Ireland : Safety by CityDublin is the capital city of Ireland and too large city for the size of Ireland.
Located on Ireland’s east coast and at the mouth of the River Liffey, Dublin was founded in 841, originally settled by Vikings.
The city expanded rapidly from the 17th century and became the second-largest city in the British Empire.
So, its history and tradition make it extremely attractive to tourists from all over the world.
Dublin is an ideal place for a family holiday especially for children who could be taken to the Dublin Zoo, Stephens Green Park or Phoenix Park.
Ireland will be an ideal spot for both experienced and inexperienced travelers to discover something new.
Warnings & Dangers in Dublin
OVERALL RISK: LOW
When it comes to safety in Dublin, the area near the brewery is generally safe. The most common crimes in Dublin are theft and pick-pocketing. Nevertheless, most visitors experience no difficulties here. You should take sensible precautions to protect yourself from possible criminal acts against you.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Dublin has heavy traffic, and many accidents occur as a result of this. Tourists should know that in Dublin cars drive on the left, so you need to look both ways before crossing the street. Helmet and lights are necessary if you cycle and it is safe to cycle at the edge of the road and in bus lanes. Taxis can be recognized by a yellow roof plate and each registered taxi driver should have an ID card and license clearly on display. Taxi drivers are generally safe and honest in Dublin.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Pickpockets operate at Connolly Railway Station, Heuston Station, and Grafton Street. The area around Temple Bar is attractive for tourists, as well as pickpockets. You should be watchful of car thieves as well, who are particularly quick to spot unwary tourists and attack them.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
The only possible natural disaster in Dublin is flooding during the spring. There is no risk of other hazards.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Mugging is very rarely reported in Dublin. The chances of being mugged are almost zero percent and the kidnapping is also almost impossible. Even though this is a good situation, do not rely completely on it and apply all the things you can do to minimize the risks of becoming a possible victim.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
Terrorist attacks in the Republic of Ireland might happen due to the global risk of terrorist attacks, which could be performed in public places. Travelers might not be the direct target but might become victims if happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
It can be said that there are almost no scams in Dublin. Since many tourists are taking the money out of ATMs, scammers might try to take advantage of that, so take money from the ATMs in banks and shopping centers. Unemployment is at a high level, thus there is a possibility that groups of young boys and girls mess up with tourists.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Even though the risks for female travelers is low, taking normal safety precautions is necessary, since there are some reports of sexual crimes being on the rise in Ireland.
So... How Safe Is Dublin Really?
When speaking in general, Dublin is a very safe city.
Certain petty crimes are possible, such as muggings, and robberies, which have been known to occur in Dublin.
Be very careful while in Grafton Street, which is a place frequently visited by tourists and pickpockets as well.
As in any city, there are areas to be avoided, full of junkies and criminals.
In Dublin, as in any other European capital city, you should be watchful, vigilant and be aware not to walk into some bad areas.
Avoid staying on the street late at night when drunk people express violent behavior and crime are most likely to occur.
If you do get into any kind of trouble, never be afraid to approach Gardai, the police officers whose job is to help.
How Does Dublin Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Dublin | 73 |
| Galway | 71 |
| Cork | 68 |
| Drogheda | 72 |
| Limerick | 85 |
| Buenos Aires (Argentina) | 60 |
| Vancouver (Canada) | 82 |
| Cordoba (Argentina) | 61 |
| Toronto (Canada) | 81 |
| Melbourne (Australia) | 80 |
| Montreal (Canada) | 81 |
Useful Information
Visas
Whether you need a visa for entering Ireland or not, depends on your nationality. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. Ireland is a member of the Common Travel Area, so British nationals would not need a passport to visit Ireland.
Currency
The Republic of Ireland belongs to the European Union and the official currency is the Euro. You should check before you travel whether your credit card is accepted there or not, but most of the Master card and Visas can be used in ATMs in Ireland.
Weather
Dublin has a mild climate, but the city is not especially rainy. Winters in Dublin are mild and snow sometimes occurs, but it is not very common, as a chilly rain and hail. Summers in Dublin are also mild with the average maximum temperature of 20°C. Be aware that the thunderstorms might happen in Dublin.
