A Travel Price Comparison for Ireland Limerick vs. Kinsale for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Limerick or Kinsale?

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 Kinsale 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a picturesque, colorful, and charming seaside town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Limerick and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Limerick or Kinsale?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kinsale. Although Limerick and Kinsale are both popular with visitors, Kinsale has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kinsale is more popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Limerick is known for its nightlife. Kinsale is more touristy than Limerick and is known for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. It is also home to Charles Fort. Limerick is popular for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Limerick different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Kinsale 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.

Kinsale is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.

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

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

Kinsale has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

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 Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Limerick is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

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.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Limerick or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Kinsale is adequate for the beach. However, Limerick is not a beach destination.

The beach in Kinsale is worth checking out. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Limerick is not a beach destination.

Is Limerick or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Kinsale is a great seaside 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 Kinsale. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

Limerick does not have a historic old town.

Is Limerick or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

Kinsale is very good for hiking. However, Limerick is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kinsale. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Limerick is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Limerick or Kinsale?

If you're looking to go shopping, Limerick and Kinsale 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.

Kinsale is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Is Limerick or Kinsale Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Limerick or Kinsale.

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.

Kinsale is a family-friendly place to visit. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

Is Limerick or Kinsale Better for Couples?

Both Limerick and Kinsale are good 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.

Kinsale is a nice destination for couples. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

Is Limerick or Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Kinsale is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other 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 Kinsale Better for Students?

Limerick is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Kinsale is not popular with students.

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

Kinsale is not popular with students.

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

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

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

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Limerick or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Limerick and Kinsale are good 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.

Kinsale is somewhat walkable. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Limerick?

How long in Limerick or Kinsale?

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

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

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

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

One day in Limerick or Kinsale?

In Limerick, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Kinsale is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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 Kinsale?

In Limerick, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Limerick has to offer.

Kinsale is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this seaside 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 Kinsale, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Limerick or Kinsale?

Limerick is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Kinsale is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Kinsale?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Limerick. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Limerick. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Kinsale is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food 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 seaside 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 Kinsale, we can see that Kinsale 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 Kinsale would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kinsale 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 Kinsale Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Limerick or Kinsale?

Limerick has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Limerick and Kinsale, 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 Kinsale?

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 Kinsale in the Summer?

Both Kinsale and Limerick are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Limerick for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kinsale in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Limerick usually receives less sunshine than Kinsale during summer. Limerick gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Limerick usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kinsale. Limerick gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Limerick or Kinsale in the Autumn?

Both Kinsale and Limerick during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Limerick in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kinsale for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

In the autumn, Limerick often gets less sunshine than Kinsale. Limerick gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Kinsale. Limerick gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Limerick or Kinsale in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Limerick and Kinsale. Most visitors come to Limerick for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Limerick is cooler than Kinsale. Typically, the winter temperatures in Limerick in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Kinsale averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Limerick usually receives less sunshine than Kinsale during winter. Limerick gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kinsale receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Limerick usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Limerick gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Limerick or Kinsale in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Limerick as well as Kinsale. The spring months attract visitors to Limerick because of the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year.

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

In the spring, Limerick often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale. Limerick gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kinsale. Limerick gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Limerick