Is Ireland safe?
In 2025, the Institute for Economics and Peace released its ranking of countries across the world based on their peacefulness. It measures the state of peace based on three primary factors: the level of societal safety and security, the extent of ongoing domestic and international conflict, and the degree of militarization.
In these rankings, Ireland performed incredibly well, ranking 2nd out of 163 countries, with Iceland taking the top spot.
Okay, so how safe is Dublin?
Unfortunately, Dublin isn’t as safe as other parts of Ireland. Like any capital city, Dublin’s large and dense population means it has higher rates of crime than other parts of the country. According to the Central Statistics Office, thefts and burglaries occur more frequently in the city.
The US Department of State, which assesses cities for risks to its citizens, considers Dublin a medium-threat location. This is because of past incidents of “petty theft, burglary, and other minor offenses”.
While Dubliners recognise the city’s issues with theft, a recent survey by the European Commission also shows that Dublin’s public transport is considered to be much safer than that of the average European city. And is Dublin safe at night? Well, 75% of respondents said they feel secure walking the streets after dark too.
There’s no denying that Dublin has its fair share of pickpockets and other lawbreakers. So it’s important to take the same precautions that you would in any other large city. Keep your valuables secure, don’t walk in dimly lit areas alone at night, be alert and make sure to have your phone on-hand at all times.
The Irish police force
An Garda Síochána, which means ‘the Guardian of the Peace’, maintain people’s safety in Dublin. They are usually called the Gardaí or the Guards, for short.
With almost 15,000 members, they patrol the streets in high vis jackets and don’t usually carry firearms. They’re quite approachable too, so don’t hesitate to ask one for help.
Police response times are quick in Ireland’s urban areas – especially Dublin. It’s just one of the many benefits of living here. In an emergency you can call 999. Otherwise, you can contact your local Garda station about non-urgent matters.
Find out more in our guide to Ireland’s must-know emergency numbers.