Airports
You can come to Dublin via Dublin Airport, Belfast City Airport and Cork Airport. Dublin is served by Ryanair, Ireland's second airline and Europe's largest low fares airline.
Travel Insurance
Ireland might be very safe, but the accidents cannot be predicted, so before coming there, take the travel insurance policy that would cover medical help and theft.
Dublin Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 17 | 14 | 10 | 9 |
| Low °C | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 2 |
| High °F | 46 | 46 | 50 | 54 | 59 | 64 | 68 | 66 | 63 | 57 | 50 | 48 |
| Low °F | 36 | 36 | 37 | 39 | 43 | 48 | 52 | 52 | 48 | 45 | 39 | 36 |
Ireland - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Cork | 68 |
| Drogheda | 72 |
| Dublin | 73 |
| Galway | 71 |
| Limerick | 85 |
Open drug use.
Dublin has a very visible problem with open drug use, with the two needle exchanges being located in the city centre. Users usually congregate from the Middle Abbey St. section of O’Connell St., towards the river and along the quays. They can be seen in doorways, on bridges and bus shelters. Every shop in Dublin has security guards, often multiple security staff to prevent thefts and violence from the addicts. Police presence is minimal, much lower than any other European Capital, you are unlikely to find members of the Gardaí Siochana (Irish Police) on patrol, outside of responding to traffic incidents.
I totally agree with you, I was in Dublin last weekend I found it to be a very violent city. Please beware travelling to Dublin you could find yourself in a lot of trouble very quickly.
Safe City
I’ve lived in Ireland all my life and in Dublin for 20 years and I don’t recognise your description of the city. Dublin is like any major city. If you take reasonable precautions, you don’t have anything to worry about. I’ve travelled a good bit and I feel safer in Dublin than in most cities. I’m female and I’ve wandered around the city on my own for years without ever having any problems. A few people I know have been pickpocketed, usually in pubs, but that could happen in any city. There definitely is a drug problem here but if you don’t go looking for drugs, why would it affect you? It’s never affected me or anyone I know. There are areas I wouldn’t set foot in but they’re not anywhere near the tourist areas so why would a tourist even see them? One thing I have noticed is a lot of tourists tend to stay in Dublin 1 or Dublin 7. These areas are within walking distance of the city centre. They’re fine during the day but personally I would try to avoid walking around them at night. I have walked through them at night and had no problems, but they don’t feel safe. I’d stick to the south side, probably Dublin 4 or 6 as they are within walking distance of the centre or else I’d use the dart line (public transport – like an overground underground) and stay by the coast e.g. Blackrock, Killiney, Dalkey etc. (Might be best not to stay in Bray. The coastal walk there is one of my favourite places but I’ve heard parts of Bray can be dodgy at night). Some of the wealthiest people in Ireland live in Killiney/Dalkey and the wealthiest places in any city are usually the safest.
Be careful of Taxi drivers. I forgot my phone in one and had to pay the taxi driver 30 euro to deliver it to me. Obvious scammer.
i liked it
I am wanting to plan my 1st out of country trip(USA) to Dublin. Do you have recommendations on safe places to stay? Do they have AirB&Bs? Is it easy to rent a scooter or bike for day travel?
In Dublin there are county bikes you can rent for the day (government has these bikes for people to rent in certain areas), but generally, you won’t need it as everything in Dublin is a stones throw away from everything else.
I do recommend avoiding taxi’s as the fares can vary from one to another, and can be expensive, so use the Bus, DART, and Commuter instead, and any other form of transport ig necessary.
Air B&B’s are available throughout Dublin, I’d recommend getting one in South Dublin, so places like Dun Laoirghe, Dalkey, Ballsbridge etc.
hope this helps from a native Irishman.
why Dublin ,, too risky and if you are flying to Ireland , spend as little time in Dublin as you can , its infested with petty criminals muggers druggies shoplifters ,,, 2 days should e ample time there , its not NY or LONDON ,, get to the provinciall cities and town right down the Atlantic coastline ,, that will be a treat ,,,
Clontarf or raheny
Clontarf is much nicer and generally safer
Drug-related issues and anti-social behaviour
Unfortunately, there is a lot of drug-related issues and anti-social behaviour. Also, muggings have become very high recently in 2020.
