A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Murren vs. Killarney for Hiking, Couples, Families, and Food

Should you visit Murren 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 Murren 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.

Murren

Murren is a authentic, breathtaking, and stunning town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for skiing, food, and hiking.

Killarney

Killarney is a charming, local, and natural town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Murren and Killarney: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
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
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Murren or Killarney?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Murren. Although Murren and Killarney are both popular with visitors, Murren has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Murren is more popular for its skiing, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Killarney is known for its museums. Murren is popular for its spectacular mountain views, authentically local atmosphere, and world class hiking and skiing. It is also home to Lauterbrunnen Valley. Killarney is popular for its access to Killarney National Park and its location along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive.

How is Murren different from Killarney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Murren or Killarney Better for Skiing?

Murren
Killarney

Murren is terrific for winter skiing. However, Killarney is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Murren. If you're visiting in the winter, you're in luck because the scenery and the slopes are both amazing. The top of Schilthorn is quickly accessed from the gondola and ski lifts, and heading down you'll find some difficult runs along with easier slopes. Enjoy your apres-ski in the village with cozy drinks and a dinner of fondue. And with more time, you can easily get across the valley to the Grindelwald-Wengen ski area, too.

Killarney is not a skiing destination.


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

Murren
Killarney

Killarney is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Murren is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Killarney is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to the area's natural beauty, you should also check out Muckross House Gardens, Muckross Abbey, and Ross Castle.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Murren. You don't visit this area for the museums, so if you're looking for an indoor activity on a rainy day, your options are limited.

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

Murren
Killarney

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Murren and Killarney can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Murren offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. If you can afford the prices, you'll enjoy some great meals of fondue or local steak. There aren't many restaurants in town and some of the best are attached to the hotels. Those on a tight budget will be frustrated because cheap eats are hard to come by. You may as well pay a little more and enjoy a high quality, fine dining experience.

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 Murren or Killarney Better for Nightlife?

Murren
Killarney

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Murren and Killarney.

Murren is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's a quiet and residential town that is more about the daytime activities than the nightlife scene.

Killarney doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. You can hang out with the locals at one of the bars or Irish pubs in town.


Is Murren or Killarney Better for Hiking?

Murren
Killarney

Murren is terrific for its hiking experiences. Also, Killarney is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Murren visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hiking trails pass right through the town, connecting the many alpine towns in the area. There are hikes for all levels, and each offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, which include Eiger, Jungfrau, and Monch.

Many visitors go to Killarney for the hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Murren or Killarney?

Murren
Killarney

Murren is not so good for shopping. However, Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Murren has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. Aside from a food market or two, there aren't many shops in town and prices for everything are a bit high.

Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Murren or Killarney Better for Families?

Murren
Killarney

Both Murren and Killarney are great to visit with kids.

Murren is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kid-friendly activities are everywhere in this amazing town. Take the Allmendhubel Funicular Train and explore one of the coolest playgrounds ever! Family-friendly trails abound and outdoor adventures with spectacular views are fun for everyone.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Killarney is very family-friendly. 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.


Is Murren or Killarney Better for Couples?

Murren
Killarney

Murren is terrific for romance. Also, Killarney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Murren is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This small town offers charming hotels, hidden viewpoints, and romantic hikes through the Alps. If you want to experience an authentic side to the Alps, then stay in this town and explore the many hiking trails in the area.

Killarney is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Killarney National Park. You can also go kayaking, biking, horseback riding or relax at The Angsana Spa.

Is Murren or Killarney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Murren
Killarney

Killarney is a town with good options for backpackers. However, Murren is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Killarney is a good town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Murren is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in town so it's a bit difficult to stay in Murren as a backpacker. There are a number of charming hostels in the surrounding area though and they each have a unique local character.

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

Murren
Killarney

Murren is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Killarney is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Murren, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Train, cable car, and funicular are the only ways to reach this car-free town.

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


Is Murren or Killarney a more walkable city?

Murren
Killarney

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

Getting around Murren on foot is easy. It's a small town with a very limited number of vehicles so it's best explored on foot. There are also many walking trails in the area.

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 Murren Worth Visiting? and Is Killarney Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Killarney or Murren?

How long in Murren or Killarney?

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

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

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


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

One day in Murren or Killarney?

Even though Murren is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Killarney. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Murren or Killarney?

Murren is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and skiing. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Killarney is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Murren or Killarney?

Murren 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. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Killarney. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Murren or Killarney?

Murren is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the local destination of Killarney. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Killarney or Murren?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Murren is $407, while the average daily cost in Killarney is $179. 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 Murren and Killarney in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Murren $217
    Killarney $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Murren $434
    Killarney $220
Compare Hotels in Murren and Killarney

Looking for a hotel in Murren 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 Murren


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: Murren Hotel Prices and Killarney Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Murren $50
    Killarney $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Killarney

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Killarney:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Murren or Killarney?

Prices for flights to both Killarney and Murren 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
    Murren $150
    Killarney $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Murren

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

  • Sunset hike with outdoor Cheese Fondue dinner: $167

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.
    Murren $59
    Killarney $20

Tours and Activities in Murren

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

  • Swiss countryside tour in free-cars town: $123
  • Sledding adventure with Chocolate degustation: $129
  • Private Speedriding Tandem Experience in Switzerland: $279

Tours and Activities in Killarney

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

  • 1 hour Lake Cruise on Killarney's Largest Lake: $16
  • Killarney Hop - On, Hop - Off Tour: $16
  • Guided Killarney National Park Walking Tour: $17
  • Self-Guided Bike Tour of Killarney National Park, Muckross Gardens & Waterfall: $22
  • Guided Boat Tour to Innisfallen Island: $22
  • Cruise Tour on Kenmare Bay: $27
  • Self Guided Bike Tour on theTralee to Fenit Greenway: $27
  • Muckross House and Gardens, Killarney - Scenic Tour (Minimum 4 People - 1 way).: $33
  • Full-Day Ring of Kerry Tour from Killarney: $35
  • Boat Only Ticket (Walk the Gap of Dunloe): $35
  • Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours in Killarney : $36
  • Killarney Carriage Tours National Park and Lakes: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Murren $19
    Killarney $14

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

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


Which is Bigger, Murren or Killarney?

Killarney has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Murren. When comparing the sizes of Murren 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.