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Before visiting any country or city, it’s important to know whether it is safe to visit. Is Dublin Safe? This is a question many people will have, especially due to the history of Ireland and Dublin itself.
We asked Josh from A Backpacker’s World, who is from Ireland, to give an overview of whether Dublin is safe to visit or not.
Is Dublin Safe?
To summarise this post in one sentence – yes, Dublin is safe to visit in 2023. Dublin receives large amounts of tourists and visitors each year, and the Irish capital is very safe to visit.
Dublin has a somewhat tainted reputation, particularly amongst the older generations, due to the conflicts Ireland had with Britain over the years. For example, the 1916 Easter Rising and the Partition of Ireland in 1921. Although these issues are long in the past, Ireland and Dublin specifically have a reputation for being unsafe. But that could not be further from the truth.
Visiting Dublin is a very safe experience, and the city has so much to offer, it’s without a doubt worth visiting. The Irish people are always very welcoming. They are known for being talkative, friendly, and warm to anyone and everyone. They could talk to a brick wall, as the saying goes!
So, Dublin is safe to visit. You won’t be walking down the street and come across a group of IRA men in balaclavas holding guns, those times are long gone. It’s impossible to guarantee anyone’s safety anywhere in the world, but you will more than likely be safe in Dublin.
Don’t just take our opinion though, here is a survey showing 98% of tourists felt safe in Dublin.
Of course, like every city, Dublin has some areas to avoid that aren’t AS safe. But as long as you keep your wits about yourself and follow basic safety rules, such as not getting drunk alone or not holding your valuables out on display, you will be fine in Dublin and undoubtedly have a great trip.
Is Dublin Safe At Night?
Yes, Dublin is also safe at night. In fact, Dublin is known for having one of the best nightlife in Europe. So if anything, the city comes alive at night! There are so many great pubs, bars, and clubs in Dublin, it’s been said to rival the party atmospheres of Barcelona and Budapest!
That being said, there are lots of side streets and alleyways in Dublin. It’s probably best to avoid walking through these at night, particularly if you are alone. You never know who could be hanging around these areas, as in any city.
But Dublin is excellent at night. Not only is it safe, but there are so many great things to do – such as enjoy the thriving music scene or even take a ghost tour of Dublin! Rest assured, no matter what you choose to do in Dublin and no matter what time of day it is, you will feel safe. It’s commonly agreed to be one of the safest cities in the British Isles.
Is Dublin Safe For Solo Travel?
Dublin is safe for anyone and everyone. It’s a city filled with things to do both as a solo traveler or in a group, there’s truly something for everyone. As said before, Dubliners are extremely nice people; very welcoming, talkative, and caring. If you are a solo traveler, you may wish to go to bars or pubs and try to get talking to people- you will find it incredibly easy!
Dublin also has lots of great hostel options, which is another great way to meet people while solo travelling. As you make friends in the hostel, you can explore Dublin as a group, rather than by yourself. So although you are traveling solo, you are never truly alone.
However, if you do choose to stay by yourself, you will have no issues. Dublin is safe for anyone, you won’t encounter any issues because you are on your own.
How To Stay Safe In Dublin
Although Dublin is a very safe city, there are a few precautions to take that are not applicable in other places. Due to the political history of Ireland and Dublin, you need to be careful what you say or wear.
- Don’t mention Britain or Northern Ireland
While you likely wouldn’t encounter violence by bringing up either Britain or Northern Ireland, it’s better to avoid mentioning them. You don’t want to end up saying the wrong thing to the wrong person. Most people in Ireland are nationalists, meaning they want a United Ireland and do not view Northern Ireland as a legitimate state.
2. Don’t wear anything to do with Rangers FC or Northern Ireland
Avoid wearing Rangers or Northern Ireland football tops. These will reveal your political beliefs to everyone in Dublin, whether they truly are your beliefs or not. Rangers are synonymous with Northern Ireland due to their shared protestant and loyalist views. Again, you don’t want the wrong person picking on you because of what you are wearing.
3. Avoid going off the beaten path
Dublin is a large city and the safest areas are the most popular tourist spots. O’Connell Street for example is incredibly safe. If you start to explore the suburbs, this is where it can begin to get less safe.
Is Dublin Safe: FAQ
Is Dublin safer than London?
It’s impossible to compare the safety accurately between two cities, everyone’s experience will be different. But Dublin does have a lower crime rate than London
How safe is Dublin for tourists?
Dublin is very safe for tourists, with nearly 10 million tourists visiting each year, Dublin is a very welcoming and warm place to visit, and of course, it’s very safe.
Is it safe to be English in Dublin?
Yes, it is safe to be English in Dublin. Although the Irish are not the biggest fans of the British, the times when you would experience violence for being English in Ireland are gone.
Is Ireland friendly to American tourists?
Yes, Ireland is very friendly to American tourists. Due to their Irish heritage, Americans get on very well with the Irish. Not to mention how welcoming and kind the Irish people are to anyone visiting Ireland.
Is Dublin Safe: Conclusion
To conclude, Dublin is a safe city to visit, both in the daytime and at nighttime. As long as you look after yourself, following self-safety rules, you will be fine in Dublin. Dublin is a beautiful city to visit, and if you book a trip, you should have no fears about safety issues ruining your trip. With the usual precautions and common sense, visitors can expect having a safe and enjoyable trip to Dublin. Hopefully, you will have a great time visiting the capital of Ireland!
About the author
This post was written by Josh Band from A Backpacker’s World. Josh loves to write about backpacking all around the world. From Southeast Asia to Europe and everything in between, Josh loves to explore and spend as little as possible while doing so. Who doesn’t love budget traveling, right?!
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