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Original poster

Edinburgh or Dublin for city break?

127 replies

Lifeispassingby · 07/11/2021 09:06

So 40th birthday coming up in March, planning city break for me and DH, we are looking at probably either Edinburgh or Dublin, although open to other suggestions? Which would people recommend? And specifically where to stay/what to do in either city would be great! Small ish budget for 3 nights x

OP posts:
popmenow33 · 07/11/2021 09:48

We just did Belfast last weekend for my husbands 50th and it was lovely. Did Dublin a couple of years ago and it wasn't as nice as Belfast. For a city, Belfast was really good value for money. The Titanic museum was fantastic. Not keen on Edinburgh and always prefer Glasgow.

EarringsandLipstick · 07/11/2021 09:50

I live in Dublin. Currently I'd say Edinburgh too (though I've only been there once).

Post-Covid,Dublin city centre isn't great. Lots of shops closed, hard to get restaurant reservations, messy & anti-social in the evenings. There's still lots of great things in Dublin but hard to do on a city break.

(The Viking Splash tour is no longer, either, sadly. To a PP that mentioned it)

MrsFin · 07/11/2021 09:58

Edinburgh, as it's in the U.K. for now anyway, so no extra paperwork needed, nor any Euros. Cheaper to get to too.

CP26 · 07/11/2021 10:01

Edinburgh is absolutely beautiful and there’s loads to do.

Colin56 · 07/11/2021 10:29

Dublin is rank, lots of homelessness, crime, open drug use, filthy and overpriced. Edinburgh better but if I had the choice Id go to Porto or Bilbao or Bordeaux etc. So much more to see and weather will be good. Porto is superb.

Original poster
Lifeispassingby · 07/11/2021 14:02

interesting that Edinburgh seems to be the favourite! i went to Dublin with a previous partner about 15yrs ago. Hadn't considered Belfast, will have a look- has anyone actually been there who can recommend?

OP posts:
BishyBarnyBee · 07/11/2021 14:06

Where are you based? If you're trying to avoid flying for short trips, Edinburgh is more accessible by train for most of us on the UK mainland.

Original poster
Lifeispassingby · 07/11/2021 14:34

@BishyBarnyBee we are based in south Kent so as far from Edinburgh as possible (smile)

OP posts:
Libertaire · 07/11/2021 14:42

Edinburgh, definitely. There’s far more to see & do and it’s much less expensive than Dublin.

TheWomandestroyed · 07/11/2021 14:48

Edinburgh, I'm Scottish though. However the last time I went to Dublin I was horrified how awful it was, I was nearly attacked by a random man in the street when we were out, I had looked at him apparently. I do love Cork still but haven't been for years.

DinaofCloud9 · 07/11/2021 14:49

Definitely Edinburgh over Dublin but Belfast is better than both.

shylatte · 07/11/2021 17:00

Would definitely go to Belfast over Dublin. Lots to do and cheaper. Would hold back on Titanic museum unless it's a thing you are really into. We went as a family, the place was rammed and we could hardly get to see anything (lots of the info is on the walls). Titanic quarter and the marina are lovely for a walk around though.

midsomermurderess · 07/11/2021 17:07

Edinburgh, far and away Edinburgh. Bits of Dublin are ok, quite attractive, but it's not a terribly interesting place when all is said and done.

Derrymum123 · 07/11/2021 17:10

Belfast. So much more to see and do.

BashfulClam · 07/11/2021 17:14

Edinburgh, have a look at the premier inn
Lauriston place. It’s a 5-10 minute walk from princes street and we stayed for £39. It was spotlessly clean, I always wipe surfaces and touch points in hotels. They also give you reduced parking at the NCP.

MadisonAvenue · 07/11/2021 17:14

Edinburgh over Dublin without a doubt, but I’d find it difficult to choose between Edinburgh and Belfast!

Roadhouse111 · 07/11/2021 17:17

Have you been to York???it's a beautiful city, cheaper to get to and stay in than Edinburgh with a similar feel. It has so much charm and character!

Figgygal · 07/11/2021 17:19

Also saying Edinburgh over Dublin but Belfast would be top choice
Absolutely loved Belfast

MissM2912 · 07/11/2021 17:19

Belfast is the friendliest of the three. Edinburgh posher and prettier.
Belfast has lots of lovely restaurants and far superior nightlife to Edinburgh.
Dublin has nice shops. All are good but if you want a lovely weekend I would pick Belfast.

MissM2912 · 07/11/2021 17:19

Lively not lovely

123rd · 07/11/2021 17:22

I've been to both. I would rather go back to Edinburgh tbh.

RAOK · 07/11/2021 17:23

I’ve never been to Belfast (but now I really want to go!) but if you go to Edinburgh I recommend The Dome for dinner and The National Portrait Gallery has the most fabulous cafe!

Forgothowmuchlhatehomeschoolin · 07/11/2021 17:23

Been to Dublin more times than l care to remember and Edinburgh just once but think l would pick Edinburgh.

But can l just throw Liverpool into the mix?
Fantastic city!!

Tal45 · 07/11/2021 17:25

@Colin56

Dublin is rank, lots of homelessness, crime, open drug use, filthy and overpriced. Edinburgh better but if I had the choice Id go to Porto or Bilbao or Bordeaux etc. So much more to see and weather will be good. Porto is superb.
I didn't rate Dublin at all, haven't been to Edinburgh as it always looks so grey and dismal but also highly recommend Porto if you're flying anyway.
Beebopawhop · 07/11/2021 17:27

We have just come from Edinburgh but with the kids. Wish we came just me and DH. Wonderful trip but kids didn't appreciate. You will love it! We stayed on the Royal Mile which was quite central and very near the Castle. Castle was great and we went to the dungeons. Lots of shopping my goodness but I didn't get to go.