A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Liverpool vs. Kinsale for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Liverpool or Kinsale?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Liverpool and Kinsale can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a fun-filled, diverse, and historic port city. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a quaint, picturesque, and colorful seaside town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Liverpool and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Liverpool or Kinsale?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kinsale than Liverpool, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kinsale is better known for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Liverpool is more popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, and shopping. Kinsale is more touristy than Liverpool and is popular for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. Also, Kinsale is famous for Charles Fort. Liverpool is well known for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles."

How is Liverpool different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kinsale and Liverpool. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Liverpool or Kinsale?

Liverpool
Kinsale

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Liverpool and Kinsale.

Liverpool offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kinsale. 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 Liverpool or Kinsale Better for Theater?

Liverpool
Kinsale

Liverpool is great for its theatre productions. However, Kinsale is not a theatre destination.

Liverpool attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

Kinsale is not a theatre destination.

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

Liverpool
Kinsale

Kinsale is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Liverpool is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Kinsale have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Liverpool may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).

Is Liverpool or Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Liverpool
Kinsale

Liverpool is great for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Liverpool for the nightlife scene. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.

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 Liverpool or Kinsale Better for Music?

Liverpool
Kinsale

Liverpool is an amazing port city to visit for its live music scene. However, Kinsale is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Liverpool. Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

Kinsale is not a live music destination.

Is Liverpool or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Liverpool
Kinsale

Kinsale is a seaside town with a few options for the beache. However, Liverpool is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Kinsale. 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.

Liverpool is not a beach destination.

Is Liverpool or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Liverpool
Kinsale

Kinsale is well known for its old town. However, Liverpool does not have a historic old town.

Kinsale is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Liverpool does not have a historic old town.


Is Liverpool or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

Liverpool
Kinsale

Kinsale is a seaside town with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Liverpool is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Kinsale. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Liverpool is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Liverpool or Kinsale?

Liverpool
Kinsale

Liverpool is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its shopping areas.

Liverpool is well-known for its shopping. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.

Many visitors go to Kinsale to go shopping. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Is Liverpool or Kinsale Better for Families?

Liverpool
Kinsale

Liverpool is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Liverpool is very family-friendly. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.

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 Liverpool or Kinsale Better for Couples?

Liverpool
Kinsale

Both Liverpool and Kinsale are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Liverpool makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.

Kinsale is a good port city for couples to visit. 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 Liverpool or Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Liverpool
Kinsale

Liverpool and Kinsale are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Liverpool is a good port city to visit for backpackers. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and meet other travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Kinsale. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

Is Liverpool or Kinsale Better for Students?

Liverpool
Kinsale

Liverpool is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Kinsale is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Liverpool. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.

Kinsale is not popular with students.


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

Liverpool
Kinsale

Liverpool is a port 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 Liverpool offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.

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

Is Liverpool or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Liverpool
Kinsale

Liverpool is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its ease of walking around.

Liverpool is a very walkable port city.

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable port city. 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 Liverpool Worth Visiting? and Is Kinsale Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Liverpool?

How long in Liverpool or Kinsale?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Liverpool or Kinsale to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Liverpool than Kinsale because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Liverpool, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kinsale.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Liverpool or Kinsale? Ideal Length of Stay
    Liverpool 2-3 
    Kinsale 1-2

One day in Liverpool or Kinsale?

In Liverpool, you'll find museums and theater. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Kinsale is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kinsale has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Liverpool or Kinsale?

In Liverpool, you'll find theater and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Liverpool has to offer.

Kinsale is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside town has to offer. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Liverpool or Kinsale?

Liverpool 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 small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Liverpool or Kinsale?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Liverpool. Many people enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting Liverpool. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Kinsale is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.


Which place is cheaper, Kinsale or Liverpool?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Liverpool is £161, while the average daily cost in Kinsale is £110. 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 Liverpool and Kinsale in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Liverpool £76
    Kinsale £63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Liverpool £152
    Kinsale £126
Compare Hotels in Liverpool and Kinsale

Looking for a hotel in Liverpool or Kinsale? 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 Liverpool


Hotels in Kinsale


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: Liverpool Hotel Prices and Kinsale Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Liverpool £26
    Kinsale £15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liverpool

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Liverpool:


  • City bike hire Liverpool
    £6.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liverpool

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liverpool:

  • Departure Private Transfer: Liverpool to Manchester Airport MAN in Luxury Van: $195
  • Beatles-Themed Private Taxi Tour with Transfers: $162
  • Liverpool Airport (LPL): Transfer to Liverpool Cruise Port: $148
  • Liverpool Airport (LPL): Transfer to Liverpool Accommodation: $148
  • Liverpool Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Liverpool: $148
  • Liverpool Private Transfer from central Liverpool to Liverpool Airport: $123
  • Departure Private Transfer: Liverpool to Manchester Airport MAN in Business Car: $121
  • Private Transfer from Liverpool Airport (LPL) to Holyhead Port: $103
  • Liverpool Cruise Port to Liverpool hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $83
  • Liverpool Airport (LPL) to Liverpool Port - Round-Trip Transfer: $83
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Liverpool Airport LPL to Liverpool in Luxury Van: $79
  • Liverpool to Manchester Airport(MAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Liverpool or Kinsale?

