A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kilkenny vs. La Rochelle for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Kilkenny or La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a quaint, charming, and peaceful coastal town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kilkenny and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kilkenny or La Rochelle?

Visitors will usually find more to do in La Rochelle than Kilkenny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. La Rochelle is better known for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Kilkenny is more popular for its impressive beauty. Kilkenny is well known for its medieval castle and long running history. La Rochelle is well known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. Also, La Rochelle is famous for The Old Port.

How is Kilkenny different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 La Rochelle can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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

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

La Rochelle has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Kilkenny or La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle has a few options to choose from. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Kilkenny or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is very good for the beache. However, Kilkenny is not a beach destination.

Many people head to La Rochelle to enjoy the beach. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Kilkenny is not a beach destination.

Is Kilkenny or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle is terrific for its old town. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

La Rochelle has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Many visitors go to Kilkenny to see the historical old town. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Is Kilkenny or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kilkenny or La Rochelle?

Shopping is a popular activity in both La Rochelle and Kilkenny.

Kilkenny offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

La Rochelle has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Kilkenny or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Kilkenny is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Kilkenny or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, La Rochelle has plenty to offer. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Kilkenny is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Is Kilkenny or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny and La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is Kilkenny or La Rochelle Better for Students?

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

La Rochelle is popular with students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

Is Kilkenny or La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Kilkenny or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Kilkenny and La Rochelle both are great 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.

La Rochelle is a very walkable destination. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Kilkenny?

How long in Kilkenny or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Kilkenny or La Rochelle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Rochelle due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kilkenny, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Rochelle.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

One day in Kilkenny or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the ancient town of Kilkenny. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

La Rochelle is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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 La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the ancient destination of Kilkenny. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

La Rochelle is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal 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 La Rochelle, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kilkenny or La Rochelle?

The ancient town of Kilkenny offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kilkenny. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

La Rochelle is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food 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 coastal 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Kilkenny or La Rochelle?

La Rochelle has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Kilkenny and La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle in the Summer?

Both La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kilkenny is cooler than La Rochelle in the summer. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In La Rochelle, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Kilkenny gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets more rain in July than La Rochelle. Kilkenny gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Kilkenny is cooler than La Rochelle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kilkenny in October average around 11°C (51°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during autumn. Kilkenny gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kilkenny usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Kilkenny gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kilkenny or La Rochelle in the Winter?

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

In January, Kilkenny is generally cooler than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Kilkenny average around 5°C (41°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Kilkenny gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as La Rochelle. Kilkenny gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or La Rochelle in the Spring?

Both La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

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

Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during spring. Kilkenny gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kilkenny usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Kilkenny gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Kilkenny