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

Should you visit Kilkenny or Honfleur?

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

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a medieval, fascinating, and active town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Honfleur

Honfleur is a scenic, historic, and peaceful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Kilkenny and Honfleur: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Kilkenny or Honfleur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kilkenny. Although Kilkenny and Honfleur are popular destinations, Kilkenny has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kilkenny is very popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping, while Honfleur attracts visitors for its food, beaches, and impressive beauty. Kilkenny is famous for its medieval castle and long running history. It is also well known for The Kilkenny Castle. Honfleur is famous for its influence over Impressionist art, its stunning harbor, and its beautiful buildings.

The Kilkenny Castle
The Kilkenny Castle

How is Kilkenny different from Honfleur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kilkenny
Honfleur

Kilkenny is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Honfleur offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Some of the most notable sights around the town include Saint Catherine's Church, Le Vieux Bassin, Notre-Dame de Grace, and the Normandy Bridge.


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

Kilkenny
Honfleur

Honfleur is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Honfleur has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Located on the coast of Normandy along the English Channel, seafood is a defining element for most dishes here. Foodies flock to this town for its Michelin starred restaurants as well as its local cafes and quaint eateries. For land-lovers, there's a popular local cider-braised pork that you must-try. And for dessert make sure you try the Tarte Tatin.

Kilkenny has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Is Kilkenny or Honfleur Better for Nightlife?

Kilkenny
Honfleur

It's hard to distinguish whether Kilkenny or Honfleur has a better nightlife scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Honfleur has a few options to choose from. Restaurants come to life at night when music flows out onto the streets. The town is not known for its partying, but that doesn't mean that it's a sleepy place that shuts down when the sun sets.

Is Kilkenny or Honfleur Better for Beaches?

Kilkenny
Honfleur

Honfleur is a city with a few options for the beache. However, Kilkenny is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Honfleur. The town sits by the estuary of the Seine and there are two beaches not far from town. Butin Beach is the closest to town and the most popular, but Vasouy Beach is more relaxed and natural.

Kilkenny is not a beach destination.


Is Kilkenny or Honfleur Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny
Honfleur

Kilkenny is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Honfleur does not have a historic old town.

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.

Honfleur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kilkenny or Honfleur?

Kilkenny
Honfleur

Kilkenny is very good for shopping. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Honfleur has some nice offerings. It's a charming town with boutique shops, chocolate shops, and the standard tourist places that sell souvenirs and t-shirts.

Is Kilkenny or Honfleur Better for Families?

Kilkenny
Honfleur

Kilkenny is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Kilkenny is a very family-friendly destination. 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 kid-friendly things to do in Honfleur. Located on the coast of Normandy, the town has boat rides, quirky museums, and Vieux Bassin, which is a beautiful and lively harbor. For kids who need to stretch their legs, there are many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy.


Is Kilkenny or Honfleur Better for Couples?

Kilkenny
Honfleur

Both Kilkenny and Honfleur are very good 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.

Honfleur is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It has, arguably, one of the area's most beautiful harbors. There are also many great seafood restaurants, relaxing gardens, and spas that are perfect for couples.

Is Kilkenny or Honfleur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny
Honfleur

Kilkenny is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for backpackers.

Kilkenny is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

Honfleur is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll likely have more luck looking for an apartment than a hostel, so if you're looking for a place to stay with a social setting, you may be out of luck.

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

Kilkenny
Honfleur

Kilkenny is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its public transit.

Kilkenny has some public transit options. There are city buses through town.

Public transit is generally limited in Honfleur. HO Buses travel from the outskirts or town into the center and are used mainly by locals. If you plan to head into Normandy to see the countryside, you'll want to have a car.


Is Kilkenny or Honfleur a more walkable city?

Kilkenny
Honfleur

Kilkenny and Honfleur both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Honfleur is a very walkable destination. The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot. There are also many coastal walks leading out of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Honfleur or Kilkenny?

How long in Kilkenny or Honfleur?

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

Families should spend more time in Kilkenny than Honfleur. 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 Honfleur. 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 Honfleur 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 Honfleur? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kilkenny 1-2 
    Honfleur 1-3

One day in Kilkenny or Honfleur?

The town of Kilkenny offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The beautiful city of Honfleur offers nightlife 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 Honfleur?

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

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


Five days in Kilkenny or Honfleur?

Kilkenny 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.

Honfleur is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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 Honfleur?

Kilkenny is a great place to explore. 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 town offers something for everyone.

Honfleur is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Honfleur 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 Honfleur is €148. 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 Honfleur in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kilkenny 44
    Honfleur 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kilkenny 88
    Honfleur 140
Compare Hotels in Kilkenny and Honfleur

Looking for a hotel in Kilkenny or Honfleur? 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 Honfleur


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 and Honfleur Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kilkenny 21
    Honfleur 30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Honfleur

Also for Honfleur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Paris On Your Own: Round Trip Transfer from Le Havre Cruise Port: $134

Is it cheaper to fly into Kilkenny or Honfleur?

Prices for flights to both Honfleur 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
    Honfleur 58

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kilkenny 15
    Honfleur 19

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 Honfleur

For Honfleur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Etretat Gardens entrance ticket: $14
  • Guided walking tour of Honfleur: $24
  • 1.5-Hour City Highlights Walking Tour: $26
  • Le Havre Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Parisian Gems: Independent Exploration from Your Cruise Ship: $55
  • Paris at Your Own Pace: Round Trip from Le Havre Cruise Port: $56
  • Honfleur's Landmarks & Gems E-Bike Tour: $60
  • Private Guided Bike Tour of Deauville & Trouville in French: $73
  • Private tour: visit Deauville in a sidecar: $74
  • Paris Deluxe Shore Excursion from Le Havre Cruise Port: $75
  • Cruise into Paris?! A Paris Full-Day Discovery from Le Havre: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kilkenny 12
    Honfleur 23

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 Honfleur, we can see that Honfleur 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 Honfleur would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Honfleur 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 Honfleur Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kilkenny or Honfleur?

Kilkenny has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Honfleur. When comparing the sizes of Kilkenny and Honfleur, 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.

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