A Travel Price Comparison for Ireland Kilkenny vs. Dublin for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Kilkenny or Dublin?

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

Kilkenny

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

Dublin

Dublin is a fun, laid-back, and friendly 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 Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kilkenny or Dublin?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dublin than Kilkenny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dublin is better known for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Kilkenny is more popular for its food and impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Kilkenny and is known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. Also, Dublin is famous for The Guinness Storehouse. Kilkenny is well known for its medieval castle and long running history.

How is Kilkenny different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Kilkenny and Dublin.

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 Dublin can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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

Kilkenny is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Kilkenny or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Dublin is a must-see party destination. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

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 Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is a great destination for its live music scene. However, Kilkenny is not a live music destination.

Dublin has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Kilkenny is not a live music destination.

Is Kilkenny or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny and Dublin are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Dublin to see the historical old town. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Is the Shopping Better in Kilkenny or Dublin?

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

Dublin is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

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 Dublin Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Kilkenny or Dublin.

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 Dublin. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

Is Kilkenny or Dublin Better for Couples?

Both Kilkenny and Dublin are excellent 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.

Dublin is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Is Kilkenny or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Dublin is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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

Is Kilkenny or Dublin Better for Students?

Dublin is very good for students. However, Kilkenny is not popular with students.

Dublin is popular with students. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Kilkenny and Dublin.

You'll find some public transit in Kilkenny, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses through town.

While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Kilkenny or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Dublin on foot is easy. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center 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 Kilkenny Worth Visiting? and Is Dublin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Kilkenny?

How long in Kilkenny or Dublin?

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

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

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

One day in Kilkenny or Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kilkenny. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The city of Dublin offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Dublin?

Kilkenny is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Dublin 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dublin, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kilkenny or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kilkenny. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Dublin is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dublin, 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 Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Kilkenny. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dublin is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kilkenny and Dublin, we can see that Dublin 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 Dublin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dublin 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 Dublin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kilkenny or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Kilkenny and Dublin, 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 Dublin?

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 Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin and Kilkenny are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dublin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kilkenny is around the same temperature as Dublin in the summer. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Dublin during summer. Kilkenny gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kilkenny usually receives more rain than Dublin. Kilkenny gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Kilkenny during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kilkenny for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Dublin in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Kilkenny is around the same temperature as Dublin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kilkenny in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Dublin averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Dublin. Kilkenny gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets more rain in October than Dublin. Kilkenny gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kilkenny and Dublin. Many visitors come to Kilkenny in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Kilkenny is generally around the same temperature as Dublin. Daily temperatures in Kilkenny average around 5°C (41°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Dublin during winter. Kilkenny gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kilkenny usually receives more rain than Dublin. Kilkenny gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kilkenny as well as Dublin. Most visitors come to Kilkenny for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dublin because of the activities around the city.

Kilkenny is around the same temperature as Dublin in the spring. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

Kilkenny usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Dublin. Kilkenny gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Kilkenny