Ireland : Safety by CityIreland, an island nation in northwestern Europe, sits in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Great Britain.
Politically, the island of Ireland is divided into two parts: the Republic of Ireland, an independent country, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.
The country has a long, complex history, from ancient Celtic roots and Viking invasions to British rule and eventual independence in 1922.
Northern Ireland remained part of the UK, leading to The Troubles—a violent conflict between nationalists and unionists from the late 1960s to the late 1990s, now largely resolved through the Good Friday Agreement.
Visitors are drawn to Ireland for its rugged coastlines, rolling green landscapes, and lively cities.
Dublin, the capital, is known for its literary history, while Galway offers a Bohemian vibe and a vibrant arts scene.
The west coast, home to the Cliffs of Moher and the Wild Atlantic Way, offers dramatic scenery, while the south boasts historic castles and charming fishing villages.
If you’re thinking of planning a St. Patrick’s Day trip to Ireland, you might be disappointed.
It’s a much bigger holiday in the U.S. In fact, St. Patrick wasn’t even Irish.
When you peel back the layers of Ireland, you find unique regions, intriguing stories, and the longest coastal drive anywhere in the world.
Just don’t make any leprechaun jokes while you’re there, okay?
Warnings & Dangers in Ireland
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Ireland is generally very safe and welcoming. Most travelers experience no issues beyond minor inconveniences. Travel advisories from other governments show a low risk as well.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Public transport and licensed taxis in Ireland are safe and reliable. Taxi drivers are typically friendly and trustworthy. Just ensure your taxi has a visible meter or confirm the fare upfront. On public transportation, keep your belongings close, particularly in crowded areas or on late-night buses.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
The risk can be low if you realize that crowded tourist areas will be prime spots for pickpockets. Don't use ATMs in busy areas.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Ireland has minimal natural disaster risks. Occasionally, strong winds or coastal flooding may occur, but serious incidents are uncommon. The one weather tip I can give you about Ireland is this—always assume it's going to rain.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
Muggings are rare in Ireland, though isolated incidents can occur late at night in quiet urban areas. Stick to well-lit, busy streets after dark, especially in larger cities. Avoid overtly displaying signs of wealth.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
Ireland maintains a low terrorism threat, and incidents are very rare. Security forces are proactive in monitoring and responding to any potential threats. While there's currently no significant concern, it's always smart to stay alert, follow local news, and heed any guidance from authorities during your visit. Northern Ireland is a different story, and we'll talk about that in a little bit.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Ireland sees relatively few scams targeting tourists. Still, common sense is helpful—avoid overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help, especially around ATMs or tourist landmarks. Watch out for romance scams, too.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Beyond basic safety precautions, there's a low risk. However, as I just mentioned, romance scams have been increasing. The Canadian government warns that meeting someone online and then going to Ireland to see them is almost always a scam.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
Tap water throughout Ireland is safe, clean, and drinkable, meeting high-quality standards. You won't need bottled water unless you prefer its taste. Occasionally, older buildings might have plumbing that affects taste slightly, but overall, tap water is reliable and safe to drink in hotels, restaurants, and homes nationwide.
Safest Places to Visit in Ireland
Finding the official tourism website for Ireland is easy enough—Ireland.com.
The tourism site covers the entire island of Ireland, which means Northern Ireland.
However, we’re going to focus on the activities within the country of Ireland.
Belfast
Belfast is packed with history, from its shipbuilding past to its more recent political struggles.
The Titanic Belfast museum is a must-see, offering an interactive look at the ship’s story.
A Black Taxi Tour is another great way to understand the city’s past, with local drivers sharing personal stories about The Troubles.
After that, grab a pint in the Cathedral Quarter, where live music spills out of nearly every bar.
Dublin
Dublin is a mix of literary history, buzzing pubs, and historic sites.
Stop by Trinity College to see the stunning Book of Kells, then take a walk along the River Liffey.
The Guinness Storehouse is a classic tourist stop, but the rooftop bar is worth it for the view alone.
For nightlife, Temple Bar is famous, but locals often prefer the less touristy spots in Camden Street or Smithfield.
Ireland’s Ancient East
This region is all about history.
Newgrange, a prehistoric tomb older than the pyramids, is a must-visit.
The Rock of Cashel, a medieval fortress, is another highlight.
The region is packed with castles, ancient ruins, and charming old towns, so it’s perfect for history buffs.
Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
If you’re after peace and quiet, this is the place.
The River Shannon is ideal for boating or a relaxed riverside walk.
Lough Key Forest Park offers a mix of nature and adventure, from ziplining to castle ruins.
It’s a great area for slow travel and soaking in Ireland’s landscapes.
