Is Dublin safe and places to see?

I don’t know about you, but when I think of Ireland, it’s difficult not to picture the rolling greenery, a little tiny old leprechaun, a pint of Guinness, and ‘the Pale.’

Dublin is the iconic capital of the great Republic of Ireland, and it has its fair share of history. It’s found on Ireland’s east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey.

But is Dublin safe? Read this guide to learn more about the crime rate and how safe it is to move around the city as a new tourist and as a solo female traveller.

Is Dublin safe?

Dublin, known for its wealth of friendly people, attracts people from all over the globe looking not only to experience Dublin’s nightlife, but also its unique culture.

Even if you’re not interested in all things Guinness or want to spend your days sitting in the cosy Irish pub atmosphere, you can visit areas outside the centre. You can even do one of the day trips to the Wicklow Mountains in Glendalough.

The reality is, Ireland can seem like the safest country in the world. However, this shouldn’t mean you let your guard down when visiting Dublin.

How safe is Dublin?

The historic buildings include Dublin Castle, dating to the 13th century, and the imposing St Patrick’s Cathedral founded way back in 1191.

For those not in the know, Dublin is already classed as a smart city and is going down the right path in becoming a sustainable city of the future.

Dublin is an interesting place when it comes to the question of safety.

On the one hand, it’s just like any other major European city with petty crime problems, organised crime, and the highest chances of crime happening to visitors being pickpocketing or other petty crime.

For safety, I like Pacsafe which is perfect for exploring cities like Dublin and helps conceal valuables.

However, it’s considered one of the safest capitals in the world because the population of Ireland is actually quite low, so crime is quite sparse nationally.

There are thousands of people, however, that live in the busy streets of Dublin and are in fact, criminals. In our opinion, Dublin is a very safe city because of just how many tourists visit here and the main touristy spots being normally quiet.

If I had to criticise Dublin’s tourism, I would say the drug issue in neighbourhoods such as Ballymun and Ballyfermot is the main concern.

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Dublin crime rate

Is Dublin safe for tourists?

Yes, Dublin is a safe city to visit as a tourist even though certain areas do suffer from higher crime stats, such as drug misuse and other public order offences.

Aside from that, what else springs to mind when I think of pubs, gorgeous villages, castle ruins, and easy escapes into the countryside?

As any historic tour here will teach you, Dubliners and other Irish denominations, in general, tend to be more friendly than Americans or rural English people, and they tend to be welcoming and interested in other cultures.

Known for their passion and ‘good behaviour’, just look at some videos online of Irish football fans abroad; they love to have a joke and laugh about it!

Beyond that, Dublin is chock-full of activities that are wonderful for solo travel: museums, long walks, photography, pubs, and window shopping.

As a tourist, one quick accommodation search online reveals that Riu Plaza: The Gresham is one of the most popular hotels in the city for first time visitors.

Is Dublin safe at night?

Yes, Dublin is safe at night, but as for any other big city, it’s recommended to stay alert at all times and avoid some areas. I advise you not to walk around poorly lit streets and in the Phoenix Park area at night.

Be cautious and keep valuables safe when using public transport and in crowded areas such as O’Connell Street or Grafton Street. Pubs are open until 2.30 am, and it’s common to come across gangs and people impaired by alcohol consumption.

This specifically can happen in The Coombe, south of Dublin. Stay away from these individuals, by changing streets if necessary.

Thomson Street leads to the Guinness factory. Avoid this street late at night to not risk being harassed, robbed, or assaulted by drunk people.

Is Dublin safe to travel alone?

Yes, Dublin is safe to travel solo. You’ll have no problems visiting the city during the day as long as you keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times.

The most crowded places, like some tourist attractions and public transport, are where petty thieves and bag snatchers move around, so be alert.

It’s better to avoid exploring the city’s streets late at night, and I recommend doing it with another person or as a group.

Stick to well-lit areas and avoid dark and isolated streets where gangs might target tourists. Check that there are other people around you, in case you need to ask for help. Knowing some Irish Slang will definitely work in your favour here.

Is Dublin safe for solo female travel?

Yes, Dublin is a great city to visit as a solo female traveller. Women can visit the city and feel safe at all times during the day, but I recommend avoiding some areas of the city late at night.

Parks, stations and pubs are not safe places to frequent after dark. People that frequent these places might be drunk or want to rob you.

For this reason, don’t carry large amounts of cash and leave your travel documents in a safe deposit box at your hotel. Stick to well-lit streets and where you can see other people around, in case you need urgent assistance.

Where to stay in Dublin

There are some incredible spots to stay when visiting Dublin, I will suggest two great recommendations that you can check out.

Portobello: is known as one of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in Dublin! With a short walk 7–10 minutes from the city centre, you’ll find one of the prettiest areas.

Portobello is home to a host of independent coffee shops, bakeries, and some fine Middle-Eastern foods. There is the Grand Canal Walk you can do that gives you the opportunity to connect with nature too.

Smithfield: is an up-and-coming area that has undergone a regeneration over the recent years. Places such as Smithfield square (known for its lighthouse) are open to the public to experience the local culture (think markets and family-themed events ) and the nightlife scene.

While planning your stay in Dublin, be sure to check out The Hendrick Smithfield for a luxury/affordable stay with just a short walk away from everything.

Areas to avoid in Dublin?

I’ll list some bad areas in Dublin to look out for below:

• Avoid surrounding areas of Gardiner Street, Dorset Street and Thomas Street.
• Temple Bar attracts many tourists; therefore, many pickpockets. Pay attention, especially on weekends. In general, be alert when hanging around bars and pubs, as muggers might target you.
• Mountjoy Square and Cork Street or outlying areas such as Finglas (North Dublin) or Tallaght (South Dublin).
• In the city centre, avoid Sheriff Street, known in the past for heroin trafficking and today still affected by drug trafficking, crimes and antisocial activities.
• Avoid Thomas Street late at night to not risk being assaulted or harassed.
• Avoid The Coombe, a historical street located in the south, where young gangs hang around after dark and the risk of getting robbed is higher.

Dublin travel safety tips

Although Dublin isn’t the most unsafe location in the world, it won’t hurt to take some precautions before and during your stay to ensure that you stay safe.

Here are some travel safety tips to take with you:

Is Dublin safe? Final words

Planning ahead will not only help you to save cash, but it will also make your trip stress-free, so make sure you don’t become complacent.

Dublin has, bar none, the best pubs and atmospheres in the world, so if you’re visiting purely for getting cultural, no need to fear. Book your trip to Dublin today.