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Safety in Ireland

We all know certain European places have reputations as "Pickpocket Paradises"--e.g., Barcelona, Naples, etc. How about Ireland? I have never heard any pickpocket horror stories about that land. How safe is Ireland?

Posted by
1358 posts

Ditto what Brad said. Dublin isn't known as a "pickpocket paradise," but, as in any big city, it's better to be safe than sorry. Just use your head as you would in any big US city -- stay on the main streets, be aware of your surroundings. I'd also recommend wearing a moneybelt or neck pouch.

Posted by
12315 posts

I would expect some issues whereever there are crowded tourist areas. Like elsewhere in Europe, if you are in a crowded tourist area, be aware of your surroundings, keep your stuff secure and you will have no problems. The only place in Ireland I would feel unsafe walking alone at night is Dublin, big cities tend to have higher crime rates and I don't think Dublin is an exception. In small villages in the country, I think it would be hard to find anyplace safer.

Posted by
9371 posts

I have traveled alone in Ireland, even walked alone at night in Dublin, and never felt unsafe. Just use common sense.

Posted by
2745 posts

A member of my tour group was pick pocketed in Dublin, broad daylight (wasn't cautious and put her passport in her backpack, in view of people on the street). As long as you keep your senses and stay alert (but not paranoid) you'll be fine no matter where you go.

Posted by
284 posts

The US tends to be more dangerous than any major European city. In Europe you have more petty crime, like pickpockets etc., while in the US it tends to be more violent crime. Take precautions, use a money belt, etc. etc. Edwin

Posted by
1806 posts

The only time my relatives (who live just outside of Galway) feel the need
to even lock their front door is when a caravan of Travellers (aka "Tinkers") is spotted pulling into town. Dublin has a few areas which are a little rough, but they are located nowhere near where any tourist would ever have a need to go. And most of the rowdiness after the pubs close in Dublin is in the super touristy Temple Bar area and it's mostly from drunken stag & hen partiers who come to Dublin for the weekend.

Posted by
1035 posts

"And most of the rowdiness after the pubs close in Dublin is in the super touristy Temple Bar area and it's mostly from drunken stag & hen partiers who come to Dublin." I had trouble leaving Dun Laoghaire one night. Cork can be interesting too.