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

Should you visit Southampton or Kilkenny?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Kilkenny? 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.

Southampton

Southampton is a waterfront, dynamic, and up-and-coming port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a active, ancient, and medieval town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Southampton and Kilkenny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Kilkenny?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kilkenny than Southampton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kilkenny is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for its medieval castle and long running history. Also, Kilkenny is famous for The Kilkenny Castle. Southampton is well known for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

The Kilkenny Castle

How is Southampton different from Kilkenny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kilkenny is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Kilkenny offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Southampton. Museums are a favorite activity in town. There are a surprising number of options including SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and Southampton City Art Gallery.

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

Kilkenny is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kilkenny has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Southampton area. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

Is Southampton or Kilkenny Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Southampton and Kilkenny.

If you're looking for night time activities Southampton has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kilkenny. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Is Southampton or Kilkenny Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny is a great town for its old town. However, Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Kilkenny. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Kilkenny?

If you're looking to go shopping, Southampton and Kilkenny both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Southampton. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Many visitors go to Kilkenny to go shopping. 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 Southampton or Kilkenny Better for Families?

Kilkenny is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Kilkenny is very family-friendly. 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.

Southampton is a family-friendly place to visit. This cruise port city offers a handful of fascinating activities for kids including learning about the Mayflower and the Titanic. There are also many parks and gardens as well as the Mayflower Theater, which regularly has kid-family productions.

Is Southampton or Kilkenny Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Southampton and Kilkenny make for a great place to visit.

Southampton is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

Kilkenny is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Southampton or Kilkenny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kilkenny. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Kilkenny is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Southampton is not known for its public transit.

While Kilkenny offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are city buses through town.

Public transit is generally limited in Southampton. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.

Is Southampton or Kilkenny a more walkable city?

Kilkenny is a great town for its high level of walkability. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Southampton is a somewhat walkable port city. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.

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

Should I spend more time in Kilkenny or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Kilkenny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Southampton or Kilkenny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Southampton 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 Southampton, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kilkenny.

Families should spend more time in Kilkenny than Southampton. 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 Southampton. 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 Southampton 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 Southampton or Kilkenny?

The port city of Southampton offers 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the medieval town of Kilkenny. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Southampton or Kilkenny?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the active destination of Kilkenny. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Southampton or Kilkenny?

Southampton 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.

The medieval town of Kilkenny offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Southampton or Kilkenny?

Southampton 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 port city offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kilkenny. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, 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 Southampton and Kilkenny, we can see that Southampton 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 Southampton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Southampton 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 Southampton Expensive? and Is Kilkenny Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Kilkenny?

Southampton has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton or Kilkenny in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Kilkenny. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Kilkenny for the family-friendly experiences.

Southampton is a little warmer than Kilkenny in the summer. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

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

Southampton usually gets less rain in July than Kilkenny. Southampton 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 Southampton or Kilkenny in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Southampton is a little warmer than Kilkenny. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Southampton in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 11°C (51°F).

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

In October, Southampton usually receives less rain than Kilkenny. Southampton 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 Southampton or Kilkenny in the Winter?

Both Kilkenny and Southampton during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Southampton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kilkenny for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Southampton can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Southampton is generally cooler than Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 4°C (40°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

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

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

Should I visit Southampton or Kilkenny in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Kilkenny. Most visitors come to Southampton for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the natural beauty.

Southampton is around the same temperature as Kilkenny in the spring. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

In April, Southampton usually receives less rain than Kilkenny. Southampton 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 Southampton