A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manchester vs. Kilkenny for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Manchester or Kilkenny?

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 Manchester and Kilkenny can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a cultural, vibrant, and dynamic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a active, ancient, and medieval town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Manchester and Kilkenny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Kilkenny?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Manchester. Although Manchester and Kilkenny are popular destinations, Manchester has more sights and attractions for tourists. Manchester is very popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Kilkenny attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Manchester is famous for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also well known for The National Football Museum. Kilkenny is famous for its medieval castle and long running history.

How is Manchester different from Kilkenny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Manchester or Kilkenny?

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Manchester or Kilkenny.

Many visitors head to Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Kilkenny can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Is the Food Better in Manchester or Kilkenny? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Manchester and Kilkenny offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kilkenny. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Is Manchester or Kilkenny Better for Nightlife?

Manchester is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Manchester know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

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.

Is Manchester or Kilkenny Better for Music?

Manchester is a great destination for its live music scene. However, Kilkenny is not a live music destination.

Manchester has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Kilkenny is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Kilkenny Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny is great for its historic old town. However, Manchester does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Kilkenny. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Kilkenny?

Manchester is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Manchester is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

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.

Is Manchester or Kilkenny Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Manchester or Kilkenny.

Manchester is a very family-friendly destination. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

Kilkenny is a very kid-friendly city. 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 Manchester or Kilkenny Better for Couples?

Both Manchester and Kilkenny are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Manchester is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

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 Manchester or Kilkenny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Manchester and Kilkenny are nice places to visit.

Manchester is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kilkenny. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

Is Manchester or Kilkenny Better for Students?

Manchester is a great destination for students. However, Kilkenny is not popular with students.

Manchester is very popular with students. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

Is Manchester or Kilkenny Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Manchester is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Manchester can get you to some places easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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

Is Manchester or Kilkenny a more walkable city?

Kilkenny is great for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Manchester Worth Visiting? and Is Kilkenny Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kilkenny or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Kilkenny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Manchester or Kilkenny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Manchester 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 Manchester, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kilkenny.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Manchester than Kilkenny 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 Manchester.

One day in Manchester or Kilkenny?

Manchester is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the active town of Kilkenny, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kilkenny, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Manchester or Kilkenny?

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of Kilkenny, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Manchester or Kilkenny?

Manchester 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, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Kilkenny?

Manchester 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 city offers something for everyone.

Kilkenny is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Kilkenny?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Manchester and Kilkenny, 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 Manchester or Kilkenny?

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 Manchester or Kilkenny in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Kilkenny. The summer months attract visitors to Manchester because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year.

In the summer, Manchester is around the same temperature as Kilkenny. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manchester in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 15°C (60°F).

In the summer, Manchester often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 131 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in July than Kilkenny. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Kilkenny in the Autumn?

Both Kilkenny and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kilkenny for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Manchester is generally around the same temperature as Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 11°C (52°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Manchester usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during autumn. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Manchester usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kilkenny. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Manchester or Kilkenny in the Winter?

Both Kilkenny and Manchester during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kilkenny in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Manchester. Manchester is cooler than Kilkenny in the winter. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Manchester often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kilkenny. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 50 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in January than Kilkenny. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Kilkenny in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Kilkenny. Many visitors come to Manchester in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kilkenny for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Manchester is around the same temperature as Kilkenny. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manchester in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Manchester usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kilkenny during spring. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 139 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Manchester usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kilkenny. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kilkenny and Manchester