Home

Safety

Europe

Ireland

Is Ireland Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Ireland is generally very safe for solo female travelers. The locals are hospitable and welcoming. Low crime rates and high police visibility reinforce the sense of security. However, normal precautions, like avoiding solitary walks late at night in secluded areas and making sure you stay in endorsed accommodation, should be applied as in any travel situations.

Safety index

4.9 /5

Based on 30 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4 /5

Based on 36 experiences from local women

Ireland is currently ranked #5 safest country for solo female travelers. Check the full ranking.

Meet new people

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.

How safe is Ireland?

Safety at night:Safe

Overall, Ireland is considered a safe destination, including during night hours. As a solo female traveller, you may feel safe and secure walking alone at night in most parts of Ireland. However, it's worth being cautious, especially in less populated areas or unfamiliar parts of towns and cities. Instances of crime are generally low, but being aware of your surroundings and avoiding dark, secluded areas is advised as it is for any location worldwide.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Ireland is generally safe, including buses, trams, and trains. Daytime travel is absolutely safe, and even night services are quite reliable. However, like anywhere, maintain a level of vigilance, especially during late-night hours. Overall, reliability, safety measures, and the respect locals have for public transit make it a convenient means of travel.

Street harassment:Low

Ireland, in general, is a friendly and welcoming country to solo female travelers. While certain instances of harassment are not unheard of, they are relatively quite rare and are not majorly a part of the Irish culture. Yet, always be mindful of your surroundings, and if uncomfortable situations arise, do not hesitate to ask for help from local residents or authorities.

Petty crimes:Low

In Ireland, petty crimes such as pickpocketing or bag snatching are not widespread but do occur, particularly in crowded tourist areas and on public transport. However, with basic precautions and vigilance about your surroundings, these risks can be minimized. Always keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuable items openly. Despite this, the overall criminal activity level is relatively low compared to other European destinations.

Is Ireland worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 30 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.9/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.6/5

Dublin, Solo travel

My experience in Dublin was verry positive. The city is a great place for solo travelers and the people are verry friendly. I can really recomend going hiking along the coast, if you can. The night live in Dublin is great but I do not recomend going alone (I went with someone else)

Posted: September 6, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Dublin, Solo travel

Really good experience in Dublin to learn English: - Not really safe - Cool people - Really friendly - Beautiful landscape and good food - But expensive, including the hostel - Not really good accessibility; I had to take a car to travel freely

Posted: August 19, 2024

favorite_border 1

mode_comment 0

Shay

United States

Moher, Solo travel

Loved it! Took a train and a bus from Dublin, total trip time was about 2 hours I think. 20 min hike up to the cliff and it was extremely windy but very beautiful! Highly recommend. Very peaceful atmosphere

Posted: August 18, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Loren

France

Ireland, Solo travel

Ireland was my first solo trip abroad at the age of 26! I unexpectedly got two weeks off from work, and without a passport, my destination options were limited to Europe. Ireland was the only place with good weather—unbelievable! So, I set off for 10 days in December and quickly discovered how much the Irish love Christmas! After spending two days in Dublin (that was enough), I rented a car (make sure to have a credit card, not a debit one, or you might face a pricey surprise 😭) to explore the island. I absolutely loved the Dingle Peninsula, where you can actually drive on a beach, the must-see Cliffs of Moher, the Burren National Park with its snail-shaped mountain (yes, really!), and of course, the iconic Connemara with its legendary winds! And make sure to visit at least one castle ruin on your way—it’s mystic! The Irish are incredibly welcoming. I mostly stayed in B&Bs and a hostel in Dublin. Outside of the tourist season, it’s just perfect because you practically have the sites to yourself! And yes, the rumors are true—understanding the Irish can be quite a challenge, especially after a few pints when they stop making any effort with their accent 😆. Driving on the left is easier in the city than in the countryside, where there are fewer cars and no road markings... it’s easy to slip back into old habits, which can lead to a few heart-stopping moments!

Posted: August 18, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Easkey, Solo travel

Easkey is a super quaint little surf town on the west coast of Ireland. Super windy during my visit. Easy to get to from Sligo on a bus. There isn’t much to do here, a day or two is perfect for exploring. If you’re a full-blown surfer maybe 2 days wouldn’t be enough xD. I did see several surfers here from all over the world. Everyone was super friendly. I stayed at Easkey Hostel and had a nice experience there.

