Around Dublin, Dublin

Wow, reading these posts one would imagine Dublin to be a very dangerous place - and it's not! In fact, I feel much safer here than in most cities I've ever visited, but I guess it's more knowing the 'right' areas to visit.
For one, I would recommend staying on the South side of the city - anywhere from Leeson St., Baggot St. out to Donnybrook, or somewhere along the southside Dart line. Otherwise, places like Malahide, Portmarnock are also quite nice. Avoid city neighbourhoods like Christchurch, Rialto, Fatima Mansions - stay away from accomodation on Vicar St. (popular venue for comedy nights/concerts, just don't hang around after),Thomas St. etc. - like any major cities there are places to go, and not to go. Just do your research.
I work with international students in Dublin, and they all agree that Dublin is a safe city.

Please be careful walking around Dublin. If possible run accross the road only at the signal. Crossing the streets in Dublin is a dangerous sport and is not for the faint of heart. If you don't start across the road as soon as the signal begins, you will not make it. Trust me. My friend crossed too late and was inches from being run over. And don't think they won't do it.

We felt very safe during our entire stay in Dublin. However, there were instances when we were harassed by the homeless and some drunks (a problem in ANY urban city). Since I was walking with a group, I wasn't ruffled by these encounters But, women traveling on their own should be constantly aware of their surroundings. It is intimidating to be approached by strangers, and walking around alone at night is dangerous in any city.

Looking over a map of Dublin's transport network, you might think it would be nice to visit Pheonix park for the zoo, the wellington monument and the other attractions - and it has a handy railway station.

nope, sorry. The station is built on the site of the former racecourse and is nothing more than a commuter station stuck out on the N3. Dozens of tourists get caught out every month..it's a long walk from the station - and there are no signposts or clues to help you.

I've been reading through the warnings and I must say that most are complete rubbish. I have walked home from the city centre every night after clubbing. I've never had any hassle. Sure we have junkies and beggars- show me a city that doesn't!
People not doing their research and watching "The quiet man" too many times is the reason that they get into trouble.

Stay away from dodgy parts of town at night (I've never followed my own advice!)

Don't walk around looking like an American (Irish people can spot you a mile off)

Act the way the locals do (DON'T stop abruptly in the middle of Grafton St).

Otherwise, if I, or many other Dubs see people looking lost, we will always stop and ask them if they need directions. We may not be the friendly people out of stereotypical Irish films, but we're not that bad.

As for the Northside/Southside thing- that's an ongoing point of contention among Dubliners and everyone who has been told that the southside is safer has, more than likely, been told so by a southsider.

Apologies for the rant but I don't like to see my city being put down.
If you've any questions, just ask!

Watch out when you get around in Dublin, cause, as in every big city, there are pickpockets!! Especially be very cautious when you get around O' Connel St and Henry Street..it's full of pickpockets but they'll just hit on the unware and distracted people! So don't stand there at the phone box with your bag open you'll get their next victim!

After having a lovely meal don't be tempted to walk home or pick up a Taxi on the way. In my experience the best thing to do is order a Taxi from the restaurant. Sometimes particularly at the week-end it can be difficult to pick up a taxi on the street, and it may not be safe to walk to your accomodation. Ask where you are staying!

This guy stands out in front of the Guinness Brewery with his cart and horse and poses for pictures....But, pay up first. If you dare to raise your camera before offering him a coin or two you hear about it.

Dublin may possess many fine streets and squares, but it also contains a range of remarkably ugly buildings that put a blot on the landscape.

My VT description of St Stephen's green shopping centre was "A Marahjah's palace crossed witha tacky cruise line', although a recent newspaper article went with "Like a Mississippi steamboat marooned on the Green'.

Other truely ugly buildings that may offend your sense of calm...

Dublin City Council offices....the bunker

Irish Life insure health....but not beauty

O'Connell bridge house...right in the centre , ugly as sin

Trinity College art's block....how ironic

Airport hotel...truely awful, with its own control tower

Ilac centre...80's kitsh

and the completely awful Busaras...a bus station dropped in from Bulgaria around 1973.

Dublin, unfortunatley, is not the type of city where you can just walk around and 'get your bearings' as a tourist. Even in the nicer,richer parts of the city centre(e.g grafton street) you can just turn a little corner and be in a totally different area with rough people and scumbags threatining you. If you want to explore Dublin properly, get a special bus which takes you round the city or let someone you know show you round cos it really isn't the type of place where you can just walk around if you don't know the city