Is Dublin safe for solo female travellers?
Dublin is one of those undeniably charming places you’ll find yourself mingling with friendly locals while exploring cobbled streets and absorbing art and local culture. This ancient city carries a mighty reputation despite its small size. If you’ve got the itch to visit the Irish capital, but you’re wondering if it’s safe for a solo female traveller, then read on as we lay out all things travel and safety in Dublin.
So, is Dublin Safe for Solo Female Travellers? Dublin is considered one of the safest places for women to travel solo. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing do happen, so don’t rely on the ‘luck of the Irish’. You should travel as prepared and vigilant as you would in any capital city.
Due to its compact size, it’s easy to get around Dublin by foot. When sightseeing this way, you’ll avoid train stations and other high-crime areas of the city. For an extra precaution, upgrade your usual boyleg underwear to underwear with pockets, in which you can store your valuables. We’ve developed a handy guide so you know what travel-wise precautions you can take when packing, arriving, and exploring Dublin.
What to pack
Travel essentials these days include items such as hand sanitiser and face masks, as well as certain things to keep you feeling safe and secure during solo travel. Items and accessories like padlocks, photocopies of documents, spare bank cards, and portable chargers are solo-travel savvy items, as are a few pairs of underwear with pockets. Store your most valuable items like cash, cards, and your passport in the hidden pocket when exploring. Choose between full-brief travel undies, or a hipster style, which are as comfy as your go-to boyleg underwear.
Weather-wise, it can get pretty cold, wet, and windy during Dublin’s long winters, so make sure you pack the right clothes. There’s an old quote that’s good for travellers to keep in mind: ‘There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.’
Summer is comfortable in Dublin, but make sure you pack your brolly!
When you arrive
So you’ve arrived at the airport. You’ll hopefully still be donning your face mask for health purposes. Your next priority is to get yourself set up for safety. Solo travellers should always inform a loved one where they are as soon as they arrive, if not before. Convert or withdraw cash, store it safely in your travel undies, and make your way into Dublin city centre (which is about 10kms from the airport by bus or taxi). It’s also a good idea to get a sim card as soon as possible after arrival if you don’t have international data roaming.
Where to stay
The district of Temple Bar is not only central and safe, it’s the creative soul of Dublin. It’s got everything from pop-up markets, enticing eateries, and world-class galleries to the best nightlife Dublin has to offer. Rest your head at the no-frills Temple Bar Lane to have it all at your doorstep.
Dublin’s Portobello is an oasis for shopaholics and foodies alike. It’s got a friendly-community vibe and is often dubbed ‘Little Jerusalem’ due to its strong influence from Eastern European Jewish culture. Stay at the cosy, budget-friendly Portobello Hotel which overlooks the Grand Canal.
Getting around
Since you’re likely to spend most of your time wandering about on foot, it’s a good idea to download an app like Google Maps or Apple Maps on your phone - if you haven’t already done so. Buses are also an option to get around town, or you could hire a bike! The tram system will get you out to the suburbs, and the coastal train (called the DART) will help you visit the towns bordering Ireland’s breathtaking coastline. The Leap Visitor Card offers great value for tourists to use both bus and rail options over a few days. Don’t forget to flag down your bus in Ireland.
Money
You’ll need a few Euros to buy all those heady Irish beers and castle tickets! Solo travellers should make sure they have a backup bank card or two, and be watchful when using ATMs. In Dublin, the currency is the Euro and you can pay with either cash or card. It’s important that you use ATMs from trusted banks, and that you store all your cash and cards safely in travel underwear. Similar to how a padlock or a super secret zipper provides an added level of security for your luggage, underwear with pockets secures your cash, cards and passport.
What to do
There are countless things to do and see in and around Dublin. Marvel at cathedrals and castles, party like the Irish in bars and pubs, take a tour through the Guinness or Jameson whisky factories, or visit the iconic Trinity College Library. If you enjoy finding gems in narrow cobbled laneways, make a beeline for historic streets such as Capel Street, Crown Alley, Essex Street, see the statue of Molly Malone in Suffolk Street, and the Creative Quarter’s Drury Street. Outside the city limits, there are plenty of day-trip opportunities: Visit the Cliffs of Moher, charming Kilkenny, or the rugged Wicklow Mountains.
What to eat
Get your morning coffee and pastry at one of the Brother Hubbards dotted around town to set you up for a day of sightseeing. In the heart of Dublin is a huge eatery called Drury Buildings where they celebrate seasonal, locally sourced produce. It’s the perfect place to get a taste of Ireland for lunch, dinner, an afternoon snack, or drinks.
Dublin is known for its seafood, so that’s something you won’t want to miss out on. Head into Temple Bar when the food markets are on to stock up on artisanal foodie fare and be sure to try as much seafood as possible!
Conclusion
A city that packs a punch, Dublin is well worth a visit and is one of the best places for solo female travellers. Make the most of your stay: Travel confidently, comfortably, and safely with our hidden pocket underwear and travel accessories.