A Travel Price Comparison for Ireland Killarney vs. Dublin for Nightlife, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Killarney or Dublin?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Killarney and Dublin can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Killarney

Killarney is a charming, local, and natural town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Dublin

Dublin is a fun, laid-back, and friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Killarney and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Killarney or Dublin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dublin. Although Killarney and Dublin are popular destinations, Dublin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dublin is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Killarney attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Killarney is famous for its access to Killarney National Park and its location along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Dublin is famous for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also well known for The Guinness Storehouse.

How is Killarney different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dublin and Killarney. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Killarney or Dublin?

Dublin is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Killarney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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

Killarney offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to the area's natural beauty, you should also check out Muckross House Gardens, Muckross Abbey, and Ross Castle.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Killarney and Dublin.

Killarney offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find great local fish and chips shops as well as locally caught seafood and regional produce. There are cafes and other independent restaurants that provide a local taste of the area.

Dublin has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Killarney or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is terrific for nightlife. However, Killarney is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Killarney doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. You can hang out with the locals at one of the bars or Irish pubs in town.

Is Killarney or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is well known for live music. However, Killarney is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Dublin. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Killarney is not a live music destination.

Is Killarney or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is well known for its historic old town. However, Killarney does not have a historic old town.

Dublin is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Killarney does not have a historic old town.

Is Killarney or Dublin Better for Hiking?

Killarney is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Dublin is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Killarney. You'll find many great hiking trails both in and around Killarney National Park. The town is also the starting and ending point for the 200 km Kerry Way walking trail. Other hikes worth checking out in the area include the Knockreer Circular Walk, Muckross Lake Loop Walk, and Old Kenmare Road Walk.

Dublin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Killarney or Dublin?

Dublin is well known for shopping. However, Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Dublin is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Killarney or Dublin Better for Families?

Both Killarney and Dublin are high quality to visit with kids.

Killarney is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area has many outdoor activities. You can explore Killarney National Park by horseback or head out on bikes. You can also take a boat ride or there's Kennedys Pet Farm for animal lovers.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Dublin is very family-friendly. 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 Killarney or Dublin Better for Couples?

Both Killarney and Dublin are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Killarney frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Killarney National Park. You can also go kayaking, biking, horseback riding or relax at The Angsana Spa.

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 Killarney or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin is well known for backpackers. Also, Killarney is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

Plenty of backpackers visit Killarney. You'll find a surprising number of interesting hostels in the area so you shouldn't have trouble finding a place to stay or meeting fellow backpackers.

Is Killarney or Dublin Better for Students?

Dublin is a city with good options for students. However, Killarney 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.

Killarney is not popular with students.

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

Dublin is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Killarney is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Dublin, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Killarney. There's a shuttle bus that travels between some of the tourist attractions.

Is Killarney or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin is terrific for its walkability. However, Killarney is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Killarney is not a very walkable town. While there are many great hikes in the area, you'll need a car to access most of them.

For even more information, also check out Is Killarney Worth Visiting? and Is Dublin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Killarney?

How long in Killarney or Dublin?

In either Killarney or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin than Killarney because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Killarney, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dublin.

Families should spend more time in Dublin than Killarney. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dublin, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Dublin than Killarney. 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 Killarney 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 Killarney or Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Killarney. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Dublin. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Killarney or Dublin?

Killarney 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.

You'll find live music and food around the welcoming destination of Dublin. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Killarney or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Killarney. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the fun city of Dublin. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Killarney or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the natural destination of Killarney. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dublin is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Dublin.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Killarney and Dublin, we can see that Killarney is more expensive. And not only is Dublin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dublin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dublin 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 Killarney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Killarney than you might in Dublin.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Killarney Expensive? and Is Dublin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Killarney or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Killarney. When comparing the sizes of Killarney 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 Killarney 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 Killarney or Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin and Killarney are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Killarney for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Killarney is around the same temperature as Dublin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Killarney in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Dublin averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Killarney usually receives less sunshine than Dublin during summer. Killarney gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Killarney usually receives more rain than Dublin. Killarney gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Killarney or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Killarney during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Killarney because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

In October, Killarney is generally around the same temperature as Dublin. Daily temperatures in Killarney average around 12°C (53°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Killarney often gets less sunshine than Dublin. Killarney gets 79 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Killarney. Killarney usually gets more rain in October than Dublin. Killarney gets 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Killarney or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Killarney and Dublin. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Killarney this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Killarney is a little warmer than Dublin in the winter. The daily temperature in Killarney averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Killarney usually receives less sunshine than Dublin during winter. Killarney gets 44 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

Killarney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Killarney usually receives more rain than Dublin. Killarney gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Killarney or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Killarney as well as Dublin. Many travelers come to Killarney for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Dublin in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Killarney is around the same temperature as Dublin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Killarney in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Dublin averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Killarney often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin. Killarney gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun.

Killarney usually gets more rain in April than Dublin. Killarney gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Killarney