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

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Limerick?

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

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

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a historic, charming, and quaint university town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Limerick

Limerick is a outdoorsy, fun-filled, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Saint Andrews and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students


Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Limerick?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Andrews. Although Saint Andrews and Limerick are both popular with visitors, Saint Andrews has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Andrews is popular for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. It is also home to The Old Course. Limerick is popular for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

The Old Course
The Old Course

How is Saint Andrews different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Andrews
Limerick

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Saint Andrews and Limerick.

Saint Andrews offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Limerick. 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 Saint Andrews or Limerick? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Andrews
Limerick

Saint Andrews is a great university town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Saint Andrews has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

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 Saint Andrews or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

Saint Andrews
Limerick

Both Saint Andrews and Limerick are good 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 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 Saint Andrews or Limerick Better for Beaches?

Saint Andrews
Limerick

Saint Andrews is very good for the beach. However, Limerick 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.

Limerick is not a beach destination.


Is Saint Andrews or Limerick Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews
Limerick

Saint Andrews is very good for hiking. However, Limerick 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.

Limerick is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Limerick?

Saint Andrews
Limerick

Saint Andrews is a great university town for its shopping areas. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Andrews. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

Limerick is a great destination for shopping. 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 Saint Andrews or Limerick Better for Families?

Saint Andrews
Limerick

Saint Andrews and Limerick are both good destinations for the whole family.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Limerick is a family-friendly university town. 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 Saint Andrews or Limerick Better for Couples?

Saint Andrews
Limerick

Saint Andrews is a great university town for couples. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Saint Andrews is a great university town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

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 Saint Andrews or Limerick Better for Students?

Saint Andrews
Limerick

Saint Andrews 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 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.

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

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

Saint Andrews
Limerick

Both Saint Andrews and Limerick offer good public transit options.

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

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


Is Saint Andrews or Limerick a more walkable city?

Saint Andrews
Limerick

Saint Andrews and Limerick both are good when exploring on foot.

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

Limerick is a somewhat walkable university town. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Limerick?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews.


  • How many days in Saint Andrews or Limerick? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Andrews 1-2 
    Limerick 1-2

One day in Saint Andrews or Limerick?

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 historic destination of Limerick. 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 Limerick?

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 Limerick. 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 Limerick?

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 fun-filled destination of Limerick. This city 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 Limerick?

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


Which place is cheaper, Limerick or Saint Andrews?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Andrews is £215, while the average daily cost in Limerick is £92. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Saint Andrews and Limerick in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Andrews £116
    Limerick £42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Andrews £232
    Limerick £84
Compare Hotels in Saint Andrews and Limerick

Looking for a hotel in Saint Andrews or Limerick? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Saint Andrews


Hotels in Limerick


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Limerick Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Andrews £53
    Limerick £34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Limerick

Also for Limerick, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $136
  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Limerick City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $158
  • Limerick Private Transfer from central Limerick to Shannon: $203
  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & ADARE | Premium Vehicles: $213
  • Private Transfer between CORK & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $300
  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Galway City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $300

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Andrews or Limerick?

Prices for flights to both Limerick and Saint Andrews change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Saint Andrews £62
    Limerick £30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Andrews £45
    Limerick £15

Tours and Activities in Saint Andrews

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Saint Andrews are as follows:

  • Private St Andrews Dark Side Tour: $145
  • Private St Andrews Town Tour for Future Students: $146
  • Private St. Andrews Tour with Dedicated Local Guide: $146
  • Private St. Andrews: Home of Golf Old Course Walking Tour: $146
  • Rebels, Romance & Raisins St. Andrew's Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
  • St Andrews - Watch Building Experience with Kartel Scotland: $245
  • St Andrews Ghost Tours: $20
  • St Andrews Golf Oriented Heritage Tours - Town and Old Course: $19
  • St Andrews History Tours: $19
  • St Andrews Must-Sees Daily Walking Tour (11am & 2pm): $18
  • St Andrews Old Course History Tour, for the Golfer: $19
  • St Andrews Walking Tours: $19

Tours and Activities in Limerick

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Limerick.

  • Skip the Line: Hunt Museum Ticket: $14
  • Self Guided Bike Tour on the Limerick Greenway: $16
  • Limericks Lost Whiskey Walking Tour: $19
  • Skip the Line: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Admission Ticket: $21
  • Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $43
  • Dingle Peninsula Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $53
  • Ring of Kerry Day Tour from Including Killarney National Park: $53
  • Cliffs of Moher explorer day tour from Limerick. Guided.: $54
  • Guided eBike Tours on the Lough Derg Shore: $82
  • Angela's Ashes 1.5hrs Walking Tour: $142
  • Private Walking Tour of Limerick City: $142
  • Private Walking Tour of Adare: $272

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Andrews £26
    Limerick £10


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

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 Limerick Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Limerick?

Limerick has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or Limerick?

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 Saint Andrews or Limerick in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Limerick. Most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Limerick because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint Andrews is around the same temperature as Limerick. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Andrews in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Limerick averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Saint Andrews often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in July than Limerick. Saint Andrews gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Andrews 14°C (58°F) 
    Limerick 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Limerick in the Autumn?

Both Limerick and Saint Andrews are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Limerick this time of year.

In October, Saint Andrews is generally cooler than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 10°C (49°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during autumn. Saint Andrews gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Limerick. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Andrews 10°C (49°F) 
    Limerick 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Limerick in the Winter?

Both Limerick and Saint Andrews during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Limerick for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Saint Andrews in the winter. Saint Andrews is much colder than Limerick in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Limerick fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Saint Andrews often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in January than Limerick. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Andrews 3°C (38°F) 
    Limerick 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Limerick in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Limerick. Many travelers come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Limerick in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Saint Andrews is cooler than Limerick. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Andrews in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Limerick averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Limerick during spring. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Limerick. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Andrews 7°C (45°F) 
    Limerick 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Limerick and Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews Limerick
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)


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