A Travel Price Comparison for Ireland Kilkenny vs. Cork for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Kilkenny or Cork?

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

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a ancient, medieval, and fascinating town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cork

Cork is a cultural, seaside, and youthful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kilkenny and Cork: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kilkenny or Cork?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cork. Although Kilkenny and Cork are popular destinations, Cork has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cork is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kilkenny attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Kilkenny is famous for its medieval castle and long running history. Cork is famous for its friendly personality, its thriving art scene and its local craft beer. It is also well known for The Blarney Castle and Stone.

How is Kilkenny different from Cork?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Kilkenny and Cork.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cork can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historic sights and landmarks. Most notable is the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone, but also make sure you check out St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Cork Public Museum, Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre, and St. Anne's Church.

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

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

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.

Cork has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find charming seaside cafes and award winning restaurants. Also make sure you check out the English Market, which is among the best in Ireland.

Is Kilkenny or Cork Better for Nightlife?

Cork is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Cork know how to have a good time. It's a university city, so you'll find plenty of students, bars, clubs, and cheap beer. Many pubs also have live music with everything from rock to Irish folk music.

If you're looking for night time activities Kilkenny has a few options to choose from. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Is Kilkenny or Cork Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny is notable for its historic old town. However, Cork does not have a historic old town.

Kilkenny is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Cork does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kilkenny or Cork?

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

Cork is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It offers a mix of high street shops and boutique vendors. Head to St. Patrick’s Street for some of the city's best shopping. Also check out Opera Lane and Oliver Plunkett Street.

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 Kilkenny or Cork Better for Families?

Kilkenny is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Kilkenny is 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.

Cork is a family-friendly town. For a bit of outside time, head to Fota Wildlife Park, Regional Park Ballincollig, or Inchydoney Beach. Kids will also enjoy exploring Cork City Gaol which is a heritage museum, or the Toy Soldier Factory. And of course, there's the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone.

Is Kilkenny or Cork Better for Couples?

Both Kilkenny and Cork are superb 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.

Cork is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Visiting Blarney Castle is a highlight, but you can also wander along the river or do the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. There are also several gardens to explore or small theaters where you can see a play.

Is Kilkenny or Cork Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny and Cork are nice 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 Cork. There are plenty of hostels as well as a large student population and an active nightlife.

Is Kilkenny or Cork Better for Students?

Cork is a great destination for students. However, Kilkenny is not popular with students.

Cork is very popular with students. It's a university town with many students and plenty to do. The city plays host to many international students.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

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

Kilkenny is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Cork is a mediocre 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 Cork. In town you'll find bus service but if you want to explore anywhere else in the county you really need your own vehicle.

Is Kilkenny or Cork a more walkable city?

Kilkenny is notable for its walkability. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Cork is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is compact and easy enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cork or Kilkenny?

How long in Kilkenny or Cork?

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

Families should spend more time in Kilkenny than Cork. 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 Cork. 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.

One day in Kilkenny or Cork?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Kilkenny. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The city of Cork 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.

A weekend in Kilkenny or Cork?

Kilkenny is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cork 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 Cork, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kilkenny or Cork?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the ancient destination of Kilkenny. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Cork 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.

A week in Kilkenny or Cork?

The active town of Kilkenny offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Cork 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.

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 comparing the travel costs between Kilkenny and Cork, we can see that Cork is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kilkenny Expensive? and Is Cork Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kilkenny or Cork?

Cork has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Kilkenny and Cork, 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 Kilkenny or Cork?

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 Cork in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kilkenny and Cork. Many travelers come to Kilkenny for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cork in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kilkenny is generally around the same temperature as Cork. Daily temperatures in Kilkenny average around 15°C (60°F), and Cork fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Cork during summer. Kilkenny gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kilkenny usually receives more rain than Cork. Kilkenny gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cork receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Cork in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kilkenny as well as Cork. Many visitors come to Kilkenny in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Cork for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Kilkenny is around the same temperature as Cork in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Cork fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Cork. Kilkenny gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 90 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets less rain in October than Cork. Kilkenny gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cork receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Cork in the Winter?

Both Cork and Kilkenny are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kilkenny for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cork because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Kilkenny is cooler than Cork. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kilkenny in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Cork averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Cork during winter. Kilkenny gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cork. In January, Kilkenny usually receives less rain than Cork. Kilkenny gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cork receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Cork in the Spring?

Both Cork and Kilkenny during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Cork this time of year.

In April, Kilkenny is generally around the same temperature as Cork. Daily temperatures in Kilkenny average around 8°C (47°F), and Cork fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Cork. Kilkenny gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 157 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cork. Kilkenny gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cork receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cork and Kilkenny