Wild Atlantic Way
This is Ireland’s ultimate road trip.
The Cliffs of Moher are a showstopper, while Dingle Peninsula offers stunning coastal drives.
Love the outdoors?
Try surfing in Bundoran or hiking in Connemara.
This stretch of the country is all about rugged beauty, great seafood, and the occasional sheep traffic jam.
Places to Avoid in Ireland
Visiting Ireland is relatively safe, with the biggest things to avoid falling into the etiquette or misunderstanding category instead of real danger.
Avoid assuming the roads will be easy to navigate.
Irish country roads are notoriously narrow, winding, and often lined with stone walls, making even short drives deceptively challenging.
Give yourself extra time and drive carefully.
Despite the reputation for drinking a lot of alcohol, the Irish are relatively subdued and quiet.
They also know the drunk driving limit is very low and police regularly do roadside stops.
Additionally, don’t mistake Northern Ireland for Ireland; they’re distinct places.
In fact, the tension in Northern Ireland due to an inflamed political situation is one of the warnings governments have issued to U.K. visitors.
Northern Ireland is part of the UK, using pounds (£) and following UK laws, while Ireland (the Republic) is independent, uses the euro (€), and operates under different regulations.
Crossing between them is simple, thanks to the Common Travel Area (CTA), an agreement between Ireland, the UK (including Northern Ireland), the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Ireland
- Ireland’s national police force is the Garda Síochána, commonly called “the Gardaí.” There’s no separate tourist police, but Gardaí are approachable and used to helping visitors. For emergencies—crime, accidents, medical issues—dial 112 or 999 from any phone. Response times are generally quick, especially in urban areas.
- Ireland doesn’t use a national emergency alert system through mobile phones, but official emergency updates are regularly broadcast on TV, radio, and online through government websites and social media channels. During severe weather or national emergencies, check sources like RTÉ News, Met Éireann (weather service), or follow Gardaí on Twitter.
- Visitors can drive in Ireland using their valid U.S., Canadian, or EU driver’s license for up to 12 months. If your license is in a non-English language, carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original license. Remember, you’ll be driving on the left-hand side!
- Watch out when using ATMs, especially in busy tourist spots. Thieves sometimes distract users after PIN entry by pointing at dropped money or asking for loose change. While you’re distracted, an accomplice quickly grabs your cash. If someone interrupts you at an ATM, cancel your transaction right away.
- In Ireland, freshwater fishing typically requires a license or permit—especially for salmon or trout. Sea fishing usually doesn’t require a license. For boating, you don’t need a formal license, but many rental companies require proof of boating competency or may provide basic instructions before handing over vessels.
- Accessibility varies widely across Ireland, and businesses aren’t legally required to provide accessible facilities or parking. If you have mobility challenges, always check with hotels, attractions, and restaurants in advance. Designated accessible parking spaces can be scarce, especially in historic towns, so planning ahead is essential.
- When bringing prescribed medication into Ireland, always carry it in its original labeled packaging, along with your prescription or doctor’s note. Ireland allows visitors to carry personal-use quantities for their stay. For controlled medications, a doctor’s note is especially important to avoid customs issues or delays.
- English and Irish (Gaelic) are both official languages. Almost everyone speaks fluent English, and signage is generally bilingual. You’ll have no trouble communicating in English, though locals appreciate hearing visitors make an effort with a few basic Irish phrases—like “sláinte” for “cheers!” However, whatever you do, don’t try to mimic the Irish accent.
- Ireland’s weather changes quickly—expect rain even if the sky looks clear. Always carry a waterproof jacket, as locals rarely leave home without one. Umbrellas are used but are less popular due to frequent winds, especially near the coast or countryside. Your best bet is a good hooded raincoat.
- Ireland’s history, particularly involving religion, politics, and conflict (like the Troubles), can be sensitive and personal for locals. While many Irish people are open to discussing it, raising these topics casually might unintentionally cause discomfort or revive difficult memories.
So... How Safe Is Ireland Really?
Ireland has the lowest level of risk across all travel advisories.
The U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Australia all recommend normal safety precautions.
Ireland also ranked as the second-safest country on the Global Peace Index in 2024.
Of course, you should never let the headline tell the whole story.
Read your country’s travel advisory closely.
I also recommend reading Canada’s advisory, no matter where you are from.
It is extremely detailed and provides guidance and safety advice.
The biggest risks in Ireland are petty theft, car break-ins, and ATM robberies.
It’s also worth mentioning that the risk levels can change based on current events or new developments.
However, as of early 2025, Ireland is safe as long as you use basic security practices.
