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

Should you visit Limerick or Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a fairytale, medieval, and historical town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Limerick and Carcassonne: 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
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Limerick or Carcassonne?

Both Carcassonne and Limerick have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Limerick is better known for its nightlife and shopping, while Carcassonne is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Carcassonne is more touristy than Limerick and is known for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. Limerick is well known for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Limerick different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Limerick
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a great town 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 Carcassonne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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 Carcassonne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Limerick
Carcassonne

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

Carcassonne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

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 Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Limerick
Carcassonne

Limerick is a good destination for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Limerick. 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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Limerick or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Limerick
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Limerick does not have a historic old town.

Carcassonne has an old town worth visiting. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Limerick does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Limerick or Carcassonne?

Limerick
Carcassonne

Limerick is a good destination for shopping. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Limerick or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Limerick
Carcassonne

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

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.

Carcassonne is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Limerick or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Limerick
Carcassonne

Both Limerick and Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is a nice destination for couples. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.


Is Limerick or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Limerick
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Carcassonne. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

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 Carcassonne Better for Students?

Limerick
Carcassonne

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

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

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

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

Limerick
Carcassonne

Limerick and Carcassonne both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Limerick offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a city bus service that travels around town.

Carcassonne has a few public transit options. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.


Is Limerick or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Limerick
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Carcassonne is a very easy town to get around on foot. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Limerick?

How long in Limerick or Carcassonne?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Limerick or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the outdoorsy city of Limerick. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The town of Carcassonne offers museums and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Limerick or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Limerick. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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


Five days in Limerick or Carcassonne?

The fun-filled city of Limerick offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Limerick. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Carcassonne 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 town 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne is €106. 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 Carcassonne in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Limerick or Carcassonne? 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 Carcassonne


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 Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Limerick 40
    Carcassonne 7.14

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Limerick or Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne 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
    Carcassonne 39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Limerick 17
    Carcassonne 14

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 Carcassonne

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

  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Best of Cathar Country: Full-Day Private Tour.: $207
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour : $201
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Fortress Walking Tour: $171
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Photoshoot Experience: $160
  • Private Walking Tour with Cité de Carcassonne: $187

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Limerick 12
    Carcassonne 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


When comparing the travel costs between Limerick and Carcassonne, we can see that Limerick 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 Carcassonne Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Limerick or Carcassonne?

Limerick has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Limerick and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Limerick and Carcassonne. Many visitors come to Limerick in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Limerick is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Limerick in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Carcassonne this time of the year. Limerick usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during summer. Limerick gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Limerick usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Limerick gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Limerick 16°C (60°F) 
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Limerick or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Limerick as well as Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Limerick is generally cooler than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Limerick average around 11°C (52°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Limerick often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Limerick gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Carcassonne. Limerick gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Limerick 11°C (52°F) 
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Limerick or Carcassonne in the Winter?

Both Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne this time of year.

Limerick is much colder than Carcassonne in the winter. The daily temperature in Limerick averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Limerick usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. Limerick gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Limerick usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Limerick gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Limerick 6°C (42°F) 
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Limerick or Carcassonne in the Spring?

Both Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Limerick is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Limerick in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the spring, Limerick often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Limerick gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Carcassonne. Limerick gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Limerick 9°C (48°F) 
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Limerick

Limerick Carcassonne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)