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Original poster

Dublin or Belfast for a cheeky mini break?

41 replies

ScottyTeapot · 20/09/2018 20:09

DH and I have a couple of days without kids at the end of Oct, and we're planning to get away for a few nights to one of the destinations above, having never been to Ireland before. I've had some Dublin recommendations, but my DH now quite fancies Belfast as well. Given the choice, where would you go and why, please?

OP posts:
notacooldad · 20/09/2018 20:12

Belfast and if you can hire a car from the airport. It's cheap enough.
I went a few weekends ago and loved it. We did so much. The night lufe is great, restaurants brilliant. Drove to the Causeway and back down along the coast. Loads to do in the city. We headed out to Bangor and drove down the coast to Newcastle and then went walking in the Mourne mountains.

jusdepamplemousse · 20/09/2018 20:15

You’ll get a lot lot more for your money in Belfast. It’s also awesome. (Biased!)

Dublin is also brilliant of course.

RomaineCalm · 20/09/2018 20:16

Personally I would go to Belfast. The Titanic museum is highly rated. It's an easy city to get around.

Haven't been for years but I understand that Dublin is very expensive and full of stag parties.

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HoosierDaddy · 20/09/2018 20:18

Both cities are great fir a weeend. Final weekend of Oct is bank holiday in Dublin, if that's the date you're looking at, just keep it in mind when looking for accommodation.

HoosierDaddy · 20/09/2018 20:19

Christ - I swear I can spell

shutlingsloe · 20/09/2018 20:20

I've been to both recently and Belfast would edge it for me - loved it and found it cheaper than Dublin.

shortgreengiraffe · 20/09/2018 20:22

I didn't like Dublin at all but Belfast was fab. Really friendly people and lots of interesting things to do.

I detest city breaks but would actually really like to go to Belfast again.

ElspethFlashman · 20/09/2018 20:24

Belfast is fab. Dublin is ok but Belfast definitely edges it out for a weekend.

peachypetite · 20/09/2018 20:28

I would fly to Kerry and stay at one of the fabulous spa hotels there.

FlyteB · 20/09/2018 20:31

Belfast! Go to Crumlin jail for a tour and the titanic museum. q

SkinnywannabeKBH · 20/09/2018 20:33

I'm from Northern Ireland and have been to Dublin a few times over the passed year, mainly for concerts and then obviously a night out after. They are both great cities, shopping is good in Dublin, museums/landmarks etc... and I would recommend. Belfast, however, I think has really grown over the passed few years. The nitelife & bars are great. The craic is brilliant in the bars, there are a few museums/landmarks in Belfast. Lots of city tours and then you have the rest of the country which is absolutely beautiful. I would highly recommend Belfast

CherryBlossom23 · 20/09/2018 20:35

Neither, go to the west, Galway or Cork.

butlerswharf · 20/09/2018 20:39

We had a great mini break in Dublin. So I'd vote for there.

Original poster
ScottyTeapot · 20/09/2018 21:03

Ooh, a majority in favour of a Belfast break then! Need to start my research from scratch. Any hotel / restaurant / sights recommendations? I trust you lot more than TripAdvisor! x

OP posts:
dinosaurkisses · 20/09/2018 21:05

Belfast. Dublin is a dear hole.

disclaimer am from Belfast

ginyogarepeat · 20/09/2018 21:11

Belfast - way more bang for your buck. It's a fab city, really friendly locals and lots to do but a very manageable size.

TheSageofOnions · 20/09/2018 21:18

Belfast. You'll spend in the whole trip what you'd spend in a day in Dublin.

FiveGoMadInDorset · 20/09/2018 21:20

Belfast

delphguelph · 20/09/2018 21:21

Great.

Just booked a city break to Dublin HmmConfused

lauryloo · 20/09/2018 21:25

Belfast

Don’t waste your time at the titanic museum though. It’s a bit underwhelming

SerenDippyEggs · 20/09/2018 21:26

Dublin all the way baby!

jusdepamplemousse · 20/09/2018 21:27

What kinda weekend are you after OP? Luxurious, sight-seey, foodie? How many nights?

Original poster
ScottyTeapot · 20/09/2018 21:29

All of the above - we're planning to really treat ourselves and have a luxurious room somewhere, eat lovely food and drink cocktails! 2 nights, possibly 3.

OP posts:
dinosaurkisses · 20/09/2018 21:33

If you really want to push the boat out, check out The Merchant. It's a great location in the Cathedral Quarter, near some fantastic pubs and restaurants and very lux.

Redtartanshoes · 20/09/2018 21:33

Europa Hotel and Belfast Kitchen. Oh and The Crown pub