eliteshooter
Registered User
Posts: 1
(6/26/05 2:25 pm)

Ireland - Crime

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I have been reading on the net that crime in Ireland is ever rising. They do not state if this is in certain areas, or northern, southern, or all over. I would like to know what the crime rate is like. I leave for Ireland on July 15. I am going on the Brendan Travel Tour "Glimpse of Irelend."

We are staying one extra day in Dublin after the tour is over.


Itinerary:

Day 1 DEPART USA.
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2 ARRIVE IN DUBLIN, IRELAND.
Welcome to Dublin’s fair city. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Dublin is one of Europe’s liveliest cities, where medieval and fine 17th century buildings stand comfortably amid all the trappings of the 21st century. At 2 p.m. your voyage of discovery begins with a city tour with a local guide that brings to life Dublin’s architectural treasures and history stretching back more than 1,000 years. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1190, tour Dublin’s beautiful Georgian squares, walk the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College to its famed library and its truly unique world treasure – the 8th century Book of Kells. This evening, take a short drive to the fishing harbor of Howth for dinner and traditional music at the Abbey Tavern. (D)

Day 3 DUBLIN / THE MIDLANDS / SLIGO / MAYO.
Cross midland Ireland and visit one of the country’s fine old manors: Carrigglas in County Longford, or Strokestown Park House in County Roscommon. See the many different styles of Irish Cistercian architecture at the 12th century Boyle Cistercian Abbey ruins. Continue west over the Curlew Hills to Sligo, and on to Tubbernault Holy Well. In the 1700’s when Catholics were banned from practicing their religion, these wells were used to secretly hold masses and baptisms. Then journey through the rugged expanses of County Mayo. Dinner and conversation at your hotel is a perfect end to a full day’s sightseeing. (FB,D)

Day 4 MAYO / CONNEMARA.
Travel via Castlebar to the picturesque town of Westport. Enjoy some free time to browse before setting out for Connemara, Ireland’s historic western province. Next visit Kylemore Abbey, a castellated neo-Gothic mansion, occupied today by the Irish Benedictine community of nuns. Continue your tour of splendid Connemara, where whitewashed cottages are scattered over a land of rocky mountains, sparkling brooks and rivers. Admire the mythical beauty of the hills and bogs, and only imagine what it must be like to winter out on this land. This evening, dine and relax at your elegant hotel as the sun sets over Galway Bay. (FB,D)

Day 5 CONNEMARA / GALWAY / CLIFFS OF MOHER / BUNRATTY.
This morning visit the impressive Galway Cathedral before dropping in for refreshments at Rathbaun Farm. Meet a farming family as they carry out their everyday chores. Watch as the farmer shears a sheep and maneuvers his flock with the help of his dog. Next, cross the Burren, a suddenly stark and barren landscape dotted with rare flora. Travel west to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher rising approximately 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves: the view is truly outstanding. A celebrated medieval castle banquet is an option for tonight’s festivities. (FB,MC)

Day 6 BUNRATTY / RING OF KERRY / KILLARNEY.
Drive to Adare, renowned as the “prettiest village in Ireland” with its thatched cottages and stone walls. Then follow the road that winds around the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as “The Ring of Kerry.” It is undoubtedly one of the most magical places in all of Ireland. Poets, painters, and musicians have all tried to capture its elusive charm. Here, mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. Arrive in Killarney for check-in and dinner at your hotel. (FB,D)

Day 7 KILLARNEY / BLARNEY / WATERFORD.
This morning visit Blarney Castle with its magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence for a kiss. Wander across to the Blarney Woollen Mills to shop for traditional fine knitwear and crafts. Journey on through County Cork to Midleton and the Jameson Distillery and Heritage Centre to learn the story of Irish Whiskey. Arrive in the ancient Viking town of Waterford. After dinner in your hotel, take some time to stroll the mile long quayside and maybe stop in at one of the many cafés and pubs along the waterfront. (FB,D)

