Is ireland safe for solo female travellers? 2023

Ireland is well known around the world for being welcoming and laid back. Is ireland safe for solo female travellers?

That primarily depends on its social structure. 

Ireland has a culture that is very proud and self-assured while not taking itself too seriously. 

Because of this, the Irish are a close-knit international community that is very hospitable to (and curious about) outsiders and visitors.

 

Going to the pub at night and enjoying yourself, especially on the weekends, has long been a tradition in Ireland. 

Whether you’re traveling alone or with a group, it’s always nice to meet new people from out of town. 

Ireland is now the ideal vacation spot for lone travelers as a result. 

Get on a bar stool and join the fun right away.

To help you get the most out of your Irish adventure, this page offers some suggestions for solo travel activities. 

Even lodging for solo travelers is made easier by it. 

On this page, you can find helpful information before your trip as well as useful advice for your stay. 

This webpage

Useful information before booking

Suggestions for solo travel

Top 8 advice for Irish solo travelers

Find lodging for one person.

Good to know

Emergencies & Safety

Advice for Solo Women Working in Ireland: Laws, Customs, and Safety

Travel for Singles

Ireland tours for singles

Each of our Tours

Is ireland safe for solo female travellers? Consider this before you travel. 

Traveling alone differs slightly from most other journeys you will take. 

So being ready pays off. 

Here are just a few guidelines to keep in mind before you set out on your journey.

1. Getting ready for a lone trip to Ireland

A raincoat should always be the first item you pack for an Irish vacation, no matter the time of year. 

In the height of the summer, it is not unusual to experience heavy downpours, making a raincoat indispensable. 

Quality water-proof footwear and leggings will also be helpful, depending on the activities you plan to engage in. 

A sturdy rucksack and a good pair of walking shoes are also recommended because Ireland’s cities and countryside are both ideal for exploring on foot.

Most airlines will let you bring 20 kg of luggage into Ireland. 

It is wise to first confirm the precise weight with your airline. 

In case you exceed your allowance, it is also worth booking some extra weight.

2. Dining & Accommodations for One

In Ireland, the majority of hotels charge by double rooms. 

Single rooms are available in some bed and breakfasts. 

Hostels are probably the best value for your money because they are much less expensive, even though you will have to share a room with strangers.

In Ireland, men and women both frequently dine alone in every type of establishment. 

A lunch of soup and a sandwich with tea or coffee would cost each person about €8–10. 

The cost of food and drink varies by region; for example, a pint of Guinness costs approximately €5.50 in Dublin and approximately €4.50 in Cork/Kerry.

3. Individual Security & Emergencies

Compared to other nations in Europe and North America, Ireland has a low crime rate. 

When traveling outside of the major cities, it is generally safe to travel alone. 

Obviously, you should continue to take the usual safety precautions. 

In any country, being overtly touristic can draw unwanted attention; this is especially true if you appear to be traveling alone.

The Irish Police are referred to as “the Guards” or “Garda.” 

The major cities in Ireland make them quite noticeable. 

Garda, ambulance, and fire emergency numbers are all 999. 

In Ireland, the legal drinking age is 18. 

Information for Female Solo Travelers

In Ireland, women can travel by themselves without any issues. 

Again, it is always a good idea to take the obvious safety precautions. 

Ask a staff member at the hotel where you are staying if the location you intend to visit is safe if you don’t know any locals. 

Tell someone where you’re going and when you’re planning to return. 

Give someone your phone number and write down theirs if you have a mobile device that is functional in Ireland. 

Avoid drinking to excess and keep the name and address of your accommodation written down, on your person, in case you forget

6 Suggested Experiences for Solo Travel in Ireland

Experience

Embrace the Irish Pub Experience

You’re in Ireland, after all.

The traditional Irish bar stands at the very core of Irish culture and, if you want to meet people and get a true experience of life in Ireland, the pub is the first place to go.

