A Travel Price Comparison for Ireland Kinsale vs. Kilkenny for Food, Attractions, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Kinsale or Kilkenny?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kinsale and Kilkenny 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.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a quaint, picturesque, and colorful seaside town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a active, ancient, and medieval town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Kinsale and Kilkenny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kinsale or Kilkenny?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kinsale than Kilkenny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kinsale is better known for its food, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Kilkenny is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Kinsale is more touristy than Kilkenny and is popular for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. Also, Kinsale is famous for Charles Fort. Kilkenny is well known for its medieval castle and long running history.

How is Kinsale different from Kilkenny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kinsale or Kilkenny?

Kilkenny is great for its historical sights. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Kilkenny. It's seeped in history and there are many historic landmarks in the area including Kilkenny Castle. Also make sure you check out the National Design & Craft Gallery, Saint Mary's Cathedral, and the Medieval Mile Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kinsale. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.

Is the Food Better in Kinsale or Kilkenny? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Kinsale has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

Kilkenny has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Is Kinsale or Kilkenny Better for Nightlife?

Kilkenny is a town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

If you're looking for night time activities Kilkenny has a few options to choose from. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Kinsale or Kilkenny Better for Beaches?

Kinsale is a seaside town with a few options for the beache. However, Kilkenny is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Kinsale. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Kilkenny is not a beach destination.

Is Kinsale or Kilkenny Better for its Old Town?

Both Kinsale and Kilkenny have superb historic old towns worth visiting.

Kinsale is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Kilkenny. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Is Kinsale or Kilkenny Better for Hiking?

Kinsale is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kinsale. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kinsale or Kilkenny?

If you're looking to go shopping, Kinsale and Kilkenny both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kinsale. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Many visitors go to Kilkenny to go shopping. There's a mix of shopping malls, shopping streets, and local markets. Make sure you check out Market Cross Shopping Centre, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, Connolly's Red Mills, and Castleinch Sunday Market.

Is Kinsale or Kilkenny Better for Families?

Kilkenny is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Kilkenny is very family-friendly. The obvious activity is visiting the Kilkenny Castle, but there are so many other adventures that your family can have. You can do the zip line and other outdoor adventures at Castlecomer Discovery Park, try out falconry, or visit the National Reptile Museum. There's also river rafting, kayaking, and many other outdoor adventures in the area.

Kinsale is a family-friendly place to visit. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

Is Kinsale or Kilkenny Better for Couples?

Kilkenny is great for its romantic activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for couples.

Kilkenny is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Adventure lovers will enjoy rafting, kayaking, hiking, and cycling through the area. There are also Michelin starred restaurants and other romantic settings that make for a great couple's weekend.

Kinsale is a good seaside town for couples to visit. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

Is Kinsale or Kilkenny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Kinsale and Kilkenny are notable places to visit.

Kinsale is a good seaside town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Kilkenny. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

Is Kinsale or Kilkenny Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kilkenny is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Kilkenny offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are city buses through town.

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Kinsale or Kilkenny a more walkable city?

Kilkenny is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its ease of walking around.

Kilkenny is a very walkable town. The town is easy to walk around and most areas can be explored on foot.

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable seaside town. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Kinsale Worth Visiting? and Is Kilkenny Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kilkenny or Kinsale?

How long in Kinsale or Kilkenny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kinsale or Kilkenny to fill your time. In our opinion, Kilkenny has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Kilkenny than Kinsale. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kilkenny than Kinsale 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 Kilkenny.

One day in Kinsale or Kilkenny?

Kinsale is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Kilkenny, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Kinsale or Kilkenny?

Kinsale is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this seaside town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kinsale, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Kilkenny, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kilkenny has to offer.

Five days in Kinsale or Kilkenny?

Kinsale is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kilkenny is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

A week in Kinsale or Kilkenny?

Kinsale is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This seaside town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kilkenny. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kilkenny. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Dublin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Dublin.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kinsale or Kilkenny?

Kilkenny has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Kinsale and Kilkenny, 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 Kinsale or Kilkenny?

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 Kinsale or Kilkenny in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kinsale as well as Kilkenny. Many visitors come to Kinsale in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Kilkenny for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Kinsale is around the same temperature as Kilkenny in the summer. The daily temperature in Kinsale averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the summer, Kinsale often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. Kinsale gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 131 hours of full sun.

Kinsale usually gets less rain in July than Kilkenny. Kinsale gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kinsale or Kilkenny in the Autumn?

Both Kilkenny and Kinsale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kinsale for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kinsale is around the same temperature as Kilkenny. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kinsale in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Kinsale usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during autumn. Kinsale gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kinsale usually receives more rain than Kilkenny. Kinsale gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kinsale or Kilkenny in the Winter?

Both Kilkenny and Kinsale during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year.

In January, Kinsale is generally a little warmer than Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Kinsale average around 6°C (43°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Kinsale often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. Kinsale gets 60 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 50 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kinsale. Kinsale usually gets more rain in January than Kilkenny. Kinsale gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kinsale or Kilkenny in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kinsale and Kilkenny. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kilkenny for the natural beauty.

Kinsale is around the same temperature as Kilkenny in the spring. The daily temperature in Kinsale averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Kinsale usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during spring. Kinsale gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 139 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kinsale usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kilkenny. Kinsale gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kilkenny and Kinsale