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What Is The Most Dangerous City In Ireland? What You Need To Know!

Ireland

Ireland has a population of over 6 million people and only eight towns and cities with a population of more than 50,000 people. The capital, Dublin, is the most populous of Irish cities and is the only one with more than one million residents. The Global Peace Index lists Ireland in the top 15 safest countries in the world to visit, and it is primarily considered a warm and inviting country. However, as with any country, some areas are not as safe as others.

Dublin, home to many bars and tourist attractions, is considered the most dangerous city in Ireland because it has the highest rates of robberies, theft, drug crimes, and fraud offenses. However, Limerick has the highest number of sex crimes, and Waterford has the most assaults, weapon crimes, and explosives offenses. Cork has the highest homicide rate, equivalent to just over eight murders per year over the past 5 years.

divider 5 About Ireland

The Emerald Island was formed in 1921 when the Anglo-Irish treaty was signed, marking the country’s independence. The Irish state comprises 26 counties and became a member of the United Nations in 1955 and the European Union in 1973. Unlike Britain, Ireland is still a part of the EU. It is known as the Emerald Isle because of its lush green landscape, and it attracted more than 11 million tourists in 2019.

The 4 Most Dangerous Cities In Ireland

1. Dublin

dublin ireland
Image Credit: Pixabay
  • Population: 1.1 million

Dublin has a population of 1.1 million people and, as well as being the most populous city, it is also the capital of Ireland. Although it celebrated its centenary in 1988, first recognized in 988, humans have been in the area for thousands of years. The city struggled financially during the early 20th Century but saw a resurgence in the latter half of the Century, and before the pandemic, Dublin had near-full employment levels.

It is considered one of Europe’s most youthful cities and is famed for its bars, pubs, and restaurants. It is the hometown of Guinness beer, Oscar Wilde, Conor McGregor, and even the lion in the MGM logo.

The bands Thin Lizzy, Boyzone, Westlife, and U2 also formed in Dublin. Unfortunately, as is often the case in the biggest cities, Dublin has the highest crime rate, per capita, of anywhere in Ireland.


2. Limerick

Limerick ireland
Image Credit: Pixabay
  • Population: 94,000

Ireland’s third largest city, Limerick, was founded by the Vikings and was incorporated even before London. It has strong links to the US, and 10 locations in the United States share the name Limerick. John F. Kennedy’s great-grandfather Thomas Fitzgerald comes from Bruff in the county of Limerick.

Irish coffee, which combines coffee and Irish whiskey, was also invented in the city. Although generally considered a friendly and welcoming city, Limerick has the highest number of sex crimes recorded in Ireland.


3. Waterford

Waterford Ireland
Image Credit: Pixabay
  • Population: 53,504

Limerick is an old city, but it is Waterford, the country’s fifth most popular city with a population of 53,000, that lays claim to being the oldest city in the country. It was incorporated in 1171, the same year as Dublin, but Waterford was listed first.

Reginald’s Tower still stands as a monument to the city’s Viking founders and retains its Viking title. More recently, it is known as being the starting point of Ryanair’s first flight and is home to several festivals throughout the year. Notable people born in Waterford include composer Gilbert O’Sullivan and Harry Power, the Australian Bushranger.


4. Cork

cork ireland
Image Credit: Pixabay
  • Population: 210,000

The second largest city in Ireland, Cork, has a population of 210,000 people and is another city settled by Vikings in the 9th Century. It was considered an essential part of the Scandinavian trading network at the time.

Cork was granted a city charter in 1185, and it is home to multiple sites and buildings of significant historical importance. It has strong ties to Gaelic games and, having returned with potatoes from America, Cork is where the first ever potato was planted. Cork has the highest homicide rate in Ireland, with 42 murders in the last 5 years.

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Conclusion

Ireland is considered a very friendly and welcoming country, but like all countries, some cities are considered more dangerous than others. It’s Dublin, the capital and by far the largest city in the country, that comes out ahead in most violent crime reports, while Limerick, Waterford, and Cork may also be considered among some of the more dangerous places to visit on the Emerald Isle.


Featured Image Credit: Pixabay

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