The traditional Irish bar is one of life’s great levellers: socioeconomic standing is meaningless, age is ignored (for over-eighteens, at least), and personal background is simply something to probe about over a few drinks.

Pull yourself a seat in an Irish pub and it won’t be long before people introduce themselves.

Buy them a drink and you’ll have fantastic company for the length of your stay.

We Irish are wonderful talkers, and we love to pass the hours with fascinating banter and good old Blarney.

If you’re fortunate, you could even catch a trad session – a traditional Celtic music night, when local musicians perform for their own entertainment and for anybody else who happens to be present.

BUYING A ROUND

A important feature of Irish bar etiquette is the round system, when each group member takes their turn at purchasing a drink for the others.

To dodge or skip your ’round’ is a significant social faux pas, whatever your own cultural origin.

In Ireland, it is commonly said: “It is difficult for two guys to go to a bar for one drink”.

Experience 2WALK THE IRISH LANDSCAPE\sWalking in Ireland

Ireland has so much to offer international tourists – the history, the culture, the welcoming familiarity of the people – but it is the landscape which supports each of these attractions and keeps people coming back year after year. Travelling alone provides you the freedom to buckle up your boots, get out there and experience the world. And the Irish scenery is something you don’t want to miss.

Wild and untamed, the nature of Ireland’s shoreline is something you have to experience for yourself.

Head to the west coast for the embracing majesty of the Atlantic, to the North for the world-renowned Causeway, Giant’s or to the East for the charming, calming presence of the Irish sea, ever to your left as you head south from Wicklow in East to Ireland’s Wexford and then Waterford in the South East.

Inland, you will find no lack of glens, mountains, woods and dales to keep you engaged and your camera working constantly.

Walks will frequently, but not always be uphill.

Ask at the local outdoors stores which are the finest routes for your level experience, fitness and interest.

WALKING TOURS IN IRELAND

A terrific idea to break up your walking journey in Ireland is to join a walking tour. With the guidance of a guide, you can put your map and compass away, take in the landscape, and know that you are experiencing some of the greatest routes, authorized by local experts. Perhaps more significantly, you will be able to communicate with others about where they have been and what they have experienced, obtaining wonderful recommendations for where to set off to on the next part of your travels.

INSIDER TIP: If you’re interested in finding out more about walking in Ireland, you may want to examine the extensive choice of Ireland adventure travel articles which is accessible via the outdoor adventure experts, AWE365.

Experience 3IRISH FESTIVALS & PARADES

Join in the ‘Craic’ during a festival or procession

You may be surprised by the number and diversity of festivals in Ireland: we Irish don’t need any reason to come together and enjoy good company, excellent music and the odd pint of Guinness.

Popular and famous festivals include Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann traditional music festival, The Dublin Horse Show, Fairyhouse Easter Festival, the truly bizarre Killorglin Puck Fair (where a goat is Formerly crowned king in the Kerry town of Killorglin), and the All-Ireland Finals in Hurling and Gaelic Football.

TONGUE-IN-CHEEK FESTIVALS

Some of the festivities have to be seen to be believed.

There’s The Rose of Tralee beauty contest, a self-ironic throwback and one of Ireland’s guilty pleasures, notably satirized as “The Lovely Girls Competition” in the Irish comedy show, Father Ted.

Why not swing by the Irish Redhead Convention in Crosshaven, Co. Cork?

Describing itself as “the hub of the worldwide redhead scene”, this lively summer event is dedicated solely to honoring persons with ginger hair.

Then there’s the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, which has been finding partners for bashful farmers for as long as anybody can remember.

Expect a pleasant, tongue-in-cheek pageant of naive, semi-awkward flirtation.

It’s good-humoured, unassuming and well-meant Irish fun.

Aside from these and other quaintly caricatured instances, each local village will have its own festivals, celebrating pretty much anything, and they’re a terrific chance to see Irish culture, meet the people, and discover some unmissable picture opportunities to take with you.

