Wedding Etiquette Forum

Dublin or Amsterdam?

FI and I were scouting out flight prices on the weekend for possible HM destinations and found fantastic prices for both Dublin and Amsterdam - both direct flights (no bloody layovers).

We're leaning slightly more towards Dublin b/c FI's family is Irish and it would be kinda cool to see where they came from. But we don't want to discount Amsterdam either.

Which would you choose and why?
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Re: Dublin or Amsterdam?

  • What time of year?
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  • We were considering Amsterdam when we were thinking HM places. It just seems like such and interesting place. I hear it is beautiful too.

    We went to Italy instead but Amsterdam is still on our top lists of places to see.
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  • Amsterdam. It's one of my favorite cities in the world. It's SO beautiful, the food is really good and the people are so nice. 

    However, if you can avoid it, don't go in Sept/Nov, because that's the rainy season (as we found out). 
  • achiduckachiduck member
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    edited January 2012
    We're looking at October, right after the wedding.

    I've travelled to Europe quite a bit in the fall, so I generally know what to expect (and prepare for) weather-wise.
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  • Ive never been to Dublin, but Amsterdam is beautiful. When I went we took a trip out to the countryside to a tulip farm. It was pretty awesome.
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  • I think Dublin would be really nice, of course i've always wanted to go to Ireland.
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  • I've been to Amsterdam once.


    Well, the airport anyway.  ;-)  I would love to go and see the city.


    That's a tough choice.  I would probably lean towards Dublin since there's history for your family and plan a trip to A later.
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  • Both are on my short list -- we love old European cities! I don't think you can go wrong with either :)
    Lizzie
  • I think I would pick Dublin. If I went to Amsterdam I would be tempted to take too many side trips. Personally, confining myself to one island would be a good move.
  • I'd pick Dublin b/c Ireland is at the top of my list of places I want to visit.  But I've never been to either and I'm sure you'd enjoy both!

    Have you looked at the cost of staying in either city?  If flights are pretty equal and you don't have an immediate preference I'd probably compare the total trip cost for each city (how many free sites you'd want to see vs how many charge, etc.)
  • Dublin, but it's purely personal why :) I've always wanted to go to Ireland.
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  • My vote is Dublin.  I've never been to either city, but my sister was in Amsterdam for a few days this summer and she said it was "creepy," lol.
    panther
  • Kate - The cost of staying in Amsterdam is higher, but not but enough to break the bank (about $150 - 200 for the week). Both are on the Euro so it doesn't really make a difference as far as the exchange rate goes.

    I still need to check out the cost of tourist sights/excursions and feeding ourselves.
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  • Dublin is beautiful and u can travel the countryside. If FI has family there maybe u can schedule a time to meet them. We meet up w our family there and it was awesome. A terrific country, everyone is so friendly but only down side is the food is gross. My favorite meal in Ireland was when we found a Chinese restaurant haha! But otherwise awesome. I dont think u can go wrong either way :)
  • edited January 2012
    I think I would pick Dublin. I've never been to Amsterdam, though.

    BUT, if you have enough time you could do both. Train/ferry from Dublin to London, stay there a little, then train/ferry from London to Amsterdam (those are <$50 each). I'd only recommend that if you have time to do London for a few days, too.

    ETA: Just saw that you have 1 week, probably not long enough.
  • A - I would totally pick Amsterdam.

    I've been wanting to go there for years, and haven't had the opportunity yet, so do it up!
  • I totally want to go to Ireland
  • Gymchick- what was so gross about the food?

    Lisa - We're only going for a week so that's not really enough time for us to do both. I've also been to London before and it wasn't my favourite.

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  • I read an article on MSN a little while ago, it listed the top 10 (i think) places to visit in the world before they are gone forever.  Surprisingly Amsterdam made that list.  If I remember correctly, starting in the next year or so Amsterdam will be placing alot of restrictions on tourists.  This is mostly from people going over there to party and do things that would be illegal in the US and other countries. 

    I would look into this more, but if it turned out that Amsterdam wouldn't be as accessible to foreigners in a couple years I would go there so that I at least got to experience it!

    Side note: I realize this post may make me look like I partake in illegal activities....I do not! lol Im not sure if the changes will extend to areas other than illegal ones, just trying to help give a different perspective!
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  • I haven't been outside of the Amsterdam airport either.

    However, I have been to Dublin.  I loved it.  I want to go back with H, esp since he's 25% Irish.  I love the architecture and the pubs.  And the people really are friendly.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_dublin-amsterdam?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:26e1aeba-fa6c-4f8d-a099-bca691110e95Post:5d775cfa-06e6-4e4e-b81e-32df04a6ea42">Re: Dublin or Amsterdam?</a>:
    [QUOTE] The train system is excellent, and you can easily take side trips to other parts of Ireland.  I would choose Dublin.
    Posted by CMGr[/QUOTE]

    This is good to know. If we go to Dublin I'd like to take a train to see Wicklow Mountains National Park, to Cork to kiss th Blarney stone and see the coast.
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  • If you're using Dublin to see the rest of Ireland I would say go with that option.  I'm not a big fan of Dublin City myself, but it's a good starting point to get to other places and the transit system is awesome.  There's a really great day tour that goes into Wicklow Mountains NP from Dublin. 
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  • I've been to Amsterdam and honestly I didn't like it very much.  The countryside was very cute and I enjoyed that much more than the actual city.  While I'm glad I can say I've been, I have absolutely no desire to go back.

    I would choose Dublin hands down :)
  • FH and I are doing London, Ireland and Scotland for our honeymoon. It's an 11 day sight seeing tour thing. We get to hit up all the places we wanted to see. So I would vote Ireland but I also want to see Amsterdam some day as well.
  • I would definitely chose Amsterdam as I have no desire to go to Ireland.  I'm always interested in local food and the Irish can't cook.  Sorry, I'm Italian.  Irish food is very bland.  
  • I lived in Dublin for a long time - pack warm, waterproof clothing regardless of the season and very sturdy shoes, if you decide to go there. If you do, land in the city, but make sure you take in all the countryside you can. Wicklow is amazing, Galway is an easy distance, Kerry is spectacular. Look at irishrail.ie for deals! Also, don't miss the cathedrals in Dublin, they're really gorgeous. 

    If you go to Amsterdam, eat everything you can get your hands on - it's all amazing. There are some great canal tours of the city and I highly recommend the Van Gogh museum. 

    All in all though, look into day tours available from each city - they both have some great tour operators and lots of opportunity to see and do things. 
  • Go to Dublin, rent a car, and travel around the coast.  It is such a beautiful country, and Dublin itself is really interesting with a lot to do and see.  FI has been to Amsterdam, and while he liked it, he wanted to move on after only a couple of days.
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  • Definitely Dublin! I *much* prefer Dublin, and find that the city has more charm than Amsterdam. 
  • Thanks everyone for your opinions! FI and I talked and have decided to go to Dublin and are super excited! I'm going to the travel agent tomorrow to book the flights. 
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  • Good choice!  Haven't been to Amsterdam yet but did spend 3 days in Dublin on my first trip to Europe in '09.  I would go back again in a heartbeat.

    I agree with Mica, the people really are friendly.  Really. People offering us directions on the street without us even asking, striking up conversations in a pub, etc.  I loved it.

    Don't forget to go to the Jameson Distillery; it was way better than the Guinness Factory (Jameson & Cranberry is still my drink of choice to this day).

    Have fun!!
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