Is Ireland Safe For Travel in 2025? A (Former) Local’s Crime & Safety Guide

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Curious if Ireland is safe for travel? I lived in Ireland for three years and traveled extensively – here’s my honest opinion!

Before I traveled abroad for the first time, I was absolutely terrified. My first international trip was to Guatemala to study at a language school and live with a host family when I was in college, and I was so nervous when the plane landed in Guatemala City that I had broken out in hives. 

Whether you’re wondering if Ireland is safe to visit as a causal matter or because you’re anxious about visiting a new place, you’ve come to the right place. I first visited Ireland in 2015 as a tourist, then moved there in August of 2020 with my partner. I’ve traveled in Ireland with others and alone, in both urban and rural areas. 

In this post, I’ll cover everything I think you ought to know about safety in Ireland, speaking as a local. Although I’ve generally felt very safe in Ireland, I still urge you to take normal precautions to stay safe. 

Table of Contents
Is Ireland Safe For Travel? 
Is it Safe to Live in Ireland?
Top Places to Visit in Ireland
Places Where I Recommend Caution
FAQs
Conclusion

Is Ireland Safe For Travel? 

Overwhelmingly, I would say that Ireland is a very safe place to visit and live. When living in Ireland, I very, very rarely feared for my safety or wellbeing, even when I was traveling alone. 

By the numbers, Ireland’s homicide rate in 2022 was 0.88 murders per 100,000 people. This was actually substantially higher than its 0.46 murders per 100,000 people in 2021. This is substantially lower than the US homicide rate for the same period, where there were 7.5 homicides per 100,000 people in 2022. 

Ireland’s homicide rate is also on the low side when compared to other European countries, typically hovering around the bottom (safer) half of the list. In France for the year 2021, for example, the homicide rate was 1.14 per 100,000 people. Finally, in Germany for the same year, the homicide rate was 0.8 people per 100,000 – very similar to Ireland’s 2022 rate. 

Safety in Ireland at Night

Most parts of Ireland are safe to visit at night, and when I lived in Cork it was common to see women walking home alone into the early morning hours. 

I remember once going out with an Irish woman and a few other friends and, when it got late, asking her how she was planning to get home. She seemed perplexed by the question, as though walking or taking the bus home after a night out had never struck her as a dangerous thing to do. 

As unlikely as it is that anything bad will happen, I would still recommend caution – you’re in a new, unfamiliar place, after all! Be especially aware and alert anywhere that is totally secluded or in places where people have obviously been drinking heavily. 

Nowhere is completely safe or unsafe, but I would be especially cautious anywhere that’s full of tourists. Pubs full of locals tend to feel safer to me than pubs packed with visitors. 

Are People in Ireland Friendly?

In general, yes – people in Ireland are rather friendly to visitors. Ireland has a very relational culture, so you might find that locals are more interested in your plans or talking to you than you might be accustomed to in other parts of Europe. 

If you need help at any point in your trip, one of the best things you can do is just start asking around. Many times people are happy to give recommendations, directions, or advice if you ask (I would not give the same advice in Paris!).

A note to my fellow Americans of Irish descent: don’t tell the Irish people you meet all about your Irish lineage unless they ask (to quote Irish comedian Garron Noone, “That’s consent.”) Also, don’t proclaim that you are [X%] Irish to an Irish person. This isn’t a safety tip, I just thought I’d drop a quick etiquette tip in while I have you.

Is Public Transit Safe in Ireland?

Unlike some other heavily touristed areas in Europe, I would consider public transit in Ireland to be rather safe. It’s unlikely (though not impossible) that anything will happen to you while riding an Irish bus or taking a train in Ireland. Like anywhere else in the world, I suggest that you take care to watch your belongings in train stations and other busy areas. 

The bigger risk, especially in smaller towns and villages, is that the bus simply won’t come or will be substantially delayed. Try to never rely on the very last bus or train of the day, just to be safe. 

Are There Pickpockets in Ireland?

I should say that there could be pickpockets anywhere you visit, but pickpockets are not a significant problem in Ireland. I generally feel safe leaving my phone on the table, my purse causally on the back of my chair, and don’t worry too much about my belongings while I’m in Ireland.

A notable exception is train stations, especially in Dublin, and anywhere that is very touristy or busy. Even if it’s unlikely that you’ll be pickpocketed, it’s better not to take your chances and to keep track of your things. 

