A Travel Price Comparison for Ireland Killarney vs. Howth for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Killarney or Howth?

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 Howth 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.

Howth

Howth is a picturesque, scenic, and peaceful fishing village. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for hiking, museums, and food.

Killarney and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Killarney or Howth?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Howth. Although Killarney and Howth are popular destinations, Howth has more sights and attractions for tourists. Howth is very popular for its beaches, while Killarney attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Killarney is famous for its access to Killarney National Park and its location along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Howth is famous for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. It is also well known for The Baily Lighthouse.

How is Killarney different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Killarney and Howth have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Killarney is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to the area's natural beauty, you should also check out Muckross House Gardens, Muckross Abbey, and Ross Castle.

Howth offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

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

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

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.

Howth has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Killarney or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Killarney and Howth.

Killarney is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. You can hang out with the locals at one of the bars or Irish pubs in town.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Killarney or Howth Better for Beaches?

Howth is well known for its beaches. However, Killarney is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Howth attract visitors from all over. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Killarney is not a beach destination.

Is Killarney or Howth Better for Hiking?

Both Killarney and Howth are destinations which offer excellent hiking.

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.

Many visitors go to Howth for the hiking trails. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Is Killarney or Howth Better for Families?

Killarney is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Killarney is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Howth offers lots of family activities. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Killarney or Howth Better for Couples?

Killarney is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Howth is a good town for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Killarney or Howth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Killarney is a popular place for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.

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

Howth is a fishing village 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 Howth, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

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

Is Killarney or Howth a more walkable city?

Howth is well known for its walkability. However, Killarney is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Howth is very walkable. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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 Howth Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Howth or Killarney?

How long in Killarney or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Killarney or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Killarney than Howth because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Killarney, and 1-2 days is enough time in Howth.

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

Couples should spend more time in Killarney than Howth. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Killarney that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Killarney than Howth 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 Killarney.

One day in Killarney or Howth?

In Killarney, many people enjoy the food and museums that this local destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find food and museums around the fishing village of Howth. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Howth has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Killarney or Howth?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Killarney. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and food around the peaceful destination of Howth. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this fishing village has to offer. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Killarney or Howth?

Killarney is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Killarney. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the beautiful fishing village of Howth. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Killarney or Howth?

You'll find museums and food around the local destination of Killarney. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Howth is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Howth, we can see that Killarney is more expensive. And not only is Howth much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Howth would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Howth 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 Howth.

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

When is the best time to visit Killarney or Howth?

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 Howth in the Summer?

Both Howth and Killarney are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Killarney for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Howth in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

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

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

Should I visit Killarney or Howth in the Autumn?

Both Howth and Killarney during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Killarney in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Howth for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere during these months.

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

In the autumn, Killarney often gets less sunshine than Howth. Killarney gets 79 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth 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 Howth. Killarney gets 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Killarney or Howth in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Killarney and Howth. Most visitors come to Killarney for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Howth because of the museums and the cuisine.

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

Killarney usually receives less sunshine than Howth during winter. Killarney gets 44 hours of sunny skies, while Howth 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 Howth. Killarney gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Killarney or Howth in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Killarney as well as Howth. The spring months attract visitors to Killarney because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Howth and Killarney