Paris or Dublin in February 18???

Where will you be coming from? What do you like to do?

They are such different cities that it is hard to say without knowing what you like to do

Bristol, England and we're up for anything. I've been to both cities before but my husband never has and I've never been in February. We like a little bit of history, castles, outdoor activities, good food, unique experiences, and doing things off the beaten path. Mostly not sure about the time of year and such would be a better destination. We're very go with the flow.

Your outdoor activities will be limited by the weather. But, since your husband has never been, let me turn this around to you. If you knew that you could only see one of these cities, ever, which would it be? I think Paris would win hands down. Dublin will be there and you could make it part of a future Ireland visit.

Paris. Dublin in winter is miserable.

Paris has lots of indoor attractions - an array of museums for all tastes, churches in different styles from different periods, and quirky things like the catacombs and the sewers (not as gross as it sounds), and even a stroll through covered walkways if it doesn't stop raining.And of course, lots of cafes and restaurants. I had a great time in Dublin in August but I wasn't particularly happy on the one (dreary) day it poured rain and I got drenched, though I was wearing decent rain gear. On the other hand, I found Paris very pretty in the rain.

An easy choice, Paris it is with museums, attractions like the Eiffel Tower and food delights.

Dublin.

Better food - The chances of having a decent meal in Dublin are better than in Paris. Sure, France has a reputation for good food but I find many places are resting on their laurels and relying too much on the French reputation and providing poor food. Ireland on the other hand does not enjoy such a reputation and in that sense it's not bound by expectations and traditionalism. Expect to find some fantastic traditional but also innovative food in Dublin which surpasses much of what can be found in Paris.

Pubs - Paris may be great in the warmer months when sitting al fresco with a glass of wine is hard to beat but in February you cannot go wrong with a traditional Irish pub (or an English, Welsh or Scottish one). A roaring fire, robust beers and stouts and the Irish banter simply knocks the spots of a Parisian bar.

There are plenty of indoor things to do in both cities, certainly enough to occupy a few days but in the dull, dreary days of February I would want the warm hospitality, the hearty beers and delicious food that Ireland provides.

Despite Fast Eddie's claim that Dublin is miserable in the winter, I had beautiful sunny skies when I went a few years ago in January. It was chilly, and it snowed one day, but other than that it was beautiful. I was prepared for the cold and the weather did not bother me at all. We did all of the typical tourist sites while we were there, including Trinity College and the Book of Kells, a couple of museums, Kilmainham Gaol, and visiting the pubs. We also took a day trip out to the cliffs of Moher. I have no hesitation in recommending a trip to Dublin in the winter. Either way you can't go wrong though, both are terrific cities.

Thanks everyone for your input! I think we'll go with Paris and save Dublin, and other parts of the green isle, for a longer trip in warmer weather. :-)

Paris ........