A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Killarney vs. Reykjavik for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Killarney or Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik 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's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a safe, friendly, and clean city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Killarney and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Killarney or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Reykjavik. Although Killarney and Reykjavik are both popular with visitors, Reykjavik has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Reykjavik is more popular for its nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Killarney is known for its museums, food, and small town charm. Killarney is popular for its access to Killarney National Park and its location along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Reykjavik is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. It is also home to The Thermal Pools.

How is Killarney different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Killarney is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Killarney is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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 Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Killarney or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Reykjavik is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Killarney is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

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 Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is terrific for its hiking experiences. Also, Killarney is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Reykjavik visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Killarney or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is a city with good options for shopping. However, Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Reykjavik is a great destination for shopping. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Killarney or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Both Killarney and Reykjavik 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, Reykjavik is very family-friendly. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

Is Killarney or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Both Killarney and Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Is Killarney or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Killarney and Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Killarney or Reykjavik Better for Students?

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

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Killarney is not popular with students.

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

Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly 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 Reykjavik a more walkable city?

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

Reykjavik is very walkable. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore 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 Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Killarney?

How long in Killarney or Reykjavik?

In either Killarney or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Killarney because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Killarney, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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

One day in Killarney or Reykjavik?

You'll find food and museums around the town of Killarney. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Reykjavik. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Killarney or Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and food around the charming destination of Killarney. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the friendly destination of Reykjavik. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Killarney or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the natural town of Killarney. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the clean city of Reykjavik. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Killarney or Reykjavik?

Killarney is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Reykjavik is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Killarney or Reykjavik?

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

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Killarney as well as Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Killarney is a little warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Killarney averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the summer, Killarney often gets less sunshine than Reykjavik. Killarney gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Killarney usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Killarney gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Killarney or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik 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 hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the autumn. In the autumn, Killarney is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Killarney in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Killarney usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik during autumn. Killarney gets 79 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Killarney. In October, Killarney usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Killarney gets 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Killarney or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In January, Killarney is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Killarney average around 7°C (44°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Killarney often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Killarney gets 44 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Killarney. Killarney usually gets more rain in January than Reykjavik. Killarney gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Killarney or Reykjavik in the Spring?

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

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the spring. Killarney is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Killarney averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Killarney usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reykjavik during spring. Killarney gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Killarney usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Killarney gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Killarney