Day 8 WATERFORD / DUBLIN.
Begin your day at the Waterford Crystal Factory. On your guided tour, admire the ancient skills of local craftsmen as they carefully turn molten glass into the most exquisite crystal. Afterwards, wander through the showrooms and perhaps find an heirloom for future generations for your own family! Next, on your Waterford walking tour, your guide brings the city’s fascinating history alive. On to Dublin in time for some last-minute shopping. This evening is free to discover the nightlife along its squares and cobblestone streets or to join an optional farewell cabaret for song, dance, dinner and Dublin wit. (FB)

Day 9 DEPART DUBLIN.
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)


Michele Erdvig
Administrator
Posts: 3212
(6/26/05 5:03 pm)

Re: Ireland - Crime

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eliteshooter,

Ireland is one of the safer countries to travel in. I have been there 41 times in over 30 years and have never run into even one problem with crime. Granted, you can have a problem anywhere, even in your own neighborhood. But the likelihood in Ireland is low.

Also, when you say "crime" that means many things: fraud, assault, burglaries, theft, rape, pickpocketing, drugs, murder, etc. Obviously some on that list are much more serious than others. Yet they are all lumped together under the heading "crime".

The general knowledge is that if you mind your own business, are alert to your surroundings, don't join in risky behavior, avoid things like hitchhiking or walking in dark alleys after midnight in cities, don't get into arguments with drunken punks in Temple Bar on weekends after 3 am, etc. -- you will be pretty safe in Ireland.

The following is an excerpt from Ireland crime statistics for 2004:

Quote:

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Minister announces Headline Crime Figures for 2004

Murders and Manslaughter down 13%
Sexual Offences down 17%
Overall Crime down by 4% despite the growth in population

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr Michael McDowell, TD, today published the provisional crime statistics for 2004 furnished by the Garda Commissioner. The statistics show a decrease for the second year in a row - a decrease of 4% for the year compared with 2003, following a decrease of 3% in 2003 compared with 2002. The Minister also published the statistics for the fourth quarter of 2004 which also show a decrease of 3% compared to the corresponding quarter in 2003.

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You can read the whole report here: www.justice.ie/80256E0100...Q68YDS9-en

Do you ever notice that on the local and national news most of the news is bad? If we all believed it we would live in caves in the middle of the desert instead of the cities and suburbs that most of us enjoy.

Don't believe everything you read and take it with a grain of salt. Have a safe journey to Ireland! (Most people do.)

Michele

eliteshooter
Registered User
Posts: 2
(6/27/05 3:35 am)

Re: Ireland - Crime

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i will follow your link.
i was refering to:
www.crimeinireland.com/

i also read that over 50% of Irelands population is under 25 years old. That this is mainly the reason for the crime.

Irish Mirror 29/07/04:
Caption for story...."SHOTS FIRED ON IRISH STREETS EVERY DAY THIS YEAR AS ARMED CRIME GOES UP 60%."
Police figures released on 28/07/04 show that:
Firearms offences are up 60%
ATM machine robberies are up 71% for first three months of this year.
"Reported" rapes up 27%
Male rape up 22%
Overall reduction in crime of 7%.

CRIME FIGURES FROM CENTRAL STATISTICS OFFICE CAN BY VIEWED...HERE



yesiree100
Registered User
Posts: 40
(6/27/05 9:14 am)

Re: Ireland - Crime

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Rest assured, travel alerts in Ireland are no different than the ones you'd find traveling in the US.

I poked around the site you referenced, and I liken it to someone in your home state spending their time clipping newspaper and web articles that emphasize every negative aspect about your state (regardless of source)...from crime to political corruption to terrorist alerts. After three months, they'd have quite a scary collection (after three years worth of articles, you'd think Armageddon was upon your humble state).

Truth is, although each article may have some relevance to safety and security, as a body of information, it does not warrant a travel advisory to your state by any means. The same holds true for Ireland.

As for the site host's expression that in his town of 4,500 he's afraid to go 500ft from his home to the local pub (from the "About this site" section), well, something tells me that most people (especially a person open to international travel such as yourself) would probably not have the same fears. As long as you use standard travel safety and precautions, I'd say you're more likely to be a victim of the Dynamic Currency Conversion credit card scam (see Vicki's post under credit card charges) than to be the victim of crime in Ireland (and even credit card scam is infrequent!).

