A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oxford vs. Kilkenny for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Oxford or Kilkenny?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Kilkenny, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a beautiful, historic, and scholarly college town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a medieval, fascinating, and active town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Oxford and Kilkenny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Kilkenny?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kilkenny. Although Oxford and Kilkenny are popular destinations, Kilkenny has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kilkenny is very popular for its food and historical sights, while Oxford attracts visitors for its nightlife, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Kilkenny is famous for its medieval castle and long running history. It is also well known for The Kilkenny Castle.

The Kilkenny Castle

How is Oxford different from Kilkenny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oxford or Kilkenny?

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Oxford or Kilkenny.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Kilkenny. 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 Oxford or Kilkenny? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kilkenny is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kilkenny. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Kilkenny Better for Nightlife?

Oxford 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 Oxford know how to have a good time. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

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 Oxford or Kilkenny Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a historic old town.

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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Kilkenny?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Oxford and Kilkenny.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Oxford. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Kilkenny offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Oxford or Kilkenny Better for Families?

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

Kilkenny is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Oxford. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Is Oxford or Kilkenny Better for Couples?

Oxford and Kilkenny are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Oxford makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Couples visit Kilkenny frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Oxford or Kilkenny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Kilkenny Better for Students?

Oxford is terrific for students. However, Kilkenny is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Oxford and Kilkenny.

Oxford has some public transit options. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

You'll find some public transit in Kilkenny, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses through town.

Is Oxford or Kilkenny a more walkable city?

Oxford and Kilkenny are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kilkenny or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Kilkenny?

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

Families should spend more time in Kilkenny than Oxford. 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 Oxford. 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 Kilkenny than Oxford 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 Kilkenny.

One day in Oxford or Kilkenny?

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kilkenny. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Oxford or Kilkenny?

Oxford is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this college town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oxford, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kilkenny is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Oxford or Kilkenny?

Oxford 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kilkenny. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Oxford or Kilkenny?

Oxford 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 college town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the medieval destination of Kilkenny. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day 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 Oxford and Kilkenny, we can see that Oxford 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 Oxford would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oxford 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 Oxford Expensive? and Is Kilkenny Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Kilkenny?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Kilkenny in the Summer?

Both Kilkenny and Oxford during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Oxford is a little warmer than Kilkenny. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oxford in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 15°C (60°F).

In the summer, Oxford often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 131 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in July than Kilkenny. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Kilkenny in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Kilkenny. The autumn months attract visitors to Oxford because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year.

In October, Oxford is generally around the same temperature as Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 11°C (52°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Oxford usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during autumn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oxford usually receives less rain than Kilkenny. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oxford or Kilkenny in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Kilkenny. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Kilkenny for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Oxford in the winter. Oxford is much colder than Kilkenny in the winter. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kilkenny. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 50 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in January than Kilkenny. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Kilkenny in the Spring?

Both Kilkenny and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Kilkenny in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Oxford is around the same temperature as Kilkenny. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oxford in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kilkenny during spring. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 139 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oxford usually receives less rain than Kilkenny. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kilkenny and Oxford