A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Limerick vs. Pompeii for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Limerick or Pompeii?

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

Limerick

Limerick is a fun-filled, historic, and outdoorsy city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a one-of-a-kind, ancient, and famous archeological site. It's also popular because of the museums.

Limerick and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Home to the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Limerick or Pompeii?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pompeii. Although Limerick and Pompeii are popular destinations, Pompeii has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pompeii is very popular for its museums, while Limerick attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Pompeii is more touristy than Limerick and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It is also well known for the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins. Limerick is famous for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins
The Pompeii Archaeological Ruins

How is Limerick different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Limerick
Pompeii

Pompeii is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Pompeii has many famous sights for visitors. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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 Pompeii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Limerick
Pompeii

Limerick is very good for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Limerick or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Limerick
Pompeii

Limerick is very good for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is the Shopping Better in Limerick or Pompeii?

Limerick
Pompeii

Limerick is very good for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.


Is Limerick or Pompeii Better for Families?

Limerick
Pompeii

Pompeii is a great archeological site 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 Pompeii. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

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 Pompeii Better for Couples?

Limerick
Pompeii

Both Limerick and Pompeii are nice 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.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Limerick or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Limerick
Pompeii

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

Pompeii is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

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 Pompeii Better for Students?

Limerick
Pompeii

For students, both Limerick and Pompeii are nice places to visit.

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

Pompeii is a good city to visit for students. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

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

Limerick
Pompeii

Limerick and Pompeii both offer nice 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.

Pompeii has a few public transit options. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Limerick or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Limerick
Pompeii

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

Pompeii is a very easy archeological site to get around on foot. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Limerick?

How long in Limerick or Pompeii?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Limerick or Pompeii?

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.

The archeological site of Pompeii offers museums. 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 Pompeii?

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.

Pompeii is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this archeological site makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pompeii, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Limerick or Pompeii?

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.

Pompeii is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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 Pompeii?

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.

Pompeii is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This archeological site 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Pompeii 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 Pompeii is €151. 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 Pompeii in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Limerick 49
    Pompeii 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Limerick 98
    Pompeii 140
Compare Hotels in Limerick and Pompeii

Looking for a hotel in Limerick or Pompeii? 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 Pompeii


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 Pompeii Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Limerick 40
    Pompeii 54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Limerick

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pompeii

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

  • Transfer Private from Ravello to Naples: $239
  • Transfers Ravello - Naples: $207
  • Organic Wine Tasting & Lunch on Vesuvius with Transfer from Pompeii: $132
  • Private transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Private transfer from Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Small Group Pompeii Wine Tasting with Lunch & Transfer Included : $97
  • Transfers from Naples to Sorrento Positano Amalfi Ravello Maiori: $97
  • Transfer from Pompeii to Naples or viceversa: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Limerick or Pompeii?

Prices for flights to both Pompeii 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
    Pompeii 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pompeii

For Pompeii, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traditional Neapolitan Dinner in Pompei - Villa Franca - Family Restourant: $38
  • Cooking Class with Italian Mamma in Pompeii: $65
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Pompei: $93
  • Pompei tour with a 2000 years roman dinner: $112
  • Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Pompei: $142
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Pompei: $158
  • Private Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner in Pompei: $158
  • Private market tour and cooking class with lunch or dinner in Pompei: $206
  • guided tour of the ruins and cooking class fresh pasta : $272
  • Cooking class: Pasta Experience in Pompei, Italy: $300

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Limerick 17
    Pompeii 77

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 Pompeii

For Pompeii, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Pompeii Archeological Site Fast Track Entry Ticket : $36
  • Pompeii Day Tour: $97
  • 2 Hour Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide in Pompeii: $251
  • 2 Hours Private Tour of Pompeii for Journey Through Time: $196
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Pompeii with an Archaeologist: $272
  • 2 days tour: Pompei & Naples center with underground: $207
  • 2 hours Pompeii Tour with local historian - ticket included: $60
  • 2-hour Private Guided Tour of Pompeii: $272
  • Best of Pompeii - 2 hour Private Tour with Alex: $271
  • Complete Pompeii Skip the Line Tour with Archaeologist Guide: $55
  • Discover Pompeii on this Guided Walking Tour of the Buried City: $63
  • Discover hidden secrets of Pompei on a Private tour with a local: $118

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Limerick 12
    Pompeii 7.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Pompeii

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Pompeii:

  • Wine Tasting Tour on the Slopes of Vesuvius: $46
  • Wine Tasting on Mt. Vesuvius: $55
  • Seafood Lunch with Wine Tasting & Tour on a golf cart: $87
  • Guided Tour of Pompeii Ruins with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $98
  • Private Wine Tour and Tasting in Pompeii with a Local: $124
  • Pompeii Guided Tour & Horse Riding on Vesuvius with Wine Tasting: $191
  • Pompeii, Herculaneum and scenic drive of the Mt. Vesuvius with wine tasting: $207


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



When is the best time to visit Limerick or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Limerick and Pompeii. The summer months attract visitors to Limerick because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year.

Limerick is cooler than Pompeii in the summer. The daily temperature in Limerick averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pompeii this time of the year. Limerick usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Limerick gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Limerick usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Limerick gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Limerick 16°C (60°F) 
    Pompeii 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Limerick or Pompeii in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Limerick as well as Pompeii. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Limerick this time of year.

In the autumn, Limerick is much colder than Pompeii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Limerick in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Pompeii averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Limerick often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Limerick gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Limerick usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Limerick gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Limerick 11°C (52°F) 
    Pompeii 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Limerick or Pompeii in the Winter?

Both Pompeii and Limerick are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Limerick for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Pompeii in the winter for the museums.

In January, Limerick is generally cooler than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Limerick average around 6°C (42°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Limerick usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Limerick gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. In January, Limerick usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Limerick gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Limerick 6°C (42°F) 
    Pompeii 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Limerick or Pompeii in the Spring?

Both Pompeii and Limerick during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Limerick in the spring for the natural beauty.

Limerick is cooler than Pompeii in the spring. The daily temperature in Limerick averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Limerick often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Limerick gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Limerick gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Limerick 9°C (48°F) 
    Pompeii 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Limerick

Limerick Pompeii
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)