Hey traveler, I’m Matt Wilson, CEO and co-founder of Under30Experiences. I just returned from Ireland and wanted to share another safety briefing with you! I’ve been to Dublin several times as a solo traveler, and our company has been taking travelers to Ireland for ten years. I went on this trip with my wife and four-year-old, so needless to say, when it comes to safety, I don’t mess around!
I have spent over a month in Ireland, including camping alone all over this wonderful country. For this article, I consulted our Irish tour guides and personal friends who live there. If you want to stay safe on your trip to Ireland, including the city of Dublin, this article is for you!
You may also be interested to know that I write safety articles for all the places I visit, especially in Latin America, so you can check out my articles on Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Chile.
Is Dublin safe right now?
Ireland is number two on the 2024 global peace index behind Iceland! This means Ireland, in general, is incredibly safe! But Dublin, like any big city, is not immune to crime. It’s important to use common sense and not walk alone at night, especially as a female solo traveler. The US State Department has advised that theft and petty crime have increased in recent years, so taking some basic safety precautions will be important.
There have been a couple of incidents where tourists were assaulted or robbed in Dublin in the last few years that made national news. That said, crime is low. In New York or London, I’d imagine these types of things are so common they would never even make the news. Be sure to guard your valuables in crowded tourist destinations to avoid pickpocketing in areas like Grafton Street, Temple Bar, and O’Connell Street near the Spire of Dublin. Never carry your wallet in your back pocket and carry bags in front of you.
Like many places worldwide, Dublin has a severe housing crisis due to the increased cost of living. For tourism's sake, I was happy to learn that the city has recently addressed many of the issues with homelessness and addiction that were visible in the center of Dublin. On my last trip, I saw a few tents and sketchy-looking characters drinking from open containers along the River Liffey, but again, this was nothing like what I’m used to seeing in major cities in the United States.
What neighborhoods are safe to travel to in Dublin?
While this may be overgeneralizing, Dublin is split by the River Liffey. The south side is considered privileged, while the north side is considered economically underprivileged. On my most recent trip to Dublin, I heard several jokes about the northside versus the southside. The Irish always have a good sense of humor!
Please keep in mind that this is just a general guideline. There is plenty to visit on the north side of Dublin, so do not fear walking over many of the pedestrian bridges to Upper O’Connell Street, the Spire, the Custom House, and the National Leprechaun Museum. I went as far north as Croke Park and felt perfectly safe!
Most recently, I stayed in Dublin City Centre, right near St. Stephen’s Green, the classic Victorian garden in the heart of the city. St. Stephen’s Green is a beautiful place to walk and enjoy the scenery, and the area adjoining Merrion Square is the main shopping district in Dublin. You’ll find the National Gallery, National Concert Hall, Little Museum of Dublin, and Oscar Wilde House here.
To the North of St. Stephen’s Green, you’ll find the lively pedestrian Grafton Street that stretches up to Temple Bar and Trinity College. This is Dublin’s most crowded area and hosts the National Wax Museum, the Irish Whiskey Museum, and all the Irish pubs you ever wanted to visit. Like any crowded city, in this area, especially at night when alcohol is involved, you want to keep your wits about you.
If you are looking for a safe, peaceful area within walking distance of Dublin City Centre, consider the Portabello neighborhood. The Docklands are another very safe area, away from the city center and Dublin’s main tourist zones. Check out the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum, Abbey Theatre, and Point Village if you visit The Docklands.
What scams should I look out for?
According to the Australian government, credit card fraud and ATM scams are becoming more common. Check ATMs before using them. Don't use machines that look unusual.
The US State Department advises that if you are at a restaurant, do not let anyone wander off with your card. Instead, ensure a waitperson brings you the portable credit card machine.
If anyone comes up to you on the street and asks you for the time, don’t take out your phone, as it’s an easy way to get your phone stolen. If someone tells you a sob story about needing bus fare, diapers, baby formula, pet food, etc., keep in mind this money is most likely going to drugs or alcohol. If you want to give to people in need, please give through proper channels.
