Is Dublin Safe? What Visitors Need to Know in 2025

Is Dublin safe enough for your next adventure?

Ireland is known for many things that make it attract millions of visitors each year. It is known for its rich heritage, rugged terrain, magnificent landscapes, and warm hospitality.

When trying to visit the Irish capital, one of the first questions that may pop into your mind: is Dublin safe to visit?

I can understand how people might be concerned about that as the crime rate worldwide has increased. When I visited Dublin, I did plenty of research about the city before visiting. One concern that I had was safety. 

In this article, we will discuss the safety situation in Dublin.
Hopefully, we clear all doubt you have about this amazing city, allowing you to explore Dublin with zero concern about your safety.

Is Dublin Safe To Visit?

The simple answer to the question is: yes, Dublin is safe to visit, but there are some neighbourhoods that you need to avoid, especially when walking alone at night.

I did not go until I understood the safety situation in Dublin, which allows me to be more confident about my visit. 

I had a successful visit, and I enjoyed it a lot. I am sure you will enjoy it, too.
All you need to do is be careful and listen to your gut.

General Safety in Dublin

There are some things that people might be nervous about visiting Dublin after recent events in 2023, where a mob of anti-immigrant protesters burned public vehicles and looted shops.
This scary situation is being handled by the government, and they are not taking it lightly.

You should know that this doesn’t represent the overall safety situation in Dublin.

In 2024, the issue has declined and Dublin is safer for tourists to visit than ever. Despite the severity of the situation, this one incident does not represent the future of Dublin.

Crime Rates

Overall, the crime rate in Dublin is relatively low, and most tourists do not experience any problem visiting the city. 

The most common crime is theft, and mostly happens in the outskirts, as is the case in most countries. However, the tourist areas experience less crime compared to these neighbourhoods.

Areas To Avoid In Dublin

Tallaght is not an area that many tourists are likely to visit.
The neighbourhood faces several issues with delinquency and crime.

There have been  some revitalization efforts in the past, with new restaurants and stores.
Things might change about this area, so I would keep an eye on the progress and go from there

North Inner City, the centre of the city, is the most crowded, so it is normal for this to be considered the most ‘dangerous’.

With greater crowds, there comes greater risks of pickpocketing and thefts. Unfortunately, it is a common thing in almost all places in the world.

This area also has the highest crime rate in Dublin, where many drug users congregate.
If you walk around during the day, you should be fine, but I would avoid walking alone during the night.

Common Types of Crimes

According to the Central Statistical Office of Dublin, the most common types of crime are thefts and burglaries, which occur more frequently in the city. 

The US Department of State (that assesses cities for risks to its citizens) declares that Dublin is a medium threat location.
This has to do with the past incidents of  burglary, petty thefts, and other minor offences that occur in the city.

I would not recommend wearing fancy clothes and avoid exposing your expensive accessories and materials. Keep them in a safe place, or leave them at home.

Is It Safe To Walk Around Dublin At Night?

Dublin is relatively safe to walk around at night, though it isn’t recommended to do so in certain areas. 

You should choose a well-lit route and avoid walking alone, especially for female solo travellers. The overall nightlife of Dublin is vibrant, which contains lively streets that provide a safe environment with just as much threat as anywhere else in the world.

What Areas To Avoid At Night?

There are a few areas to avoid at night in Dublin, including Ballymun, Temple Bar, Finglas, and the northern part of the city.

These neighbourhoods have a higher crime rate and are considered as unsafe, compared to other parts of Dublin.
Temple Bar also hikes their prices up at night. Being aware of these places can assure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Best Place To Stay In Dublin

There are many safe neighbourhoods to stay in Dublin. In this section, we will break down those areas, allowing you to choose a good place to stay without worrying about your own safety.
Most of them are tourist areas that most likely encounter people of your kind.

Portobello

This neighbourhood is well known among tourists and located within walking distance of the city centre. There are many popular sightseeing places to enjoy as tourists.
It is filled with pubs, shops, and restaurants to explore, making it a great area to stay in.

Ballsbridge

Ballsbridge is a posh neighbourhood and considered as one of the safest areas in Dublin. It is home to many embassies that you may visit if you experience any problems on your travels.

This is home to many important attractions that you might have heard of.
Does Herbert Park ring a bill to you? It is a beautiful city park with the best playgrounds in the city.

Merrion Square

Merrion Square is a safe area to stroll around and enjoy it as a tourist. It is known for its vibrant parks, national galleries, natural history museums, and archaeology museums. There is also some Georgian architecture that Dublin is famous for.

Practical Safety Tips for Tourists in Dublin

Here are some safety tips for navigating in Dublin:

• Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas like Temple Bar or public transport.

• Use Reputable Transportation: Opt for licensed taxis or ride-share services instead of unmarked vehicles.
  
• Plan Your Route: Familiarise yourself with your destination and the best routes to get there, especially at night.

Known Scams In Dublin

One of the most common scams in Dublin is the “ATM help scam”.
Scammers will approach you if they find you struggling at the ATM, especially if you have an issue with your ATM card.
However, their true intention is to scan your card with a card scanner, and then drain your account. You should go to the bank and not accept help from strangers.

Another type of scam is the “take a picture of me” scam.

A person will ask you to take a picture of them while, then drop the camera when handing it to them. They will blame you for it and ask you for money for the broken parts.

Another one is the taxi overcharging you as they take a longer route or take the wrong route to charge you extra.
Be familiar with the place and use common transportation apps, such as Lynk Taxis, Free Now, or VIP Taxis.

Local Laws

As with anywhere, there are local laws you must be aware of.

Alcohol and Drug Laws

In Dublin you need to be at least 18 to buy, or drink, alcohol. If you are caught underage drinking, you risk arrest, or a fine. Do not buy drinks for those under 18, as you put yourself at risk. 

If you are caught with drugs in your possession, a conviction will go ahead, and you risk jail time of 12+ months depending on the class of drug.

 Local Etiquette and Behaviour

When in Dublin, it’s best to steer clear of certain phrases and topics. Avoid making negative remarks about the Irish accent, using racial or cultural stereotypes (especially related to Irish culture), and discussing sensitive subjects like religion and politics.

FAQs

Is Dublin Or London Safer?

According to a recent study, Dublin has about 90 cases of assault for every 100,000 inhabitants, but London has about 730 cases of assault for every 100,000 individuals. Thus, Dublin is safer than London. 

Is Dublin Friendly For Foreigners?

Dubliners are generally very friendly and helpful. They accept newcomers with an open heart.
They do understand that tourists are able to benefit the economy of the country, so they are often polite, nice and funny.

Therefore, rest assured that they will make you feel safe and welcome.

Does Ireland Celebrate Halloween?

Ireland often comes as an answer to the question of what countries celebrate Halloween? Making it a good destination for Halloween lovers.

Conclusion

Thanks to Ossama at Awesome Traveler for giving us an honest, down-to-earth overview of Dublin’s safety landscape.

His perspective and first-hand experiences help paint a clearer picture for anyone considering a trip to the Irish capital.

Dublin, like any major city, has areas to be mindful of and precautions to take, but with these insights and safety tips, you can explore with confidence and enjoy the warmth and charm that make this city such a beloved destination.

So go ahead, plan your visit, stay aware, and discover the beauty and culture Dublin has to offer!

At time of writing, there are currently no Coronavirus measures limiting tourists to enter Ireland. This is in accordance with the information provided on gov.uk.