A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers York vs. Kilkenny for Food, Old Town, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit York or Kilkenny?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a ancient, medieval, and fascinating town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Kilkenny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Kilkenny?

Travelers will usually find more to do in York. Although York and Kilkenny are popular destinations, York has more sights and attractions for tourists. York is very popular for its food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Kilkenny attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. York is more touristy than Kilkenny and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also well known for The Shambles. Kilkenny is famous for its medieval castle and long running history.

How is York different from Kilkenny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both York and Kilkenny have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Many visitors head to Kilkenny specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

York is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

York has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Kilkenny Better for Nightlife?

York is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in York know how to have a good time. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

If you're looking for night time activities Kilkenny has a few options to choose from. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Is York or Kilkenny Better for its Old Town?

York is terrific for its old town. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

York has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Kilkenny?

Both York and Kilkenny are nice shopping destinations.

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kilkenny. 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 York or Kilkenny Better for Families?

York is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

York is one of the most popular family destinations. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kilkenny. 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.

Is York or Kilkenny Better for Couples?

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

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York or Kilkenny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

York is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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

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

Both York and Kilkenny offer nice public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

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

Is York or Kilkenny a more walkable city?

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Kilkenny or York?

How long in York or Kilkenny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in York or Kilkenny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in York than Kilkenny because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kilkenny.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in York than Kilkenny 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 York.

One day in York or Kilkenny?

The city of York offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Kilkenny. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Kilkenny?

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

Kilkenny is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Kilkenny?

York is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the ancient destination of Kilkenny. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Kilkenny?

York is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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. This city offers something for everyone.

The ancient town of Kilkenny offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, 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 York and Kilkenny, we can see that York 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 York would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in York 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 York Expensive? and Is Kilkenny Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, York or Kilkenny?

York has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Kilkenny in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Kilkenny. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to York this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kilkenny for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, York is around the same temperature as Kilkenny. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 15°C (60°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 131 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives less rain than Kilkenny. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Kilkenny in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to York as well as Kilkenny. Many travelers come to York for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Kilkenny in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, York is generally around the same temperature as Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, York often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 83 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Kilkenny. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Kilkenny in the Winter?

Both Kilkenny and York are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to York 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.

York can get quite cold in the winter. York is cooler than Kilkenny in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Kilkenny. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Kilkenny in the Spring?

Both Kilkenny and York during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, York is around the same temperature as Kilkenny. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, York often gets more sunshine than Kilkenny. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 139 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in April than Kilkenny. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kilkenny and York