A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sintra vs. Limerick for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sintra or Limerick?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Limerick? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Sintra or Limerick?

Sintra

Located just 28 kilometers from Lisbon, Sintra is a town that was, for a long time, home to Portuguese royalty leading up to the 1910 revolution. In town you will find a Royal Palace and in the surrounding area there is a Moorish Castle, and the Pena Palace, which dates back to the 19th century. The town is on the Estoril Coast near the Sintra Mountains, making its setting very dramatic, beautiful and picturesque. The surrounding hills are actually designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because they offer a great combination of both cultural importance and natural beauty.

Limerick

Limerick is a city located in the Mid-West Region of Ireland on the River Shannon just before it widens and opens into the Atlantic Ocean. The historic core of the city is located on King's Island, bounded by the Shannon and the Abbey River. Historical structures of the city include places like King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral, and the Treaty Stone, amongst others. Having been named Ireland's inaugural National City of Culture, Limerick also attracts visitors due to its wide variety of artistic and cultural events occurring throughout the year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Limerick or Sintra?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, while the average daily cost in Limerick is €108. 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 Sintra and Limerick in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Limerick 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Limerick 98
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Limerick

Looking for a hotel in Sintra 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 Sintra


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: Sintra Hotel Prices and Limerick Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Limerick 40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $513
  • Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $289
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $109
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $98
  • Tours and Transfers: $89
  • Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $87
  • Lisbon transfer, national and Iberian trips: $86
  • TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Private Transfer Lisbon & Cascais by Van or Car: $73
  • Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
  • Transfer Sintra to Lisbon Airport: $71
  • Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $57

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 Sintra or Limerick?

Prices for flights to both Limerick and Sintra 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
    Sintra 42
    Limerick 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sintra.

  • Private Portuguese Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Lisbon Local: $220

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Limerick 17

Tours and Activities in Sintra

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

  • E-Bike Rental Self Guide Tour in Sintra and Cabo da Roca : $64
  • Half Day Private Wine and Traditional Tile Making Tour: $157
  • 1h sight seeing - Sintra Mountain Tour (price per car) - max 4persons: $119
  • 2 Hour Private Picnic and Photoshoot Experience in Lisbon area: $149
  • 2 Hours Romantic experience for two by sailboat in Cascais: $297
  • 2 hours Private Sailing Experience in Cascais: $297
  • 3 Hour Sintra Village and Beaches Tuktuk Tour: $125
  • 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $171
  • 4 hour Private MTB Enduro Trail Tour in Sintra Mountain: $153
  • 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $153
  • Amazing Sintra tour: $91
  • Cascais Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $260

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
    Sintra 17
    Limerick 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Sintra

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sintra:

  • Half-Day Tour in Cascais / Sintra with Brunch and Wine Tasting: $60
  • Hiking and Wine Tasting Experience: $71
  • Half Day in Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting: $82
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $82
  • Private tour wine tasting in Setubal: $96
  • Excursion from Lisbon to Setúbal: Nature, Beach and Wine Tasting: $125
  • Private Tour Sétubal, Palmela, Arrábida with wine tasting: $175
  • Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
  • From Lisbon Private Tour to Porto with Port Wine Tasting: $235


When comparing the travel costs between Sintra and Limerick, we can see that Sintra is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Limerick?

Limerick has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra 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 Sintra 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 Sintra or Limerick in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Limerick. Additionally, many travelers come to Limerick for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sintra is generally a little warmer than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 23°C (73°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Limerick. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Limerick 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Limerick in the Autumn?

Both Limerick and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Limerick in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Sintra is much warmer than Limerick in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Limerick fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Sintra usually receives less rain than Limerick. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Limerick 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Limerick in the Winter?

Both Limerick and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Limerick for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Sintra is much warmer than Limerick. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sintra in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Limerick averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Limerick. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Limerick 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Limerick in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Limerick. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Limerick because of the natural beauty.

In April, Sintra is generally much warmer than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 16°C (60°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than Limerick. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Limerick 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Limerick and Sintra

Sintra Limerick
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)