A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Andrews vs. Kilkenny for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Kilkenny?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a peaceful, historic, and charming university town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a ancient, medieval, and fascinating town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Saint Andrews and Kilkenny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Kilkenny?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Andrews than Kilkenny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Andrews is better known for its beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Kilkenny is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Saint Andrews is well known for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. Also, Saint Andrews is famous for The Old Course. Kilkenny is well known for its medieval castle and long running history.

The Old Course

How is Saint Andrews different from Kilkenny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Andrews or Kilkenny?

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Kilkenny can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint Andrews. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.

Is the Food Better in Saint Andrews or Kilkenny? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Saint Andrews and Kilkenny.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Andrews. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

Kilkenny has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Is Saint Andrews or Kilkenny Better for Nightlife?

Both Saint Andrews and Kilkenny are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Andrews. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Kilkenny. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Is Saint Andrews or Kilkenny Better for Beaches?

Saint Andrews is very good for the beache. However, Kilkenny is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Saint Andrews to enjoy the beach. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

Kilkenny is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Andrews or Kilkenny Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its old town. However, Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Andrews or Kilkenny Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint Andrews. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Kilkenny?

Saint Andrews is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Saint Andrews is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

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.

Is Saint Andrews or Kilkenny Better for Families?

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Kilkenny is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly university town. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Is Saint Andrews or Kilkenny Better for Couples?

Saint Andrews and Kilkenny are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Saint Andrews is a very popular place to visit for couples. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

Kilkenny makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Saint Andrews or Kilkenny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Saint Andrews is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really a backpacker's destination, but there are some guesthouses and apartments that are more affordable.

Is Saint Andrews or Kilkenny Better for Students?

Saint Andrews is terrific for students. However, Kilkenny is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Saint Andrews. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

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

Both Saint Andrews and Kilkenny offer notable public transit options.

Saint Andrews has a few public transit options. There are buses through St. Andrews.

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

Is Saint Andrews or Kilkenny a more walkable city?

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint Andrews is a somewhat walkable university town. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kilkenny or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Kilkenny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint Andrews or Kilkenny to fill your time. In our opinion, Kilkenny has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Kilkenny than Saint Andrews. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Kilkenny than Saint Andrews. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kilkenny than Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or Kilkenny?

Saint Andrews 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 shopping and museums when visiting the fascinating destination of Kilkenny. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Saint Andrews or Kilkenny?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kilkenny. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint Andrews or Kilkenny?

Saint Andrews 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fascinating destination of Kilkenny. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Saint Andrews or Kilkenny?

Saint Andrews 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 university town offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Kilkenny. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing 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 Saint Andrews and Kilkenny, we can see that Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews Expensive? and Is Kilkenny Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Kilkenny?

Kilkenny has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or Kilkenny?

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 Saint Andrews or Kilkenny in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Kilkenny. Most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, the hiking, 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.

Saint Andrews is around the same temperature as Kilkenny in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during summer. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 131 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Kilkenny. Saint Andrews gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Kilkenny in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Kilkenny. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Andrews because of the hiking trails, 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 Kilkenny this time of year.

In the autumn, Saint Andrews is cooler than Kilkenny. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Andrews in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Saint Andrews often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. Saint Andrews gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 83 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in October than Kilkenny. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Kilkenny in the Winter?

Both Kilkenny and Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kilkenny for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Saint Andrews in the winter. In January, Saint Andrews is generally much colder than Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 3°C (38°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during winter. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Kilkenny. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Kilkenny in the Spring?

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

Saint Andrews is cooler than Kilkenny in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Saint Andrews often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 139 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in April than Kilkenny. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kilkenny and Saint Andrews