A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Killarney vs. Nantes for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Killarney or Nantes?

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 Nantes 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 peaceful, charming, and local town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Nantes

Nantes is a historical, beautiful, and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Killarney and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Killarney or Nantes?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantes than Killarney, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantes is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Killarney is more popular for its hiking and small town charm. Killarney is more touristy than Nantes and is popular for its access to Killarney National Park and its location along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Nantes is well known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. Also, Nantes is famous for The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.

How is Killarney different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nantes 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 Nantes. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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 Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Many restaurants in Nantes have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

Killarney has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Killarney or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is well known for nightlife. However, Killarney is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Nantes is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

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 Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Killarney does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Killarney does not have a historic old town.

Is Killarney or Nantes Better for Hiking?

Killarney is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Killarney or Nantes?

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

Nantes is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Killarney or Nantes Better for Families?

Both Killarney and Nantes 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, Nantes is very family-friendly. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

Is Killarney or Nantes Better for Couples?

Both Killarney and Nantes 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.

Nantes is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

Is Killarney or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Killarney is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Killarney or Nantes Better for Students?

Nantes is a city with good options for students. However, Killarney is not popular with students.

Nantes is popular with students. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Killarney is not popular with students.

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

Nantes is well known for its public transit. However, Killarney is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nantes. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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

Is Killarney or Nantes a more walkable city?

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

Nantes is very walkable. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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 Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Killarney?

How long in Killarney or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Killarney and Nantes. In our opinion, Nantes has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nantes than Killarney. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantes 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 Nantes.

One day in Killarney or Nantes?

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 shopping and museums around the city of Nantes. 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 Nantes?

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 museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Nantes. 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 Nantes?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful city of Nantes. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Killarney or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the local 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.

Nantes 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Killarney or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Killarney. When comparing the sizes of Killarney and Nantes, 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 Nantes?

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 Nantes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Killarney as well as Nantes. Most visitors come to Killarney for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Nantes because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Killarney is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Killarney average around 15°C (59°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. In the summer, Killarney often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Killarney gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Killarney or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Killarney are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Killarney because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

Killarney is cooler than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Killarney averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Killarney usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Killarney gets 79 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Killarney. In October, Killarney usually receives more rain than Nantes. Killarney gets 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Killarney or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Killarney during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Killarney this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Killarney is a little warmer than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Killarney in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Killarney often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Killarney gets 44 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Killarney. Killarney usually gets more rain in January than Nantes. Killarney gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Killarney or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Killarney and Nantes. Many travelers come to Killarney for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Killarney is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Killarney average around 9°C (48°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Killarney usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during spring. Killarney gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Nantes and Killarney