A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kilkenny vs. Glencoe for Food, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kilkenny or Glencoe?

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

Kilkenny

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

Glencoe

Glencoe is a beautiful, picturesque, and natural village. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food and hiking.

Kilkenny and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kilkenny or Glencoe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kilkenny. Although Kilkenny and Glencoe 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 Glencoe is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Kilkenny is popular for its medieval castle and long running history. It is also home to The Kilkenny Castle. Glencoe is popular for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting.

The Kilkenny Castle

How is Kilkenny different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kilkenny is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Kilkenny. 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.

Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kilkenny is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Glencoe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Kilkenny is an experience not to be missed. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Glencoe. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.

Is Kilkenny or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Kilkenny is a town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for nightlife.

Kilkenny has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Glencoe doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.

Is Kilkenny or Glencoe Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Glencoe 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.

Glencoe does not have a historic old town.

Is Kilkenny or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

Glencoe 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 Glencoe. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.

Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kilkenny or Glencoe?

Kilkenny is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Glencoe 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.

Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kilkenny or Glencoe Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Kilkenny or Glencoe.

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 Glencoe. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.

Is Kilkenny or Glencoe Better for Couples?

Both Kilkenny and Glencoe 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.

Glencoe is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.

Is Kilkenny or Glencoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny is a town with good options for backpackers. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kilkenny is a good town to visit for backpackers. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

Glencoe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It can be challenging to reach without a car and the surrounding countryside also requires a vehicle. There is some great camping available in the area.

Is Kilkenny or Glencoe 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, Glencoe is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.

Is Kilkenny or Glencoe a more walkable city?

Kilkenny is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable town. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Kilkenny?

How long in Kilkenny or Glencoe?

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

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

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 village of Glencoe offers food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Glencoe?

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.

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

Five days in Kilkenny or Glencoe?

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.

Glencoe 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 Glencoe?

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.

Glencoe 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 village 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom.

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