Trying to snag a Europe flight for fall today... need to go the first week of November though which I know isn't ideal weather wise. I'm between Dublin and Lisbon since we've recently visited a lot of the other countries on sale... we'd be there for Halloween and my birthday if that makes any difference. I'm expecting similar rainy weather in both places, so just looking for whichever place has most variety for walking around, etc. We're very into the pub atmosphere of Dublin, but not sure what else to do around there if it is very wet... don't know much about Lisbon but we loved Spain and Italy for the architecture, dining... wine! I also need to consider which spot might be too quiet this time of year with businesses closing, etc.

There's so much more than pubs! Lots of history, lots to do and see in Dublin and plenty of day trips/tours!

Thanks for the reply, just been reading that a lot of places close in November there and was thinking that day trips to the countryside, etc. might not be as appealing during rainy season... pondering Santorini at the moment for nicer weather...

Lisbon is amazing... one of my favorite places. Lots of culture and history. Amazing food and great architecture. There are a couple of day trips you can do from there - Cascais and Sintra. Also depending on how long you have you can also spend a couple days up north in Porto.

Is Lisbon comparable to Barcelona for cafes, restaurants... places to go and get some sangria? I don't know too much about it, but looks nice! Was thinking of taking the train down to Faro from there for part of our stay since the weather might be a bit better in that area.

I would say Lisbon is less inundated with tourists than Barcelona. It has a more intimate feel as the streets are narrower and the people are fewer. Generally it's just a smaller city which is its' charm. You feel like you're visiting a history rich part of Europe as opposed to a big city like Barcelona or Rome. Having said that, plenty of food and drink to be had

Thank you! Is there an older/historic (and nice) part of the city you would recommend with a bit of a lively atmosphere? Not night clubs or anything like that, but restaurants, etc. where people are dining out and having wine till late?

I thnk that pretty much describes the whole city. I mean, I'm sure there are residential areas outside the city but where all the hostels and hotels are is in the old part of the city.

Lisbon and Barcelona are both fantastic cities to visit. I also suggest going to Porto if you like wine!

Yes we loved Barcelona and Lisbon looks awesome, just making sure they are still worth visiting in November which sounds pretty rainy from what I have read (of course coming from Vancouver might not seem too bad!)

I've never been to Dublin but I was in Lisbon in 2014. I loved it there, it's a beautiful city. I wish I had more time in Portugal to go to Porto but I did have enough time to go to Lagos on the Algarve coast. Great laid back town, some sites to see, plenty of beaches and some really good seafood.

Loved Ireland ! We went in October .. Weather not the best but who cares! Guinness factory tour ! Belfast ... Amazing historical pubs and port rush !!! Go see the giants causeway !!!! So amazing and bush mills tour ! If you love to golf there is the famous golf course in port rush ! They don't celebrate Halloween like we do so don't expect anything big ! Love love Ireland but if you want nice weather have you ever considered Spain ? Barcelona is amazing ! But loads of beach towns in other parts of Spain! Cheap flights out of London so why not do both ?? Check out easy jet

Ireland is absolutely amazing. Fly into Dublin and do a road trip to the west coast. Some amazing sights to see there and along the way, and always a good pub to stop in at. Halloween in Dublin would probably be a riot as well!!