Thieves often target rental cars, so don’t leave luggage unattended in your vehicle, lock your doors, and if you need to get out of the car for any reason, take your keys out of the ignition.
What is the safest way to get around Dublin?
Renting a car? Not so safe for Americans…
While I’ve rented a car before in Ireland, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you are accustomed to driving on the left side of the road. While driving on the opposite side of the road isn’t that difficult on country roads, I made more than one left-hand turn into the wrong lane, almost resulting in a head-on collision. In fact, Americans are so bad at driving on the left that rental car companies in Ireland won’t let you decline the mandatory insurance.
Look both ways before you cross the street!
When crossing the street, you need to actually look both ways. Most people unconsciously only look to the side they are used to traffic coming from. Foreigners can easily get hit crossing the street in countries that drive on the left, so you’ll see “LOOK LEFT” or “LOOK RIGHT” painted intersections to remind tourists.
That being said, Dublin is a lovely city to walk around! If you see a street that looks sketchy, simply turn around.
Taxis & Ride-sharing apps
Taxis are reliable in Dublin, but I always recommend paying a premium for safety with ride-sharing apps like Uber. These services often promise background checks on drivers, the app tracks your route, and there is less risk of being blatantly ripped off. In Dublin, however, all Ubers are driven by taxi drivers who are held to very high standards by the National Transport Authority.
While I was in town, I took Uber from the airport and Uber Green to a handful of meetings. This was my first time using Uber Green, and I was pleased to see that it was the same price as a taxi and that you were guaranteed an electric car.
Freenow is the European alternative to Uber and advertises heavily around Dublin.
Public transportation in Dublin
Public transportation is a great way to get around Dublin for budget-conscious travelers who want to travel like locals and be eco-friendly. While Dublin has no underground metro system, I’ve taken buses and trains around the greater Dublin area without issue.
My friends lived in Rathmines in South Dublin, so I’d take the Dublin bus regularly when I was there. I even took Bus Éireann to Wicklow, Cork, and Kilkenny. I also took the DART train to Howth and Bray, two excellent day trips. My wife and pre-schooler went solo from Pearse Station to visit a friend in Dún Laoghaire, a cute coastal suburb. Again, it was perfectly safe!
I’ve also taken the Lua Light Rail system around town. My only regrettable decision was hopping on a DublinBike and trying to keep up with a Dutch friend who was used to weaving in and out of traffic!
While not public transport per se, I’ll also mention that on one of my trips, I arrived in Dublin via the Irish Ferries from Wales. It was a really enjoyable experience!
What activities are safe? What should I do in Dublin?
Parks & Gardens
There is tons to do in the historic city center of Dublin, all accessible on foot. If you like green spaces as I do, check out the Victorian gardens at St. Stephen’s Green, Merrion Square, the Iveagh Gardens, and Trinity College. Be sure to stroll down the pedestrian-only Grafton Street and give a few euros to local musicians.
Phoenix Park is another massive green space in Dublin that is outside of the city center. Look out for deer!
Churches & Castles
St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral are two important places of worship worth checking out. Both are close to Dublin Castle. I stopped by these sites solo after training Brazilian Jiu-jitsu with Coach Peter at JungleBJJ.
Museums
We were pleasantly surprised that the National Museum of Ireland was completely free. We especially enjoyed seeing the ancient artifacts they found in the bogs, as well as the massive dugout canoe, and model Viking ship!
Casual museum-goers may be interested in the Irish Rock N Roll Museum, the Wax Museum, the National Leprechaun Museum, or the Little Museum of Dublin. Hardcore museum folks should consider the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum and the National Gallery of Ireland. Literary enthusiasts will want to see the Book of Kells in the Old Library.
People who want to say they went to a museum in Europe but really can’t fathom the thought should check out the Irish Whiskey Museum! Here, I tasted four different types of delicious whiskeys.
Tours and other unique activities
Double-decker buses are always a fun way to see the city. I took a tour with City Sightseeing Dublin after the conference I attended, and while it was a bit cold, it was a good time overall.
