A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Killarney vs. Le Mans for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Killarney or Le Mans?

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 Le Mans 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 local, natural, and peaceful town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a small, historic, and quaint town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for nightlife and museums.

Killarney and Le Mans: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Killarney or Le Mans?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Killarney. Although Killarney and Le Mans are both popular with visitors, Killarney has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Killarney is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Le Mans is known for its nightlife. Killarney is more touristy than Le Mans and is popular for its access to Killarney National Park and its location along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. It is also home to Killarney National Park. Le Mans is popular for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

How is Killarney different from Le Mans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Killarney
Le Mans

Both Killarney and Le Mans have good 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.

Le Mans offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.


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

Killarney
Le Mans

Killarney is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Killarney. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Killarney or Le Mans Better for Nightlife?

Killarney
Le Mans

Le Mans is a town with good options for nightlife. However, Killarney is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Le Mans has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

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 Le Mans Better for Hiking?

Killarney
Le Mans

Killarney is great for hiking. However, Le Mans is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Killarney for the hiking trails. 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.

Le Mans is not a hiking destination.


Is Killarney or Le Mans Better for Families?

Killarney
Le Mans

Killarney is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Killarney is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Le Mans is a family-friendly place to visit. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

Is Killarney or Le Mans Better for Couples?

Killarney
Le Mans

Killarney is great for romance. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

Killarney is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Killarney National Park. You can also go kayaking, biking, horseback riding or relax at The Angsana Spa.

Le Mans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.

Is Killarney or Le Mans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Killarney
Le Mans

Killarney and Le Mans are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Killarney is a good town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Le Mans. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.


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

Killarney
Le Mans

Le Mans is a town 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 Le Mans, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).

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

Is Killarney or Le Mans a more walkable city?

Killarney
Le Mans

Le Mans is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Killarney is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Le Mans is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are walkable.

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 Le Mans Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Le Mans or Killarney?

How long in Killarney or Le Mans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Killarney and Le Mans. In our opinion, Killarney has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Killarney than Le Mans. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Killarney, and 1-3 days is enough time in Le Mans.

Families should spend more time in Killarney than Le Mans. 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 Le Mans. 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 Le Mans 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 Le Mans.


  • How many days in Killarney or Le Mans? Ideal Length of Stay
    Killarney 2-3 
    Le Mans 1-3

One day in Killarney or Le Mans?

In Killarney, you'll find food and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find nightlife and museums around the town of Le Mans. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Le Mans has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Killarney or Le Mans?

In Killarney, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Killarney has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the small destination of Le Mans. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Killarney or Le Mans?

Killarney is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the historic town of Le Mans. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Killarney or Le Mans?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Killarney. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Killarney. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Le Mans is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Adventure Tours to France, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Le Mans or Killarney?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Killarney is €167, while the average daily cost in Le Mans is €83. 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 Killarney and Le Mans in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Killarney 102
    Le Mans 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Killarney 204
    Le Mans 74
Compare Hotels in Killarney and Le Mans

Looking for a hotel in Killarney or Le Mans? 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 Killarney


Hotels in Le Mans


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: Killarney Hotel Prices and Le Mans Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Killarney 20
    Le Mans 30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Killarney

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Killarney:

  • Killarney - Shannon Airport | Private Transfer & Car Service: $348
  • Cork Airport Private Transfer: Killarney to Cork Airport: $282
  • Kerry Airport Transfers: Killarney to Kerry Airport: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Killarney or Le Mans?

Prices for flights to both Le Mans and Killarney 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
    Killarney 46
    Le Mans 27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Killarney

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Killarney.

  • Killarney Jaunting Car Tour with Craft Brewery Beer & Pizza: $76
  • Killarney Food Tour: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Killarney 19
    Le Mans 15

Tours and Activities in Killarney

Here are a few actual costs in Killarney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Hour Guided Carriage Tour in Killarney National Park: $38
  • 1 hour Lake Cruise on Killarney's Largest Lake: $16
  • Boat Only Ticket (Walk the Gap of Dunloe): $35
  • Bus & Boat Tour: $63
  • Bus, Boat & Jaunting Cart Tour (Jaunting Cart Paid Separately) : $63
  • Cruise Tour on Kenmare Bay: $27
  • Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head Day Tour: $39
  • From Portmagee & Skellig Ring Full-Day Tour: $75
  • Full-Day Ring of Kerry Tour from Killarney: $35
  • Full-Day Tour of the Dingle Peninsula, Slea Head, and Inch Beach: $65
  • Gap of Dunloe & Lakes of Killlarney Boat Tour: $59
  • Gap of Dunloe Day Tour and Boat Ride from Killarney: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Killarney 13
    Le Mans 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Killarney

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Killarney:

  • Jaunting Car Tour with Craft Brewery Visit: $75


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Killarney and Le Mans, we can see that Killarney is more expensive. And not only is Le Mans much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Le Mans would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Le Mans 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 Le Mans.

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


Which is Bigger, Killarney or Le Mans?

Le Mans has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Killarney. When comparing the sizes of Killarney and Le Mans, 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 Le Mans?

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 Killarney or Le Mans in the Summer?

Both Le Mans and Killarney during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Killarney in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Le Mans for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Killarney is cooler than Le Mans in the summer. The daily temperature in Killarney averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Le Mans fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Le Mans, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Killarney often gets less sunshine than Le Mans. Killarney gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 231 hours of full sun.

Killarney usually gets more rain in July than Le Mans. Killarney gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Killarney 15°C (59°F) 
    Le Mans 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Killarney or Le Mans in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Killarney and Le Mans. Most visitors come to Killarney for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Le Mans because of the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Killarney is around the same temperature as Le Mans. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Killarney in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Le Mans averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Killarney usually receives less sunshine than Le Mans during autumn. Killarney gets 79 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 117 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Killarney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Killarney usually receives more rain than Le Mans. Killarney gets 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Killarney 12°C (53°F) 
    Le Mans 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Killarney or Le Mans in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Killarney as well as Le Mans. The winter months attract visitors to Killarney because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year.

It's quite cold in Le Mans in the winter. In January, Killarney is generally a little warmer than Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Killarney average around 7°C (44°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Killarney often gets less sunshine than Le Mans. Killarney gets 44 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 54 hours of full sun.

Killarney receives a lot of rain in the winter. Killarney usually gets more rain in January than Le Mans. Killarney gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Killarney 7°C (44°F) 
    Le Mans 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Killarney or Le Mans in the Spring?

Both Le Mans and Killarney are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Killarney this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Le Mans for the small town charm.

Killarney is cooler than Le Mans in the spring. The daily temperature in Killarney averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Le Mans fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Killarney usually receives less sunshine than Le Mans during spring. Killarney gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Killarney usually receives more rain than Le Mans. Killarney gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Killarney 9°C (48°F) 
    Le Mans 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Le Mans and Killarney

Killarney Le Mans
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 76 mm (3 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 14°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 14°C (56°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 156 mm (6.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Dec 8°C (46°F) 159 mm (6.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 75 mm (3 in)