A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mainz vs. Killarney for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Mainz or Killarney?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Mainz and Killarney 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.

Mainz

Mainz is a peaceful, historic, and quaint town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Killarney

Killarney is a peaceful, charming, and local town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Mainz and Killarney: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Mainz or Killarney?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mainz. Although Mainz and Killarney are both popular with visitors, Mainz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mainz is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Killarney is known for its nightlife, hiking, and small town charm. Mainz is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. It is also home to The Mainz Cathedral. Killarney is popular for its access to Killarney National Park and its location along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive.

The Mainz Cathedral
The Mainz Cathedral

How is Mainz different from Killarney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mainz or Killarney?

Mainz
Killarney

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Mainz or Killarney.

Mainz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's an old university town with a number of historical sights. Check out the Church of St. Stephan, Mainz Cathedral, the Gutenberg Museum, and the Museum of Ancient Seafaring.

Killarney offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to the area's natural beauty, you should also check out Muckross House Gardens, Muckross Abbey, and Ross Castle.


Is the Food Better in Mainz or Killarney? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mainz
Killarney

Mainz is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Killarney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Mainz makes for a great culinary experience. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes that serve local food. There are also wine taverns where you can sample the local wines and dine of regional specialties.

Killarney has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find great local fish and chips shops as well as locally caught seafood and regional produce. There are cafes and other independent restaurants that provide a local taste of the area.

Is Mainz or Killarney Better for Nightlife?

Mainz
Killarney

Killarney is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Killarney. You can hang out with the locals at one of the bars or Irish pubs in town.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Mainz. It's a sleepy little town, so even locals often head to bigger cities for better nightlife.

Is Mainz or Killarney Better for its Old Town?

Mainz
Killarney

Mainz is well known for its historic old town. However, Killarney does not have a historic old town.

Mainz is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

Killarney does not have a historic old town.


Is Mainz or Killarney Better for Hiking?

Mainz
Killarney

Killarney is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Killarney. You'll find many great hiking trails both in and around Killarney National Park. The town is also the starting and ending point for the 200 km Kerry Way walking trail. Other hikes worth checking out in the area include the Knockreer Circular Walk, Muckross Lake Loop Walk, and Old Kenmare Road Walk.

Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Killarney?

Mainz
Killarney

Mainz is a town with good options for shopping. However, Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Mainz is a great destination for shopping. Head to the boulevard of Am Brand near the cathedral for some of the town's best shopping. There are shops that line the street and it's a nice area to walk around.

Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mainz or Killarney Better for Families?

Mainz
Killarney

Killarney is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Killarney is a very family-friendly destination. The area has many outdoor activities. You can explore Killarney National Park by horseback or head out on bikes. You can also take a boat ride or there's Kennedys Pet Farm for animal lovers.

Mainz doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Kids will enjoy the Gutenburg Museum and the outdoor spaces where they can run around. There's also a nice old town that everyone will have fun exploring.


Is Mainz or Killarney Better for Couples?

Mainz
Killarney

Both Mainz and Killarney are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Mainz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Located on the Rhine River, this scenic setting is popular for river cruises. The town is nice to explore on its own, or you can hop around and take in several of the German river towns. You can also sit at outdoor cafes and sip local wine.

Couples visit Killarney frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Killarney National Park. You can also go kayaking, biking, horseback riding or relax at The Angsana Spa.

Is Mainz or Killarney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz
Killarney

Mainz and Killarney are both good destinations for backpackers.

Mainz is a good town to visit for backpackers. The town is popular with river cruises but you'll also find a hostel or two where budget travelers can save some money and meet other backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Killarney. You'll find a surprising number of interesting hostels in the area so you shouldn't have trouble finding a place to stay or meeting fellow backpackers.

Is Mainz or Killarney Better for Students?

Mainz
Killarney

Mainz is well known for students. However, Killarney is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Mainz. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

Killarney is not popular with students.


Is Mainz or Killarney Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mainz
Killarney

Mainz is well known for its public transit. However, Killarney is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Mainz. There are regional trains that make it easy to use Mainz as a base to explore the area, or you could visit Mainz as a day trip from another nearby town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Killarney. There's a shuttle bus that travels between some of the tourist attractions.

Is Mainz or Killarney a more walkable city?

Mainz
Killarney

Mainz is terrific for its walkability. However, Killarney is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Mainz on foot is easy. The town is easily explored on foot.

Killarney is not a very walkable town. While there are many great hikes in the area, you'll need a car to access most of them.

