cairngorms National Park. Kilkenny gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park in the Autumn?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Kilkenny are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cairngorms National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kilkenny is generally a little warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Daily temperatures in Kilkenny average around 11°C (51°F), and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Kilkenny usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cairngorms National Park during autumn. Kilkenny gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 84 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kilkenny usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Kilkenny gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park in the Winter?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Kilkenny during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kilkenny for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cairngorms National Park in the winter for the cuisine.

Cairngorms National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Kilkenny is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Kilkenny often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Kilkenny gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 42 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets more rain in January than Cairngorms National Park. Kilkenny gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Cairngorms National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kilkenny and Cairngorms National Park. Many visitors come to Kilkenny in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cairngorms National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Kilkenny is a little warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kilkenny in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Kilkenny usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cairngorms National Park during spring. Kilkenny gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kilkenny usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Kilkenny gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cairngorms National Park and Kilkenny