Is Ireland Safe to Travel Alone as a Solo Female Traveler

Is Ireland safe to travel solo?

Last updated on January 14th, 2025 at 10:01 am

Ireland was my first real solo travel destination. While I’d moved from my home in San Francisco, California to Detroit, Michigan without knowing anyone, and had a few years of experience doing things on my own like going out to eat and meeting new people I’d never truly traveled alone. I decided to use my PTO to visit Ireland, a place I’d been wanting to visit for years, but was putting off while I waited for someone to join me. For my 28th birthday, I decided to take the leap and book my first solo trip to Ireland! Not to be dramatic, but my life hasn’t been the same since.

As I began planning my trip to Ireland, one question continued to pop up: Is Ireland safe to travel alone? Especially as a woman traveling alone.

If you’d like the TLDR answer, it’s a resounding yes. Ireland is one of the safest countries to visit, especially for women traveling solo.

Since that first solo trip to Ireland, I’ve been back eight times (and am currently planning another trip). I’ve had the opportunity to visit the Emerald Isle’s major cities like Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast. I’ve also spent quite a bit of time in more rural areas and small towns.

Through all of those trips and all of the places I’ve visited, I’ve never once worried about my safety as a solo female traveler.

That’s something I can’t say about my years spent living in San Francisco or Detroit.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a tiny bit of income if you decide to make a purchase or booking.

 

Ireland travel resources

Ireland Ranks Top 5 on the Global Peace Index

While it’s nice to know that my personal experience has been positive, let’s put some facts behind that for support.

The Global Peace Index ranks 163 independent states and territories according to their level of peacefulness, which is based on the level of societal safety and security, the extent of ongoing domestic and international conflict, and the degree of militarization. 

In 2024, Ireland was ranked the second most peaceful country in the world. The other countries in the top five include Iceland, Denmark, New Zealand, Austria, and Singapore.

So yea, Ireland is pretty damn safe!.

Crime in Ireland

It would be naive to say that crime does not occur in Ireland because it does. However, it has a relatively low crime rate when you compare it to the United States, for instance.

There are gangs and drugs in Ireland that lend to violent crime. However, savvy tourists really shouldn’t have much interaction with them. 

Petty theft does occur in tourist areas, like Temple Bar in Dublin, as it does in many major cities throughout the world. 

However, as a whole, Ireland is a safe country to visit.

Why You Should Travel Solo in Ireland

Since Ireland is well known for its safety, it has become a popular destination for solo female travelers. 

While Irish is the official language of Ireland, English is the common language, so if you’re an English speaker or even have a limited knowledge of English, there isn’t much of a language barrier. 

Since signs are in both Irish and English you’ll also be able to easily navigate public transportation and driving!

Generally speaking, Ireland is filled with friendly locals. Most will happily engage in conversation with you, even if it’s just the bartender! You’re almost guaranteed to have a good time in Ireland thanks to Irish hospitality.

Ireland is also perfect for nature lovers. There are a number of National Parks with miles (km) of hiking trails, plenty of beautiful beaches to go for a sea swim, and Puffin sightings on the Aran Islands!

Ireland is also a small country, so you can see a great deal of it in a short amount of time.

Ready to go? Because, same!

Sitting on a bench in the Long Room of the Trinity College Library.
Woman in a red jacket walking through green hills.

20 Safety Tips for Visiting Ireland as a Solo Female Traveler

Now that I’ve inspired you to book that ticket to Ireland because of how safe and beautiful it is, there are still a few normal solo travel safety precautions to take when traveling around the Emerald Isle.

Most of these are common sense, but without further ado, here are some tips for staying safe while traveling solo in Ireland. 

