A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Newcastle upon Tyne vs. Kilkenny for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Kilkenny can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a high energy, livable, and cultural port city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kilkenny

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

Newcastle upon Tyne and Kilkenny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Kilkenny?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne. Although Newcastle upon Tyne and Kilkenny are both popular with visitors, Newcastle upon Tyne has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Newcastle upon Tyne is more popular for its nightlife and shopping, while Kilkenny is known for its impressive beauty. Newcastle upon Tyne is popular for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene. It is also home to The Tyne Bridge. Kilkenny is popular for its medieval castle and long running history.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Kilkenny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Kilkenny?

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Kilkenny and Newcastle upon Tyne.

Many visitors head to Newcastle upon Tyne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Kilkenny? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Newcastle upon Tyne and Kilkenny can be difficult as they are each very good in their own way.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kilkenny makes for a great culinary experience. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Kilkenny Better for Nightlife?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne know how to have a good time. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Kilkenny Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Kilkenny are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Newcastle upon Tyne. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Many visitors go to Kilkenny to see the historical old town. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Kilkenny?

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

Newcastle upon Tyne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Kilkenny Better for Families?

Kilkenny is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kilkenny. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Kilkenny Better for Couples?

Kilkenny is a very popular place for couples. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Kilkenny makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a nice destination for couples. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Kilkenny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Kilkenny are both good destinations for backpackers.

Newcastle upon Tyne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

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

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Kilkenny Better for Students?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a great destination for students. However, Kilkenny is not popular with students.

Newcastle upon Tyne is very popular with students. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

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

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne can get you to some places easily. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

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

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Kilkenny a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Newcastle upon Tyne on foot is easy. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Kilkenny Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kilkenny or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Kilkenny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Kilkenny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Newcastle upon Tyne than Kilkenny because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Newcastle upon Tyne, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kilkenny.

Families should spend more time in Kilkenny than Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne.

One day in Newcastle upon Tyne or Kilkenny?

The port city of Newcastle upon Tyne offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

In Kilkenny, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Newcastle upon Tyne or Kilkenny?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Newcastle upon Tyne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Many people visit Kilkenny for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kilkenny, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Kilkenny?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

The destination of Kilkenny offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or Kilkenny?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kilkenny. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in 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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Kilkenny, we can see that Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne Expensive? and Is Kilkenny Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Kilkenny?

Newcastle upon Tyne has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Kilkenny in the Summer?

Both Kilkenny and Newcastle upon Tyne during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Newcastle upon Tyne because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year.

In July, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally around the same temperature as Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 15°C (59°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 131 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in July than Kilkenny. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Kilkenny in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Kilkenny. The shopping scene are the main draw to Newcastle upon Tyne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kilkenny for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Newcastle upon Tyne is around the same temperature as Kilkenny in the autumn. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Kilkenny during autumn. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Newcastle upon Tyne gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Kilkenny. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Kilkenny in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Kilkenny. Many travelers come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne is much colder than Kilkenny. Typically, the winter temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Kilkenny. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 50 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne receives a lot of rain in the winter. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in January than Kilkenny. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Kilkenny in the Spring?

Both Kilkenny and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Kilkenny for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally cooler than Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 7°C (45°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kilkenny during spring. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 139 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Kilkenny. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kilkenny and Newcastle upon Tyne