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

Should you visit York or Limerick?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a fanciful, historic, and medieval city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Limerick

Limerick is a historic, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in York or Limerick?

You'll generally find more things to do in York than Limerick. York is bigger than Limerick, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. York is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Limerick is more popular for its impressive beauty. York is more touristy than Limerick and is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Also, York is famous for The Shambles. Limerick is well known for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is York different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

York
Limerick

York is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to York specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Limerick is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.


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

York
Limerick

York is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Limerick offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of traditional Irish restaurants and more modern international cuisine. Local specialties to try include Limerick Ham, Cahill's Whiskey Cheese, and Walnut Cheddar.

Is York or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

York
Limerick

York is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in York has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Limerick. It's a student town so much of the nightlife scene centers around the student population. There are lively pubs and clubs around town so it's not hard to have a fun night out.

Is York or Limerick Better for its Old Town?

York
Limerick

York is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Limerick 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.

Limerick does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in York or Limerick?

York
Limerick

Both York and Limerick are notable 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 Limerick. You'll find a mix of brand name chains and independent boutiques in the city center. There are several major shopping streets in town including O'Connell Street, and the pedestrian streets of Bedford Row and Cruises Street.

Is York or Limerick Better for Families?

York
Limerick

York is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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.

Limerick is a family-friendly place to visit. Families will enjoy visiting King John's Castle but for kids who need a break from the sightseeing, there are kid-friendly activities around town like Curraghchase Forest Park and the Peoples Park. Families should also check out the Dreamland Fun Center. Museums like Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum are also fun for the whole family.

Is York or Limerick Better for Couples?

York
Limerick

York is a great city for couples. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

York is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Limerick is a nice destination for couples. There are river cruises, kayaking, and nature to explore. Head to the Curraghchase Forest Park or any of the many beautiful parks around town. Couples can combine history with nature and enjoy a nice, romantic trip through Limerick.


Is York or Limerick Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York
Limerick

York is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.

Is York or Limerick Better for Students?

York
Limerick

Limerick is a popular place for students. However, York is not popular with students.

Limerick is a good city to visit for students. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

York is not popular with students.

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

York
Limerick

Both York and Limerick offer notable public transit options.

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

Limerick has some public transit options. There's a city bus service that travels around town.


Is York or Limerick a more walkable city?

York
Limerick

York and Limerick both are notable when exploring on foot.

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

Limerick is a somewhat walkable place. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Limerick or York?

How long in York or Limerick?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in York or Limerick to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in York than Limerick 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 Limerick.

Families should spend more time in York than Limerick. 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 Limerick. 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 Limerick 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.


  • How many days in York or Limerick? Ideal Length of Stay
    York 2-4 
    Limerick 1-2

One day in York or Limerick?

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 Limerick. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Limerick?

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.

Limerick is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 Limerick?

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 fun-filled destination of Limerick. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Limerick?

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 historic city of Limerick offers nightlife and food. 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 from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Limerick or York?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in York is £106, while the average daily cost in Limerick is £92. 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 York and Limerick in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    York £59
    Limerick £42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    York £118
    Limerick £84
Compare Hotels in York and Limerick

Looking for a hotel in York 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 York


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: York Hotel Prices and Limerick Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    York £12
    Limerick £34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in York

Some specific examples of transportation prices in York:

  • Private Transfer from York to Manchester Airport (MAN): $279
  • Private Transfer from Hull to Manchester Airport (MAN): $271
  • Private Transfer from Hambleton to Manchester Airport (MAN): $163

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 York or Limerick?

Prices for flights to both Limerick and York 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
    York £32
    Limerick £30
Typical Food Prices in York

Some typical examples of dining costs in York are as follows:


  • Dinner
    £22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in York

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

  • Breakfast Food Tour in York: $51
  • Party Cruise with Welcome Drink, Dinner, and DJ Music: $56
  • York on a Fork Food Tour: $83

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    York £11
    Limerick £15

Tours and Activities in York

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

  • All Creatures Great & Small tour from York: $100
  • Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise: $19
  • Castle Howard Entrance Ticket: $32
  • City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $20
  • Clueniveristy of Magic!! Immersive Adventure in York City: $24
  • Comedy Horror Show: York Ghost Bus Tour: $25
  • Dark Tales of York. Private ghost tours.: $61
  • Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise in York: $18
  • Discover York's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour of the City Walls: $11
  • Early Evening Boat Cruise through York: $18
  • Fish & Chips Boat Cruise in York: $30
  • From Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour: $74

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
    York £13
    Limerick £10
Typical Alcohol Prices in York

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in York are as follows:


  • A Couple Beers
    £9.00

Sample the Local Flavors in York

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in York:

  • Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting: $32
  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • The Full Hoot Distillery Tour & Guided Hooting Owl Experience: $57


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


Which is Bigger, York or Limerick?

York has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Limerick in the Summer?

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

In July, York is generally around the same temperature as Limerick. Daily temperatures in York average around 16°C (62°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, York often gets more sunshine than Limerick. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in July than Limerick. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    York 16°C (62°F) 
    Limerick 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit York or Limerick in the Autumn?

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

York is around the same temperature as Limerick in the autumn. The daily temperature in York averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Limerick fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives less rain than Limerick. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    York 11°C (52°F) 
    Limerick 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit York or Limerick in the Winter?

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

York can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, York is cooler than Limerick. Typically, the winter temperatures in York in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Limerick averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, York often gets more sunshine than Limerick. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in January than Limerick. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    York 4°C (39°F) 
    Limerick 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit York or Limerick in the Spring?

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

In April, York is generally cooler than Limerick. Daily temperatures in York average around 8°C (46°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Limerick during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives less rain than Limerick. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    York 8°C (46°F) 
    Limerick 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Limerick and York

York Limerick
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)


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