Another all-time favorite activity of mine is one of Ireland’s national sports, Irish hurling. I’d been on the pitch in Kilkenny to hurl, but this time, I got to learn about the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) sports of Gaelic football and hurling, in addition to Gaelic handball and even learned a little Irish dance with the help of our friends at the Gaelic Games Experience.
Whiskey Distilleries
Everyone knows Ireland is known for its whiskey. Here are the main distilleries to visit in Dublin:
- Jameson Distillery
- Teeling Distillery
- The Dublin Liberties Distillery
- Pearse Lyons Distillery
- Roe & Co Distillery
Pubs and Where to Have a Pint
Bars and pubs are everywhere in Dublin, and you can’t go wrong!
The Guinness Storehouse is another classic activity in Dublin. One of our guides told me about a few incidents in the area, so again, keep your wits about you, and don’t forget to “split the G!”
Another popular tourist stop is The Brazen Head, Dublin’s oldest pub, dating back to 1198! I haven’t been personally, but from what I hear, it offers a good traditional Irish experience.
A few pubs that were suggested to me by locals were John Fallon’s, Kehoes, Tom Kennedy’s, Padraig Pearse, and O’Donoghues.
Finally, every tourist seems to make their way to Temple Bar. While this area is crowded and touristy, it might be just what you are looking for if you are in the mood for a pub crawl. Overall, the area is safe. See my safety tips in the nightlife section…
Food
Dublin is a surprisingly cosmopolitan city, as many companies from around the world have offices and call centers here, so you’ll find cuisine from all over. That said, I was on a strict Irish diet when in Ireland! A few restaurants I enjoyed were Bank Street Pub & Restaurant, Hugo’s, Brother Hubbard, and Grove Road Cafe.
Day Trips from Dublin
Dublin also has some excellent day trips! I’ve traveled from Dublin to Howth, Glendaloch, Brayhead, and Newgrange for the day.
Howth is a charming coastal town that we include on our Under30Experiences trip. It has a great little hike above the Atlantic Ocean and a charming town to enjoy some fish and chips.
Glendalough is home to historic ruins like the Round Tower in Wicklow Mountains National Park. It’s tradition to spend time in solitude in this forest like St. Kevin, the 6th-century monk who lived here. When I visited Ireland as a solo traveler, that is exactly what I did.
Bray is another excellent day trip, accessible by DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit). Be sure to check out the Bray Seafront and Promenade. When I visited, I hiked the Greystones Cliff Walk to the top of Bray Head.
Newgrange is another fascinating day trip from Dublin, part of Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, I saw the 5,000-year-old tomb from the Neolithic area, older than both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza!
Is the nightlife safe for travelers in Dublin?
The nightlife in Dublin is one of the city’s main draws, and it is safe with basic safety precautions. Crowded areas like Temple Bar, where tourists let their guard down after a couple of pints, can be a magnet for pickpockets and thieves, so when you go out, please stay alert. It’s best to keep your valuables locked up in your hotel. If I’m out at night, I carry some cash, a secondary ID, a credit card, and my phone–nothing else!
While I wouldn’t hesitate to walk alone at night in Reykjavik, Iceland, one of our Irish guides told me she always recommends taking a taxi. As stated in the transportation section, Uber works well in Dublin.
I always caution people about the dangers of drink spiking no matter where in the world they are. The safest alcoholic beverage is always bottled or a can of beer that you watch the bartender open because it’s much harder to slip something into that small hole. But of course, one can’t go to Ireland without enjoying a pint! If someone buys you a drink, always keep an eye on it and watch the bartender pour it.
I have two pieces of advice for Americans in Irish pubs:
- While an “Irish car bomb” may be the name of an alcoholic drink in the United States, it’s considered very offensive in Ireland. Most Americans don’t know that this drink references a violent period in Irish history between Ireland and North Ireland.
- Don’t take yourself too seriously! In Ireland, people love to joke around and make fun of each other when out at the pub. In my experience, Americans are a lot more sensitive, so it’s best not to get bent out of shape about things. I’ve never run across anybody who actually fits the “Irish temper” stereotype–but I know that foreigners can let things get under their skin, so always take things in good fun!