  • Do your pre-trip research. One of the best ways to prepare for your trip is to do quality research. Research where you’re staying, how you’ll get around, and what you’ll be doing while you’re there! The more prepared you are the safer you’ll be.
  • Keep an eye on your belongings. When you’re in the pub or wandering about the city, make sure to keep your valuables (like your phone) out of sight. I also recommend leaving your passport and extra cash in your accommodation.
  • Be vigilant in popular tourist areas, train stations, and bus stations. This is where petty theft is most common. Don’t distract yourself by listening to loud music. If you look vigilant, you’re less of a target.
  • Use one Airpod/headphone for directions. If you’re using your phone to give you directions, put only one Airpod or headphone in your ear so you can listen to the directions without having your phone out and still being aware of your surroundings. Then, walk with a purpose!
  • Use your credit card. Throughout Ireland, credit cards are readily accepted. Use your travel credit card for your purchases and carry only minimal cash that you might need for the bus or a tip. It’s much easier to recover from having your credit card stolen than a few hundred euros (speaking from experience).
  • Share your location with people at home. I share my location constantly with people back home, and they have a general idea of my travel plans while in Ireland. If they decide to check on me and see I’m somewhere I didn’t mention, they can reach out. This has happened, and it’s usually because I’ve spontaneously decided to go somewhere else!
  • Enjoy a few pints – responsibly. Pub culture is one of my favorite things in Ireland, and I’ll be in a pub most nights on my trips. While I’ve definitely had a few drunken nights in Ireland with new friends, it’s important to monitor and moderate your drinks so you can continue to use common sense. 
  • Take a taxi at night. If you’ve got a long walk back to your hotel at night, take a taxi. There are Ubers in Dublin, but I prefer the FreeNow app as it’s used throughout the country. The app operates just the same as Uber.
  • Don’t share where you’re staying. I made this mistake on my first solo trip to Ireland. I was in a pub in Ennis when a flirt of an Irish gentleman offered to walk me back to my accommodation. I tried to ease myself out of the situation by saying, “Oh, it’s just right there; you can see it,” and then gave him my incorrect phone number. The next morning, I woke up, and the front desk had a note from him for me. Now, I pick a different hotel or hostel to tell people where I’m staying instead of the actual one. When people ask about where you’re staying, I do believe it’s out of genuine curiosity, but it’s a good idea to have a different accommodation to give out. 
  • Check reviews before booking your accommodation. Pay special attention to reviews from female travelers and any safety concerns in the comments. I also consider how the management responds to any negative reviews.
  • Stay in a hostel or B&B. I like staying in hostels while traveling alone in Ireland as they’re a great way to meet people. And while it’s not your hostel roommate’s responsibility to take care of you, they may notice if you need help. I also love B&Bs, and Ireland is like the land of B&B. B&Bs are a great way to gain more insight into the local area and ask questions about where to go and where to avoid. Plus, they expect to see you around breakfast time. If they don’t they may get concerned and just take note, waiting to see you later in the day.
  • Strike up conversations with people. Irish people are usually up for a nice chat over a pint. They may also be able to tell you their favorite places to visit in the area or places to avoid. But it’s also just nice to make some new friends while traveling and Ireland is a great place to do that!
  • Travel light. The best way to have a stress-free vacation is to travel light. It’s a pain to lug a huge suitcase with you through the streets of Dublin or Galway. Or on and off buses. If you can, pack carry-on only. This makes it easier to move around without hurting yourself (an often overlooked component of staying safe) and it makes you less of a target.
  • Pay attention to warnings. such as staying away from the cliff edges at the Cliffs of Moher. Again, your own personal health and safety is an important component of how to stay safe when traveling a
  • Take caution in the sea. Sea swimming is a very popular activity in Ireland, and if you decide to participate, make sure there are people swimming around you just in case you need help. The water is very cold and can be quite a shock if you’re not used to it. Also bring warm clothes and hot tea to help you warm up afterwards.
  • Get travel insurance: Yes, travel insurance will help you in the case of cancelled flights or lost luggage. But it will also help you if you get sick abroad. A lot of people think they only need this in extreme situations, but even an ear infection could be covered or sprained ankle!
  • Street harassment is incredibly rare in Ireland. Catcalling just doesn’t happen here, which makes exploring so much more enjoyable!
  • Stay hydrated and eat well. An often overlooked aspect of solo travel safety is staying hydrating and eating well. This prevents illness and keeps your energy levels high for all of your Irish adventures!
  • Don’t drink and drive. Not sure this needs more explanation.
  • Dial 999, the emergency number in Ireland when necessary.
Me walking in front of Brazen Head pub in Dublin

Solo Travel Safety Tips for Ireland’s Cities

Below are main cities that people typically include on their Ireland itinerary and my top safety tips for visiting them!

Solo Travel Safety in Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is likely your first stop on your Ireland itinerary, as it should be! Dublin is a beautiful city with great restaurants, pubs, and lots of history to explore. 

As Ireland’s capital city, Dublin attracts a large number of international tourists every year. As such, the city has a bit higher crime compared to other large cities in Ireland, but it’s mostly theft and pickpocketing in tourist areas like Temple Bar. 

Additionally, the area around O’Connell Street can get a bit rough at night, so it’s best to take a taxi back to your hotel if that is where you’re staying in Dublin

That being said, if you follow normal precautions and don’t get belligerently drunk, you should be ok.

Iconic Trinity College
Woman standing on Cliff Path in Howth Ireland

Solo Travel Safety in Galway, Ireland

Galway is my favorite place to visit in Ireland. I love the pubs, the live music, and the friendly atmosphere. Galway makes a great base for day trips around the West Coast of Ireland to see places like the Aran Islands, Connemara, and the Cliffs of Moher.

It’s also a really great place to meet new people, as the local Irish here are so friendly and welcoming!

Galway has lower crime rates than Dublin, and I’ve personally walked home at night from a pub a time or two feeling perfectly safe. Of course, I’ve been to Galway numerous times and have a good handle on how to get around.

