Barcelona or Dublin for a city break?

[thatcarolebaskinbitch]

This is obviously hypothetical at the moment but with our holiday of a lifetime cancelled in May and not likely to happen until next year now we are looking at the possibility of Dublin or Barcelona for 3/4 nights most likely at the start of October. We would only be booking a fully refundable hotel now and probably leave booking flights until at least the end of August to see what the situation is in both cities (this could end up being our deciding factor anyway).
I've never been to either but DP has been to Barcelona a couple of times for work, he's never done any of the touristy bits or had free time to spend there though. We are both mid 20's and no kids.
So coronavirus aside, out of the two which would prefer to go to? I know Dublin is very expensive once you are there (seen a few good deals on hotels though) but I'm assuming Barcelona will be quite expensive too? We can afford hotel/flights for either so it might come down to where we will have to take the least spending money, our holiday in May was fully paid for so we hadn't budgeted for another trip this year!

Barcelona hands down. I found Dublin quite bland. Barcelona is expensive on the Ramblas but I have never paid a fortune for food there if you avoid it. Barcelona has the benefit of blue skies (mostly) too.

Barcelona is gorgeous! Definitely go there

Yes we did think Barcelona probably has the added benefit of a bit of sun!

Having been to both, Dublin has about two-three days of obvious touristy fun, but Barcelona has a week or more.

I agree with others re Barcelona over Dublin. Much more to do in Barcelona.

Shout out for Lisbon as a great weekend break destination too. Lots of history, and a little warmer in October.

I've also been to both. Dublin is nice but I'd go to Barcelona, loads to do and better weather.

Only downside of Barcelona is that you need to be particularly vigilant of pick pockets.

Both completely different types of holiday. Barcelona culture and cocktails with your partner, dublin so much fun for all day and night drinks!

I would pick Barcelona, weather likely to be quite mild so if social distancing is still a thing/brought back in much more doable to eat in restaurants outside, stroll around looking at architecture, go to the beach.
Dublin in October can be 19° and sunny or 5° and stormy. Bad weather is fine in a normal year as plenty of the tourist activities are inside but not in a Covid year.

Barcelona hands down.

Barcelona, btw I live in Dublin!

@Sk1nnyB1tch

I would pick Barcelona, weather likely to be quite mild so if social distancing is still a thing/brought back in much more doable to eat in restaurants outside, stroll around looking at architecture, go to the beach. Dublin in October can be 19° and sunny or 5° and stormy. Bad weather is fine in a normal year as plenty of the tourist activities are inside but not in a Covid year.

Good point re social distancing being nicer in Barcelona, looks like it's going to be Barcelona

On a whim decided to book a hotel tonight (can cancel up until 24 hours before) really hoping we can manage to get away! Will probably leave booking flights until 4 weeks before at the earliest, fingers crossed though thanks for the unanimous votes! Made our decision earlier

*Easier! Definitely not all these gins that made me book it

Barcelona by a long way.

Dublin in October is more than likely going to have rain.

I absolutely adore both but to relax after everything going on 100% Barcelona.

I’ve been loads of times but most recently that same week you’re looking at 2 years ago and it was still really hot most days.

If you’re partial to a rooftop pool like I am then I recommend either B Hotel or the Gates Diagonal Hotel. Both are brilliant but totally different areas. The Gates is lovely as it’s so close to the beach and you can borrow bikes for long cycle rides along the seafront. Plus there’s an amazing brunch place nearby called Can Dende which you must visit.

Last time I was there we also did sunrise paddle boarding which I found on AirBnB experiences and that was fantastic.

Oh just seen you’ve booked your hotel, ignore those suggestions then! Although with the area I probably have quite a few restaurant recommendations

Barcelona without the cruise ships and the crowds would be lovely. Otherwise it is just another city full of people (tourists) all going together down Las Ramblas, to the indoor market and the beach area.

Can't think of anything that really excited me about Barcelona TBH. Just another place really.

Dublin is great because of the people, they are hilarious and don't give a shit. Those who dislike it think of the price, the weather and all that, but few have actually moved outside of the barfly areas. Get a map and see! And an umbrella lol!

Barcelona every time. More to see, more to do, beaches, better weather and much, much better food. I’m not knocking Dublin, it’s a fine place, but there is just no comparison.

We would only be booking a fully refundable hotel

Good luck with that one.

@DramaAlpaca

Barcelona by a long way.

Dublin in October is more than likely going to have rain.

I live in the NW so used to rain but a bit of sunshine would be an added bonus! We went to Lloret De Mar on a cheap AI in the same week 2 years ago and had lovely weather so fingers crossed we get a nice weekend

@Turnedouttoes any recommendations welcome, it's so hard to decide where to eat when visiting a big city like Barcelona it's nice to have recommendations!

@Iflyaway

We would only be booking a fully refundable hotel

Good luck with that one.

Never had an issue cancelling a booking with booking.com before and the one we have booked can be cancelled up until 24 hours before.

Barcelona.

We divide our time between Dublin and the Uk and find Dublin quite dull.

Barcelona definitely. I just didn’t get Dublin and found it rather drab.