A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Limerick vs. La Rochelle for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Limerick or La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a quaint, charming, and peaceful coastal town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Limerick and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm


Is there more to do in Limerick or La Rochelle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in La Rochelle. Although Limerick and La Rochelle are both popular with visitors, La Rochelle has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. La Rochelle is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Limerick is known for its impressive beauty. Limerick is popular for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities. La Rochelle is popular for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also home to The Old Port.

How is Limerick different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Limerick
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a great coastal 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 La Rochelle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Limerick
La Rochelle

La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

Limerick
La Rochelle

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

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 La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Limerick or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

Limerick
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is very good for the beach. However, Limerick is not a beach destination.

Many people head to La Rochelle to enjoy the beach. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Limerick is not a beach destination.


Is Limerick or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

Limerick
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Limerick does not have a historic old town.

La Rochelle has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Limerick does not have a historic old town.

Is Limerick or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

Limerick
La Rochelle

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

Many people include a hike when visiting La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Limerick is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Limerick or La Rochelle?

Limerick
La Rochelle

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

La Rochelle is a great destination for shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.


Is Limerick or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Limerick
La Rochelle

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

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.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Limerick or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

Limerick
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is terrific for couples. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, La Rochelle has plenty to offer. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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 La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Limerick
La Rochelle

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

La Rochelle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

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 La Rochelle Better for Students?

Limerick
La Rochelle

For students, both Limerick and La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is a good city to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

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

Limerick
La Rochelle

Limerick and La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Limerick or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Limerick
La Rochelle

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

La Rochelle is a very walkable destination. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town 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 La Rochelle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Limerick?

How long in Limerick or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Limerick or La Rochelle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Rochelle due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Limerick, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Rochelle.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.


  • How many days in Limerick or La Rochelle? Ideal Length of Stay
    Limerick 1-2 
    La Rochelle 2-4

One day in Limerick or La Rochelle?

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.

La Rochelle is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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 La Rochelle?

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.

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

Five days in Limerick or La Rochelle?

The outdoorsy 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.

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle?

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.

La Rochelle 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 coastal 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle is €114. 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 La Rochelle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Limerick 49
    La Rochelle 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Limerick 98
    La Rochelle 134
Compare Hotels in Limerick and La Rochelle

Looking for a hotel in Limerick or La Rochelle? 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 La Rochelle


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 La Rochelle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Limerick 40
    La Rochelle 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Limerick

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

  • Private Transfer between CORK & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $300
  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Galway City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $300
  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & ADARE | Premium Vehicles: $213
  • Limerick Private Transfer from central Limerick to Shannon: $203
  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Limerick City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $158
  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $136

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Rochelle

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

  • Private Transfer from La Rochelle Port to Nantes Airport (NTE): $88
  • Private Transfer from La Rochelle Cruise Port to Nantes Hotels: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Limerick or La Rochelle?

Prices for flights to both La Rochelle 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
    La Rochelle 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Limerick 17
    La Rochelle 13

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 La Rochelle

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

  • 3 Hour La Rochelle Private Tour: $90
  • 1.5 Hour Guided Tour in Poitiers: $98
  • Discover Discovery Walking Tour of La Rochelle: $44
  • Guided tour of La Rochelle The splendor of merchants in the 18th century: $22
  • La Rochelle "The Heritage" Segway Tour - 1h30: $59
  • La Rochelle : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
  • La Rochelle : Private Custom Private Walking Tour With a local: $60
  • La Rochelle : Private Custom Walking Tour With a Local Guide: $50
  • La Rochelle Grand Format Segway Tour: $87
  • La Rochelle Heritage Segway Tour: $60
  • La Rochelle Lighthouse at the end of the world Segway Tour: $44
  • La Rochelle Seaside Segway Tour: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Limerick 12
    La Rochelle 16


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


Which is Bigger, Limerick or La Rochelle?

Limerick has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of Limerick and La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle in the Summer?

Both La Rochelle and Limerick are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Limerick for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Limerick is generally cooler than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Limerick average around 16°C (60°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in La Rochelle. Limerick usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during summer. Limerick gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Limerick usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Limerick gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Limerick 16°C (60°F) 
    La Rochelle 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Limerick or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

Both La Rochelle and Limerick during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Limerick because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

Limerick is cooler than La Rochelle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Limerick averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, Limerick often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Limerick gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets more rain in October than La Rochelle. Limerick gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Limerick 11°C (52°F) 
    La Rochelle 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Limerick or La Rochelle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Limerick and La Rochelle. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Limerick this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to La Rochelle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Limerick is cooler than La Rochelle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Limerick in January average around 6°C (42°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Limerick usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during winter. Limerick gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Limerick usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Limerick gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Limerick or La Rochelle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Limerick as well as La Rochelle. Many travelers come to Limerick for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Limerick is generally cooler than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Limerick average around 9°C (48°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Limerick often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Limerick gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets more rain in April than La Rochelle. Limerick gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Limerick 9°C (48°F) 
    La Rochelle 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Limerick

Limerick La Rochelle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)


Related Articles for Limerick
Related Articles for La Rochelle