Page 356 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Ireland

354  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Personal Security and Health situations, it is a good idea to
keep a passport or some other
Ireland is probably one of the safest places to travel in Europe. form of identification close at
Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, is seldom a problem outside hand. If you are walk ing around
certain parts of Dublin and a few other large towns. Tourist the city centres of Belfast and
offices and hoteliers gladly point out the areas to be avoided. Londonderry, you may notice
a strong police or military
In Northern Ireland security measures have been relaxed in presence. This is unlikely to
the light of the peace accord. In the Republic, however, crimes inconvenience you.
against the individual are on the increase, but rates still tend During July, visitors may find
to be lower than in other parts of the UK and Europe. themselves in slow-moving
traffic behind an Orange march
(see p53). Tensions between
Personal Safety in local communities can be
the Republic higher at this time, but the
Violent street crime is relatively affected areas are easily avoided.
rare but it is still advisable to
take suitable precautions, Personal Property
such as avoiding poorly lit
streets in the cities and larger As pickpocketing and bag-
towns. Poverty and a degree snatching can be a problem in
of drug addiction in central the larger towns, it’s best not to
Dublin have been known to carry around your passport or
cause a few problems, and large amounts of cash. Most
Limerick isn’t the most inviting hotels have a safe; or consider
of places after dark. But if you carrying a travel money card
take sensible precautions, (see p356). When out and about,
avoiding back-streets at use a bag that can be held
Pearse Street Garda Station, Dublin night and keeping to the securely, and be alert in
popular and busy areas, crowded places and
Police there should be little restaurants. A money belt
The police, should you ever cause for concern. may be a good investment.
need them, are called the In some of the larger If travelling by car, ensure
Garda Síochána (Gardaí, for towns you may be that all valuables are locked
short) in the Republic of approached in the street in the boot and always lock
Ireland and the Police Service by people ask ing for the car, even when
of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in money. This rarely Garda station leaving it for just a few
the North. The PSNI is the only develops into a minutes. In Northern
territorial police force in the UK troublesome situation, but Ireland, do not leave any bags
that is routinely armed. it is best to politely refuse or packages unattended,
Both police forces are working and walk away. as they may result in a
together to tackle the issue of security scare.
organized cross-border crime.
Personal Safety in
Northern Ireland Lost Property and
Baggage Rooms
Even at the height of the PSNI badge
Troubles in Northern Report all lost or stolen
Ireland, there was never a items at once to the police. In
significant threat to the tourist, order to make a claim against
and travelling around the your insurance company you
Province was deemed to need to send in a copy of the
be as safe as in the Republic. police report. Most train and
As long as peace prevails, no bus stations in the Republic
extra precautions need to be operate a lost-property service
taken here but first-time but there is no equivalent
visitors should be prepared available in Northern Ireland.
for certain unfamiliar situations, If you wish to do a day’s
no better or worse than in the sightseeing unencumbered
South. When driving, if you by baggage, most hotels
see a sign that indicates you and some main city tourist
are approaching a checkpoint, offices, both in the Republic
slow down and use dipped and Northern Ireland, offer
headlights. To keep fuss down baggage storage facilities.
Garda PSNI policeman to a minimum in these Ensure all luggage is locked.

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.5)
Date 5th November 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm