A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Funchal vs. Limerick for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Funchal or Limerick?

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

Should I visit Funchal 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.

Where Should I go: Funchal or Limerick?

Funchal

Funchal is the capital city of the autonomous region of Madeira on the island of Madeira. The city is located to the south between the cities of Santa Cruz and Camara de Lobos. It is actually named for the fennel plant which grows liberally on the island. The city was most significant as a shipping center between the 15th and 17th centuries. Today it has a population of over 100,000 people and is, arguably, one of the most picturesque cities in Portugal. It's appeal as a tourist destination has made it the leading Portuguese port for cruise line dockings.

Limerick

Limerick is a city located in the Mid-West Region of Ireland on the River Shannon just before it widens and opens into the Atlantic Ocean. The historic core of the city is located on King's Island, bounded by the Shannon and the Abbey River. Historical structures of the city include places like King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral, and the Treaty Stone, amongst others. Having been named Ireland's inaugural National City of Culture, Limerick also attracts visitors due to its wide variety of artistic and cultural events occurring throughout the year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Limerick or Funchal?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €116, while the average daily cost in Limerick is €133. 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 Funchal and Limerick in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Limerick 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Limerick 98
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Limerick

Looking for a hotel in Funchal 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 Funchal


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: Funchal Hotel Prices and Limerick Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Limerick 40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Funchal, Madeira Cruise Port to Madeira Hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $188
  • Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $94
  • Madeira Airport (FNC) to Madeira - Arrival Private Transfer: $94
  • Private Transfer from Madeira North area resorts to Madeira Funchal airport: $90
  • Madeira Airport (FNC) to Funchal Cruise Port - Round Trip Private Transfer: $79
  • Private Transfer from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport to Funchal Hotels: $75
  • Private Transfer from Funchal airport to Madeira south area: $73
  • Madeira Airport Transfers Round Trip (FNC): $70
  • Funchal Airport (FNC) to Funchal - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $64
  • Minibus Transfer: Madeira Airport - Funchal: $52
  • Funchal Airport Transfers: Experience Hassle-Free Travel: $45
  • Madeira: PR 9 - Levada do Caldeirão Verde Hike Transfer: $42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Limerick

Also for Limerick, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Adare: Private transfer to & from Shannon Airport | Premium Cars: $209
  • Limerick City: Private transfer to & from Shannon Airport : $173

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Limerick?

Prices for flights to both Limerick and Funchal 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
    Funchal 54
    Limerick 60
Typical Food Prices in Funchal

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Funchal:


  • Coffee
    1.40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Funchal

For Funchal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Walking Food Tour Around Funchal: $33
  • Madeiran Traditional Dinner: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Limerick 17

Tours and Activities in Funchal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.

  • Low Cost Wheelchair Santana Half Day Tour : $179
  • Wheelchair Full Day Tour Porto Moniz E Sao Vicente : $208
  • Wheelchair Porto Moniz Handicap Tour: $179
  • 25 Fountains Levada: Hiking Tour in Madeira Rabaçal Valley (PR6): $55
  • 4x4 Full-Day Tour to Explore Portugal's Scents and Flavors: $69
  • 4x4 Jeep Safari Porto Moniz - the "Farowest" tour - Full Day Small Groups : $77
  • 8-Hour Luxury Cruise from Funchal to Ponta de São Lourenço: $2,173
  • Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo in Madeira (PR1.2) - Hiking Tour: $55
  • Adventure Trikes Private Tour in Madeira : $173
  • Agriculture Green Tour : $102
  • Amazing East Tour : $36
  • Amazing Sunset (Private tour): $262

Tours and Activities in Limerick

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Limerick.

  • Angela's Ashes 1.5hrs Walking Tour: $179
  • Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $58
  • Dingle Peninsula Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $66
  • General Entry Tickets to Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum: $20
  • Guided eBike Tour - Killaloe and the Lough Derg Shore: $107
  • Inis Cealtra Tour eBike Ride and Boat Trip to Holy Island: $102
  • Limerick Private Walking Tour with a Local: $47
  • Medieval Limerick Exploration Game and Tour: $5.95
  • Private Walking Tour of Adare: $298
  • Ring of Kerry Day Tour from Including Killarney National Park: $66
  • Self Guided Bike Tour on the Limerick Greenway: $18
  • Skip the Line: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Admission Ticket: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Limerick 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal

Also in Funchal, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Portuguese Wine Tasting with Sommelier: $40
  • Half day jeep Wine tour and tasting, & sea cliff adventure: $62
  • Bestselling Wine Tour, Tasting Experience & Skywalk 4x4 Adventure: $63
  • Half-Day Wine Tour- Shared: $89
  • Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $93
  • Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $107
  • Tuk Tuk Wine Tour - Madeira Island: $112
  • Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $119
  • Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $208


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


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Limerick?

Funchal has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Funchal 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 Funchal or Limerick?

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 Funchal or Limerick in the Summer?

Both Limerick and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Limerick for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Funchal is a little warmer than Limerick. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Limerick averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Limerick. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Limerick 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Limerick in the Autumn?

Both Limerick and Funchal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Limerick in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Funchal is generally much warmer than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Limerick. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Limerick 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Limerick in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Limerick. Furthermore, most visitors come to Limerick for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Funchal is much warmer than Limerick in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Limerick fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Limerick. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Limerick 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Limerick in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Limerick. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Limerick because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Funchal is much warmer than Limerick. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Limerick averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Limerick. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Limerick 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Limerick and Funchal

Funchal Limerick
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)