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 rating

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How safe is Ireland?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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.
Tap water:

Tap water:Very safe

The tap water in Ireland is of a very high quality, meeting all the stringent European and international health standards. Most people drink it directly from the tap without any issues. Bottled water is an option, but not necessary for health reasons. Still, it's wise to stay hydrated and carry a reusable water bottle wherever you go.

Is Ireland safe to travel?

4.9 /5

Based on 29 experiences

Solo travel experience

I stayed about 7 days in Ireland. I stayed Dublin, Galway and Doolin, and I visited Ennis, Glendalough, Kilkenny and the island of Inishmore in day trips. I had such a lovely time and I generally felt very safe even while being a solo female traveler, although I didn’t really go out at night a lot. Doolin was such a lovely place even though it’s tiny, I recommended it to everyone who’s going to Ireland! Food, activities and transportation were definitely expensive so keep that in mind while you plan your budget for your trip. Galway was very lively in the Latin quarters and super good food options! Lots of pubs and bars pretty much everywhere. I really enjoyed my trip and saw beautiful landscapes and sight. Really recommend!

Posted: June 27, 2024
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Des

Des

Netherlands

Group travel experience

My experience in Ireland has been very positive. The people I met were incredibly kind, the culture was tremendously rich, and nature was beautiful beyond words. Overall, I felt very welcome and at home. And I was pleasantly surprised to find that I felt safe exploring the local towns and villages by myself during the evening. I visited Dublin, Galway, and then made my way down the Wild Atlantic Way. Of course, I would gladly recommend all the more familiar things to do and sights to see, such as visiting the Guinness Storehouse, Galway Bay, Cliffs of Moher, and Bunratty Folk Park & Castle, and experiencing an Irish dance show with music live. And I instantly fell in love with Tralee, Killarney, Cobh, and many other amazing places in the South-West, as well. All the while, I was deeply touched and inspired by the openness of the locals to share experiences and cultures, as well as by their willingness to exchange languages.

Posted: May 18, 2024
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Solo travel experience

Ireland was my very first solo trip. A beautiful country with even more beautiful people. I was so nervous but once I got there, there wasn’t a single moment or area that felt unsafe or uncomfortable. I would recommend it to anyone.

Posted: April 8, 2024
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Couple travel experience

I felt safe in Ireland. Great place to discover their culture, their customs and their beatiful sports. Some people were friendly and other were more serious, but i stayed comfortable in general. Great experience!

Posted: January 12, 2024
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Solo travel experience

I undertook a journey through Ireland alone. Starting with 4 days in Dublin. One of these days was a bus tour to Northern Ireland/Belfast. Then I went to Cork and Killarney. I stayed there for 3 days. I travelled to Dingle, and then to Galway. I stayed there for one day. The last stop was Ashford Castle in Mayo for one day (expensive, but totally worth it). I returned to Dublin to leave from there. It was amazing, I felt safe, public transportation is great and I highly recommend it.

Posted: December 29, 2023
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Couple travel experience

Ireland is phenomenal. We spent there 14 days and I regret that we had to leave. People in Ireland are so nice, I felt quite safe walking the streets and even asking people for recommendations. The food is so good that I think I gained a few kilograms, and then I dropped it all. Buses are easy to navigate, people are willing to help. Taxis and Ubers are everywhere.

Posted: December 28, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I was traveling alone in Ireland. It's very easy to get around, I felt as safe there as at home, and all the inhabitants were kind and helpful. I don't often use public transportation, but the trains were fantastic and easy to understand.

Posted: December 25, 2023
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Solo travel experience

Felt safe through and through ..transportation was reliable and cheap. Food was fair. Accommodation varies from place to place depending where you wanna stay . Found some cheap accommodation but generally it’s expensive.

Posted: December 18, 2023
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Solo travel experience

In June and July 2023 I travelled through Ireland as my first workaway experience. I stayed in Co. Galway for a week, but had to change hosts, so I went to a family who lived near Bantry. Towards the end of my trip I also visited Cork City and Dublin. Overall I felt mostly safe everywhere I went and met nice people. Galway is beautiful, but so is Co. Cork and Bantry Bay. Travelling solo brings it's ups and downs, but I loved my trip and took a lot from it. Ireland is a beautiful country and very suitable for solo travellers. However, if you don't have your own car, it can be a bit tricky to get to certain places sometimes, as public transport isn't the best. But it always worked out for me, so in the end it's just all about the adventure :)

Posted: December 10, 2023Experienced: May, 2023
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Solo travel experience

I went to Ireland for my first solo trip. I spent a few days in Dublin, but I really enjoyed the organized tour of the western coast. I felt super safe and it was amazing.

Posted: November 6, 2023
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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: July 26, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

**The Canadian Government advises:** **Take normal security precautions in Ireland.** Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 15, 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: December 4, 2023

Is Ireland worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 29 experiences

Solo travel experience

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
Things to do: 4/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Travelled Solo in Ireland for 6 month and stayed at Several farms and worked in a hostel. I travelled with low budget and only met nice people and made new Friends. It was totally worth it and a lifetime experience.

Posted: February 18, 2024Experienced: January, 2020
Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Ireland

Meet local women in Ireland who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Olivia

Olivia

About Me

Hi, I am a 23 year old from Ireland. I love to solo travel and meet new, interesting people. I enjoy spending time in nature but also enjoy city life too.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Ireland

Stay with local women in Ireland who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Jaqueline

Jaqueline

Dublin

Can host for:

1 day

About me

Hello everyone! I'm Jaqueline, 29 years old, and I'm from Mexico. I have been living in Ireland for two years now, where I am learning English and enjoying a new culture. I started traveling solo more than five years ago, an experience that has allowed me to grow and learn a lot. I'm a big fan of couch surfing: I've had the chance to host other travelers and also stay in the homes of wonderful people. These experiences have enriched my travels and allowed me to make unforgettable friendships. I consider myself a fun and cheerful girl, always ready to meet and connect with more female travelers. I look forward to sharing many adventures and experiences with you all!

Speaking

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Elaine

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

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Upcoming visitors to Ireland

Connect with upcoming visitors to Ireland who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Brianna

Brianna

About Me

My name is Bri! I’m originally from the USA but have been living in Melbourne, Australia for a few years now. You can often find me traveling for work and for fun, I previously traveled across South America for 5 months, and am currently traveling through Europe until October. I’m a native English speaker but speak Spanish as well :) My favorite things to do when traveling is eating yummy local food and spending time outside hiking!

Speaking

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Gabby

Gabby

About Me

Hullo! I love learning, culture and new experiences ~ if you're a fan of these too then I'm definitely up for going on misadventures. I have a degree in Illustration so love doing plein air doodles and visiting art galleries/exhibitions. I also work at a pet shop and love seeing local wildlife.

Speaking

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Safety in Ireland