Is Galway Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Galway is widely known to be safe and welcoming for solo female travelers. The locals are friendly and always happy to help if needed. Like everywhere, it's imperative to practice general precautions such as avoiding walking alone late at night in desolated areas and keeping your belongings secure, but overall, you should not have any major concerns regarding safety.

Safety rating

4.5 /5

Based on 13 experiences from female travelers

4.7 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.8 /5

Based on 6 experiences from local women

Galway is currently ranked #2 safest place in Ireland for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 4.5 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Galway?

Safety at night:Safe

Galway typically experiences lower crime rates than other large cities and it's often considered a safe place for solo female travelers. At night, most areas still feel safe and welcoming, though it's always advisable to maintain a general level of caution and street smarts. Well-lit paths, populated areas, and known routes are your best bet when walking alone. Hardly any problems would usually be encountered, but as with any city, it's worth avoiding isolated areas late at night.

Public transportation:Very safe

Public transportation in Galway is generally considered to be very safe, with numerous modes available including buses, trains, and trams. Security measures such as CCTV cameras are in place in many areas, and staff are typically very helpful. Additionally, Ireland as a whole has a lower crime rate compared to other countries making it safe for solo female travellers. As usual, it's recommended to stay alert and keep an eye on your belongings, especially during peak travel times.

Street harassment:Low

Galway is generally a safe and welcoming city for solo female travelers. Instances of street harassment are rare, and it's not something that should be a great concern. That said, common sense precautions should always be taken, such as avoiding certain areas late at night and not being excessively friendly with strangers. The locals are often friendly and willing to lend a hand if asked. The overall ambiance of the city is relaxed and people are respectful.

Petty crimes:Low

Galway is generally safe and most visits are trouble-free, but petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching do occur. It's advisable to take basic precautions like safeguarding your personal belongings and avoiding poorly lit areas at night. Using sturdy, zipped bags and not flaunting valuable items in public can also reduce one's risk.

Is Galway worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 13 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.8/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

3.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.1/5

Group travel

I spend a year in Ireland as I did an exchange year, it was clearly the best year of my life ! And Galway became my favourite city... I feel like Irish people are so nice and polite, I felt very safe ! You can walk from the city center to the beach, it's a really nice walk and not that long but the water is freezing ! During Christmas time there is a Christmas market and it's relatively nice, it's really pretty but I didn't like the food..

Posted: May 28, 2025

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Lola

France

Group travel

I fully recommend to go to Galway, and Ireland in général it's really amazing. The people there are really nice, and you feel really safe and welcoming with all the locals. I also recommend to go to the cliffs of moher, it's really worth it.

Posted: February 20, 2025Experienced: March, 2022

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Naomi

Ireland

Group travel

Galway city was one of the most loveliest places I've ever visited. Very easy to travel to most places by foot and lots of delicious food Everyone is super friendly and it felt very safe Most places weren't expensive

Posted: February 16, 2025Experienced: December, 2024

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Kia

Germany

Group travel

First things first, I had a great time in Galway. However I did not experience the night life so can't say much about that. During the day I felt completely safe, I did not travel alone but I was alone at times but did not worry one bit. I was in the cutest boba store ever, ate Asian cuisine in Ireland, which to be honest I did not expect to actually find and saw picturesque sights✨

Posted: January 9, 2025

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Valentine

France

Solo travel

I was in Galway during the Christmas season. It was really nice. I didn't spend a lot of money, just for a matcha latte and a scone. It was my first trip alone and I felt really safe. I was hosted by a friend of my mom in a town near bye: Athenry

Posted: December 27, 2024Experienced: December, 2023

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Solo travel

Galway felt very safe, even when travelling alone. The locals were friendly and I didn't have any negative experiences. There are a lot of tourists so the main street was quite crowded, I'd recommend visiting in the morning when it's quieter. I'd also recommend doing some activities if travelling alone, like a cruise or a bus tour.

Posted: December 9, 2024

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Is Galway safe for women?

Safety index

3.8 /5

Based on 6 local experiences

Crime index

1.2 /5

Based on 6 local experiences

Galway is technically a city, but in reality, it is just a large town easily accessible and to find your way around. People are very friendly and helpful, and there is a real sense of community. I have lived here 8 years and have never had a spot of trouble

Posted: June 3, 2025

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A lovely place to stay and live, generally safe overall but like any city or area vigilance is key, particularly in certain areas on the outskirts of the city where it can be a bit rough but and occupancies of crime are petty or provoked not random

Posted: April 30, 2025

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