No matter where you put your bicycle in the city centre, it will be stolen, and, if they couldn’t do it, they would damage it.
Homeless can be too pushy and physical when asking for money. In a lot of cases, they would through the food given to them and ask for money instead. Drugs are offered to people walking everywhere in the city.
Extremely difficult to find decent size accommodation, costly. The youth in Dublin city centre and Dublin 8 area as well as public transports can be a pain in the neck. They would throw eggs, bottles and some food at people passing by. The police do nothing to stop these actions at all. Also, breaking supermarkets windows is their favourite game.
I have been living here for 6 years. I can’t wait to leave.
Drugs rampant
Massive drug problems in dublin. Drug dealers operating openly on street corners. Junkies shooting up in every alley. Drug dealers and users threatening people on the streets, they seem to have no fear of the police.
I’ve been to dublin 6 years ago and loved it. It’s awful how dirty and dangerous it is now. Won’t be going back.
Poor city
Drugs related, homelessness, unsanitary conditions, physical assault and public harassment has become a major hit during the pandemic. The government and the police won’t do anything to protect the rights of the citizens. I am leaving the country this summer. Beautiful city, lots of nature but because of both corrupts government and useless police force, the city has turned into a 3rd world country.
Amazing City and experience. Felt very safe and enjoyed the warmth of the locals living in the City. Will definitely be back again.
For the capital of one of richest country in Europe it is unbelievable: Homeless junkies everywhere, even kids mug and assault people. Local police, the Garda, rather harasses ordinary people enjoying a glass of wine in the park on a nice day than deals with the criminals. The government is corrupted to the bone and the result can be seen on the streets.
Exponential
It’s true this city keeps on getting bigger. It is actually doubling in size.
I live here
Dublin isn’t safe at all. I’m 20 and have been constantly public harassed since I was 10 here. A lot of people my age and younger tend to carry weapons or things they can use as weapons. If you’re not Irish or are a woman it isn’t safe
I’m an Irish man and I don’t feel safe here. I’ve been harassed and threatened and had eggs thrown at me.
I was seriously planning on visiting Dublin. I am from South Africa. Reading this feedback reports it sounds like where I am from here in South Africa. Apart from the problem children and muggings and the open drug use. That ain’t happening here in SA. I want to thank the people for your honesty and trustworthy words of advice. Upon reading this, I’d rather take my money and my time somewhere else.
opinions
Which reviews did you read? They varied hugely. This is not surprising or new –
Aesop, the famous Greek storyteller, was sitting by the road one day when a
traveller asked him, “What sort of people live in Athens?“
Aesop replied, “Tell me where you come from and I will tell you what sort
of people you will find in Athens.”
Frowning*, the man replied, “I am from Argos and the people there are
most unpleasant.”
“I am sorry to tell you,” said Aesop, “that you will find the people in Athens
much the same.”
A few hours later another traveller came down the road, and he too
stopped and asked Aesop, “Tell me, my friend, what are the people of
Athens like?”
Again Aesop replied, “Tell me where you come from and I will tell you what
sort of people you will find in Athens.”
Smiling, the man answered, “I come from Argos, and the people there are
very pleasant.”
“I am happy to tell you, “said Aesop, that you will find the people of Athens
much the same.”
Dublin is fabulous
Trust me, go to Dublin and travel around Ireland. The reports on here are hyperbolic nonsense.
Dublin is a beautiful city, full of arts and culture.
The Abbey Theatre, The Chester Beatty, The National Gallery has one of the finest collections in Europe, the Hugh Lane, Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Dublin is also the tourist gateway to some of the worlds most beautiful natural wonders & ancient monuments. Newgrange less than two hours from Dublin city centre is a marvel built before the pyramids.
The people of Dublin are gorgeous and friendly.
Of course there are chancers on the margins, like any town or city but if you have travelled anywhere in your life you can spot them a mile away. I’m sure in your home town you know one if you see one. I lived in Dublin for two years. I’m Australian. I’ve can honestly say I have met and made lifelong friendships with lovely Dubliners.