There will be dancing, drinking and lots of fun at them all so let your inhibitions go and join involved.

More details on Irish Festivals & Events.

St Patrick’s Day Festival and Parades

The most unmissable of all Irish experiences is St Patrick’s Day, celebrated on 17 March every year not just in Ireland but around the world.

Traditionally a remembrance of Ireland’s patron saint, St Patrick’s Day has evolved to symbolize much more than this, becoming an uniting symbol of solidarity, acceptance and good-natured fun for persons from all backgrounds.

It’s hard to imagine a popular event more suited to the open-minded solo travel community.

Experience 4LEARN A NEW SKILL

Combine inexpensive and sociable accomodation with a great learning experience by taking a residential course.

Residential courses are a terrific chance to mix with open-minded local folks.

And they generally come with lodging supplied, too.

This makes them excellent for tourists who would want to meet people along the journey.

EXISTING HOBBIES

If you have an unique passion already, re-discovering it abroad is a terrific way of reconnecting with the people, places and experiences that you miss most about home.

Learning new things about your interest abroad might also offer you a fresh perspective to take back with you when you are ready to return home.

NEW SKILLS

But what about simply learning something entirely fresh and different?

What greater chance may there be to learn new things than when you are surrounded by new people and new places?

Classes or courses for beginners, in particular, are a terrific way to meet local people since they are such excellent levellers: everyone in attendance is fresh to the experience, out of their comfort zone and maybe even feeling somewhat out of their depth.

Suddenly, you’re the confident, broad-minded one with a fascinating tale to share – you’ve gone all this far after all…?

Have a jam with local musicians.

Try your hand at drawing and painting.

Give pottery and sculpting a shot.

LIFELONG LEARNING

There is a strong culture of lifelong learning in Ireland and you won’t have to seek too hard to locate courses and workshops which interest you.

For short, casual courses, check out at the local community and arts facilities.

For lengthier, more organized and even residential courses, check out any of the following.

Experience 5GET MINDFUL

Embrace Ireland’s heritage as a haven of peaceful and contemplative isolation

Solo travel doesn’t have to be about finding people to socialize with.

It may be simply that, solo travel.

Sometimes, it might be great to embrace the lonesome side of travelling alone, allowing oneself to slow down and be thoughtful – if only for a day or two.

IRELAND, A PLACE OF INNER PEACE AND SOLITUDE

Finding inner peace in isolation, and going into a location of “retreat”, has a long tradition here in Ireland.

Since the Seventh Century, monastic hermits have sought out the grounded seclusion of Ireland’s magnificent scenery, its falling valleys and hidden lakes.

Hundreds of years passed, Ireland’s serene landscapes remain as placid, calm, and unspoilt as ever.

It’s no wonder, therefore, that Ireland remains such a powerfully spiritual place, whatever your creed or beliefs.

Today, Ireland draws travelers from throughout the world who flee to Ireland’s quiet getaways for a summer’s vacation, a week’s holiday, or simply an afternoon of time-out amid a frantic travel schedule.

To explore Ireland’s isolated locations and sacred sites, you can join spiritual group tours, visit designated ‘retreat’ accommodation, attend yoga or meditation retreats, book a fitness vacation of Ireland, or simply ‘go it alone’ and explore Ireland’s most peaceful destinations in your own way and at your own pace.

Aside from these and other quaintly caricatured instances, each local village will have its own festivals, celebrating pretty much anything, and they’re a terrific chance to see Irish culture, meet the people, and discover some unmissable picture opportunities to take with you.

There will be dancing, drinking and lots of fun at them all so let your inhibitions go and join involved.

SACRED SITES AND LOCATIONS IN IRELAND

In arranging your spiritual retreat in Ireland, make sure to search up places and holy sites such as the following.

These are only some of Ireland’s designated holy spots.

