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

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Killarney?

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

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a serene, tranquil, and natural archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, museums, and food.

Killarney

Killarney is a local, natural, and peaceful town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Orkney Islands and Killarney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Killarney?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Orkney Islands than Killarney, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Orkney Islands is better known for its food, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Killarney is more popular for its nightlife and small town charm. Killarney is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its access to Killarney National Park and its location along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Orkney Islands is well known for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights. Also, Orkney Islands is famous for The Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

How is Orkney Islands different from Killarney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of notable museums and attractions in both Killarney and Orkney Islands.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Orkney Islands. 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.

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.

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

Orkney Islands is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Killarney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Orkney Islands makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

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 Orkney Islands or Killarney Better for Nightlife?

Killarney is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Killarney Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is well known for its beaches. However, Killarney is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Orkney Islands attract visitors from all over. 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.

Killarney is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Killarney Better for Hiking?

You'll find superb hiking in both Orkney Islands and Killarney.

Many visitors go to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails. 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.

Killarney is a popular spot for hiking. 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 Orkney Islands or Killarney Better for Families?

Killarney 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 Killarney. 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.

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 Killarney Better for Couples?

Both Orkney Islands and Killarney are superb 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.

Killarney is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Killarney National Park. You can also go kayaking, biking, horseback riding or relax at The Angsana Spa.

Is Orkney Islands or Killarney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is well known for backpackers. Also, Killarney is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Orkney Islands. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

Plenty of backpackers visit Killarney. 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.

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

Orkney Islands is a archipelago 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 Orkney Islands, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

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

Is Orkney Islands or Killarney a more walkable city?

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

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.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Killarney or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Killarney?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orkney Islands and Killarney. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in Killarney. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 2-3 days is enough time in Killarney.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands than Killarney 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 Killarney?

You'll find food and museums around the archipelago of Orkney Islands. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

In Killarney, you'll find museums and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Killarney?

You'll find museums and food around the remote destination of Orkney Islands. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Killarney is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Killarney?

You'll find food and museums around the serene archipelago of Orkney Islands. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this archipelago makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this archipelago has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Killarney. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Killarney?

Orkney Islands is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Orkney Islands, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the town of Killarney. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Killarney, we can see that Killarney is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Killarney Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands or Killarney?

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 Killarney in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Killarney. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Killarney in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Orkney Islands is cooler than Killarney. Typically, the summer temperatures in Orkney Islands in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Killarney averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Killarney. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 140 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets less rain in July than Killarney. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Killarney in the Autumn?

Both Killarney and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Killarney for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Killarney. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 9°C (48°F), and Killarney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Killarney during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 79 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Killarney. It's quite rainy in Orkney Islands. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives less rain than Killarney. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Killarney in the Winter?

Both Killarney and Orkney Islands during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Killarney because of the museums and the cuisine.

Orkney Islands can be very cold during winter. Orkney Islands is much colder than Killarney in the winter. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Killarney fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Killarney. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 44 hours of full sun.

Killarney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands usually gets less rain in January than Killarney. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Killarney in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Killarney. The spring months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Killarney this time of year.

In the spring, Orkney Islands is cooler than Killarney. Typically, the spring temperatures in Orkney Islands in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Killarney averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Killarney during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives less rain than Killarney. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Killarney and Orkney Islands