Nightlife in Dublin is good “craic” so enjoy a few “jars” responsibly! Like anywhere where alcohol is involved, things can get unruly late in the night, so avoid confrontation at all costs. You know those literary pub crawls through this UNESCO city of literature can get crazy!
The police presence in Dublin is strong at night, so if you ever need them, you can approach the “Gardaí,” as they are called.
Is there ever political unrest in Dublin?
While Dublin experiences its fair share of protests, the city is peaceful compared to other European capitals. I always find protests interesting, including a peaceful one I saw several years ago regarding the public's free access to water. That said, I know well enough to steer clear of protests.
Common reasons for protests in Dublin could include climate change, the housing crisis, social justice, and other local issues, although they tend to stay peaceful and never escalate to large-scale chaos.
Do I have to worry about terrorism in Dublin?
When traveling to any European city, travelers should be aware of their surroundings and ask if there is always a risk of terrorism. Luckily, there have been no terrorist attacks in Ireland related to Islamic extremist groups. Ireland may have a lower risk of terrorism than other European cities because of its neutrality, as it is not part of NATO.
The Irish Defence Forces (IDF) and Garda Síochána (the national police force) encourage the public to stay vigilant. If you see suspicious activity, be sure to report it right away, especially in crowded areas.
It’s good to know that the period of conflict between Ireland and North Ireland, known as “The Troubles,” lasted from 1960-1998. Luckily, since the Good Friday agreement of 1998, the two countries have enjoyed a relatively peaceful relationship.
Are there natural disasters in Ireland?
Dublin is well sheltered from natural disasters. It experiences low seismic activity, few droughts, and rare snowfall, although it happened a couple of weeks before I was there. Ireland is well equipped for the rain and heavy rainfall and wind are probably the worst you’d see in Dublin.
What are the Emergency Numbers in Dublin?
In the event of an emergency, dial 999 or 112. It’s important to know that the emergency number is NOT 911. From here, you’ll be asked whether you are looking for an ambulance, fire department, or Gardaí. (Police)
If it’s not an emergency and you are in the center of Dublin, you can contact the Store Street Garda Station at +353 1 661-0562 and Pearse Street Garda at +353 1 666-9000.
Dublin also has a free tourist assistance service. They can help you report a crime, reschedule flights, or assist you in an emergency.
The US Embassy in Dublin can be found at:
42 Elgin Road
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Phone: +353 1 668-8777
US citizens should always enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) which can assist you in an emergency.
What hospitals and clinics should I go to in Dublin?
The main hospital and emergency room near Dublin city center is St. James. It is located at:
James St,
Saint James
Dublin 8
+353 1 410-3000
What health risks exist?
According to the US Center for Disease Control, health risks in Ireland are very similar to the United States. The CDC simply recommends routine vaccinations. The water is clean to drink in Dublin.
Should I buy travel insurance?
It's always a smart move to have travel insurance! Unexpected issues can arise anywhere, so I recommend getting coverage to safeguard against trip disruptions, lost or stolen luggage, and medical costs.
This is just a quick note from my lawyers: "This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance." I will receive compensation if you decide to purchase through my links. I usually recommend Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads for reliable options.
Should you travel to Dublin?
Dublin is such a fun city to visit! It’s especially easy to navigate, as everyone speaks English, and it’s quite easy to stay safe if you use some common sense. Some of my fondest memories as a solo traveler are traveling around Ireland. I had an absolute blast on my most recent trip, where I combined both business and pleasure!
Are group trips to Ireland safe?
I’m so glad you asked! Going on a group trip is a fantastic option for solo travelers. There is strength in numbers; you’ll have a local guide who knows how to keep you safe, and there will always be someone in your group who wants to venture off and do something fun!
My company, Under30Experiences, has been running trips to Ireland for close to ten years! We also have trips for people in their 30s and 40s. Read a recent review on our blog, 6 Reasons to Join U30X’s Ireland Tour!