IRISH RETREATS: LOCATIONS, ATTRACTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS

Ireland is such a fantastic destination to escape and get away from it all, but even in organizing your alone-time, you don’t have to do it alone.

There are different places, companies and persons which may aid you to obtain the type of retreat you’re seeking for.

Experience 6VOLUNTEERING IN IRELAND

Meet people and make a difference.

It is stated that tourists should donate what they can but take only memories.

Volunteering is a terrific method of increasing your connection with the places you visit and may offer a tremendous sense of fulfillment that you have given something back to the community you have learnt to love.

If your time here in Ireland is only short, volunteering may not be simple (though local charities and groups surely won’t refuse your aid!), but lone travellers spending more than a week or two in Ireland will undoubtedly be able to discover methods of helping.

It’s a big misperception regarding solo travel that many assume going alone means being alone, even being lonely.

For most experienced solo travellers, the reality couldn’t be farther from the truth, and volunteering is another another opportunity for independent travellers to meet and engage with local people and the causes which appeal to them most.

See here for more information about Volunteering & Working in Ireland.

USEFUL VOLUNTEERING CONTACT INFORMATION

8 Things I wish I’d knownBefore my first solo trip experience “The adventure lays in wait. The world is my oyster! I simply wish I’d packed ear plugs.”

On each solo travel journey, even the most seasoned solo traveller will uncover a few things that they wished they had thought about before they went.

And a solitary holiday in Ireland is as likely to throw up a few shocks as everywhere else you visit.

This part is our endeavour to make your first Irish alone travel that little bit simpler.

Tip 1: Be prepared for rain

Ireland has a varied climate although it may rain at any time of year.

So bringing a wet clothing is always essential and waterproof baggage might be a life-saver for people on foot.

If you are on a budget you may line your luggage/backpack with thick black trash bags.

This also works with your footwear.

If not on a budget you can acquire some quality waterproof clothing that will you be thankful for later.

Tip 2: Save money by buying intelligently

Most Irish supermarkets feature late-in-the-day bargains where you can pick up things that are going out of date shortly for a fraction of the price.

Similarly a lot of Irish restaurants feature early bird meals, generally, before 6 pm, that may assist save a few euro.

Tap water in Ireland is totally clean and safe, signs will typically warn if not, stock up whenever you can.

As with any vacation, tourists to Ireland are highly advised to lay up a budget and stick to it.

You will thank yourself near the conclusion of the journey.

Tip 3: Earplugs

If you are staying in a hostel you may be sharing a room with 10 or 12 others.

So be sure to carry ear plugs to let the entrance of anybody beyond your sleep go a bit more undetected.

Tip 4: DIY Hostel Locker

If the hostel doesn’t give an individual locker a bike U-Lock is an excellent solution to attach your stuff to your bed.

Tip 5: Finding free WiFi in Ireland

Most pubs and restaurants in Ireland feature free WiFi.

Usually, it’s merely a question of asking the staff for the code.

Tip 6: Get the greatest hacks from fellow-guests

Talk to the other guests, they will know the cheapest locations to eat and other valuable titbits.

Tip 7: Let others know where you are

Try to get your lodging planned well in advance and share it with a family member or a friend.

Just one trusted person could be preferable than a bunch, when everyone believes someone else is checking up on you.

If you are travelling with your mobile phone you may also maintain your whereabouts known using specific Apps such as Find My Friend and WhatsApp.

Tip 8: Take the way less travelled

Ireland is a terrific place to travel around independently, leaving the main cities and traveling into the town and villages can see you met with curiosity but it is always wrapped in Irish kindness.

Find Accommodation

As a tremendously popular tourist destination, Ireland provides a multitude of hotel alternatives to suit all budgets. To obtain the best places and costs, you’re urged to book early however, booking late as a backpacker on the move, you’re likely to find anything last-minute if you’re ready to be flexible. Choose the area you’re visiting to view your lodging choices.

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