Upon hearing the name Ireland, most think of sweeping green lands, rich culture, and an unmistakable accent.
It is easy to believe that everything is pots of gold and rainbows in the Emerald Isle.
After all, the country sits in the 12th spot as the safest in the world.
Home to 5 million citizens, a slow rise in the population might be part of why there has not been an explosion of criminal activity.
When it comes to specific crime rates, Ireland remains on the lower end with multiple categories involving violent crime and even drug-related offenses.
While the Irish are less likely to be involved in criminal mischief, they are not completely in the clear.
Taking a look at last year, for example, there were 188,000 crimes committed.
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10 Safest Cities in Ireland
1. Roscommon
Ranking high on the safety meter, the worst thing going on in this Irish city is the poorly maintained roads.
With only a little over 1,100 people calling Roscommon home, it is not surprising that more resources have not been diverted to the area.
As far as real trouble is concerned, the crimes being committed in Roscommon are drug or property-damage related.
Overall, people who live here feel safe walking alone and being out at night.
When surveyed, the things citizens were most worried about were being insulted.
2. Galway
84x more people live here than in the last city, but it is still ranked one of the safest in Ireland.
Galway is a bustling city with a healthy percentage of college students, which has been contributing to drug crimes.
Those are the types of activities that come up most in the area.
Property and violent crime are almost nonexistent here.
Galway shows up at 29 on the crime index, which is considered very low.
Just to keep their place as a safe place to live and visit, the city has seen a steady decrease in the mentioned issues over the past several years.
3. Kinsale
Are places on the water too relaxing to want to commit any crimes?
That is a theory worth looking into, especially when you consider places like Kinsale.
Inhabitants have called this area home for 1,500 years and only about 4,100 people are still living here today.
Crime rates did spike significantly a few years back and an overwhelming majority of the offenses were drug-related.
So, it seems as though a faction has just discovered Kinsale, but perhaps the town has had enough.
The arrests have dwindled since.
4. Mullingar
The idyllic Irish town of Mullingar is home to 21,000 people who are lucky enough to be in close proximity to lakes and rivers.
One of the most beautiful places within a short drive from Dublin, Mullingar is attractive to many of the bigger cities as a way to escape.
There is a thriving culture here revolving around a litany of water sports and activities.
Whether it’s the location or something else, crime has dropped considerably in the past decade.
That is saying a lot for a place that was already quite safe.
Between 2019 and 2020, there were 24 cars stolen.
On the crime index, vehicle theft is at 20 whereas drug dealing was at 45.
5. Killarney
On the southern tip of Ireland, 14,000 people call Lough Leane’s neighbor home.
Killarney is known for being surprisingly clean for a place that has such a high number of visitors.
Being a great representative for the Emerald Isle helps money flow in, but luckily, has not had a big impact on bringing negative situations.
Crime is low here across the board.
The most likely offense to take place is vandalism or petty theft.
Violent crimes are practically not existent.
Crime has increased in the past couple of years, though, so it is something to watch out for.
6. Westport
As with other tiny towns, a citizen is more likely to get in trouble due to drugs than anything else.
Historically, Westport has always been a place with few issues.
That might have a lot to do with the fact that this village is more of a retirement magnet than anything else.
Sure, there are people of all ages here, but it is a haven for senior citizens.
In fact, all crime has seen a sizable drop in the last handful of years.
This is definitely a place many feel confident enough to settle in permanently.
7. Naas
Less than a thirty-minute drive to Dublin, one might view Naas as a luxury town due to the abundance of golf courses and scenic estates.
It is actually a tight-knit community of 22,000 who typically go looking for outdoor activities to keep them entertained.
The growing concern in Naas is the uptick of gang-related activity over the past decade or so.
Despite the trouble popping up, there has not been a rise in violent crime.
What it has brought is robbery and vandalism, both rating around 50 on the crime index.
8. Cork
The highest populated city on the list, Cork has 222,000 residents.
Second, to a more crime-ridden Dublin, Cork enjoys a reputation for being one of the safest in the country.
The crimes most likely to be committed here are drug-related or vandalism.
Last year, 4% of homes were victims of burglary or vandalism.
Another type of disturbance happening on the farms where people live is trespassing. 18% of these households have complained about the issue in the past year.
9. Tralee
If this list had been put together a few years ago, Tralee would not have been included.
The coastal living vibe is just now coming to a deserving city.
Despite the ocean’s proximity and being home to a famous windmill, crime was been a big issue for a long time.
