A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Limerick vs. Caen for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Limerick or Caen?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Limerick and Caen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Limerick

Limerick is a historic, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Caen

Caen is a important, historic, and park-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Limerick and Caen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Limerick or Caen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Caen than Limerick. Caen is bigger than Limerick, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Caen is better known for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Limerick is more popular for its shopping and impressive beauty. Limerick is well known for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. Also, Caen is famous for Pegasus Bridge.

How is Limerick different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Limerick or Caen?

Limerick
Caen

Caen is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Caen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

Limerick is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.


Is the Food Better in Limerick or Caen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Limerick
Caen

Caen is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Caen has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Limerick offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of traditional Irish restaurants and more modern international cuisine. Local specialties to try include Limerick Ham, Cahill's Whiskey Cheese, and Walnut Cheddar.

Is Limerick or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Limerick
Caen

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Limerick and Caen.

If you're looking for night time activities Limerick has a few options to choose from. It's a student town so much of the nightlife scene centers around the student population. There are lively pubs and clubs around town so it's not hard to have a fun night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Caen. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Limerick or Caen?

Limerick
Caen

Limerick is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Limerick. You'll find a mix of brand name chains and independent boutiques in the city center. There are several major shopping streets in town including O'Connell Street, and the pedestrian streets of Bedford Row and Cruises Street.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Limerick or Caen Better for Families?

Limerick
Caen

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Limerick or Caen.

Limerick offers lots of family activities. Families will enjoy visiting King John's Castle but for kids who need a break from the sightseeing, there are kid-friendly activities around town like Curraghchase Forest Park and the Peoples Park. Families should also check out the Dreamland Fun Center. Museums like Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum are also fun for the whole family.

Caen is a family-friendly place to visit. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Limerick or Caen Better for Couples?

Limerick
Caen

Both Limerick and Caen are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Limerick is a good city for couples to visit. There are river cruises, kayaking, and nature to explore. Head to the Curraghchase Forest Park or any of the many beautiful parks around town. Couples can combine history with nature and enjoy a nice, romantic trip through Limerick.

Caen is a nice destination for couples. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Limerick or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Limerick
Caen

Caen is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known for backpackers.

Caen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.


Is Limerick or Caen Better for Students?

Limerick
Caen

Limerick is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Caen is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Limerick. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

Caen is not popular with students.

Is Limerick or Caen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Limerick
Caen

Caen is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The public transit in Caen can get you to most places easily. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Limerick has a few public transit options. There's a city bus service that travels around town.

Is Limerick or Caen a more walkable city?

Limerick
Caen

Limerick and Caen are notable when it comes to walkability.

Limerick is a somewhat walkable city. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.

Caen is somewhat walkable. The city center is best explored on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Limerick Worth Visiting? and Is Caen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Caen or Limerick?

How long in Limerick or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Limerick and Caen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Caen than in Limerick. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Limerick, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Caen than Limerick 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 Caen.


  • How many days in Limerick or Caen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Limerick 1-2 
    Caen 2-3

One day in Limerick or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Limerick. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The city of Caen offers nightlife and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Limerick or Caen?

Limerick is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Caen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Caen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Limerick or Caen?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Limerick. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Caen is a popular choice for travelers. 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.


A week in Limerick or Caen?

The historic city of Limerick offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Caen is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Dublin, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Caen or Limerick?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Limerick is €108, while the average daily cost in Caen is €123. 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 Limerick and Caen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Limerick 49
    Caen 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Limerick 98
    Caen 122
Compare Hotels in Limerick and Caen

Looking for a hotel in Limerick or Caen? 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 Limerick


Hotels in Caen


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: Limerick Hotel Prices and Caen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Limerick 40
    Caen 35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Limerick

Also for Limerick, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Limerick City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $158
  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Galway City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $300
  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $136
  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & ADARE | Premium Vehicles: $213
  • Private Transfer between CORK & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $300
  • Limerick Private Transfer from central Limerick to Shannon: $203

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Caen

Also for Caen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Round-Trip from Caen Airport (CFR) to Caen: $63
  • Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) to Caen - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Caen to Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) - Departure Private Transfer: $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Limerick or Caen?

Prices for flights to both Caen and Limerick 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
    Limerick 35
    Caen 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Limerick 17
    Caen 19

Tours and Activities in Limerick

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Limerick.

  • Angela's Ashes 1.5hrs Walking Tour: $142
  • Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $43
  • Cliffs of Moher explorer day tour from Limerick. Guided.: $54
  • Dingle Peninsula Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $53
  • Guided eBike Tours on the Lough Derg Shore: $82
  • Limericks Lost Whiskey Walking Tour: $19
  • Private Walking Tour of Adare: $272
  • Private Walking Tour of Limerick City: $142
  • Ring of Kerry Day Tour from Including Killarney National Park: $53
  • Self Guided Bike Tour on the Limerick Greenway: $16
  • Skip the Line: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Admission Ticket: $21
  • Skip the Line: Hunt Museum Ticket: $14

Tours and Activities in Caen

For Caen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Caen Like a Local: Customized Guided Walking Tour: $51
  • Guided D-Day Sites Tour & Caen Memorial Museum Ticket: $127
  • Memorial Museum Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $160
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $59
  • D-Day private tour Juno Beach departing Caen with audio guide. 2Pers. minimum: $268
  • D-Day private tour Omaha Beach from Caen with audio guide.: $268
  • From Caen or Bayeux: Normandy History Private Full-Day Tour: $1,283
  • Guided Tour in an Old Convertible Car on the Côte de Nacre: $93
  • Guided Tour of the Landing Sites and the Memorial of Caen: $191
  • Mémorial de Caen Museum Admission and Guided Tour of D-Day Sites: $133

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Limerick 12
    Caen 17


When comparing the travel costs between Limerick and Caen, we can see that Caen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Limerick or Caen?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Limerick and Caen, 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 Limerick or Caen?

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 Limerick or Caen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Limerick and Caen. Many visitors come to Limerick in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Limerick is cooler than Caen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Limerick in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Caen averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caen this time of the year. Limerick usually receives less sunshine than Caen during summer. Limerick gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Limerick usually receives more rain than Caen. Limerick gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Limerick 16°C (60°F) 
    Caen 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Limerick or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Limerick as well as Caen. Most visitors come to Limerick for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Caen because of the city's sights and attractions.

In October, Limerick is generally cooler than Caen. Daily temperatures in Limerick average around 11°C (52°F), and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Limerick often gets less sunshine than Caen. Limerick gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets more rain in October than Caen. Limerick gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Limerick 11°C (52°F) 
    Caen 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Limerick or Caen in the Winter?

Both Caen and Limerick are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Limerick because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Caen in the winter. Limerick is around the same temperature as Caen in the winter. The daily temperature in Limerick averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Limerick usually receives less sunshine than Caen during winter. Limerick gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Limerick usually receives more rain than Caen. Limerick gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Limerick 6°C (42°F) 
    Caen 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Limerick or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and Limerick during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Limerick this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Caen for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Limerick is around the same temperature as Caen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Limerick in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Caen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Limerick often gets less sunshine than Caen. Limerick gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets more rain in April than Caen. Limerick gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Limerick 9°C (48°F) 
    Caen 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Caen and Limerick

Limerick Caen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)


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