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

Should you visit Nottingham or Limerick?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nottingham and Limerick 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.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a authentic, dynamic, and livable city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nottingham and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Nottingham or Limerick?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nottingham than Limerick. Nottingham is bigger than Limerick, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nottingham is better known for its music, shopping, and big city activities, while Limerick is more popular for its impressive beauty. Nottingham is well known for its authenticity and local cuisine. Also, Nottingham is famous for Old Market Square. Limerick is well known for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Nottingham different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nottingham or Limerick?

Nottingham
Limerick

Both Nottingham and Limerick have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Nottingham is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find history and culture around town. Some of the notable landmarks include Wollaton Hall, the National Justice Museum, Nottingham Castle, and Old Market Square.

Limerick offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Nottingham or Limerick? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nottingham
Limerick

Both Nottingham and Limerick offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

Nottingham offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a diversity of restaurants around town that range from local fish and chips shops to international options. Pubs, cafes, and fine dining are all available in town.

Limerick has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Nottingham or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

Nottingham
Limerick

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Nottingham and Limerick.

Nottingham has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head to the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, for a pint or check out one of the trendy clubs around town. The city is also a big sports town, so see if there are any sporting events going on while you're visiting.

If you're looking for night time activities Limerick has a few options to choose from. 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 Nottingham or Limerick Better for Music?

Nottingham
Limerick

Nottingham is very good for its music scene. However, Limerick is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Nottingham. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Limerick is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Limerick?

Nottingham
Limerick

Nottingham 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 Nottingham. Head to the Lace Market, which is a popular shopping area. You can also wander around the center of town on foot and head to the pedestrian streets that are often lined with independent shops or international chains.

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 Nottingham or Limerick Better for Families?

Nottingham
Limerick

Both Nottingham and Limerick are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nottingham. There are a number of parks and play areas that younger kids will enjoy. You can check out Wheelgate Park, White Post Farm, Rufford Abbey, or Sherwood Pines. Sundown Adventureland is a small theme park that's designed for younger kids under 10. If your kids are into museums, head to the Newark Air Museum.

Limerick offers lots of family activities. 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 Nottingham or Limerick Better for Couples?

Nottingham
Limerick

Both Nottingham and Limerick are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nottingham is a nice destination for couples. You'll find the typical date night activities around town like arcades, minigolf, and some interesting restaurants. There are also parks where you can enjoy a stroll in nature.

Limerick makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Nottingham or Limerick Better for Students?

Nottingham
Limerick

Limerick is a city with good options for students. However, Nottingham is not popular with students.

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

Nottingham is not popular with students.

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

Nottingham
Limerick

Nottingham 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 Nottingham can get you to most places easily. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

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

Is Nottingham or Limerick a more walkable city?

Nottingham
Limerick

Nottingham is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Nottingham is a very walkable destination. It is trying to transform itself into a pedestrian-friendly city, and you'll find some areas that are particularly walkable. The city center is very compact and generally walkable.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Limerick?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nottingham or Limerick to fill your time. In our opinion, Nottingham has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nottingham than Limerick. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Limerick than Nottingham 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 Limerick.


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

One day in Nottingham or Limerick?

The city of Nottingham offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the fun-filled 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 Nottingham or Limerick?

Nottingham 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 Nottingham, 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 Nottingham or Limerick?

Nottingham 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 Nottingham or Limerick?

Nottingham 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 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Limerick or Nottingham?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nottingham is £117, 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 Nottingham and Limerick in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nottingham £64
    Limerick £42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nottingham £128
    Limerick £84
Compare Hotels in Nottingham and Limerick

Looking for a hotel in Nottingham 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 Nottingham


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: Nottingham Hotel Prices and Limerick Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nottingham £21
    Limerick £34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nottingham

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nottingham:

  • Private Transfer from Nottingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $224
  • Nottinghamshire to Manchester Airport (MAN) Luxury Transfers: $210
  • Private Nottingham Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $97
  • Private Transfer from Glossop to Manchester Airport (MAN): $80
  • East Midlands Airport to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $76
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Leicester-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $76
  • Private East Midlands Departure Transfer- Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $55
  • Nottingham to East Midlands Airport Private Departure Transfer: $38
  • Derby to East Midlands Airport (EMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Loughborough City Transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer from Loughborough to East Midlands Airport: $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Limerick

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Nottingham or Limerick?

Prices for flights to both Limerick and Nottingham 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
    Nottingham £36
    Limerick £30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nottingham £28
    Limerick £15

Tours and Activities in Nottingham

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

  • Gems of Boston (UK) – Private Walking Tour for Couples: $222
  • Baroness Bolsover's Town Tour with Afternoon Tea: $32
  • Half-Day Spa Experiences : $103
  • Lincoln Private Walking Tour: $140
  • Men's Yellow Belly Half-Day Spa Experience: $203
  • Nottingham Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • Nottingham Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $279
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $17
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $18
  • Nottingham and Robin Hood Private Guided Walking Tour: $153
  • Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz Tour App: $19
  • Private City Walking Tour: $144

Tours and Activities in Limerick

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

  • Skip the Line: Hunt Museum Ticket: $14
  • Self Guided Bike Tour on the Limerick Greenway: $16
  • Limericks Lost Whiskey Walking Tour: $19
  • Skip the Line: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Admission Ticket: $21
  • Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $43
  • Dingle Peninsula Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $53
  • Ring of Kerry Day Tour from Including Killarney National Park: $53
  • Cliffs of Moher explorer day tour from Limerick. Guided.: $54
  • Guided eBike Tours on the Lough Derg Shore: $82
  • Angela's Ashes 1.5hrs Walking Tour: $142
  • Private Walking Tour of Limerick City: $142
  • Private Walking Tour of Adare: $272

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nottingham £7.10
    Limerick £10

Sample the Local Flavors in Nottingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nottingham:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nottingham and Limerick, we can see that Nottingham 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 Nottingham would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nottingham 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 Nottingham Expensive? and Is Limerick Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Limerick?

Nottingham has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Nottingham 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 Nottingham or Limerick?

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 Nottingham or Limerick in the Summer?

Both Limerick and Nottingham during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nottingham in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Limerick for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In the summer, Nottingham often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in July than Limerick. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Nottingham or Limerick in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nottingham and Limerick. Most visitors come to Nottingham for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Limerick because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Nottingham usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during autumn. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Limerick. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Nottingham or Limerick in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nottingham as well as Limerick. The winter months attract visitors to Nottingham because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Limerick this time of year.

The weather in Nottingham can be very cold. In the winter, Nottingham is cooler than Limerick. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nottingham in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Limerick averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Nottingham often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in January than Limerick. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Nottingham or Limerick in the Spring?

Both Limerick and Nottingham are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Nottingham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Limerick for the natural beauty.

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

Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Limerick during spring. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Limerick. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Limerick and Nottingham

Nottingham Limerick
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)


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