Belfast or Kilkenny

Hi everyone,
I'm planning a short trip in Ireland in April and I need your help.

While I know without a doubt that I will visit Galway and Dublin, I am still hesitating between Belfast and Kilkenny. 

I know it's a matter of personnel preference but both cities have their pros and cons and I can't seem to decide.

If you had just one single choice and had to choose between the 2, what would you choose ?

Thanks in advance everyone :D

Hi!

Welcome to the forum!

That is quite a difficult choice indeed ! Belfast, the vibrant Titanic city, or Kilkenny, the medieval yet utterly modern town? Where to begin...

First of all, what kind of places do you prefer to visit? Are you more into beautiful castles and historical towns, or into culture, museums, with a bit of music and shopping thrown in? Kilkenny would be perfect for you if you're more interested in the first, and Belfast would be your city of choice if you lean towards the second! Do you plan to visit the area around the town as well? Don't forget, the Giants' Causeway is only an hour's drive from Belfast, and the entire coastal road is spectacular! It would also give you an opportunity to visit Northern Ireland during your trip.

Of course Kilkenny also offers fabulous countryside - the entire County is superb, and it's full of history. A hard choice indeed...

Let us know what your preferences are, and we might be able to help make your mind up! 

Oh, and ....nous pouvons vous répondre en français aussi, sans problème! :)

Merci Morgan. :D
English might be easier for people from different countries to understand and share their opinions ;)

Thank you for the detailed answer! As a matter of fact I love the medieval appeal as well as the modern sides of cities. That is why I am this puzzled. This is just an extra day out of my short trip, so I definitely won't have the time to move around though it's a pity :/

How do I say this.. I definitely don't visit museums first. I walk around quite a lot and I prefer visiting churches or castles if I were to go indoors. However, I don't want to go to a town where there is "only" a castle to see. Either way, I don't want to be disappointed that's why I'm seeking some help from this forum :D

Avec plaisir, Linalee !

I understand why you are so puzzled between the two cities. :)

Can you tell us a little more about your trip ? Do you plan to rent a car to get around the island and would you need accommodation for this particular day trip? And finally, would you plan it at the beginning or at the end of your trip?

I'm just asking these questions to make sure to give you realistic suggestions. ;)

Hi Antoine,

This is my first time in Ireland and unfortunately it's a very short one. I will come back with a more thorough trip, rent a car and everything, next year but this time it will be:
- 1 day/1night in Galway
- 2 days/3 nights in Dublin
- 1 day in Malahide
- 1 day to either Belfast or Kilkenny (the last day of my trip ).

I love walking around the city so this trip will mean me walking for 6+ hours and if some time is left, going indoors.
Honestly here are my 2 worries:
- in Belfast, I'm afraid other won't be surprising enough architecture wise. Last year I visited Berlin and it was the 1st time ever that I truly didn't like a city. So I hope Belfast is not only shopping + Titanic. 
- in Kilkenny, it seems to have the same authentic vibe as Galway. Which is cool ! However, I'm also afraid to be disappointed if it's only worth going there for the castle "only". 

If that helps :)

Thanks in advance for your help :D

Thank you so much for all these details, Linalee!

Architecture-wise, I can safely say that you'll most likely be surprised by Belfast. The City Hall, the Queen's University, the Belfast Castle or the Titanic Belfast museum are all worth passing by. You can also stop by one of the numerous Victorian inspired pubs. Since you love walking around cities, here's a suggestion for Belfast. It's a 3-days trip idea, but you can pick what interests you the most.

Kilkenny has indeed an authentic medieval vibe, which has many more landmarks to see next to its famous castle. You could stop by the Black Abbey, The St Canice's Cathedral, walk around the cobbled lanes and secret passages, and of course see the castle. Oh, and Kilkenny is also closer to Dublin, which can be convenient since it will be on your last day.

I hope these suggestions will help you make up your mind. :) 

Hi!  
Looks like you are planning a great visit to Ireland.   
There is lots to see and do in Belfast and Northern Ireland, below are some hints to help plan your stay. City break or longer stay, Belfast offers the buzz and vibrancy of a capital city whilst being a gateway to the rural retreat of Northern Ireland.  At the head of Belfast Lough, the city is compact and easy to get around, whether by car or on foot and Belfast offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all pockets, from cosy B&Bs around the University, to well-appointed riverside self-catering establishments, to city centre boutique hotels. Belfast is teeming with a multitude of stylish bars, gourmet restaurants, trendy clubs and some of the best shopping in the UK. Visitors can enjoy traditional Irish music in a local pub or dance the night away to the latest vibes - the choice is theirs! The birthplace of the Titanic, Belfast's industrial heritage has shaped a city steeped in culture, portrayed at its best at the Ulster Museum, City Hall, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, and the World’s Number One Visitor Attraction 2017 Titanic Belfast and the city's many preserved historic buildings. Also, the city's many parks,gardens and galleries offer a perfect haven to relax. 

If you need any further information on Belfast or Northern Ireland why not contact us at Visit Belfast! 
Web: https://visitbelfast.com/
Email: info@visitbelfast.com
Telephone: +442890 246609 

Hope you have a great time on your trip.
Visit Belfast

Thanks everyone for your kind suggestions ! I will take a look at all of them and plan my trip accordingly :D