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

Should you visit York or Killarney?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a historic, medieval, and fanciful city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Killarney

Killarney is a natural, peaceful, and charming town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

York and Killarney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Killarney?

Tourists will generally find more to do in York. Although York and Killarney are both popular with visitors, York has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. York is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Killarney is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. York is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also home to The Shambles. Killarney is popular for its access to Killarney National Park and its location along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive.

How is York different from Killarney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

York is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Killarney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into York. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Killarney offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 York or Killarney? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Many restaurants in York have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Killarney has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 York or Killarney Better for Nightlife?

York is well known for nightlife. However, Killarney is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

York is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

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 York or Killarney Better for its Old Town?

York is terrific for its historic old town. However, Killarney does not have a historic old town.

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.

Killarney does not have a historic old town.

Is York or Killarney Better for Hiking?

Killarney is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, York is not a hiking destination.

Killarney is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

York is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Killarney?

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

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.

Killarney is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is York or Killarney Better for Families?

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

York is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

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.

Is York or Killarney Better for Couples?

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

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

Is York or Killarney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York is well known for backpackers. Also, Killarney is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit York. 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.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

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

York is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Killarney is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in York, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

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

Is York or Killarney a more walkable city?

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

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

Killarney is not a very walkable 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 York Worth Visiting? and Is Killarney Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Killarney or York?

How long in York or Killarney?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both York and Killarney. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in York than in Killarney. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 2-3 days is enough time in Killarney.

Families should spend more time in York than Killarney. 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 Killarney. 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 Killarney 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 Killarney?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of York. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Killarney. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Killarney?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fanciful destination of York. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Killarney is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Killarney?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the medieval city of York. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and food around the local destination of Killarney. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Killarney?

York is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

The peaceful town of Killarney offers food and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between York and Killarney, we can see that Killarney is more expensive. And not only is York much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to York would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in York 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 Killarney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Killarney than you might in York.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Killarney?

York has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Killarney. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York or Killarney?

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 Killarney in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Killarney. Many visitors come to York 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.

York is around the same temperature as Killarney in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Killarney fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Killarney during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives less rain than Killarney. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Killarney in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to York as well as Killarney. Most visitors come to York for the shopping scene 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.

In the autumn, York is around the same temperature as Killarney. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Killarney averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, York often gets more sunshine than Killarney. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 79 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Killarney. York usually gets less rain in October than Killarney. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Killarney in the Winter?

Both Killarney and York are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to York because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Killarney this time of year.

The weather in York can be very cold. In January, York is generally much colder than Killarney. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Killarney fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Killarney during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Killarney. In January, York usually receives less rain than Killarney. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Killarney in the Spring?

Both Killarney and York during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Killarney for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

York is cooler than Killarney in the spring. The daily temperature in York averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Killarney fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Killarney. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 150 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in April than Killarney. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Killarney and York