Prices for flights to both Kinsale and Liverpool 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
    Liverpool £59
    Kinsale £39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liverpool

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

  • Brewery Bus Tour with Beer Tasting and Pizza: $81
  • Brewery bus tour, 5 breweries, 12 beers, 1 pizza, 1 bus: $89
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Liverpool £36
    Kinsale £4.28

Tours and Activities in Liverpool

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

  • A Hope Street Stroll: A self-guided tour from the Metropolitan Cathedral to LIPA: $5.20
  • A Walk Through Time: History of Liverpool Walking Tour: $22
  • Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Liverpool: $51
  • Awesome Corners of Liverpool – Family Walking Tour: $286
  • BEST OF LIVERPOOL History & Culture Tour-From The Cruise Terminal: $27
  • BEST OF LIVERPOOL-Heritage, History & Culture Guided Walking Tour: $27
  • Beatles & Beyond: A Liverpool Legacy Tour: $303
  • Beatles Classic Tour of Liverpool by Private Taxi: $234
  • Beatles Famous Walking Tour Of Liverpool-From the Cruise Terminal: $27
  • Beatles Magical Mystery Tour: $25
  • Best of Liverpool Sightseeing Tour by Private Taxi: $252
  • Brews, Views, football & History Tour: $82

Tours and Activities in Kinsale

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

  • Titanic Trail Guided Walking Tour Cobh: $21
  • Visit 16 Sites Key Historical Sites And Experience Cobh Rebel Tours: $27
  • Cobh Evening Ghost Tour: $43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Liverpool £13
    Kinsale £13

Sample the Local Flavors in Liverpool

Also in Liverpool, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • FunnyBoyz Liverpool - Drag Shows, Tributes, Brunches & Bar Crawls: $19
  • Liverpool Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $50
  • Pirate Pub Crawl & Boat Tour: $56

Sample the Local Flavors in Kinsale

Also in Kinsale, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • (Small Group) Shore Tour from Cork: Blarney Castle & Jameson Distillery: $147


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Liverpool and Kinsale, we can see that Liverpool is more expensive. And not only is Kinsale much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kinsale would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kinsale 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 Liverpool would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liverpool than you might in Kinsale.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Liverpool Expensive? and Is Kinsale Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Liverpool or Kinsale?

Liverpool has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Liverpool 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 Liverpool or Kinsale?

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 Liverpool or Kinsale in the Summer?

Both Kinsale and Liverpool during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Liverpool because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year.

Liverpool is around the same temperature as Kinsale in the summer. The daily temperature in Liverpool averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Kinsale fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Liverpool often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale. Liverpool gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun.

Liverpool usually gets more rain in July than Kinsale. Liverpool gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Liverpool 15°C (60°F) 
    Kinsale 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Liverpool or Kinsale in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Liverpool and Kinsale. The shopping scene and the music scene are the main draw to Liverpool this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kinsale for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Liverpool is around the same temperature as Kinsale. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Liverpool in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Kinsale averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Liverpool usually receives more sunshine than Kinsale during autumn. Liverpool gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Liverpool usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Liverpool gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Liverpool 12°C (53°F) 
    Kinsale 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Liverpool or Kinsale in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Liverpool as well as Kinsale. Many travelers come to Liverpool for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Kinsale in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Liverpool is generally cooler than Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Liverpool average around 5°C (42°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Liverpool often gets less sunshine than Kinsale. Liverpool gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 60 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kinsale. Liverpool usually gets less rain in January than Kinsale. Liverpool gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Liverpool 5°C (42°F) 
    Kinsale 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Liverpool or Kinsale in the Spring?

Both Kinsale and Liverpool are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Kinsale for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Liverpool is around the same temperature as Kinsale in the spring. The daily temperature in Liverpool averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Kinsale fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Liverpool usually receives less sunshine than Kinsale during spring. Liverpool gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Liverpool usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Liverpool gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Liverpool 8°C (47°F) 
    Kinsale 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Liverpool

Liverpool Kinsale
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (43°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 15°C (60°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 101 mm (4 in)