A Travel Price Comparison for Ireland Limerick vs. Kilkenny for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Limerick or Kilkenny?

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 Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a active, ancient, and medieval town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Limerick and Kilkenny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Limerick or Kilkenny?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kilkenny. Although Limerick and Kilkenny are both popular with visitors, Kilkenny has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Limerick is popular for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities. Kilkenny is popular for its medieval castle and long running history. It is also home to The Kilkenny Castle.

The Kilkenny Castle

How is Limerick different from Kilkenny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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 Kilkenny? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kilkenny 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.

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.

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 Kilkenny Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Kilkenny. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Is Limerick or Kilkenny Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny is a great town 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 Kilkenny. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Limerick does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Limerick or Kilkenny?

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

Limerick has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Kilkenny is a great destination for 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 Limerick or Kilkenny Better for Families?

Kilkenny is a great town 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 Kilkenny. 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.

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 Kilkenny Better for Couples?

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

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.

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 Kilkenny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Kilkenny is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

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 Kilkenny Better for Students?

Limerick is very good for students. However, Kilkenny is not popular with students.

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

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

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

Limerick and Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny has a few public transit options. There are city buses through town.

Is Limerick or Kilkenny a more walkable city?

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

Kilkenny is a very walkable destination. The town is easy to walk around and most areas can be explored 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 Kilkenny Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kilkenny or Limerick?

How long in Limerick or Kilkenny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Limerick 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 Limerick. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Kilkenny than Limerick. 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 Limerick. 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 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 Kilkenny.

One day in Limerick or Kilkenny?

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

The town of Kilkenny offers 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.

A weekend in Limerick or Kilkenny?

Limerick 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 Limerick, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Limerick or Kilkenny?

Limerick 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.

Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny?

Limerick 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.

Kilkenny is a great place to explore. 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 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 Ireland, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Limerick and Kilkenny, we can see that Limerick 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 Limerick would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Limerick 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 Limerick Expensive? and Is Kilkenny Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Limerick or Kilkenny?

Limerick has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Limerick 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 Limerick 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 Limerick or Kilkenny in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Limerick as well as Kilkenny. The summer months attract visitors to Limerick because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year.

In July, Limerick is generally around the same temperature as Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Limerick average around 16°C (60°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the summer, Limerick often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. Limerick gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 131 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kilkenny. Limerick gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Limerick or Kilkenny in the Autumn?

Both Kilkenny and Limerick are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Limerick this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kilkenny for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Limerick is around the same temperature as Kilkenny in the autumn. The daily temperature in Limerick averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Limerick usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kilkenny during autumn. Limerick gets 82 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Limerick usually receives more rain than Kilkenny. Limerick gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Limerick or Kilkenny in the Winter?

Both Kilkenny and Limerick during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Limerick for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Kilkenny in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Limerick is around the same temperature as Kilkenny. Typically, the winter temperatures in Limerick in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Limerick often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kilkenny. Limerick gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 50 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets more rain in January than Kilkenny. Limerick gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Limerick or Kilkenny in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Limerick and Kilkenny. Many visitors come to Limerick in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Kilkenny for the natural beauty during these months.

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

Limerick usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kilkenny during spring. Limerick gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 139 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Limerick usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kilkenny. Limerick gets 56 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 Limerick