I should also note that the site you visited is more of a political site than a travel site. The sources for his stories vary from legitimate to questionable. Many of the articles are based on press releases put out from organizations demanding more government money be put into their area of service...others are tidbit stories from tabloids relying on shocking headlines to sell papers.

Focus on the usual safety and security precautions for traveling and ignore that site.

Mark D
Unregistered User
(6/27/05 10:14 am)

Crime

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My wife and I felt safer in Galway than we did in our home city of Burlington, Vermont.
We discussed that Galway was alot like Burlington, only more peaceful ! Each has a cobblestone shopping district closed off to traffic, and has a college feel to it.
I would be surprised if you don't want to retire in Ireland after your first visit !

eliteshooter
Registered User
Posts: 3
(6/27/05 6:12 pm)

Re: Crime

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thank you for the comments. this will be my first time leaving the United States of America. So I am a little concerned. I guess I need not be. Thank you for the replies. I will read up on the CC scamming, as I am still trying to figure out which is the best way to spend money in Ireland.

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Michele Erdvig
Administrator
Posts: 3215
(6/27/05 11:53 pm)

Re: Crime

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eliteshooter,

Most crime that tourists in Ireland would encounter would be pickpocketing (in large cities), car theft (generally in large cities), car break-ins (usually when valuable items are left visible), theft of valuable items left in hotel rooms (leave anything like that in the hotel safe), and general things like that. These are not frequent occurrences but can happen anywhere.

I have known of tourists who have left behind valuable items like digital cameras, wallets, passports, etc. at restaurants and B&Bs. The owners went out of their way to return the items. You will find few people who try to take advantage of tourists in Ireland. I have traveled all over the world and have been ripped-off in some countries, but I can count on one hand (in over thirty years) where someone has tried to rip me off in Ireland. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Since you have never been outside the USA before I can understand your being cautious. The government has a web site and they issue travel warnings for countries where there is danger. Ireland is not on that list:

travel.state.gov/travel/c..._1764.html

Enjoy your trip and let us know what your impressions are when you return. We would welcome your comments.

Michele

stannseniors
Registered User
Posts: 152
(6/30/05 11:04 pm)

don't worry

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My husband grew up in a big city and his house was broken into a few times, had his car stolen, and other things. He's "over-cautious". I call him paranoid sometimes. But he wanted to move to Ireland after being there two days. He had brought the money belt over - was worried about the money being split up between us, the car doors always locked and all that....we both felt so safe that it was weird....it's a throw back to an earlier time and you will be suprised how unconcerned you will be about all that once you are there.
Have fun!

Robin
Unregistered User
(7/20/05 10:02 pm)

Stolen Camera

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We are heading back to Ireland in September but traveled there in 2003. We felt very safe but we did have our camera stolen. Sadly ...I think it was a tourist staying in the same B & B as we did. Our hostess said it was the first time she had, also, been stiffed for the lodging bill. I take part of the blame, as I left it in plain site in our car and forgot to lock it. We all felt so safe there that I just "got stupid". As is the case in the US..we must be smart about where we go and what our surroundings are. I will be more careful this time.

Michele Erdvig
Administrator
Posts: 3277
(7/21/05 10:28 pm)

Stolen Camera

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Robin,

I remember your telling me about your camera being stolen in Wexford. Unfortunately petty theft is a reality. Also, more and more B&Bs are being ripped-off by people who disappear and never pay. I can see the day when you will have to pay when you arrive at a B&B instead of when checking out. What a shame that the few try to ruin things for the many. Such is life, I suppose.

Michele

stannseniors
Registered User
Posts: 156
(7/22/05 3:14 pm)

Re: Stolen Camera

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Michele,
i can't understand all that sleep and dash stuff. Mary in Bunratty told me the day we came that a man and his "granddaughter" gave a credit card that turned out to be stolen - that is so bizarre! I don't think it's too much to ask to pay before (except for those who may think they will not have a good experience and refuse to pay)

Michele Erdvig
Administrator
Posts: 3279
(7/22/05 4:16 pm)

Common Occurance

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stannseniors,

Unfortunately it is becoming a common occurrence. One B&B owner actually followed the people to the airport and had them arrested. It is against the law to steal something even if it is a night's stay and breakfast. Theft is theft no matter what the guise.

Michele