Posted: August 13, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Weronika

Germany

Galway, Solo travel

I felt really safe in Galway, even though my campsite was located outside of the city and I had to travel there by bus (quite a long journey). The people were all extremely friendly and nice, I really have no complaints:)

Posted: August 11, 2024Experienced: July, 2024

favorite_border 1

mode_comment 0

Ireland, Solo travel

I love solo trip! Ireland is a really beautiful country with a lot of green grass and nature. As a girl, I choose to stay 3 days in Dublin and 3 days in Galway. My favorite part during this travel was Aran island : an island that people can discover with a bike, a peaceful place. I choose to sleep in youth hostel in Dublin and it was perfect. In Galway I was sleeping at a friend‘s house. Don’t forget to taste the Guinness.

Posted: July 18, 2024

favorite_border 5

mode_comment 0

Irina

Switzerland

Dublin, Solo travel

My first solo travel ever was a prolonged weekend in Dublin. I've always been lazy in vacation, preferring to stay in the hotel - this trip changed me. I had a fullpacked itinerary that forced me to go outside and meet people. I had the confidence to make friends with tourguides and other tourists alike. The Irish just have that special something ♥️ I felt pretty safe, but probably not as much as back home in Switzerland - but that's hard to achieve

Posted: July 14, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Dublin, Couple travel

I felt really safe while in Dublin, I'm not sure but I guess my boyfriend travelling with me made some difference. I found it really easy to get to the places I planned to visit, the public transportation system was nice, clean and efficient. Only once I saw a bus driver ignore the people on the bus stop, which made me feel like a latina again (jk) I was able to eat good and cheap food at the non-european restaurants, specially indian, brazilian, colombian and iraqi restaurants. Always look for the restaurants inside the underground galleries. Vegan options were also quite easy to find, the issue is the closing time. I wasn't really the best at planning the hiking activities and we would arrive back in Dublin late enough for the restaurants to be closed or closing, so keep that in mind.

Posted: July 10, 2024Experienced: September, 2022

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Dublin, Solo travel

I felt very safe during my semester abroad in Dublin, as the city is well-patrolled and the locals are friendly. I stayed in a student dormitory, which was convenient and comfortable. I recommend visiting the Pub Old Town Road for its beautiful live music, as well as the Café Coffee and Beans for a great coffee experience.

Posted: July 10, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Is Ireland safe for women?

Safety index

4 /5

Based on 36 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 36 local experiences

Cynthia

Cork

Cork is relatively safe, the odd bollocks once in a while but most of the time it's sound. Maybe a bit better if you're in a group, especially at night. A bit of common sense and don't provoke the large groups who are doing to show off for their pals, and you'll be grand.

Posted: September 18, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Cork

It is generally safer than Dublin. But recent years got a bit uneasy but overall i have no problems. The public transport has more female drivers. It is generally a small city and not so much things to do. City gets quiet after 10 pm. Not so many night life as well.

Posted: September 6, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Check all reviews

Is Ireland safe right now?

Before your visit to Ireland, it's essential to check travel advisories for Ireland, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.

🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

**The United States Government advises exercising normal precautions in Ireland.** Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: August 28, 2024

🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Canadian government advises taking normal security precautions in Ireland. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: August 30, 2024

🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian Government advises exercising normal safety precautions in Ireland. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: September 26, 2024

Meet locals in Ireland

Fan

About Me

Heyyy I am a big foodie! I have been working in Ireland for 5 years, recently started traveling around Europe. I like to do solo-trips but I also like to connect with locals so I can better understand the city and their life styles and stories :) I am very adventurous, I like to try new experiences and explore new hobbies. I like scuba diving, it brings me a new whole world of under water. I also like boxing as a new hobby this year, it makes me feel alive and stronger ! I am tidy and respectful, hope to build connections over the world and make good friendship ! 🙌

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Zilan

About Me

My name is Zilan, Im from Turkey and Ive been living in Dublin for the last 1,5 years, im a master student in here. I love meeting new people.

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Ireland

Elaine

Bray

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I'm a 50ish Irish Lady who loves to travel and explore and meet new people. I mainly house and pet sit when I travel but I've also done volunteering and couchsurfing as I go. I don't drink but I know how to have fun without alcohol 😁. I like trail running (I'm very slow), CrossFit (I laugh a lot at myself doing this), yoga (who doesn't want to feel zen and find inner peace).

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Neeku

Dublin

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I'm Neeku and I'm interested in camping, caving, culture, cycling, digital nomad, hiking, languages, nature, photography, shoestring, solo travel, van life, technology and skiing

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Check all hosts

Upcoming visitors to Ireland

Raizel

About Me

Recently quit a job with a toxic boss who tied to make me feel like my role was small and insignificant. So instead, I’m gonna be taking a grand Europe trip while everything falls apart in my department because I left. Hope to meet some new friends to explore the cities or grab a bite to eat. Dublin London Madrid Bordeaux Paris