A Travel Price Comparison for Ireland Limerick vs. Dublin for Nightlife, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Limerick or Dublin?

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 Dublin can help you decide which place is right for you.

Limerick

Limerick is a outdoorsy, fun-filled, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin

Dublin is a laid-back, friendly, and welcoming city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Limerick and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Limerick or Dublin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dublin than Limerick, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dublin is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Limerick is known for its impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Limerick and is popular for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also home to The Guinness Storehouse. Limerick is popular for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Limerick different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dublin 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 Dublin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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 Dublin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Limerick and Dublin.

Limerick is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Dublin offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Limerick or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Dublin is a must-see party destination. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Is Limerick or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is a great city for its music scene. However, Limerick is not a live music destination.

Dublin has a thriving music scene. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Limerick is not a live music destination.

Is Limerick or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Limerick does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Dublin. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Limerick does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Limerick or Dublin?

Dublin is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Dublin. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

Limerick is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Is Limerick or Dublin Better for Families?

Dublin is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dublin. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

Limerick is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Limerick or Dublin Better for Couples?

Dublin is a great city for couples. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Dublin is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Limerick is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Limerick or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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 Dublin Better for Students?

For students, both Limerick and Dublin are good places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Limerick. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

Dublin is a good city to visit for students. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

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

Limerick and Dublin both offer good 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.

Dublin has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Limerick or Dublin a more walkable city?

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

Dublin is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center 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 Dublin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Limerick?

How long in Limerick or Dublin?

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

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

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

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

One day in Limerick or Dublin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Limerick. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The city of Dublin offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Dublin?

Limerick 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.

Dublin 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dublin, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Limerick or Dublin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Limerick. 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.

Dublin is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dublin, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Limerick or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of Limerick. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Dublin is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife 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 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ireland, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Limerick or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Limerick and Dublin, 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 Dublin?

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 Limerick or Dublin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Limerick as well as Dublin. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Limerick this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Dublin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Limerick is generally around the same temperature as Dublin. Daily temperatures in Limerick average around 16°C (60°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Limerick often gets less sunshine than Dublin. Limerick gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets more rain in July than Dublin. Limerick gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Limerick or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Limerick are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Limerick for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Dublin in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Limerick is around the same temperature as Dublin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Limerick averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Limerick usually receives less sunshine than Dublin during autumn. Limerick gets 82 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Limerick usually receives more rain than Dublin. Limerick gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Limerick or Dublin in the Winter?

Both Dublin and Limerick during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Limerick in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Limerick is around the same temperature as Dublin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Limerick in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Dublin averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Limerick often gets less sunshine than Dublin. Limerick gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets more rain in January than Dublin. Limerick gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Limerick or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Limerick and Dublin. Most visitors come to Limerick for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dublin because of the activities around the city.

In April, Limerick is generally around the same temperature as Dublin. Daily temperatures in Limerick average around 9°C (48°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Limerick usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin during spring. Limerick gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Limerick usually receives more rain than Dublin. Limerick gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Limerick