These two airlines are the only ones offering reasonable (relative term) fares to Rome. How do they compare? One flies through Dublin and the other Madrid. Any advice? Thanks so much.

I have never flown either to Rome so can not comment on that. I have however flown on both for other trips. I personally rate AL over Iberia. The scariest flight of my life was on Iberia from Madrid to Zurich....oh my god (and it was not due to bad weather but to the way the "pilot" flew that sucker). That might have been a fluke but it is the only time that I have wanted to get out of the plane and kiss the tarmac.

We flew Aer Lingus to Nice via Dublin. The flight is good. But budget. No food served in European flight, only drink.
Service was good. I did not fly in Iberia (usually use LH, BA and Swiss) so cannot compare. I know I prefer Aer Lingus to Al Italia beacuse Al Italia always has problems with schedule and strikes.

I have always had excellent experiences with Aer Lingus. Cannot speak to Iberia.

Iberia has cut back on their "within Europe" flights. You pay for water and coffee. It started with Easyjet and Ryanair and is now spreading to Air Lingus.

Check the model of the aircraft they use. Iberia flies a 747-300 from Miami to Madrid. No seatback television. Look for 747-400, 777, A340 or A330 planes if you want seatback television. They should give you free alcohol--its only the U.S. airlines that cut that one out in coach.

Forgive the snide, but hanging or drowning?

Both are pretty miserable in coach, both transatlantic and intra-Europe.

DUB is a smaller and easier airport to navigate than MAD, but I'd agree that I'd let the schedule make the determination.

Where are you flying from?

Dublin is smaller airport however I did not like it. It is crowded, was not clean (bathrooms and sitting area). Ok for short layovers though.