Dublin Areas To Avoid: A Guide To The Most Dangerous Areas In Dublin

I have lived in Ireland’s capital for 35 years – there are, in my opinion, many areas to avoid in Dublin.

So, to answer the question ‘Is Dublin Safe?’, I’m going to give you: 

• The facts: You’ll find recent crime figures for Dublin
• A map: A map of the worst areas in Dublin based on negative experiences

Some quick need-to-knows about the areas to avoid in Dublin

Before you dive into the article below, there are several need-to-knows about our guide on areas to avoid in Dublin, so take a minute to read them.

1. This isn’t a guide for renting

If you’re looking to rent and you’re trying to figure out the worst places to live in Dublin so that you can avoid them, this isn’t the guide you’re looking for (although you should find the map enlightening…). This is aimed at visiting tourists wondering where to stay in Dublin.

2. What’s ‘safe’ can be subjective

City dynamics are constantly changing and you’ll rarely get total agreement from anyone on one particular area. This guide isn’t about wielding pitchforks and going to town on one area, because it would be unfair to those living there. We’ll go by the figures as best we can and offer tourists an idea of Dublin areas to avoid ahead of their trip.

3. Take statistics with a pinch of salt

Having said that, statistics only offer a limited overview of an area. What’s worse is that many media outlets create clickbait headlines around ‘new studies’ to create outrage and drive clicks. Numbers alone aren’t a foolproof method of proving anything so don’t be too frightened of travelling simply by seeing an alarming-looking figure. 

4. Where I avoid

I visit Dublin City very frequently. It’s usually at night, which is when you’re arguably most likely to encounter trouble. Personally, I avoid O’Connell Street and all of it’s side streets, like Parnell St. and Henry St., Westmorland St., Talbot St., all around Connolly Station and Temple Bar, as it’s messy in the evenings.

The facts about crime in Dublin

Before looking at the specific areas to avoid in Dublin, let’s take a look at some facts, figures and recent incidents involving tourists in Dublin.

It’s worth keeping in mind that statistics never tell the full picture – they don’t tell you about the thousands of tourists that visited Dublin and that had a safe, memorable time.

And they don’t tell you about the many crimes in Dublin that likely go unreported.

Latest figures

On March 25th 2024, the CSO released their latest figures detailing crime in Dublin, and it was enlightening.

The report, which looked at crime stats for Q4 of 2023 revealed the following:

• Public order offences down 8%
• Theft and related offences up 12%
• Robbery, extortion and car theft offences up 26%

Recent incidents

In 2023, there were two high profile incidents where tourists were mugged and injured. The first took place in August 2023 on Talbot St. where a US tourist was badly hurt by a group of teenagers.

The second took place in Temple Bar in July 2023 when two American brothers were mugged by two men. Both incidents received extensive national coverage.

A map of Dublin areas to avoid

The map above was created by Deliveroo drivers. It shows places where they had bad encounters (where they were assaulted or had negative experiences).

Now, remember, this isn’t saying that everyone in these areas is a bad person – but it shows parts of the city/county where, personally, I’d avoid staying if I was visiting Dublin.

As you can see, many of the maps ‘most dangerous areas in Dublin’ are far from the city centre and are places that tourists are unlikely to stumble upon.

The most dangerous areas in Dublin (based on 2019/2020 statistics)

So, there’s a lot of data to dive into if you’re trying to figure out Dublin areas to avoid based on crime data.

One of the studies from the Central Statistics Office was the 2003 to 2019 report. According to these figures, the most dangerous areas of Dublin (and several of these match up with the worst areas in Dublin on the Deliveroo map) are as follows:

1. Dublin City

Where the most people congregate is always going to be a potential crime hotspot. The city centre is, of course, the most obvious example and it’s why tourists need to be vigilant when they’re out and about and try not to be too blasé with their valuables. 

2. Pearse Street

Perhaps surprisingly, Pearse Street Garda station in Dublin’s south inner city is at the centre of Ireland’s most crime-ridden district. Between 2003 and 2019, it had the highest number of criminal incidents and the small area around the station is visible too if you zoom into the Deliveroo map. 

3. Tallaght

Another area high on the list is Tallaght, although it’s unlikely any tourists would spend any time out in this area of the city given its location. With over 100,000 incidents recorded during the 2003 to 2019 timespan, also appears on the Deliveroo map underneath a large grey square. 

4. Blanchardstown

Just below Tallaght is Blanchardstown with 95,000 incidents. Like Tallaght, it’s a largely residential area with local businesses that tourists are unlikely to frequent. 

Dodge the areas to avoid in Dublin by picking a great neighbourhood to stay in

Part of the fun of visiting a new city (for me at least!) is planning your adventures and what you want to see during your time there.

Though most booking websites will drive you towards the city centre (and that’s no bad thing), your trip can be given an extra bit of spice by choosing a great neighbourhood to stay in. 

From Phibsborough to Portobello, there are some great areas of Dublin that aren’t too far from the bright lights of the city centre and are packing with busy cafes, colourful bars and canalside walks. 

We’ve put together a guide where you can find several great places to stay in and around the city, regardless of what budget you’re playing with.

Now you know where to avoid, here’s where to visit

Now that you’ve an idea of where the rough areas in Dublin are, it’s time to look at what to do while you’re here!

There are endless things to do in Dublin. Here are some guides you’ll find useful:

• Itineraries: How to spend 2 days in Dublin and 24 hours in Dublin
• Pints: Our favourite historical pubs in Dublin
• For families: Heaps of things to do with kids in Dublin