How Does Ireland Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Ireland | 83 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Germany | 85 |
| Chile | 79 |
| Mongolia | 71 |
| Netherlands | 75 |
| United Arab Emirates | 79 |
| Montenegro | 70 |
| Qatar | 84 |
Useful Information
Visas
The first thing to know is that while Ireland is part of the European Union, it's not in the Schengen area. Visa requirements depend on your nationality. A list can be found on the Irish immigration website (irishimmigration.ie). U.S. Citizens don't need a visa. Passports should be valid for the length of the visit.
Currency
Ireland uses the Euro (€), which is widely accepted nationwide. ATMs are plentiful, and credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are almost universally accepted. However, some cards, like American Express, might not be accepted. Check with your card provider ahead of time and watch out for international transaction fees. It's wise to carry a small amount of cash for rural spots or local markets.
Weather
Ireland’s climate is mild, often unpredictable—expect rain, sunshine, and clouds within the same day. Summers average around 60-70°F (15-20°C), while winters rarely drop below freezing. Pack layers, a good waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes year-round. Spring and autumn offer the best balance between crowds and comfortable weather
Airports
Ireland’s main international gateway is Dublin Airport (DUB), serving global flights. Shannon (SNN) and Cork (ORK) airports handle European and transatlantic flights. Smaller regional airports like Knock (NOC) serve primarily UK and European routes.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended for visits to Ireland, covering unexpected medical costs, cancellations, and theft. Though healthcare standards are high, non-EU visitors may face significant charges without insurance.
Ireland Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 8 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 |
| Low °C | 5 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 6 |
| High °F | 46 | 48 | 50 | 55 | 59 | 63 | 66 | 64 | 55 | 52 | 48 | 48 |
| Low °F | 41 | 43 | 45 | 48 | 50 | 55 | 59 | 61 | 50 | 45 | 41 | 43 |
Ireland - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Cork | 68 |
| Drogheda | 72 |
| Dublin | 73 |
| Galway | 71 |
| Limerick | 85 |
This country should feature on your bucket list. Several times.
Ireland is a very safe, modern & vibrant country. There’s far more to it than Dublin. Head south. See Cork & Kerry. Go west, see Galway. People are friendly. Quality Police service too. Medical services are far cheaper than U.S. and easily as good (if not better). Highly recommend, I would move there if I could get a visa.
Enjoy being helped out
Do not be over suspicious of people volunteering to help you. The Irish are friendly and like to show off their knowledge so will often go to your aid, even in Dublin, if they see you reading a map or looking lost. Use your judgement. Central Dublin can be dodgy but most of the rest of the country is very safe.
Very safe country. Make sure you spend some time in Galway, Clare, Kerry and Cork. The small gems of Ireland are the best spots around Ireland, with friendly people and a welcoming atmosphere. Hope Ireland stays this way
Easy to get around and see lots.
Stayed in Dublin near RED Cow Luas stop . Easy to go anywhere in Dublin on the
Luas ( electric tram line ) and buses all over Ireland from RED Cow . Bought a 7 day unlimited ride pass that I used on Luas , city buses and DART train that runs along Dublin coast on Irish sea. Enjoyed my 10 day trip and would love to go back.
Experienced solo traveller.
Amazing Isle. Recommend heading west to Connemara. Amazing views 🌅
Ireland is an amazing country and everyone should experience the treasures this isle contains. Dublin is the most popular being the capital. However, if your looking to encounter the real Irish experience I recommend going west to Galway ☘️ You cannot miss medieval city walls of Galway with its Spanish Arch or huge and impressive Cathedral. Nearby Galway you then can explore Connemara National Park, which boasts the beautiful mountains, vast marshes, forests and heaths. The only crime here is how good the Guinness tastes!! 🇮🇪🇨🇦
A special place
Wonderful country…
Very friendly people who genuinely come across as very happy. This is a country which has gone from extremely religious to very progressive. Dublin is nice but it is a city, the real Ireland is places like West Cork by the sea, or Kerry, Galway, Donegal etc. – this is the true Irish experience. I really like it in Ireland – I would love to come back.
Mayo to Donegal on the west coast is absolutely beautiful. Less advertised than Cork and Kerry but also less commercialized.