Thanks to initiatives by the city, there has been a dramatic reduction in crime in the last four years.
One of those efforts was a text alert for residents.
If there is any suspicious activity, such as a violent crime or burglary, everyone is notified.
Citizens are also encouraged to use the system to report crimes.
10. Kilkenny
A popular tourist destination, Kilkenny is home to history and a functioning castle.
That gives people from across Ireland and beyond plenty of reasons to find their way to this town of 27,000 residents.
Being landlocked has not kept Kilkenny from attracting outsiders with its arts and festivals.
That might be where the influx of illegal substances is coming from, which is the crime most likely to be committed here.
Burglaries are next in line, in terms of criminal activity.
There are just under 200 of which occur per every 100,000 residents each year.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Ireland
1. Pub Awareness
One thing many travelers enjoy about Ireland is the pub culture.
The Irish are known to enjoy a good pint and welcome visitors to do the same.
If you partake, do so lightly.
All it takes is one person looking for trouble to notice you are not from around here and take advantage.
Drink in groups and have a designated driver.
2. Selfie Syndrome
Due to the abundance of nature and beauty in Ireland, it is easy to get distracted when it comes to pictures.
Pay close attention to where you are standing and what is around you before posing.
Injuries from poor calculations while trying to get the perfect shot have been increasing.
3. Nature Steps
Speaking of the dangers pictures can cause, watch where you are stepping.
Paths are designed to keep visitors safe.
Walking off a trail can be dangerous for a number of reasons.
From steep cliffs to animal interactions, it is best to not strike out on your own.
4. Shady Characters
You likely have picked up on the fact that drug crimes are more often happening in Ireland than anything else.
That makes it imperative not to take anything consumable from strangers.
There have been issues with men handing women glasses of wine that have been laced with substances.
They may seem friendly but avoid interactions with strangers when possible.
5. Be Discreet
If you find yourself in one of the more popular tourist destinations and need to get cash, proceed with extreme caution.
Specialized thieves have been targeting the most frequented ATMs.
Be careful about where you pull money from by checking the area out ahead of a transaction.
Ireland Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Ireland Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the roughest part of Ireland?
1South Dublin, the area around Pearse Street, has the highest crime rate in all the districts across the country.
Where is the best place to live in Ireland?
Voted to be the best place to live, Waterford is the country’s oldest city and favorite of many.
Founded by Vikings, Waterford is only a hop, skip, and jump from the ocean.
Oh, let’s not forget the River Suir runs by it as well.
Basically, it is a great place for a water or history lover and that is just the beginning of its charm.
What's the most dangerous city in Ireland?
Limerick.
This city, about midway down from the north, has the worst crime rate in multiple categories, including sexual offenses and property damage.
Finglas, one of the worst area in Dublin.. Crime, drug dealing, robbery, chasing
Limerick isn’t the most dangerous any more. North Dublin is. Avoid anywhere north of the Liffey.
Also, terrorism is not ‘medium’ in Ireland, it’s low, for now. Thousands of middle eastern unvetted migrants are pouring in to Ireland. 😡. Pickpocketing in Dublin is high, stay miles away from Romanian Gypsies who are taking over north inner city
Finglas garda station has the highest unsolved murders in ireland and is a fact people should know about
I absolutely love exploring Ireland, and safety is always a top priority for me. It’s great to see a list of the safest cities, and it gives me peace of mind for my next adventure. I’ve been to Dublin and Galway, but now I’m eager to check out some of the other cities mentioned here.
Safety is a crucial factor when planning my travels, especially when exploring a new country. This list of the safest cities in Ireland is incredibly helpful. I had a fantastic experience in Cork last year, and I’m excited to explore some of the other recommended cities on my next trip.
I’ve always wanted to visit Ireland, and safety is a top concern for me. Reading about the safest cities is reassuring and makes my travel planning much easier. Kudos for highlighting these places! Waterford caught my eye – looks like it’s time to add it to my travel itinerary.
Ireland has been on my bucket list for ages, and this post is a fantastic guide for choosing the safest cities to explore. Safety is a priority, but I also love immersing myself in the local culture. Limerick and Kilkenny seem like great options for a blend of safety and authentic experiences
Safety is key when it comes to choosing travel destinations, and this list of the safest cities in Ireland is a game-changer. I had an amazing time in Belfast last year, and I’m thrilled to see it on the list. The detailed information provided here makes me want to plan another trip soon, perhaps exploring some of the other safe havens mentioned.