Ireland Travel Safety

My observation is that crime is illegal in the ROI and the folks just don't do it. I stood and watched a street concert in Galway for a while one night - - there must have been a thousand people around, but no cops. In Dublin I got dorked up and wound up driving in a pedestrian street, a cop car pulled in front of me, the gal riding shotgun came back and said they'd lead me out, they did and waved. Hours later, we were walking a couple of miles away, a cop car pulled over beside me and the same gal laughed and asked me if I'd cleaned up my act. That was all the fuzz I saw that day. I tend to read the local papers where ever I am - - what was interesing was that I never noticed any reports of criminal activity. I'd say that it's about as safe as anywhere.

If she's with a tour, then she'll be with other people most of the time, which will help with safety. If she's planning on doing some sightseeing/shopping in Dublin by herself, just make sure she keeps her wits about her, and follow the basic safety guidelines you would in any big city: stay out of little alleyways, especially at night, wear a moneybelt, don't go off with strangers. Most of Ireland outside of the big cities are the kind of places where people don't lock their doors.

You used the words "solo" and "tour" so it's not clear to me if she's with an established group or will be doing the trip on her own. If traveling alone, I would say your daughter's greatest risks depend on the choices she makes. There's no shortage of places to find trouble around most of the larger towns. With a tour group, she should be out of most of the more questionable areas unless she goes out looking for them. Everyone we met was very friendly and helpful. Listening to the news, there was a shooting that killed a couple of people and other bits of crime was reported. Most of the stuff on the Irish national news wouldn't have made it into the evening news in Houston. Ireland is not crime free but it sure seemed less violent than where I live now.

"I tend to read the local papers where ever I am - - what was interesing was that I never noticed any reports of criminal activity. I'd say that it's about as safe as anywhere." I remember reading the local paper a few days in a row in Dublin. The lead story a few days running was a single fatal traffic accident that occurred several days earlier in a distant county. I also remember seeing a group of pre-teen girls walking themselves home from field hockey practice, in the middle of Dublin... after dark. Looks like a ridiculously safe place to me.

It's safer over there then here in the states. I'm sure she knows to use her common sense. She'll be fine.

Thanks everyone - feel a lot better now. She IS going w/ a tour group, just going alone, no friends joining her. Thanks for imparting your thoughts and experiences.

The main problems occur when the bars close,somewhere around 2:00 - 3:00 A.M.and all the rocket scientists pour out into the streets at the same time. I believe most of the violent crime is either drug related or domestic violence.

Agree with prior post that after pubs close (11:30 or 12:30) things can get a bit interesting. Parts of certain cities (Limerick, Dublin North, parts of Belfast) deserve heightened awareness, although nothing to be scared about. Ireland is safe by US standards, however it is not by any means crime free.

Has your daughter ever been to Chicago? If so, I would be a lot more concerned about her there than anywhere in Southern Ireland. Spent over 3 weeks there and never saw or heard of anyone's pocket being picked far less a violent crime. Violence in the North is sectarian and rarely involves outsiders, and while it has ramped up slightly this year it is still nowhere near what it was during "The Troubles". Do I understand correctly, that she is going with a tour group, but without anyone she knows? If so, there is even less to worry about if she sticks with the group.

Maureen's comment about the money belt is right. Credit cards, debit cards, cash, passport and emergency contact info all belong in the money belt. Also, make sure your daughter doesn't take a purse at all. They are easy to lose and will add no value. She needs to look at taking clothes with a small pocket or two for non-valuable she wants to keep at hand. She could even carry a few euros for spending money. If she can't totally break free, get a very, very small bummer pack (never call it a fanny pack in GB/ROI).

The places Michael mentioned are a concern, there's been problems with gang-like violence in Limerick, but these are places that tours won't be going into. Ireland's economy has taken a big hit in the last year, so crime is increasing, but probably the only way it might effect her is being pickpocketed in Dublin. Have her wear a moneybelt, it can get crowded on the streets there and she might not notice if someone takes her wallet or purse (or know who did if she does notice).

To be on the safe side...always keep your drink in your hand or if on the bar..keep a watch on it. Nightclubs, especially those that cater to a younger crowd, have a problem with people putting drugs in drinks.

".....anywhere in Southern Ireland." This is not intended as a political statement, but there is no such thing as Southern Ireland as stated in an above post. I am assuming the reference is to the Republic of Ireland. The RoI contains the northernmost point of the island of Ireland (Co. Donegal).

Of course you are right Michael. I was merely diferentiating Eire or the Republic of Ireland from Northern Ireland which is part of the UK using language that was current 40 years ago when I lived in Scotland - my apologies.

carol, As the others have mentioned, Ireland is not without crime but is generally a fairly safe location (and probably safer than many parts of "the states"). For one example, most of the Garda (Police) don't even carry sidearms. In my experience, Ireland seems to have fewer "scammers" and pickpockets than other parts of Europe, however a Money Belt would still be a good idea. If storing a Passport in a Money Belt, it's a good idea to place this inside a small zip-lok bag to prevent the documents from becoming "damp". Based on your comments, I'm assuming your daughter is travelling on her own to take a guided tour of Ireland? Which tour is she taking? Please convey "Happy travels" to your daughter

I can't thank everyone enough for all the reassuring words of wisdom and suggestions for safe traveling to a 20 yr old, who feels like mom & dad don't know anything - we have vacationed with all our kids extensively throughout the US, and Canada [INVALID]however, first time for her alone. She leaves later today and I wish her 'safe travels' from all.

We felt much safer in Ireland (especially western and southern Ireland)than we do in the States. We didn't see the Guarda (police) at all on our trip other than in Dublin and never heard of any problems. As long as she's aware of her surroundings, she'll be fine. :)

She'll be safe, just keep her out of Limerick

THANK YOU to all of Rick Steve's readers. She has gone and returned - LOVED it there, met incredible people and now wants to move to Ireland!! Our concerns were fired up by the media - sometimes they report all the bad stuff, but never any follow up on the good. Thanks and Happy Travels to all of you. I sincerely appreciated all the feedback, was alittle easier saying good bye and putting her on that great big jet. Now my husband & I need to go !! from, Hannah's Mom