Disgraceful
This article is obviously written by someone who has never been to Ireland. I’m both offended and shocked at what is described here. Of the many inaccuracies detailed the idea that our friendliness is taken as a set up for a mugging is ridiculous and untrue, is it possible sure as it would be anywhere you come across a bad person, is it probable ? No, I’ve never even heard of it happening here. Most notably your assumption that basically all crime is alcohol fuelled is a cultural stereotype and nothing more. It comes off as ignorant and based off an outdated notion of drinking fighting Irish people. We are a nation of scholars and poets, of world class golfers and exceptionally friendly people. Do not be afraid of that which makes our nation great. Visiting Ireland you are very unlikely to encounter any crime, check newspaper articles online for your destination and you’ll get a clear picture of that area. There are areas where crime does occur, usually in larger cities but online news will inform you and you can be informed about any trouble spots. Whoever wrote the article has absolutely no idea about Ireland take it from me, 38 year old Irish born and resident.
Home sweet home
As I’m reading I’m thinking who are you….???
The Irish are admired world wide for their friendly energy hard work ethics and the welcoming smiles.
The magic is in our moral and ethical value of life ,and this is what draws visitors to our shore. They always leave feeling they have been home and leave with a heartful of Irish Soul….
No one fault its beauty and the warmth of its entirety.
Travelled Ireland as a solo female
Sharon, I travelled to your Beautiful country (and a country of my ancestry) as a single female traveler in my 30’s. It was my first time traveling alone and I spent 10 days driving my little rental car (on the opposite side of the road for me) from Shannon up through Ennis and Galway, went to Inishmore Island, back on mainland, a bit more north, I just let the smaller roads take me where they may, across toward Dublin, then down the coast to Waterford, Cork and ended around that area taking the ferry across. I encountered many, many things on that trip and not one of them was negative! Beautiful scenery, helpful, friendly people, and I never felt unsafe! I fell in love with Ireland on that trip and tell every person I encounter that it’s absolutely amazing and a must experience destination! I now have a family and hope to bring my husband and 2 daughters as soon as Covid and health safety allows. This article does not paint an Irish picture, just a “travel anywhere for dummies” picture. ❤
Not Perfect
I was born in Ireland and lived there until I was 35 years old. I take objection to Sharon’s response. True, Ireland is a beautiful country, safe, friendly but I would like add that one needs to be careful around the pubs after closing especially in the center of Galway. Fights do break out and the A&E can get a bit over crowded at the weekends after the pub closing.
It is a great country but not a perfect country.
Proud to live in this beautiful place....
Thank you for writing that piece Sharon. As we say in Ireland you hit the nail on the head…in that what you say is true. Ireland is a magical place…people are so genuinely friendly and yes we will offer assistance with a smile if you ask for help or if we see you need help. The overdrinking tale also annoys me. I am a non drinker andnot the only one. We have amazing pubs with atmosphere..history and music sessions and food but we are not a nation of alcoholics. Visit our country and put East Cork on you itenerary. Cork city is gorgeous and so much to visit and see in East Cork.
Yes
Yeah like sexual assualts in Dublin?.? I haven’t seen one in my whole life the real safety index is 97 not 83.
What a load of rubbish, terrorism in Ireland? We are probably the least likely country in the world to experience terrorism.
I’m tipp man proud of irl what ,load bollks
As a 40 year old Paddy folks tbqh unless you are a member of either the Kinahan or Hutch family you have feck all to worry about.
Irish people are overly friendly by nature so please do not be wary!
Do not believe what you read about Ireland in this article. It is easiest one of the safest countries in the world. There is little to zero chance of terrorism in Ireland and the idea that there is a medium risk of kidnapping is laughable! There is NO kidnapping in Ireland!!
DO NOT Be wary of overly friendly people willing to give you direction – Irish people LOVE helping tourists out and LOVE talking so I’d be more worried if no one offered to help you! Random strangers will most definitely strike up a conversation. We are very proud of our country and a friendly nation so it is completely normal for people to be overly friendly and genuine.
Obviously there is the usual petty crime so as with any travel, keep your wits about you and know where you’re going but take this review with a pinch of salt, it is a very safe country.
Be Afraid!
Some truth in the above article – and some nonsense too. The most salient point is the inherent danger of rural driving. Yes the Irish are very friendly, yes the ‘friendly directions could get you mugged’ is nonsense. But the standard of driving is atrocious and you need to be very cautious. You haven’t lived till you see how the Irish negotiate and indicate at a roundabout. Clueless. I speak from personal experience – having lived here for 5 years – and the comparative experience of driving all over the world – from the US, across Europe, the Middle East and on to the Far East. The last time I heard reference to it on the news something like 125,000 people were driving the roads of Ireland who shouldn’t be – and that’s a lot in a country of 4 million people. That’s dodgy cars, people who failed their test and are uninsured or banned following other motoring offences. And alcohol. They care not a jot and readily get back on the roads. There are clowns to the left of you – clowns to the right and the Irish state lacks the resources and the police the manpower to do anything about it! And the tame courts do precious little. You can disagree all you like – but it’s true. Be afraid!
