Hello~
I am trying to get an idea of which would make more sense a week in an area of Ireland or an area of Germany. I would like to surprise my soon to be husband for his 30th b-day with a trip to either of these destinations. They are both at the top of his list of places to visit. I understand that everyone is on a different budget but with airfare is the idea possible for under $4000K (US). Also, we we would like to go in May or June of 2007 to have nice weather. I have been to Munich but he has not. Once I know if this is possible then I will start looking closer at a specific itinerary. Plus for 1 week including travel time which destination would make it worthwhile. If anyone has any advice I would appreciate it. Oh btw, we'll be flying from the philly/ny area. OR should we save both options above for when we have more time and head to Paris for the time allowed.

Thank you for your help,
Robyn

Hi Robyn.
Of course, you will wish you had more time than one week, but don't settle for your second choice. You can always go back.
Personally, Ireland was the most fun with incredible people, beautiful scenery and enjoying the pubs every night.
For Germany, we rented a car in Munich and drove around Bavaria. We visited all of King Ludwig's castles. Those little towns (some with very long names) in the Alps are amazing.
Paris is great too and very, very romantic.
Your budget is fine and any choice is doable. So, pick the one that you and your honey would be most interested in and excited about visiting.

Yes, your budget is fine---what a great birthday present. Just for comparison, we fly from the west coast ($1200 airfare) and spend another $1200 per person for two-week trip, in Switzerland which is quite expensive. So your $2K per person for one week is realistic. As for choosing between Germany and Ireland. . . that is a tough one. Both are favorites of mine. If budget is a major concern, I suspect Germany may be less expensive, but perhaps someone else can weigh in on that. I haven't been to Ireland since 1997, when it was quite inexpensive. No more, thanks to the Celtic Tiger.

Perhaps you could consider more what you like to do and see---castles? pubs/Gaststube? shopping? museums? cycling or hiking? winetasting? Also consider how you like to travel---renting a car is best for Ireland; Germany is very pleasant by train.

No comaparison at all - Germany wins hands down. Ireland of twenty years ago might be worth seeing but the new Ireland seems rather bland to me. It's like visiting Maine only the people have less of an odd accent. Germany has fantastic food, quaint villages, charming Zimmer Frei and farm stays, the best beer on the planet, excellent roads and so much more, varied scenery.

Now, everything I say goes out the window if your husband is of Irish descent. If Ireland has some attachment to him, he might find it more interesting. I have no German or Irish heritage so my high opinion of Germany is based on how much more I find to do there.

Germany! The nation is so incredibly gorgeous...

Another vote for Germany! I have been to Ireland twice, and while I love it, I love Germany even more! Out of all Euro countries, I was *so* pleasently surprised. It's easy to get by as an English speaker, food and lodging is fairley inexpenisve, and the scenery is breathtaking. There is something for everyone in Germany! You could easily swing into Austria or Switzerland if you are the adventurous type (Interlaken).

Thank you all for all the great advice, I have been to Interlaken while backpacking through Europe a few years ago. LOVED IT! I think we have narrowed it down to Germany or Paris. But please keep the advice coming!

I am of German and Irish descent, though my German is more 'recent'. However, I'd say Ireland, definitely! Of course, I've not been to Germany yet

Easily doable in your budget, especially with a NY gateway -- cheap flights from NY to London are fairly easy to get for May, and LCC flights from London to Dublin/Shannon even easier. (also from London to German cities).

My trip to Ireland this summer (2 weeks) is costing me $2000 including airfare, B&Bs, car rental, and food. You'll be fine