For even more information, also check out Is Mainz Worth Visiting? and Is Killarney Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Killarney or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Killarney?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mainz and Killarney. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mainz than in Killarney. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Mainz, and 2-3 days is enough time in Killarney.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mainz than Killarney 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 Mainz.


  • How many days in Mainz or Killarney? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mainz 2-4 
    Killarney 2-3

One day in Mainz or Killarney?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Mainz. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Killarney, many people enjoy the food and museums that this peaceful destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Mainz or Killarney?

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful destination of Mainz. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Killarney. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Mainz or Killarney?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful town of Mainz. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Killarney is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Killarney. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Mainz or Killarney?

Mainz 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.

You'll find museums and food around the natural destination of Killarney. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Killarney or Mainz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mainz is €142, while the average daily cost in Killarney is €167. 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 Mainz and Killarney in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mainz 74
    Killarney 102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mainz 148
    Killarney 204
Compare Hotels in Mainz and Killarney

Looking for a hotel in Mainz or Killarney? 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 Mainz


Hotels in Killarney


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: Mainz Hotel Prices and Killarney Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mainz 37
    Killarney 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Killarney

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Killarney:

  • Killarney - Shannon Airport | Private Transfer & Car Service: $348
  • Kerry Airport Transfers: Killarney to Kerry Airport: $53
  • Cork Airport Private Transfer: Killarney to Cork Airport: $282

Is it cheaper to fly into Mainz or Killarney?

Prices for flights to both Killarney and Mainz 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
    Mainz 41
    Killarney 46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Killarney

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

  • Killarney Jaunting Car Tour with Craft Brewery Beer & Pizza: $76
  • Killarney Food Tour: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mainz 33
    Killarney 19

Tours and Activities in Mainz

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

  • Romantic Old Town Self-guided Discovery Tour: $8.45
  • Guided tour in Mainz on the Rhine in german and english: $21
  • Mainz Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Tour: $22
  • 2-Hour Advent Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Rhine: $22
  • Crime-Tour - Escape Game: $42
  • Self-Guided Urban Adventure Game: $43
  • Urban Adventure Game in Mainz with an app: $44
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $51
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Mainz E-Bike City Tour: $74
  • Private Guided Walking Tour in Mainz: $82
  • Guided Hotrod City Starter Tour: $95

Tours and Activities in Killarney

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

  • 1 Hour Guided Carriage Tour in Killarney National Park: $38
  • 1 hour Lake Cruise on Killarney's Largest Lake: $16
  • Boat Only Ticket (Walk the Gap of Dunloe): $35
  • Bus & Boat Tour: $63
  • Bus, Boat & Jaunting Cart Tour (Jaunting Cart Paid Separately) : $63
  • Cruise Tour on Kenmare Bay: $27
  • Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head Day Tour: $39
  • From Portmagee & Skellig Ring Full-Day Tour: $75
  • Full-Day Ring of Kerry Tour from Killarney: $35
  • Full-Day Tour of the Dingle Peninsula, Slea Head, and Inch Beach: $65
  • Gap of Dunloe & Lakes of Killlarney Boat Tour: $59
  • Gap of Dunloe Day Tour and Boat Ride from Killarney: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mainz 22
    Killarney 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Killarney

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Killarney:

  • Jaunting Car Tour with Craft Brewery Visit: $75


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

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


Which is Bigger, Mainz or Killarney?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Killarney. When comparing the sizes of Mainz and Killarney, 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 Mainz or Killarney?

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 Mainz or Killarney in the Summer?

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

Mainz is a little warmer than Killarney in the summer. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Killarney fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Mainz. In the summer, Mainz often gets more sunshine than Killarney. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 140 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in July than Killarney. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mainz 19°C (66°F) 
    Killarney 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Killarney in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Mainz is around the same temperature as Killarney. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mainz in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Killarney averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Mainz usually receives more sunshine than Killarney during autumn. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 79 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Killarney receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Mainz usually receives less rain than Killarney. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Killarney 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Killarney in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Killarney. Many travelers come to Mainz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Killarney in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Mainz. In January, Mainz is generally much colder than Killarney. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 2°C (35°F), and Killarney fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Mainz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Killarney. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 44 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Killarney. Mainz usually gets less rain in January than Killarney. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mainz 2°C (35°F) 
    Killarney 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Killarney in the Spring?

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

Mainz is a little warmer than Killarney in the spring. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Killarney fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Mainz usually receives more sunshine than Killarney during spring. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mainz usually receives less rain than Killarney. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Killarney 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Killarney and Mainz

Mainz Killarney
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 156 mm (6.2 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)