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

Should you visit Limerick or Killarney?

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 Killarney 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Killarney

Killarney is a local, natural, and peaceful 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 museums, food, and hiking.

Limerick and Killarney: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Limerick or Killarney?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Killarney than Limerick, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Killarney is better known for its hiking and small town charm, while Limerick is more popular for its nightlife and shopping. Killarney is more touristy than Limerick and is popular for its access to Killarney National Park and its location along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Also, Killarney is famous for Killarney National Park. Limerick is well known for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Limerick different from Killarney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Limerick
Killarney

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Killarney and Limerick.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Limerick. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.

Killarney is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to the area's natural beauty, you should also check out Muckross House Gardens, Muckross Abbey, and Ross Castle.


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

Limerick
Killarney

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

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.

Killarney offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find great local fish and chips shops as well as locally caught seafood and regional produce. There are cafes and other independent restaurants that provide a local taste of the area.

Is Limerick or Killarney Better for Nightlife?

Limerick
Killarney

Limerick is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Killarney is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Limerick has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Killarney doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. You can hang out with the locals at one of the bars or Irish pubs in town.

Is Limerick or Killarney Better for Hiking?

Limerick
Killarney

Killarney is a great town for hiking. However, Limerick is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Killarney for the hiking trails. You'll find many great hiking trails both in and around Killarney National Park. The town is also the starting and ending point for the 200 km Kerry Way walking trail. Other hikes worth checking out in the area include the Knockreer Circular Walk, Muckross Lake Loop Walk, and Old Kenmare Road Walk.

Limerick is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Limerick or Killarney?

Limerick
Killarney

Limerick is a city with good options for shopping. However, Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Limerick or Killarney Better for Families?

Limerick
Killarney

Killarney 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 Killarney. The area has many outdoor activities. You can explore Killarney National Park by horseback or head out on bikes. You can also take a boat ride or there's Kennedys Pet Farm for animal lovers.

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 Killarney Better for Couples?

Limerick
Killarney

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

Killarney is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Killarney National Park. You can also go kayaking, biking, horseback riding or relax at The Angsana Spa.

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 Killarney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Limerick
Killarney

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

Killarney is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find a surprising number of interesting hostels in the area so you shouldn't have trouble finding a place to stay or meeting fellow backpackers.

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 Killarney Better for Students?

Limerick
Killarney

Limerick is a city with good options for students. However, Killarney is not popular with students.

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

Killarney is not popular with students.

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

Limerick
Killarney

Limerick is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Killarney is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Limerick, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a city bus service that travels around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Killarney. There's a shuttle bus that travels between some of the tourist attractions.


Is Limerick or Killarney a more walkable city?

Limerick
Killarney

Limerick is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Killarney is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Killarney is not a very walkable city. While there are many great hikes in the area, you'll need a car to access most of them.

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

Should I spend more time in Killarney or Limerick?

How long in Limerick or Killarney?

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

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

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


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

One day in Limerick or Killarney?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Limerick. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Limerick has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The town of Killarney offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Killarney?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Limerick. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Killarney 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Killarney, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Limerick or Killarney?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled city of Limerick. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Killarney 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 Killarney?

Limerick is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Killarney is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Killarney 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 Killarney is €167. 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 Killarney in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Limerick 49
    Killarney 102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Limerick 98
    Killarney 204
Compare Hotels in Limerick and Killarney

Looking for a hotel in Limerick or Killarney? 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 Killarney


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 Killarney Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Limerick 40
    Killarney 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Limerick

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

  • Limerick Private Transfer from central Limerick to Shannon: $205
  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & ADARE | Premium Vehicles: $215
  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $138
  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Limerick City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $138

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Killarney

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Killarney:

  • Killarney - Shannon Airport | Private Transfer & Car Service: $353
  • Cork Airport Private Transfer: Killarney to Cork Airport: $285

Is it cheaper to fly into Limerick or Killarney?

Prices for flights to both Killarney 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
    Killarney 46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Killarney

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Killarney.

  • Killarney Jaunting Car Tour with Craft Brewery Beer & Pizza: $66
  • Killarney Food Tour: $110

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

Tours and Activities in Limerick

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

  • Skip the Line: Hunt Museum Ticket: $14
  • Limericks Lost Whiskey Walking Tour: $19
  • Skip the Line: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Admission Ticket: $21
  • Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $43
  • Dingle Peninsula Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $54
  • Ring of Kerry Day Tour from Including Killarney National Park: $54
  • Cliffs of Moher explorer day tour from Limerick. Guided.: $55
  • Guided eBike Tours on the Lough Derg Shore: $83
  • Aran islands & Cliffs of Moher including cruise day tour departing from Limerick: $97
  • Angela's Ashes 1.5hrs Walking Tour: $143
  • Private Walking Tour of Limerick City: $143
  • Private Walking Tour of Adare: $275

Tours and Activities in Killarney

Here are a few actual costs in Killarney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 hour Lake Cruise on Killarney's Largest Lake: $17
  • Boat Only Ticket (Walk the Gap of Dunloe): $35
  • Bus & Boat Tour: $64
  • Bus, Boat & Jaunting Cart Tour (Jaunting Cart Paid Separately) : $64
  • Cruise Tour on Kenmare Bay: $28
  • Dingle Peninsula Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $50
  • Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head Day Tour: $40
  • From Portmagee & Skellig Ring Full-Day Tour: $76
  • Full-Day Ring of Kerry Tour from Killarney: $35
  • Full-Day Tour of the Dingle Peninsula, Slea Head, and Inch Beach: $66
  • Gap of Dunloe & Lakes of Killlarney Boat Tour: $60
  • Gap of Dunloe Tour ( Boat & Bus): $66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Limerick 12
    Killarney 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Killarney

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Killarney:

  • Jaunting Car Tour with Craft Brewery Visit: $76


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


Which is Bigger, Limerick or Killarney?

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

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 Killarney in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Limerick as well as Killarney. Many travelers come to Limerick for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Killarney in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Limerick is around the same temperature as Killarney. Typically, the summer temperatures in Limerick in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Killarney averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In the summer, Limerick often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Killarney. Limerick gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 140 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets less rain in July than Killarney. Limerick gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Limerick 16°C (60°F) 
    Killarney 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Limerick or Killarney in the Autumn?

Both Killarney and Limerick are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Limerick in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Killarney for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Limerick is generally around the same temperature as Killarney. Daily temperatures in Limerick average around 11°C (52°F), and Killarney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Limerick usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Killarney during autumn. Limerick gets 82 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 79 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Killarney. In October, Limerick usually receives less rain than Killarney. Limerick gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Limerick 11°C (52°F) 
    Killarney 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Limerick or Killarney in the Winter?

Both Killarney and Limerick during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Limerick for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Killarney because of the museums and the cuisine.

Limerick is cooler than Killarney in the winter. The daily temperature in Limerick averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Killarney fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Limerick often gets more sunshine than Killarney. Limerick gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 44 hours of full sun.

Killarney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Limerick usually gets less rain in January than Killarney. Limerick gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Limerick 6°C (42°F) 
    Killarney 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Limerick or Killarney in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Limerick and Killarney. The spring months attract visitors to Limerick because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Killarney this time of year.

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

Limerick usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Killarney during spring. Limerick gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Limerick usually receives less rain than Killarney. Limerick gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Killarney and Limerick

Limerick Killarney
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 14°C (56°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 156 mm (6.2 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)