This is complete nonsense! Ireland has the second lowest traffic accident death rate in Europe at 29 per million, beaten only by the UK at 28 per million.
Dodgy cars? What country did you think you were in because it doesn’t sound like the Ireland I live in… We have a National Car Test has been operating since 2000, ‘the NCT is a compulsory vehicle inspection programme in Ireland. The primary aim of this programme which falls under the EU Directive 2014/45, is to improve road safety…’ also ‘The National Car Test is a mandatory check to make sure that vehicles are safe to be on Ireland’s roads. Cars which are less than 3 years old do not require a test. Cars which are between 4 and 9 years old are required to be tested every two years. Cars which are between 10 and 29 years old are required to be tested every year.’
Silly billy
Your Def from a country not too far from us who has a superiority complex. It just leaks out of you. We have the strictest drink driving limits in the world and its an immediate 3 month ban if your caught. The standard of driving could be better, but that’s true everywhere.
Safe except Louth
Very good country with lots to do and very diverse. Drogheda is very dangerous, however, being as bad as areas like Macaresh in my opinion. Felt very unsafe as a woman in broad daylight! I personally feel Cork is the safest with effectively no crime. Dublin city bad for crime and Galway near to none
Ignore this scaremongering
There have been several times where I have been helping a lost tourist and said, “You know what it’s on my way, sure I’ll walk with you and make sure you get there” and according to this ridiculous article that means they should be scared I want to take them to an alley and rob them, possibly with a weapon?! The person that wrote this clearly has never been to Ireland, this is apparent. Anybody considering going to Ireland definitely do not pay attention to this scaremongering. You will meet the warmest, friendliest and most helpful people and have a wonderful experience. Enjoy!
Travel in Ireland
I lived in Ireland in the mid 1990s returning nearly every year until recently. Having traveled to many other parts of the world, including living in two other countries, I can say that there is no other place I would rather be than Ireland. It is the about as safe a place for travelers, especially women and young people, that I can imagine. That includes the cities, which are far safer than American cities (there are practically no guns). The people are naturally very friendly and helpful, especially if they see someone in trouble. The Garda Síochána (the National police service) is highly professional and, in my opinion, is better than most American police. Violent crime is very rare. About the worst thing that I can imagine happening to a traveler there is that you might get pickpocketed or something like that.
I cannot wait until the pandemic is over so I can visit again.
Nothings wrong with it so go if you feel lucky
Its very safe no country is perfect though so i wouldn’t be surprised if i saw someone stealing a box of cheerios. Everyone i’ve ever met was nice there and its extremely big and beautiful so Ireland you’re alright in my book. Plus all forms of corporal punishment are illegal there so hey maybe there will be nicer kids in the future there. Who knows?
I have lived in Ireland all my life (40 years old). Growing up we never locked the door to our house. Was always open and no fear of being robbed. When i was younger after going to a nightclub, i would walk home 30 minutes at 3am in the dark on my own and come home to the door unlocked, was always completely safe and would never have considered a risk! I work in the ‘police force’ here. Due to huge levels of immigration to Ireland from poorer countries crime levels are rising. a lot more petty theft and some sexual assaults on females especially in Dublin. I do lock my door now and wouldn’t recommend a female to walk alone late at night However still an extremely safe country.
Im Paranoid so Help Me Out
never been want to go
stuff on line scares me
where the best places
to go and things to
see
A very acceptable school trip still things can happen in any country
Been to dublin on a school trip. It was quite a trip. Plus i didn’t experience any crime. I wouldn’t leave crime out in any country though. Its overall pretty safe depending on your experiences and how you handle certain situations. Still its worth going to learn about it or even taking a tour of the colleges. I’m just saying what i’ve been through. Theres no reason to avoid it unless you want to.
I lived in Ireland in the early 80’s. my parents were from there and it was their second attempt at moving back, with 3 narrowback children in tow. I loved living there and i would defend Ireland against any un just descriptions of Her.I was lucky to be a teenager when i got there and left at age 20 due to economic issues that plagued Ireland in the 1980’s.I hitchhiked all over the place and never had an issue ! though i did live in west Kerry ! to those not in the know its very Rural ! I loved it then and now ! Dublin i have only been to 1x and its a city like any other ( better due to irish history imo) . just be be aware dont talk politics or stereotypes and DONT say your IRISH ! even i dont do that and i’m a dual citizen and lived/went to school there!
The safest country in the world
bro I have to tell this to you this is the best place to visit it’s so safe like its beautiful if anyone questions this I am questioning your sanity as a person who lives in Wexford near the hook lighthouse