I once had a friend who lost her purse at a bar in Cork and everyone told her not to worry and that it would be returned. Sure enough, it was turned into the bartender and none of the cash, cards, or other valuables had been touched. I would consider this the norm in Ireland, but that doesn’t mean the country is immune to thieves. 

So, is Ireland Perfectly Safe, Then?

No, Ireland is not perfectly safe – even if it’s a safer destination than most. A few egregious examples of gender-based violence in Ireland immediately come to mind, both from 2022. 

In January 2022, a young Irish woman named Ashling Murphy was attacked and killed while jogging in the early evening hours in County Offaly. Crimes like the attack on Ms. Murphy, while awful, are very rare in Ireland. In the aftermath of her death, there were widespread vigils across the country. 

The same year, a woman confronted a man, Cathal Crotty, who was shouting homophobic slurs in Limerick. He beat her unconscious on the street and later bragged about the attack on social media. Despite a guilty plea and CCTV footage of the attack, the judge in the case fully suspended his sentence so as to avoid jeopardizing his career as a soldier in the Irish Army.

Protests rang out throughout Ireland in 2024 after the sentencing. This shameful miscarriage of justice is reminiscent of the 2016 sentencing of Brock Turner in the US, who served three months in jail for sexually assaulting a woman while he was a student at Stanford University.

Aside from crime, of which there’s admittedly little, you should take normal precautions when driving, hiking, swimming (especially in the ocean), and otherwise enjoying time outside. 

Is it Safe to Live in Ireland?

One thing that I’ve consistently heard from other people who moved to Ireland after living in the US is that they feel so much safer in Ireland. Having grown up in Denver, I used to feel very anxious anytime I went to a movie theater – so much so that I often didn’t go. When I go to the movies in Ireland, I don’t think twice about whether someone is lurking with a gun. 

In my experience, most people in Ireland don’t really worry about violent crime – a huge issue in the US. I only heard about one shooting when I was living in Ireland and it wasn’t lethal. There’s a prevailing sense of calm and peacefulness in Ireland that I can’t say I’ve experienced anywhere else. It’s not just me, in 2024 Ireland was ranked the second most peaceful country in the world (after Iceland). 

I will say that I did have some fear of property crimes when I was in Ireland. Once someone lit all of the trash bins in my area on fire (right next to a house with a newborn baby in it, mind you). I’ve seen broken windows on my street and was always a little worried someone would smash our window. I also once had a drunk man try to break into our house – but my current theory is that he firmly believed it was his house and that we were the intruders. A story for another time.😅 

Listen, as I’ve said several times in this post (and will probably reiterate) bad things can happen anywhere. Being in Ireland is no guarantee that nothing bad will happen to you, and some people live their whole lives in the US without incident. 

Top Places to Visit in Ireland

Honestly, it’s hard to do Ireland justice in a quick section of this blog post – “top places to visit in Ireland” should probably be its own blog post. Still, I wanted to share a handful of places that I love in Ireland and consider safe to visit, even for solo female travelers. 

Instead of going place by place, I decided to highlight a few Irish counties that are worth visiting. For the uninitiated, I like to think of Irish counties as being the equivalent of states in the US (governmentally, they function differently, but each has its own highlights and unique features). 

📍 County Kerry

County Kerry is one of the most adventurous places in Ireland and home to several of my favorite places. First and foremost, it’s home to the Dingle Peninsula – my favorite spot to visit in the country. You can also see the incredible views in this county by driving the Ring of Kerry or walking part of the Kerry Way. You might even take the Dingle Sea Safari out to see the Great Blasket Islands. 

📍 County Clare

County Clare is perhaps best known for the Cliffs of Moher, from which you can look out over the Atlantic Ocean. However, the Burren is part of the same UNESCO Geopark, and is definitely worth a stop. You can walk along the moonlike rocks in the Burren for a while, but be sure to also stop at the Burren Perfumery (it’s surprisingly cute) and Hazel Mountain Chocolate for some treats. 

📍 County Wicklow

Like County Kerry, Wicklow is a mountainous region in Ireland that’s great for adventure-seeking travelers. There are so many things to do in Wicklow, but my favorites are hiking around Glendalough, visiting the seaside city of Bray, and shopping for local Irish treats at Avoca Kilmacanogue.  

📍 County Cork

Cork has a little of everything in Ireland – a lively city center with tons of things to do, great coffee shops, and plenty of shopping – especially along Oliver Plunkett Street and the Grand Parade. From Cork City, you can take a day trip to local spots like Blarney Castle or Kinsale, or go on further to West Cork. In Cork City, don’t miss Elizabeth Fort – it’s free to visit and has my favorite view of the city. 

