A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kilkenny vs. Giverny for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Kilkenny or Giverny?

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

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a active, ancient, and medieval town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Giverny

Giverny is a inspiring, picturesque, and peaceful town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Kilkenny and Giverny: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Home and Gardens of Claude Monet
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Kilkenny or Giverny?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Giverny than Kilkenny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Giverny is better known for its small town charm and impressive beauty, while Kilkenny is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Giverny is more touristy than Kilkenny and is popular for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. Also, Giverny is famous for The Home and Gardens of Claude Monet. Kilkenny is well known for its medieval castle and long running history.

How is Kilkenny different from Giverny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kilkenny
Giverny

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Kilkenny and Giverny.

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 Giverny can be an interesting and educational experience. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.


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

Kilkenny
Giverny

Kilkenny is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kilkenny has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Giverny area. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

Is Kilkenny or Giverny Better for Nightlife?

Kilkenny
Giverny

Kilkenny is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Kilkenny or Giverny Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny
Giverny

Kilkenny is great for its old town. However, Giverny 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.

Giverny does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Kilkenny or Giverny?

Kilkenny
Giverny

Kilkenny is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kilkenny or Giverny Better for Families?

Kilkenny
Giverny

Kilkenny is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Kilkenny is very family-friendly. 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.

Giverny is not the most family-friendly destination. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.

Is Kilkenny or Giverny Better for Couples?

Kilkenny
Giverny

Both Kilkenny and Giverny 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.

Giverny is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.


Is Kilkenny or Giverny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny
Giverny

Kilkenny and Giverny are notable 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 Giverny. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.

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

Kilkenny
Giverny

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

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 Giverny offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.

Is Kilkenny or Giverny a more walkable city?

Kilkenny
Giverny

Kilkenny is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

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

Giverny is a somewhat walkable town. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).


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

Should I spend more time in Giverny or Kilkenny?

How long in Kilkenny or Giverny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kilkenny or Giverny to fill your time. In our opinion, Kilkenny has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kilkenny than Giverny. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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


  • How many days in Kilkenny or Giverny? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kilkenny 1-2 
    Giverny 1-2

One day in Kilkenny or Giverny?

In Kilkenny, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The beautiful town of Giverny offers museums and food. 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 Giverny?

In Kilkenny, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kilkenny has to offer.

Giverny is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Giverny, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kilkenny or Giverny?

Kilkenny is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Giverny 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 Giverny?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kilkenny. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kilkenny. 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.

Giverny 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 town 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 France, and The Best Adventure Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Giverny or Kilkenny?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kilkenny is €88, while the average daily cost in Giverny is €125. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kilkenny and Giverny in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kilkenny 44
    Giverny 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kilkenny 88
    Giverny 120
Compare Hotels in Kilkenny and Giverny

Looking for a hotel in Kilkenny or Giverny? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Kilkenny


Hotels in Giverny


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kilkenny Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kilkenny 21
    Giverny 48

Is it cheaper to fly into Kilkenny or Giverny?

Prices for flights to both Giverny and Kilkenny change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kilkenny 29
    Giverny 35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kilkenny 15
    Giverny 26

Tours and Activities in Kilkenny

Here are a few actual costs in Kilkenny for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Best of Kilkenny, two hour walking tour with a qualified guide: $13
  • From Dublin: 5-Day Tour of Ireland's South-East: $1,287
  • Fun Family Walking Tour in Kilkenny: $217
  • Fun Family walking tour in Kilkenny: $426
  • Fun Walking Tour during Christmas in Kilkenny: $533
  • Fun Walking Tour during Christmas in Kilkenny: $271
  • Historical tour of Kilkenny in French.: $13
  • Hurling Tours Ireland - Freshford Experience: $32
  • Hurling Tours Ireland - Kilkenny City Experience: $32
  • Hurling Tours Ireland - O'Loughlin Gaels : $33
  • Kayak and SUP Tours Kilkenny: $27
  • Kilkenny Haunted Dark Tours: $21

Tours and Activities in Giverny

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Giverny.

  • Bike tour from Vernon to Giverny with local guide: $37
  • Monet’s House and Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour: $59
  • Giverny Monet House and Gardens Skip the line Walking tour: $60
  • Monet's House and Gardens Guided Tour: $62
  • Guided Tour of Monet's Gardens/small group: $63
  • Guided tour Monet's house and gardens/small group: $64
  • Trip from Paris to Monet's house in Giverny Skip the Line: $96
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $256
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $278
  • Giverny Private Guided Walking Tour: $294

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kilkenny 12
    Giverny 6.64

Sample the Local Flavors in Kilkenny

Also in Kilkenny, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Kilkenny Culinary and Brewery Tour: $150
  • Kilkenny Culinary and Brewery Tour : $158


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


Which is Bigger, Kilkenny or Giverny?

Kilkenny has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Kilkenny and Giverny, 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 Giverny?

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 Giverny in the Summer?

Both Giverny and Kilkenny during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kilkenny for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Giverny because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Kilkenny is cooler than Giverny in the summer. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Giverny fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Giverny, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Kilkenny gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 241 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Giverny. Kilkenny gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kilkenny 15°C (60°F) 
    Giverny 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Kilkenny or Giverny in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kilkenny and Giverny. The autumn months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Giverny this time of year.

In the autumn, Kilkenny is cooler than Giverny. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kilkenny in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Giverny averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Giverny during autumn. Kilkenny gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kilkenny usually receives more rain than Giverny. Kilkenny gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kilkenny 11°C (51°F) 
    Giverny 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Kilkenny or Giverny in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kilkenny as well as Giverny. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Giverny for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Giverny. In January, Kilkenny is generally a little warmer than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Kilkenny average around 5°C (41°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Kilkenny gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 62 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets more rain in January than Giverny. Kilkenny gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kilkenny 5°C (41°F) 
    Giverny 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Kilkenny or Giverny in the Spring?

Both Giverny and Kilkenny are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kilkenny for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Giverny in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Kilkenny is cooler than Giverny in the spring. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Giverny fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Giverny during spring. Kilkenny gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kilkenny usually receives around the same amount of rain as Giverny. Kilkenny gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kilkenny 8°C (47°F) 
    Giverny 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Giverny and Kilkenny

Kilkenny Giverny
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 5°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)


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