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

Should you visit Oxford or Limerick?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Limerick, 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 historic, scholarly, and collegiate college town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Limerick

Limerick is a historic, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Oxford and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Limerick?

You'll generally find more things to do in Oxford than Limerick. Oxford is bigger than Limerick, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Oxford is well known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Also, Oxford is famous for Radcliffe Square. Limerick is well known for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

Radcliffe Square

How is Oxford different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Oxford is a great college town for its historical sights. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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

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 Oxford or Limerick? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Oxford and Limerick offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Limerick. 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 Oxford or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

Oxford is a great college town for its evening party scene. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Oxford has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Limerick. 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 the Shopping Better in Oxford or Limerick?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Oxford and Limerick.

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.

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

Oxford and Limerick are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Limerick. 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 Oxford or Limerick Better for Couples?

Oxford is a great college town for couples. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Oxford is a great college town if you're traveling as 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.

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 Oxford or Limerick Better for Students?

Oxford is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Limerick is a good college town to visit for students. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Oxford and Limerick.

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

You'll find some public transit in Limerick, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a city bus service that travels around town.

Is Oxford or Limerick a more walkable city?

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

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

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 Oxford Worth Visiting? and Is Limerick Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Limerick?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oxford 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 Oxford.

One day in Oxford or Limerick?

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 Limerick. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Oxford or Limerick?

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.

Limerick 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 Limerick?

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 Limerick. 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 Limerick?

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 historic destination of Limerick. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Oxford Expensive? and Is Limerick Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Limerick?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Limerick in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Limerick. 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 Limerick because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Oxford is generally around the same temperature as Limerick. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 17°C (63°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Oxford usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives less rain than Limerick. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oxford or Limerick in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Limerick. The autumn months attract visitors to Oxford because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Limerick this time of year.

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

In the autumn, Oxford often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in October than Limerick. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Limerick in the Winter?

Both Limerick and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Limerick for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Oxford in the winter. In the winter, Oxford is much colder than Limerick. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oxford in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Limerick averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Limerick during winter. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oxford usually receives less rain than Limerick. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oxford or Limerick in the Spring?

Both Limerick and Oxford during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Limerick in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Oxford is generally around the same temperature as Limerick. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 9°C (48°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Limerick. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in April than Limerick. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Limerick and Oxford