I do recommend avoiding isolated areas and walking on well-known and well-lit streets. Walk with a purpose and pay attention to the area.

Woman walking down cobblestone street facing the camera.
standing on a grassy patch in front of Galway Bay and the colorful houses.

Solo Travel Safety in Cork, Ireland

Cork is the second largest city in Ireland and is considered Ireland’s southern capital.

There are a lot of fun things to do in Cork and smaller villages in Cork County to explore like Kinsale and Cobh.  

While Cork is a large city, it is still a very safe place to explore the main attractions like Blarney Castle. You should also be OK at night, but avoid walking the banks of the river at night as it’s very dark and secluded.

Large gothic church behind colorful homes in Cobh, Cork.
Woman walking down road towards orange pub.

Solo Travel Safety in Belfast, Ireland

Located in Northern Ireland (which is actually a part of the United Kingdom), Belfast has a troubled history. Today, however, Belfast is a perfectly safe and incredibly fun city to visit. The people in Belfast are incredibly friendly, and you’re almost guaranteed to have a good night out in Belfast.

As long as you avoid silly tourist mistakes like talking about The Troubles, religion, or politics, you’ll have a great time. 

If you want to educate yourself on this time in Northern Ireland’s history, I’d recommend reading the book Say Nothing or watching the show on Hulu. 

Woman walking on gray stones of the Giants Causeway.
Woman in red coat standing on rainy street at the dark hedges.

Solo Travel Safety on Public Transportation

I’ve traveled extensively throughout Ireland using only public transport and can confirm it is very safe. 

On buses, you’ll put your larger luggage underneath which is perfectly safe. Take your personal item on the bus with you. I usually sleep on buses so I keep this in my lap as an extra precaution (and if the bus is full).

Bus drivers are also full of good information. If you need to know where to get off for a certain activity, they usually know and are helpful in getting you there. 

Trains are also safe and will have an area to store your luggage as well.

Buses on the street in Dublin.

Solo Travel Safety Driving in Ireland

If you’re looking for a more scenic route throughout Ireland and want to be able to visit rural areas that are not well served by buses or trains, a car rental is the best way to get around Ireland.

While I’ve not rented a car in Ireland yet, I have in Scotland and think the same safety tips apply.

  • Get Insurance: Whether you’re using your credit card’s rental car coverage or you purchase extra coverage from the rental agency, make sure you are covered!
  • Stay on the left: If you’re not used to driving on the opposite side of the car and road, it can take a little bit to adjust to. I literally sang Beyonce’s “To the Left to the Left” driving in Scotland. You get used to it after about 30 minutes.
  • Keep your tank at least half full: Anytime you see a gas/petrol station – fill up the tank! You don’t want to get stranded on an isolated country road because you ran out of gas! 
  • Download Google Maps Offline: Service is likely spotty in the places you’re going, so download Google Maps so you can use it when you don’t have service. Also, have a general idea of your route before you hit the road.
  • Get your rest: If you’re not used to driving on the opposite side of the road or down the narrow country roads, it can be exhausting. Make sure to get your rest and stay alert when you’re driving!
  • Take your time: In the same respect, take your time on the narrow roads. Pull off to the side when possible to allow others to pass so you don’t feel rushed!

Want to book your Ireland rental car? Reserve it here!

How to Meet People Traveling in Ireland

A great way to stay safe while traveling alone is to meet new people! It’s incredibly easy to meet new people when traveling in Ireland. And that is coming from an introvert who isn’t the best at striking up conversations with strangers.

Ireland also lends itself to being easy to meet people as the Irish enjoy a good chat, and fellow travelers catch on to that energy and are open to meeting new people as well. There is a lovely community feel that you get in Ireland.

Here are a few of my tried and true ways to make new friends when traveling in Ireland:

  • Join a group tour: Group tours are a great way to see many of the beautiful places in Ireland and to meet new people along the way. You could do a guided day tour to check off a bucket list item while also making new friends! Here are the top day tours in Ireland.
  • Join a walking tour: I’ve met so many people on free walking tours in cities throughout the world. As you walk from stop to stop, say hi to someone who looks like they’re traveling alone.
  • Say hi: Say hi to the person you sit next to in the pub, the bus, the restaurant. Say hi to the bartender. Let the rest unfold naturally. 
  • Stay in a hostel: If you’re unsure about hostels, read my guide to staying in hostels as a solo female traveler, then book one in Ireland. The hostels in Ireland are amazing. I’ve borrowed a bike from a hostel roommate to cycle in Killarney National Park, have met drinking buddies for the night, and have made a friend to walk Salthill Prom with in Galway.

As with anywhere you travel or live, things happen. Not everywhere is 100% safe these days. But it would be a shame to let that fear stop you from seeing beautiful places in the world, like Ireland. Use common sense, follow the safety precautions mentioned here and you’ll have an unforgettable experience in Ireland.

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