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

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Limerick?

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

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a pristine, remote, and serene archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Limerick

Limerick is a fun-filled, historic, and outdoorsy city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Orkney Islands and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Limerick?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Orkney Islands. Although Orkney Islands and Limerick are popular destinations, Orkney Islands has more sights and attractions for tourists. Orkney Islands is very popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Limerick attracts visitors for its nightlife and shopping. Limerick is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is known for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities. Orkney Islands is famous for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights. It is also well known for The Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

How is Orkney Islands different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Limerick 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.

Limerick is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Orkney Islands or Limerick? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Limerick offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Orkney Islands or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

Limerick 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 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.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Limerick Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago for the beach. However, Limerick 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.

Limerick is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Limerick Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago for hiking. However, Limerick is not a hiking destination.

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.

Limerick is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Limerick?

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

Limerick has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Limerick Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Orkney Islands or Limerick.

Orkney Islands offers lots of family activities. 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.

Limerick is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Orkney Islands or Limerick Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago for couples. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Limerick is a nice destination for couples. 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 Orkney Islands or Limerick Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.

Is Orkney Islands or Limerick Better for Students?

Limerick is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Limerick. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Orkney Islands and Limerick both offer nice 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.

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

Is Orkney Islands or Limerick a more walkable city?

Limerick is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

Limerick is a somewhat walkable city. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that 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 Limerick Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Limerick?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Orkney Islands or Limerick to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Orkney Islands than Limerick 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 Limerick.

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

Couples should spend more time in Orkney Islands than Limerick. 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 Limerick 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 Limerick?

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 Limerick, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Limerick?

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.

Limerick is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Limerick?

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 Limerick. 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 Limerick?

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 city of Limerick. 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 from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orkney Islands and Limerick, we can see that Orkney Islands 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 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 Limerick.

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 Limerick Expensive?.

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Limerick in the Summer?

Both Limerick and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Limerick this time of year.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Limerick in the summer. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and Limerick fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Limerick during summer. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Limerick. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Limerick in the Autumn?

Both Limerick and Orkney Islands during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Limerick for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Orkney Islands is cooler than Limerick. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orkney Islands in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Limerick averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Limerick. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in October than Limerick. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Limerick in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Limerick. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Limerick in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Orkney Islands. In January, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 4°C (39°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Limerick during winter. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Limerick. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Limerick in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Limerick. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Limerick for the natural beauty during these months.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Limerick in the spring. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Limerick fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Limerick. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Limerick and Orkney Islands