A Travel Price Comparison for Ireland Kilkenny vs. Connemara for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Kilkenny or Connemara?

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 Connemara can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a ancient, medieval, and fascinating town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Connemara

Connemara is a dramatic, breathtaking, and scenic region. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Kilkenny and Connemara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kilkenny or Connemara?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kilkenny. Although Kilkenny and Connemara are both popular with visitors, Kilkenny has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kilkenny is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Connemara is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Kilkenny is more touristy than Connemara and is known for its medieval castle and long running history. It is also home to The Kilkenny Castle. Connemara is popular for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves.

The Kilkenny Castle

How is Kilkenny different from Connemara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Connemara 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 Connemara?

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

Kilkenny offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Connemara is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.

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

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

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.

Connemara has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The area has been influenced by the improving food scene in nearby regions. You'll find everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks that use local ingredients and recipes. The area has no shortage of seafood, shellfish, and even Connemara lamb.

Is Kilkenny or Connemara Better for Nightlife?

Kilkenny is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Connemara is not a good region for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kilkenny. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Connemara doesn't offer many options. You'll find some bars in the area but most people visit for the natural beauty, not the nightlife scene.

Is Kilkenny or Connemara Better for Beaches?

Connemara is a great destination for the beache. However, Kilkenny is not a beach destination.

Connemara is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You'll find wide stretches of sandy beach as well as hidden coves that offer a peaceful retreat. Some of the best beaches in the area include Dog’s Bay Beach, Trá an Dóilín, and Glassilaun Beach.

Kilkenny is not a beach destination.

Is Kilkenny or Connemara Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Kilkenny. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Is Kilkenny or Connemara Better for Hiking?

Connemara is terrific for its hiking experiences. However, Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Connemara specifically for its hiking. The landscape is considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland and there are many walks and hikes that let you experience it. Some of the best hikes are The Cong and Clonbur Forest Trail, the Claddaghduff Quay to Omey Island Walk, and Mount Gable Walk.

Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kilkenny or Connemara?

Kilkenny is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Kilkenny to go shopping. 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.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kilkenny or Connemara Better for Families?

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Connemara is not a good region for its kid-friendly activities.

Kilkenny is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Connemara is not always a place people visit with their families. There are plenty of places to explore outdoors such as Connemara National Park as well as the nearby beaches. You'll also find several playgrounds in the area.

Is Kilkenny or Connemara Better for Couples?

Both Kilkenny and Connemara are great 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.

Connemara is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. You'll find romantic hotels and beautiful walks through hidden coves and dramatic countryside. Couples will enjoy exploring castles and getting lost in the beauty.

Is Kilkenny or Connemara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny is a popular place for backpackers. However, Connemara is not a good region for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kilkenny. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

Connemara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in the area, you really need a car to explore the area in depth. This turns off a lot of backpackers.

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

Kilkenny is a popular place for its public transit. However, Connemara is not a good region 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 quite limited in Connemara. There are a few buses in the area but you really need a private vehicle to get around to most places.

Is Kilkenny or Connemara a more walkable city?

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

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

Connemara is not a very walkable town. You really need a vehicle to experience everything that the region has to offer.

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

Should I spend more time in Connemara or Kilkenny?

How long in Kilkenny or Connemara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kilkenny and Connemara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Connemara than in Kilkenny. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kilkenny, and 2-3 days is enough time in Connemara.

Families should spend more time in Kilkenny than Connemara. 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 Connemara. 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 Connemara 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 Connemara?

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.

The beautiful region of Connemara offers museums and 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 Connemara?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the ancient 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.

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

Five days in Kilkenny or Connemara?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active 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.

Connemara is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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.

A week in Kilkenny or Connemara?

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.

Connemara 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 region 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 Coach Bus Tours in Ireland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Ireland.

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

When is the best time to visit Kilkenny or Connemara?

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 Kilkenny or Connemara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kilkenny and Connemara. Most visitors come to Kilkenny for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Connemara because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kilkenny is around the same temperature as Connemara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kilkenny in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Connemara averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Connemara during summer. Kilkenny gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kilkenny usually receives more rain than Connemara. Kilkenny gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Connemara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kilkenny as well as Connemara. The autumn months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Connemara this time of year.

In October, Kilkenny is generally around the same temperature as Connemara. Daily temperatures in Kilkenny average around 11°C (51°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Connemara. Kilkenny gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 96 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Connemara. Kilkenny usually gets less rain in October than Connemara. Kilkenny gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Connemara in the Winter?

Both Connemara and Kilkenny are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Connemara for the museums and the cuisine.

Kilkenny is around the same temperature as Connemara in the winter. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Connemara fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Connemara during winter. Kilkenny gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Connemara. In January, Kilkenny usually receives less rain than Connemara. Kilkenny gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Connemara in the Spring?

Both Connemara and Kilkenny during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kilkenny for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Connemara in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kilkenny is around the same temperature as Connemara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kilkenny in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Connemara averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Connemara. Kilkenny gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 153 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Connemara. Kilkenny gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Connemara and Kilkenny