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

Should you visit Manchester or Limerick?

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

Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Limerick

Limerick is a historic, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Manchester and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Manchester or Limerick?

You'll generally find more things to do in Manchester than Limerick. Manchester is bigger than Limerick, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Manchester is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Limerick is more popular for its impressive beauty. Manchester is well known for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. Also, Manchester is famous for The National Football Museum. Limerick is well known for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Manchester different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Manchester
Limerick

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

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.

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 Manchester or Limerick? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Manchester
Limerick

Manchester is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Manchester has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Limerick offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Manchester or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

Manchester
Limerick

Manchester is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Manchester has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Is Manchester or Limerick Better for Music?

Manchester
Limerick

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

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

Limerick is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Limerick?

Manchester
Limerick

Manchester is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Manchester. 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.

Limerick is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Is Manchester or Limerick Better for Families?

Manchester
Limerick

Manchester is a great city 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 Manchester. 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.

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 Manchester or Limerick Better for Couples?

Manchester
Limerick

Manchester is a great city for couples. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Limerick is a nice destination for couples. 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.


Is Manchester or Limerick Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Manchester
Limerick

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

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

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 Manchester or Limerick Better for Students?

Manchester
Limerick

Manchester is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Limerick is a good city to visit for students. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

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

Manchester
Limerick

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

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

Limerick has a few public transit options. There's a city bus service that travels around town.


Is Manchester or Limerick a more walkable city?

Manchester
Limerick

Manchester and Limerick are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Limerick is a somewhat walkable place. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Limerick?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Manchester or Limerick to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Manchester than Limerick 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 Limerick.

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

Couples should spend more time in Manchester than Limerick. 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 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 Manchester.


  • How many days in Manchester or Limerick? Ideal Length of Stay
    Manchester 2-4 
    Limerick 1-2

One day in Manchester or Limerick?

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 historic city of Limerick, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Limerick, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Manchester or Limerick?

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 Limerick, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Manchester or Limerick?

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.

Limerick, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Limerick?

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.

Limerick 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 from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Limerick or Manchester?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Manchester is £184, while the average daily cost in Limerick is £92. 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 Manchester and Limerick in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manchester £71
    Limerick £42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manchester £142
    Limerick £84
Compare Hotels in Manchester and Limerick

Looking for a hotel in Manchester or Limerick? 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 Manchester


Hotels in Limerick


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: Manchester Hotel Prices and Limerick Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manchester £19
    Limerick £34
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Manchester

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Manchester are as follows:


  • Rail to Airport
    £11
  • Parking in Manchester
    £3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manchester

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

  • Private Round-Trip Transfer From Manchester Airport to Old Trafford Stadium: $279
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Hull: $276
  • Manchester Airport (MAN): Private Transfer to Liverpool City: $249
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Wrexham: $233
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Goole: $228
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Conwy: $200
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Harrogate: $198
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Burton-upon-Trent: $190
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Doncaster: $187
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Fleetwood: $172
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Liverpool City Centre: $158
  • Manchester Airport(MAN) to Liverpool- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $157

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Limerick

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Manchester or Limerick?

Prices for flights to both Limerick and Manchester 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
    Manchester £55
    Limerick £30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manchester

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Hard Rock Cafe Manchester with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Pistachio LOVERS Italian Dinner Experience: $35
  • Private Italian Dinner with a Romantic Night Experience: $63
  • 2 Hours Sicilian Wine Tasting and Dinner at Manchester: $76
  • Manchester Food Tour with a Local Guide: $87
  • Half-Day Manchester Food Tour with Lunch: $89
  • 3-Hour Guided Manchester Food Tour with Lunch : $95
  • Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manchester £30
    Limerick £15

Tours and Activities in Manchester

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

  • SEA LIFE Manchester Admission Ticket: $21
  • 3-Hour Manchester Shopping Tour with a Stylist: $119
  • 3-day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Tour from Manchester: $522
  • A Silent Disco Adventure in Manchester: $21
  • Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Manchester: $51
  • Breathtaking Manchester – Walking Tour for Couples: $235
  • Breathtaking Manchester – Walking Tour for Couples: $463
  • Chatsworth and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester: $74
  • Christmas Charms of Manchester – Private Walking Tour: $566
  • City River Tour: $15
  • Craft Beer Tour around Manchester: $51
  • Craft Brews of Manchester – A Private Beer Tour: $666

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manchester £9.90
    Limerick £10

Sample the Local Flavors in Manchester

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Manchester:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • Four hour walking wine tasting tour of Manchester's best bars: $101


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manchester and Limerick, we can see that Manchester 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 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 Limerick.

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


Which is Bigger, Manchester or Limerick?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Manchester and Limerick, 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 Limerick?

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 Manchester or Limerick in the Summer?

Both Limerick and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Limerick this time of year.

In July, Manchester is generally around the same temperature as Limerick. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 16°C (62°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Manchester usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during summer. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Manchester usually receives more rain than Limerick. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manchester 16°C (62°F) 
    Limerick 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Limerick in the Autumn?

Both Limerick and Manchester during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Limerick for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Manchester is around the same temperature as Limerick in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Limerick fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Manchester often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in October than Limerick. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manchester 11°C (52°F) 
    Limerick 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Limerick in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Limerick. Many travelers come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Limerick in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Manchester. In the winter, Manchester is cooler than Limerick. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manchester in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Limerick averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Manchester usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during winter. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Manchester usually receives less rain than Limerick. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manchester 4°C (39°F) 
    Limerick 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Limerick in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Limerick. Many visitors come to Manchester in the spring for the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Limerick for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Manchester is generally cooler than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 8°C (46°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Manchester often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Limerick. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in April than Limerick. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manchester 8°C (46°F) 
    Limerick 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Limerick and Manchester

Manchester Limerick
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)


Related Articles for Manchester
Related Articles for Limerick