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

Should you visit Southampton or Killarney?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Killarney? 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 up-and-coming, waterfront, and dynamic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Killarney

Killarney is a local, natural, and peaceful town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food.

Southampton and Killarney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Killarney?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Killarney. Although Southampton and Killarney are popular destinations, Killarney has more sights and attractions for tourists. Killarney is very popular for its hiking and small town charm, while Southampton attracts visitors for its nightlife and shopping. Killarney is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for its access to Killarney National Park and its location along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. It is also well known for Killarney National Park. Southampton is famous for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Killarney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Southampton and Killarney.

Southampton offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Killarney. In addition to the area's natural beauty, you should also check out Muckross House Gardens, Muckross Abbey, and Ross Castle.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Southampton and Killarney can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Southampton has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Killarney area. You'll find great local fish and chips shops as well as locally caught seafood and regional produce. There are cafes and other independent restaurants that provide a local taste of the area.

Is Southampton or Killarney Better for Nightlife?

Southampton is a port city with good options for nightlife. However, Killarney is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Southampton has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

Killarney doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. You can hang out with the locals at one of the bars or Irish pubs in town.

Is Southampton or Killarney Better for Hiking?

Killarney is a great town for hiking. However, Southampton is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Killarney for the hiking trails. You'll find many great hiking trails both in and around Killarney National Park. The town is also the starting and ending point for the 200 km Kerry Way walking trail. Other hikes worth checking out in the area include the Knockreer Circular Walk, Muckross Lake Loop Walk, and Old Kenmare Road Walk.

Southampton is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Killarney?

Southampton is a port city with good options for shopping. However, Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Southampton is a great destination for shopping. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Southampton or Killarney Better for Families?

Killarney 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, Killarney is very family-friendly. The area has many outdoor activities. You can explore Killarney National Park by horseback or head out on bikes. You can also take a boat ride or there's Kennedys Pet Farm for animal lovers.

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 Killarney Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Southampton and Killarney make for a excellent 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.

Killarney is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Killarney National Park. You can also go kayaking, biking, horseback riding or relax at The Angsana Spa.

Is Southampton or Killarney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Killarney. You'll find a surprising number of interesting hostels in the area so you shouldn't have trouble finding a place to stay or meeting fellow backpackers.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Southampton and Killarney both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Killarney. There's a shuttle bus that travels between some of the tourist attractions.

Is Southampton or Killarney a more walkable city?

Southampton is a port city with good options for its walkability. However, Killarney is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Killarney is not a very walkable port city. While there are many great hikes in the area, you'll need a car to access most of them.

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

Should I spend more time in Killarney or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Killarney?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Southampton and Killarney. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Southampton, and 2-3 days is enough time in Killarney.

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

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

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

One day in Southampton or Killarney?

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Southampton. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Southampton has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the charming town of Killarney. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Southampton or Killarney?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the dynamic destination of Southampton. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the local destination of Killarney. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Killarney?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the dynamic port city of Southampton. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The peaceful town of Killarney offers food and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Killarney?

Southampton is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Killarney. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between Southampton and Killarney, we can see that Killarney 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 Southampton Expensive? and Is Killarney Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Killarney?

Southampton has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Killarney. When comparing the sizes of Southampton and Killarney, 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 Killarney?

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 Killarney in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Killarney. Many visitors come to Southampton in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Killarney for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Southampton is generally a little warmer than Killarney. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 18°C (64°F), and Killarney fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the summer, Southampton often gets more sunshine than Killarney. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 140 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in July than Killarney. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Killarney in the Autumn?

Both Killarney and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Southampton for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Killarney because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Southampton is around the same temperature as Killarney in the autumn. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Killarney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Southampton usually receives more sunshine than Killarney during autumn. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 79 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Killarney. In October, Southampton usually receives less rain than Killarney. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Southampton or Killarney in the Winter?

Both Killarney and Southampton during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Southampton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Killarney this time of year.

The weather in Southampton can be very cold. In the winter, Southampton is much colder than Killarney. Typically, the winter temperatures in Southampton in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Killarney averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Southampton often gets more sunshine than Killarney. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 44 hours of full sun.

Killarney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Southampton usually gets less rain in January than Killarney. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Killarney in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Killarney. The natural beauty are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Killarney for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

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

Southampton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Killarney during spring. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Southampton usually receives less rain than Killarney. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Killarney and Southampton