Staying Safe in Ireland

Police Station sign, by infomatique

In common with everywhere Ireland has its share of thieves and car thieves in particular are quick to spot unwary tourists. Most areas are safe to walk in but be cautious of going too far off the beaten track in cities and large towns.

None of this is intended to alarm.

Ireland has a low crime rate and is not a dangerous place for visitors, but crime does happen and it is sensible to take basic precautions to ensure that your holiday is not spoiled.

Safety Tips

The following tips will help ensure that you have a safe trip:

• Carry the minimum amount of valuables with you. Leave jewelry, tickets, credit cards, passports and cash in the hotel safe if possible.
• Carry your passports credit cards and money separately. At least in the event of a theft you are likely to lose only one.
• Make a list of your passport, travelers checks and credit card numbers before you travel. Bring one copy with you and leave one at home.
• Never have one person carry all passports – asking for trouble that!
• Don’t be a hero. If you are mugged hand over the goodies without panic – you do NOT want to be injured.
• Stick to well-lit, busy areas when walking at night and don’t walk alone after 1 a.m. anywhere.
• Wear bags from one shoulder across to the hip. Keep your bag close by when in pubs or restaurants.
• Park your car in well lit areas, preferably in designated car parks or multi-storey car parks. Never leave any valuables visible in your parked car.

Be Alert for Pickpockets!

Pickpockets operate regularly in areas frequented by tourists, especially around museums and bus and train stations. Hotels restaurants and pubs, where relaxed visitors are likely to have their guard down, are also popular spots for theives.

Pickpockets are quick to recognise tourists and assume that they carry large amounts of cash and are easy targets. I know it is tricky but in cities especially, try not to look too obvious a target!

In Dublin the area around O’Connell Bridge and the Liffey in general is often frequented by groups of children who surround visitors while begging. DO NOT be fooled into sympathy, however deserved it may be. These kids are very expert pickpockets – move on quickly keeping a tight hold of your bags.

What to do if things go wrong

If you do become a victim of a theft ask someone for directions to the nearest Garda (Police) station. Report the theft or loss to the police and be sure to ask for a copy of their report, which you will need for insurance purposes and which will also explain the absence of any documents should you have lost those too.

If you have lost your documents - visas, passports etc - you will need to contact your embassy to have them replaced. There is a list of embassies here.

If you have lost credit cards, you will also need to contact the issuing companies as soon as possible. Again, there is a list on the Emergency Contacts page.

The Irish Tourist Assistance Service is a marvellous organisation who help tourists who have been victims of crime. Largely staffed by volunteers, it is there to provide both practical and emotional support and to act as a friend to any visitors who find themselves in difficulty as a result of crime.