Dublin Safe Areas and Unsafe near City Center

My daughter lived in Dublin for a year found the south side a more preferable place to live and hang out.

Rachel, I found the area around the Temple Bar district quite "safe" (not sure whether that's on the north side or the south side?). I was across the river numerous times, often walking by myself, and never had any problems.

You might check the Ireland 2009 Guidebook to see if there are any "cautions" listed?

Happy travels!

I found a place on on Lower Gardiner Street. What does every one think of this area for a single woman walking alone to get to the bus station and train station in the morning and late evenings? I think the hotel is in Dublin 1 district north of the river.

Thanks!

Actually, Dubliners consider the north side of Dublin to be the more sketchy part of the city. Lower Gardiner, however, is perfectly fine for a woman traveling alone. You're near O'Connell Street and the bus/train station and not far from the river. The Dublin Spire -- aka "The Stiletto In The Ghetto" is also nearby, but that neighborhood is no ghetto.

Naturally, use the same common sense when you walk around by yourself in your own city.

I was told the same thing about lower Gardiner St, but it is fine. Apparently, the other end of the street is full of "council flats" but the lower end is full of guesthouses and hostels. I'm female, traveled alone, and walked to and from there to the O'Connell St and Temple Bar areas, even at night, and never felt uncomfortable. There were lots of people around and shops open.

Thanks everyone. I have decided to extend my nights on the Western part of Ireland and only stay in Dublin 3 nights.

Nancy, what is a council flat?

I do plan to stay in one of the townhouses in Dublin as I like the apartment idea vs a hotel.

Rachel, a council flat is public housing (sort of like the Irish equivalent of Section 8).