Their hospitality is second to none.
Seriously, If you take Ireland off your bucket list because of fear monger rhetoric, you will miss out on one of the most extraordinary countries in Europe. Have courage fear not.
Good luck 🍀
Beautiful city
Don’t listen to other reviews critical of this beautiful city, of course it has homeless and drug use just like every other major city in the world but it is very good with lots of life and enjoyments . I been here many times and loved it
There is more than one "Dublin"
Having lived all my life in Dublin, I am surprised by how many reviews describe Dublin as infested with criminals! Certain parts are safer than others – this is true of any city. But if you are sensible, I imagine you will be as safe in Dublin as anywhere else.
Some personal opinions:
1. The atmosphere is different on each side of the river Liffey. The north side is rougher/less safe – that is a broad generalisation, but I am sorry to say it’s true.
2. Having said the above, the wonderful Gate Theatre and the Hugh Lane Gallery are on the north side, as is Dublin’s best restaurant (Chapter One).
3. The nicest part of the city (for me) is around Stephen’s Green/Dawson Street/Merrion Square.
4. Grafton Street used to be a lovely place to promenade, but it has suffered during the recent recession and is less special than it was. The streets off it are more interesting.
5. The Guinness brewery is in a neighbourhood with some economic challenges – I would be a little more alert around there. It’s hugely popular though and should be no problem to visit. It’s reasonably close to the Museum of Modern Art – good to pair them up on an afternoon.
6. Dublin has a very good café culture – for example around South William Street and Drury Street – if you like to sit out and people-watch, you are in luck.
7. Dublin also does “old” very well – the two medieval Cathedrals are lovely.
8. Late at night you need your wits about you, but I suspect this is true whatever city you are in. Stick to busy areas – if nobody is about, there is a reason for it.
9. Do get a guide book. You will have fun in Dublin if you do your homework first.
I hope this helps.
My Dublin thoughts
As someone who visited Dublin in summer last year (2022), I think most of your points are quite accurate.
While I saw some suspicious stuff during my stay and some parts of the city are certainly rough around the edges, it was very far from the 3rd World dystopia some comments describe here. It has many pleasant and worth visiting places; if you stay on guard, use your common sense and stay away from shady areas and people (just like you should in any other big city) you will be fine.
The city keeps on changing and nothing seems the same
It’s sad that a beautiful city has become a disgusting cesspool. Over the last 30 years this place has hit bottom! Be careful. It’s not safe. Visit other parts of Ireland. Liberal loons think it is fine…but it’s not. Run!
It's grand
It has its things, but seriously it is not a third world country. Common sense is what you need, and you will be grand. If you think Dublin is violent or dangerous, take a trip in the continent.
Local review
Dubliner here in his 40s. Loved my whole life here. I can tell you it’s not as bad as people make it sound but I can see how you might have that experience. However it is NOT the city I grew up in and not worth the stupid costs. Successive governments have turned this once amazing city into a cultureless kip. Everything that gave it’s unique character is gone, or at best replaced with leprechaun tourist versions of it. I sound old but I can’t explain how different it is, everything from the sense of humour down to the accents have changed and it was always tough but not in this way, starting to feel like a slum. As one commenter said “liberal loons think it’s ok”. I grew up thinking I was a liberal but I have to agree with him, they’ve absolutely destroyed the place. Mad house. It’s not that dangerous if you know where to go, but you could easily end up feeling like you took a wrong turn. More on point though, it’s not worth your money, over priced and same s**t lifestyle you’ll see in every western city now. As for rest of Ireland, meh it’s ok, bit better but on the same track. Also can get pretty boring there if you stay too long and experience is very dependent on weather.
Dublin is not safe. The biggest danger is groups of teenage boys. No matter where you go, you’ll see groups of teenage boys who harass, intimidate, threaten and attack people who look like easy targets, without provocation. Police presence is minimal. If you are attacked, it is unlikely that police will be nearby or respond in time to help you. I’m sorry to say this, but groups sociopathic, feral teens have destroyed this city. I would advise staying away from Cork and Galway for the same reason. Smaller towns and rural locations are much, much safer but our cities are like Gotham.