Places Where I Recommend Caution

As safe as Ireland is, there are a few places and circumstances where I recommend you practice caution as a visitor. These include the busy, often drunken streets of Temple Bar as well as the natural hazards you might encounter when driving or exploring the country on foot. 

To be clear, I’m not telling you not to do these things – just be a little extra cautious. 

⚠️  Temple Bar in Dublin

Temple Bar in Dublin is not, as the name would imply, a single bar, but rather a name for the city center. When most people visit Dublin, they walk around Temple Bar. It’s a busy area and it can be very fun to visit, but it’s also a little unruly and full of people who have been drinking very heavily. 

For that reason, I would strongly advise that you treat Temple Bar in Dublin like any other large city and take precautions. Watch your drinks, be aware of your surroundings, and don’t wander aimlessly late into the evening (at least walk with a purpose, even if you’re going nowhere in particular). 

Most of all, if you come together, leave together. 

⚠️  Driving, Especially on Rural and Coastal Roads

Anytime you get behind the wheel, you’re taking a risk. The roads in Ireland can be hazardous, especially if you’re not accustomed to the winding rural and coastal roadways. Drive defensively, pay attention, and spend some time preparing before you get behind the wheel if this will be your first time driving on the left. 

Note: The process of becoming a licensed driver in Ireland is much more involved and extensive than in the US. That, and the consequences for bad driving are generally much more severe. As a result, you’re far less likely to encounter road rage, drunk/impaired drivers, and speeding than in the US. 

⚠️  Anytime You Are Traveling in the Dense Fog

Many days in Ireland have some foggy conditions, but it’s usually manageable if you’re attentive to the road. The fog does come with some hazards, especially when it’s especially dense. Living in Ireland, it was common to hear news stories about hikers rescued from foggy mountaintops when they lost their visibility. 

In the Irish winter, the fog can sometimes freeze and create very treacherous conditions.  

⚠️  Near Cliffs

Ireland may not have loads of towering peaks, but it does have some very sheer cliffs – and you should absolutely exercise caution near them. Unfortunately, some people have walked too close to Ireland’s cliff edges and have fallen to their death. Do not approach cliff edges, which could be unstable or have uneven footing. 

FAQs: Is Ireland Safe?

Planning your Irish adventure and still have questions about safety in Ireland? Here are the answers to some of the top queries from other travelers. 

Is Ireland Safe for Travel?

Yes, Ireland is a safe country for travel. In fact, it’s among the safest countries in Europe and has a far lower homicide rate than the US. Most people who visit Ireland do so without incident. Further, pickpockets and other petty thefts are relatively rare in Ireland – unlike other European cities and countries. 

Is Ireland Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Yes, I would consider Ireland safe for solo female travelers. The country has a very low crime rate and friendly locals, both of which will help you to feel at ease when traveling as a woman. I would still recommend that you take normal precautions; don’t tell strangers where you’re staying, watch your drinks, and always be aware of your surroundings. 

What are Some Places to Avoid in Ireland?

Most everywhere within Ireland is safe to visit and will pack some interesting history. For visitors, however, I recommend that you stick to the perimeter of the country and avoid the very central counties. It’s not that you can’t find great people and things to do, but most of Ireland’s greatest hits are within an hour or two from the coastline and therefore better suited to visitors. 

Is it Safe to Drive in Ireland?

Yes, it is safe to drive in Ireland, but visitors should practice extreme caution if they’re not familiar with driving on the left side of the road. This is especially true for anyone who has just taken a transatlantic flight, meaning you’re likely to be tired and disoriented behind the wheel. I recommend that you watch some videos on YouTube to prepare so that you’re not seeing the road for the first time as a driver. 

Conclusion: Is Ireland Safe?

Ireland is a safe and friendly country to visit in Europe. The safe atmosphere, beautiful landscape, unique culture, and friendly locals attract millions of tourists every year. Most people who visit Ireland will not have any incidents during their trip.

The biggest risk to travelers is trying to drive in Ireland – road tripping is the best way to see the country, but it can be challenging to drive on the left side of the road for the first time. When driving in Ireland, take care to be alert, awake, and attentive the entire time you’re behind the wheel. 

Of course, it’s always a good idea to take normal precautions anywhere you go – Ireland included.