Is Dublin Safe for Travel? (Honest Advice for 2023)

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Planning on visiting Ireland’s capital city, but wondering “is Dublin safe?”

It’s a good question to ask. Fortunately, Dublin is a safe destination for travelers.

To address any concerns visitors may have, I’ve compiled some tips and information on safety in Dublin. I hope it helps you as you make your plans to explore the best things to see and do in Dublin.

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Is Dublin Safe?

Dublin is generally a very safe city. Visitors are advised to take the same precautions against pickpocketing and other forms of petty crime that they would in any big city. Intoxicated individuals may also present unpleasantries. This tends to occur in the more central neighborhoods around closing time.

Ireland is a very popular tourist destination. Most visitors to the Emerald Isle stop for at least a few days in Dublin on their Ireland itinerary. This vibrant city on Ireland’s east coast is, for the most part, a very safe place. Ireland is one of the safest European countries, and Dublin is one of the safest European capitals [Source].

Like in other major cities, though, there are pickpockets in Dublin that target tourists. If you exercise common sense by keeping your valuables secure this shouldn’t be a problem.

The Irish police force, the Gardai, maintains a presence throughout the city, keeping Dublin safe for tourists and locals alike. Many stores also have security guards to help deter would-be troublemakers. 

Dublin is not a particularly dangerous city. You’re more likely to encounter a boisterous intoxicated person than a thief. Even that is almost always late at night and in the most central areas. Natural disasters are almost unheard of in Dublin. The weather, at worst, will be gloomy instead of hazardous.

Still, you may want to consider insurance for your Ireland trip.

Things to Know about Safety in Dublin

Travel Advisories

Recent assessments put Ireland as one of the safest countries to visit in Europe. The US State Department advises Americans to exercise normal precautions when visiting Ireland. The State Department includes links to relevant websites for travelers concerned about Covid-19 in Ireland (more on that below). 

👉 Looking for a safe place to stay? Check out my guide on where to stay in Dublin or my post discussing the best neighborhoods of Dublin.

Covid-19 Safety in Dublin

Previous mandates and restrictions are, for the most part, no longer in place. The Irish government no longer requires proof of vaccination, recovery, or testing for entry to Ireland. Public mask mandates are also no longer enforced. The government encourages their use in crowded public places, though.

The U.S. Mission to Ireland provides information regarding Covid-19 in Ireland on its website. The Irish Health Department also maintains relevant pages with up-to-date information.

Crime in Dublin

While an overall safe city, like any major city, Dublin has its fair share of drug abuse and petty crime happening throughout the city. Petty crimes, such as burglary, pickpocketing, and other minor offenses do occur, but are not rampant, in Dublin. Areas in the Dublin city centre tend to be safe, but tourists are often a favorite target for pickpockets.

Violent crime tends to occur in the dangerous areas in Dublin which no tourist would have reason to visit anyways. There may be some anti-social behavior in crowded places such as on trains or at train stations. This is still not as common in Dublin as in other large cities in Europe.

Drug dealers and users tend to come out at night, more so in the city centre. It’s also best to avoid parks at night because they are often poorly lit after sunset.

👉 Need Help Planning? Check out my Dublin itinerary planner for a day-by-day guide to what to do and see in Dublin.

Common Scams in Dublin

🚕 Taxi Scam – While taxis in Dublin are reliable most of the time, recent scams by fakes have robbed unsuspecting locals of their money. Criminals posing as taxi drivers managed to get information out of party-goers during the Christmas season. If calling a taxi, use due diligence and make sure it is an established, reputable company.

🗺️ Fake Guides – While not a common occurrence in Dublin, it is a known problem in larger cities in general. These scammers tend to hang around the more touristy areas in Dublin. Inexperienced travelers should beware of random people offering to show them tourist attractions or other places. It’s better to book tours with established groups such as Viator.

💰 Pickpockets – Like any big city, Dublin has pickpockets. They may pretend to bump into you in crowded areas such as main streets and train stations. Keep your valuables safe, either back at your hotel or well-concealed on your person, and be aware of your surroundings. If you rent a car in Dublin (we recommend Discover Cars!), keep belongings left in the vehicle out of sight.

Hazardous Weather & Natural Disasters

Ireland is not known for hazardous weather. The Irish have a love-hate relationship with their weather and treat its often gloomy turns with their trademark humor. The only “danger” it’s likely to pose is canceling your plans for a picnic or walk in the park with rain. See my guide to the best time to visit Dublin for more on that.

Natural disasters are quite rare in Dublin. As a coastal city, earthquakes and tsunamis are theoretically possible, but almost unheard of in Ireland’s history. Visit the Irish Geological Survey site to learn more on this subject.

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Dublin?

Tap water is safe to drink in Dublin. Dublin gets its tap water from the River Liffey but puts it through a thorough purification process first. Bottled water is also available for purchase in a variety of stores.

5 Safety Tips for Dublin

Tip #1 – Keep Your Valuables Secure

Like in any large city, Dublin has pickpockets that will prey upon tourists. It’s a good idea to have a money belt or a similar accessory. It’s also a good idea to leave your passport or unneeded electronics at your hotel.

Tip #2 – Don’t Wander Dublin Alone at Night

Like any other major city, petty crimes tend to increase at night. If you are out and about after dark, stick to the main routes and avoid poorly lit areas such as parks such as St. Stephen’s Green.

Tip #3 – Prepare for Dublin’s Traffic

For a small city, you’d be surprised how congested the traffic gets here! Since the Covid-19 pandemic, many citizens have opted for private cars over public transportation. Rush hour traffic can slow to a crawl, so factor that into your travel plans if you drive. The good news is that Dublin is a highly walkable city, so you could just as easily skip the roads altogether.

Tip #4 – Stay Aware in Crowded Areas of Dublin

Petty theft tends to occur on busy streets in Dublin where thieves can more easily disappear. Areas near Dublin’s city centre, such as Temple Bar, Trinity College, and Grafton Street draw the largest mix of locals and tourists. Train stations also tend to be crowded. As long as you exercise normal safety precautions, though, you should be fine.

Tip #5 – Visit Temple Bar Early in the Evening

Temple Bar is party-central in Dublin. Especially towards closing time, you may see intoxicated patrons coming out of the bar in a bad mood. If you’re in a group, this may be less of an issue, but solo female travelers would be best advised to visit these establishments earlier in the evening.

Tip #6 – Politics Can Be a Touchy Subject

While Ireland does have a history of political conflict, that is a thing of the past. Politics regarding Northern Ireland does remain a touchy subject. You’re not likely to encounter any actual violence over it, but, like anywhere, it’s better to avoid sensitive issues in conversations with locals.

Tip #7 – Stay Aware When Using Public Transportation

Since the lockdowns in Ireland several years ago, there have been more cases of antisocial behavior on Dublin’s LUAS light-rail system. While still relatively low compared to many major cities, a little extra caution never hurts. If coming home later on at night, a taxi or rideshare program may be best for solo female travelers

FAQs About Safety in Dublin

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I hope I’ve helped answer the question of “Is Dublin safe” for you! If your travels take you there, I hope that you have a safe trip and a great time visiting Dublin!