Is Dublin safe? What you should know

Top of the mornin' to ya! Just kidding, that's a stereotype, and it might get some eye-rolls if you use it! Dublin is one of the major European cities which combines history, charm, and a touch of cheeky fun. With its cobbled streets, historic landmarks, and a pint of Guinness waiting around every corner, Dublin packs a punch!

From the lively Temple Bar area to the literary haven that is Trinity College, you’ll never run out of things to explore. Did you know that Dublin Bay and its River Liffey are part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve? Talk about mixing culture with nature!

Now, you might wonder 'Is Dublin safe?' Dublin is generally a safe and friendly city. The locals are welcoming and often quick with a joke! Still, it’s always smart to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded tourist spots like Grafton Street. You’ll find tips on staying healthy while exploring and handling potential emergencies in our guide.

Whether you’re hiking the Dublin and Wicklow mountains or just enjoying a picnic in Phoenix Park, we’ve got you covered on outdoor adventures. But first, let’s dive into how to keep things smooth and safe, from cultural customs to nature’s wonders! And no need to overthink it, we’ll keep it light! You don’t have to be an expert on safety to enjoy Dublin!

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Dublin

So, you're visiting Dublin and you're not sure what to expect? Dublin is a major city in the UK, but that doesn't mean it isn't safe! If you still have some safety concerns, keep reading and learn all you need to know about keeping safe in this vibrant city!

Getting from the airport to the city center

Just landed at Dublin Airport? Time to explore the city! With a little Irish luck, you'll get to see everything Dublin has to offer and it'll be smooth sailing! Just hop on the Dublin Express bus and you'll get to Dublin city centre in 30 minutes, or Dublin Central Station in 40!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Dublin

You'll find a lot of street performers in Dublin. When they finish their act, they might come up to you and ask for money. Don't let them get to you, you don't have to pay for street performances. Sometimes though, the demand can be just a distraction. They (or someone else) might pickpocket you while you're flustered. So keep your things safe, and don't let strangers get too close to you! Your hard-earned doubloons are yours!

Is tap water in Dublin safe to drink?

Yes! Irish tap water is constantly being monitored! You can find healthy aqua in homes, parks, bars, and any other place you look! If you're still not convinced or you want to double-check, feel free to take a look at the official EPA website for heath statistics!

Safe accommodation options in Dublin

Don't know where to stay in Dublin? It's a pretty safe city overall, but here are some extra safe neighborhoods and hotels:

1. Ballsbridge (don't laugh!) has that Irish charm with its tree-lined streets, upscale feel, and closeness to tourist attractions like Temple Bar and St Stephen's Green Park. InterContinental Dublin Hotel is for luxury-seeking entrepreneurs and has a whopping 5 stars, spacious rooms, and a spa. It costs €350 per night
2. Want to experience the local vibe in Dublin? Drumcondra is perfect for that and has a quieter atmosphere. It's well connected to the rest of the city and the Croke Park Hotel is a bit more budget-friendly (~€170 a night) and has excellent service!
3. Malahide has that coastal village feel. It's got everything you would want, seaside beauty, tranquility, and safety. Grand Hotel Malahide is a classic seaside hotel with incredible views, at just €200 per night.

Pro tip: If you're planning an Irish whiskey or Guinness bender, the last thing you want to worry about is your stuff. So, if you're here to unwind after a long work week, just leave your laptop, work phone, or anything else with us and forget about them! No need to worry, we only use trusted businesses, and we've got you covered with a $10.000 protection plan!

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

Culture? Oh, Dublin has culture! And we're here to help you out with anything you should know!

• Dubliners are famously friendly (especially after happy hour!), and always ready for a good chat about anything! They're jokers too, so don't take anything too seriously, it's all in good fun!
• All locals know English, it's the main language, but most of them know Gaelic too, though it's less common among the younger generations. If you happen to know the language, you can flaunt your skills and strike up the convo in their traditional tongue!
• Dublin is very inclusive and accepting, all races, ages, and LGBTQ+ members are welcome! Just remember that they'll make jokes no matter who you are, you could be Bill Gates and they'd toss a few jabs! So, feel free to jab back, they'll like you even more!

Keeping safe when navigating the city

Are Dublin's streets making you dizzy? Here come the pointers for you!

• Dublin's public transportation is pretty reliable, you've got buses, trams (LUAS), and trains (DART). They're well-maintained and safe at night, and you can use apps like Transport for Ireland.
• Be prepared for some chaos at rush hour if you're driving. Also, try to avoid the narrow streets and if you're not comfortable driving in the left lane, avoid driving entirely!
• Watch out for slippery cobblestones, stick to well-lit areas, and if you're riding a bike, always wear a helmet, a cracked skull will not make it any easier!

Nature and Dublin: Safety tips to keep in mind

Dublin puts the "great" in the great outdoors! Beautiful doesn't do justice to Ireland's nature, but you should still admire it responsibly:

• If you're looking for beaches near Dublin, you'll find them, just don't expect the Maldives vibe. Ireland is in the Atlantic Ocean after all, so the water is cold, the currents are strong, and the waves intense! But if you've got some skills, a wetsuit, and a surfboard, you can try Forty Foot, Sandycove, and Portmarnock beaches!
• In need of the best hikes in Dublin? Howth Cliff Walk, Ticknock Forest, and the Wicklow Mountains are nearby, and have some wicked views! Remember to pack your comfy hiking boots since the trails can get rough.
• Be careful around seagulls, they're cheeky, brave, and thieving little devils! They'll steal your chips (fries) and you'll never see them coming! You should bring a jacket and an umbrella, it's rainy all year round here. When it doesn't rain, the locals gather to celebrate!

Last tips in the case of an emergency

An emergency? In Dublin? Here’s everything you need to know!

• We highly recommend you spring for travel insurance, you don't want to be paying off medical bills for the rest of your life, do you? EU citizens can always grab the EHIC card.
• Irish food often has allergens like wheat, nuts, and dairy, so tell the vendors or servers about them and they'll warn you.
• 112 is for medical emergency services, while 999 will get the Irish police force to you in no time.

So, is Dublin safe?

Dublin is a very safe city, even for solo female travelers! Just remember to keep a lookout for potential scams and don't stray into dark alleys. Also, don't down that last shot of whiskey if you'll end up sleeping the night away on a bench. That just wouldn't be safe! And remember Bounce if you want to leave anything valuable behind while you experience the pleasures of Dublin! Find one of the luggage storage spots near you and start your Dublin adventure in style!