Safety in Ireland

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.

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.

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

Things can get rowdy in the cities after pubs close.

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.

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

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.

"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.