Ireland Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Ireland
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated March 20, 2026
Ireland recorded 0.7 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is among the lowest in the world. That places Ireland #174 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Europe average of 1.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (1.0 per 100,000 in 2013, 0.7 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Ireland at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
0.7 /100k
Safety Rank
#22 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (1.0 per 100,000 in 2013, 0.7 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Ireland Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Ireland, the homicide rate for men is 2.1× higher than the rate for women — 0.9 vs 0.4 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Ireland:
Exercise normal precaution in Ireland. Ireland is generally a safe destination for travelers. Travelers should remain vigilant as petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing. Large-scale demonstrations related to the local political situation may occur with little notice. Demonstrations may disrupt transportation and other essential services.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Ireland
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated March 26, 2026).
Terrorism
: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)
Crime
: Although Ireland has a low rate of violent crime, you should always follow common sense personal security practices and maintain awareness of your surroundings when traveling. Rates of theft and petty crime have risen in recent years, and thieves often target tourists. In rare cases, these crimes involve physical assault or violence, more commonly in Dublin city center and in popular tourist areas. Rental cars are frequently targeted. They are easily identifiable by the rental company stickers on the rear window of the vehicle. If possible, remove these stickers and always lock your car when leaving it unattended. Do not leave valuables unattended in vehicles. When visiting city center areas, park your car in a secure car park and retain the parking ticket on your person. Keep car doors locked while driving.
International Financial Scams
: See the Department of State and FBI pages for information on scams.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police at 999 or 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(353) (1) 668-8777. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion Provide a list of local attorneys .
Domestic Violence
: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
: The tourism industry is generally regulated, and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Ireland Population & Demographics
Population of 5,395,790, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ireland safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Ireland at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Ireland?
Ireland has an intentional homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #174 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Ireland?
Ireland is currently at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Ireland compare to other countries?
Ireland's homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Europe average of 1.6.