A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Kilkenny for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands and Kilkenny can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a pristine, remote, and serene archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Kilkenny

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

Orkney Islands and Kilkenny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Kilkenny?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kilkenny. Although Orkney Islands and Kilkenny are both popular with visitors, Kilkenny has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kilkenny is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Orkney Islands is known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Kilkenny is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its medieval castle and long running history. It is also home to The Kilkenny Castle. Orkney Islands is popular for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

The Kilkenny Castle

How is Orkney Islands different from Kilkenny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Kilkenny?

Kilkenny is great for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Kilkenny specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Orkney Islands and Kilkenny.

Orkney Islands has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

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 Orkney Islands or Kilkenny Better for Nightlife?

Kilkenny is very good for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Kilkenny Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is a great destination for the beache. However, Kilkenny is not a beach destination.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Kilkenny is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Kilkenny Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny is great for its historic old town charm. However, Orkney Islands 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.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Kilkenny Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Orkney Islands. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Kilkenny?

Kilkenny is very good for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Kilkenny Better for Families?

Kilkenny is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago 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.

Orkney Islands is a family-friendly place to visit. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Is Orkney Islands or Kilkenny Better for Couples?

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

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

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 Orkney Islands or Kilkenny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago to visit for backpackers. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

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

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

Orkney Islands and Kilkenny both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Orkney Islands offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Kilkenny has a few public transit options. There are city buses through town.

Is Orkney Islands or Kilkenny a more walkable city?

Kilkenny is great for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Kilkenny or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Kilkenny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Orkney Islands or Kilkenny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Orkney Islands than Kilkenny because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kilkenny.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands.

One day in Orkney Islands or Kilkenny?

The beautiful archipelago of Orkney Islands offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Kilkenny?

Orkney Islands is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kilkenny is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Kilkenny?

Orkney Islands is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Orkney Islands, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kilkenny. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Kilkenny?

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orkney Islands has to offer. This archipelago offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the town of Kilkenny. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 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 Orkney Islands and Kilkenny, we can see that Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands Expensive? and Is Kilkenny Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands or Kilkenny in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Kilkenny. The summer months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year.

In July, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 12°C (54°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kilkenny. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 131 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kilkenny. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Kilkenny in the Autumn?

Both Kilkenny and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kilkenny for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Kilkenny in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Kilkenny during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Orkney Islands. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Kilkenny. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Kilkenny in the Winter?

Both Kilkenny and Orkney Islands during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the museums 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 Orkney Islands. In the winter, Orkney Islands is cooler than Kilkenny. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orkney Islands in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Kilkenny. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 50 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Kilkenny. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Kilkenny in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Kilkenny. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kilkenny for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 6°C (43°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kilkenny during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 139 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kilkenny. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kilkenny and Orkney Islands