A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Loch Lomond National Park vs. Kilkenny for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Loch Lomond National Park or Kilkenny?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Loch Lomond National Park and Kilkenny 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.

Loch Lomond National Park

Loch Lomond National Park is a scenic, serene, and peaceful national park. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a active, ancient, and medieval town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Loch Lomond National Park and Kilkenny: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Loch Lomond National Park or Kilkenny?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kilkenny. Although Loch Lomond National Park and Kilkenny are both popular with visitors, Kilkenny has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kilkenny is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Loch Lomond National Park is known for its hiking. Kilkenny is more touristy than Loch Lomond National Park and is popular for its medieval castle and long running history. It is also home to The Kilkenny Castle. Loch Lomond National Park is popular for becoming the first designated national park in Scotland in 2002.

The Kilkenny Castle
The Kilkenny Castle

How is Loch Lomond National Park different from Kilkenny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kilkenny and Loch Lomond National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Loch Lomond National Park or Kilkenny?

Loch Lomond National Park
Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a great town for its historical sights. However, Loch Lomond National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Kilkenny. It's seeped in history and there are many historic landmarks in the area including Kilkenny Castle. Also make sure you check out the National Design & Craft Gallery, Saint Mary's Cathedral, and the Medieval Mile Museum.

Loch Lomond National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Loch Lomond National Park or Kilkenny? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Loch Lomond National Park
Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kilkenny has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Loch Lomond National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find some traditional Scottish food to sample but in general for the best food, head to one of the nicer hotels in the area.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Kilkenny Better for Nightlife?

Loch Lomond National Park
Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Kilkenny has a few options to choose from. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Kilkenny Better for its Old Town?

Loch Lomond National Park
Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a great town for its historic old town charm. However, Loch Lomond National Park does not have a historic old town.

Kilkenny is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Loch Lomond National Park does not have a historic old town.


Is Loch Lomond National Park or Kilkenny Better for Hiking?

Loch Lomond National Park
Kilkenny

Loch Lomond National Park is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Loch Lomond National Park. You can choose from relaxing walks or more strenuous hikes and options run along the shoreline or into the surrounding hills and forests. Some of the more popular hikes in the area include Ben Lomond, Conic Hill, and Callander Crags.

Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Loch Lomond National Park or Kilkenny?

Loch Lomond National Park
Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Kilkenny has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of shopping malls, shopping streets, and local markets. Make sure you check out Market Cross Shopping Centre, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, Connolly's Red Mills, and Castleinch Sunday Market.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Kilkenny Better for Families?

Loch Lomond National Park
Kilkenny

Both Loch Lomond National Park and Kilkenny are superb to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Loch Lomond National Park. You'll find a wide range of diverse activities for kids around the park. They can explore the maze at the Lodge Forest Visitor Center, get up close with animals at Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, or Loch Lomond Pony Trekking, or have an adventure at Doune Castle. Other highlights for the kids include Wellsfield Farm and the Maid of the Loch Paddle Steamer.

Kilkenny is a very family-friendly place to visit. The obvious activity is visiting the Kilkenny Castle, but there are so many other adventures that your family can have. You can do the zip line and other outdoor adventures at Castlecomer Discovery Park, try out falconry, or visit the National Reptile Museum. There's also river rafting, kayaking, and many other outdoor adventures in the area.


Is Loch Lomond National Park or Kilkenny Better for Couples?

Loch Lomond National Park
Kilkenny

Both Loch Lomond National Park and Kilkenny are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Loch Lomond National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. There are many waterfront accommodation options that make for a beautiful and peaceful couples retreat. The nature and serenity is perfect for couples who want to get away from it all.

Kilkenny is a very popular place to visit for couples. Adventure lovers will enjoy rafting, kayaking, hiking, and cycling through the area. There are also Michelin starred restaurants and other romantic settings that make for a great couple's weekend.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Kilkenny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Loch Lomond National Park
Kilkenny

For backpackers, both Loch Lomond National Park and Kilkenny are good places to visit.

Loch Lomond National Park is a good national park to visit for backpackers. There are some camping options available for backpackers and those who want to experience nature in its fullest.

Plenty of backpackers visit Kilkenny. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

Is Loch Lomond National Park or Kilkenny Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Loch Lomond National Park
Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not known for its public transit.

While Kilkenny offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are city buses through town.

Public transit is generally limited in Loch Lomond National Park. You can reach the park by train, but transportation option within the area are generally limited.


Is Loch Lomond National Park or Kilkenny a more walkable city?

Loch Lomond National Park
Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a great town for its ease of walking around. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a walkable destination.

Kilkenny is a very walkable destination. The town is easy to walk around and most areas can be explored on foot.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Loch Lomond National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Kilkenny Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kilkenny or Loch Lomond National Park?

How long in Loch Lomond National Park or Kilkenny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Loch Lomond National Park or Kilkenny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Loch Lomond National Park than Kilkenny because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Loch Lomond National Park, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kilkenny.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kilkenny than Loch Lomond National Park 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 Kilkenny.


  • How many days in Loch Lomond National Park or Kilkenny? Ideal Length of Stay
    Loch Lomond National Park 2-4 
    Kilkenny 1-2

One day in Loch Lomond National Park or Kilkenny?

The national park of Loch Lomond National Park offers . 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the ancient town of Kilkenny. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Loch Lomond National Park or Kilkenny?

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

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kilkenny. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.


Five days in Loch Lomond National Park or Kilkenny?

Loch Lomond National Park 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.

Kilkenny is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

A week in Loch Lomond National Park or Kilkenny?

Loch Lomond National Park is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This national park offers something for everyone.

Kilkenny is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Kilkenny or Loch Lomond National Park?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Loch Lomond National Park is £61, while the average daily cost in Kilkenny is £76. 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 Loch Lomond National Park and Kilkenny in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Loch Lomond National Park £31
    Kilkenny £38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Loch Lomond National Park £62
    Kilkenny £76
Compare Hotels in Loch Lomond National Park and Kilkenny

Looking for a hotel in Loch Lomond National Park or Kilkenny? 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 Loch Lomond National Park


Hotels in Kilkenny


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: Kilkenny Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Loch Lomond National Park £20
    Kilkenny £18

Is it cheaper to fly into Loch Lomond National Park or Kilkenny?

Prices for flights to both Kilkenny and Loch Lomond National Park 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
    Loch Lomond National Park £15
    Kilkenny £25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Loch Lomond National Park £16
    Kilkenny £13

Tours and Activities in Kilkenny

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

  • Best of Kilkenny, two hour walking tour with a qualified guide: $13
  • From Dublin: 5-Day Tour of Ireland's South-East: $1,287
  • Fun Family Walking Tour in Kilkenny: $217
  • Fun Family walking tour in Kilkenny: $426
  • Fun Walking Tour during Christmas in Kilkenny: $533
  • Fun Walking Tour during Christmas in Kilkenny: $271
  • Historical tour of Kilkenny in French.: $13
  • Hurling Tours Ireland - Freshford Experience: $32
  • Hurling Tours Ireland - Kilkenny City Experience: $32
  • Hurling Tours Ireland - O'Loughlin Gaels : $33
  • Kayak and SUP Tours Kilkenny: $27
  • Kilkenny Haunted Dark Tours: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Loch Lomond National Park £3.93
    Kilkenny £10

Sample the Local Flavors in Kilkenny

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

  • Kilkenny Culinary and Brewery Tour: $150
  • Kilkenny Culinary and Brewery Tour : $158


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Loch Lomond National Park Expensive? and Is Kilkenny Expensive?.


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