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

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How safe is Galway?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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

4.3 /5

based on 10 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.7/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

3.5/5

Budget-friendly

3/5
Kia

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

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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Weronika

Weronika

Germany

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
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Annette

Annette

Australia

Solo travel

I felt safe in Galway, moved freely around the space with no worries. The music in the streets was such a highlight. I even hired a car to explore the outskirts of the "city" and I am so glad I did because the sights and views were unbelievable

Posted: May 31, 2024
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Solo travel

I travelled to Galway on a low budget. It is pretty expensive especially for accommodation, but not much more than many other cities in Europe. I felt safe in the city though and the countryside is beautiful.

Posted: May 27, 2024Experienced: April, 2024
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Cassidy

Cassidy

United States

Group travel

Galway was the first city we visited in Ireland and it was just stunning. It was easily the most enchanting place I’ve ever been and I loved the quaint nature of the city. I was with a group of girls and we felt super safe, the people were so kind, and the area we were in made everything easily accessible. We had a car, however I think it could easily be walkable with a little bit different planning.

Posted: April 11, 2024
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Solo travel

It was such a fun experience in Galway. I did a tour from a local tour guide. It was very interesting. Also, not too far from the cliffs of Moher. I felt quite safe the whole stay. I met different kinds of people and they were all very friendly! Also loved the accent

Posted: April 9, 2024Experienced: May, 2023
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Solo travel

Super nice little town - cozy vibes. Felt very safe, lots of cute areas to explore. Lots of cute pubs, good food. Not much to do in terms of attractions, but nice to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere.

Posted: November 29, 2023Experienced: November, 2023
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Solo travel

Galway is a charming little town. Very pedestrian-friendly and safe, with the possibility of day trips to many attractions (Kylemore Abbey, Cliffs of Moher etc.) People are very kind and helpful. Good public transportation.

Posted: October 19, 2023
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Is Galway safe for women?

Safety index

3.6 /5

Based on 4 local experiences

Crime index

1 /5

Based on 4 local experiences

It is safe in many areas just not when walking alone at night in unpopular areas. I would always try to stay with someone. I have lived here for 18 years now and I have been followed in Galway only a few times. (Still not good but unfortunately it's almost normal for us women)

Posted: January 11, 2025
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Galway is a friendly vibrant tourist city which is safe to travel in. Lots of tours to join and solo travellers. Hostels are safe. I would recommend travelling here. It is a cultural city with lots of things to do and see for everyone

Posted: April 3, 2024
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Meet locals in Galway

Lilli

Lilli

About Me

Hiya! I‘m Lilli, in my early to mid-20s and I am currently studying film in Galway (although I am from Berlin, Germany). I love exploring new cities and getting to know new people and I never ever want to experience a party hostel ever again :D

Speaking

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Krista

Krista

About Me

Hi!! I’m student staying in Galway for the next few years. I’m from the states but I want to travel much more!!

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Galway

Fauve

Fauve

Galway

Can host for:

3 days

About me

My main passion is positive dog training and showing dog owners how they can best care for their dog and prevent unwanted behaviours by modifying way they feed and treat them. I love to read and travel. I am starting out solo travelling for the first time.

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Sofia

Sofia

Galway

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I am Sofia, living in Ireland in beautiful city Galway for last 7 years. I am single mum and I love traveling for short trips in Europe. I like to explore new cultures and traditions with respect for natives. I would love to travel some stage to Thailand and I will when I have chance to take more days off. I am very friendly and happy to meet new people. Hopefully can meet someone in my city Galway.

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Safety in Ireland