Conference tallis::celt

    
    There has been a spate of attacks on tourists in Dublin recently. You
    ask is it safe for a 19 yr. old woman to wander around Dublin by
    herself, well I would have to answer NO. Maybe I'm being alarmist but
    I would not advise ANY tourist to wander around Dublin on her own. The
    thugs can spot a tourist a mile away and can mug/assault in the
    knowledge that even if they are arrested, by the time the case comes
    to trial the victim will be back home and unlikely to come back to give
    evidence.  If your daughter is still planning to come to Dublin, I
    would advise her to find out the safest areas. Perhaps someone from DEC
    Dublin can give better advice than me.
    
    Denis.

    Lorna
    
    To a certain extent I would have to agree with Denis. There have been a
    number of attacks on tourists recently. However, like everything else,
    crime rates are relative. There are a number of areas in Dublin where
    even the Police are reluctant to go (Gardener Street area, Ballymun,
    parts of Clondalkin, All of Neilstown, parts of tallaght to mention a
    few). Most of the areas mentioned are large suburban areas and it is
    unlikely that your daughter would be visiting anyway.
    
    Generally, taking a few precautions can save a lot of hassle. Someone
    walking around with expensive camera equipment is an obvious target.
    Carrying large amounts of cash (which can be spotted when buying
    something) also can 'mark' someone as a target.
    
    Is Dublin on average as violent as other Capital cities - I would say
    on average no.
    
    The population of Dublin is more or less 1 million depending how you
    define what constitutes Dublin.
    
    Rgds.......gerry 

    I grew up in Dublin - it's a wonderful place. If your daughter is
    sensible she'll be safe. Don't let her stray from the main streets unless
    she's with a local. It's a big modern city (1m people) and has it's
    good parts as well as it's bad. She'll have a good time and meet some
    friendly people. Ask a few of the Dublin digits to meet her & show her
    around.
    
    Tony.

    
    Well maybe I'm being pessimistic but the city centr itself - O Connell
    Street - has lately been described as a very dangerous area. Dublin
    people in general are very friendly and witty but law and order seems
    to have broken down and the thugs are out on the street again in no
    time after being arrested. I would like to think that Lorna's 
    daughter could go there and enjoy herself. But again, I would not
    advise any tourist, particularly a female to "wander around" on her
    own.
    
    Denis.

    Lorna,
    
    I agree with Denis in the previous reply.   There is an American
    girl missing in Dublin for approx. three months.   The last she
    was seen was in a bar-room in the company of a man.   Tell your
    daughter to be very careful with whom she gets friendly with.
    Is there any chance she could get a friend to travel with her.
    Now saying all of this, she most probably will have no problems,
    as long as she is very careful and alert to all the dangers.
    
    I hope she enjoys herself.   U2 should be excellent.
    
    
    Bernie
    
    

    As a woman who lived in Dublin for four years I certainly would not
    wander around Dublin alone after 5.30 pm !!
    
    Maybe some nice DECcie would take her under the wing !!
    
    Therese

It is just as easy to get attacked in Galway as in Dublin
Especially if you go into the wrong areas.

You just have to take sensible precautions. Avoid the 
trouble spots - just like in Boston.

Any Ideas where she is staying. Then we can make further
suggestions. I believe she will enjoy Dublin.


MBr

    
    Hi,
    
    Just my two cents worth from a 'female who wandered around Dublin
    alone'  a bit.   I think she should go and have a wonderful time!
    
    All it takes is common sense.   Yes, Dublin is a city with the problems
    of cities.  However, the crime is *NOTHING* compared to cities such as
    New York or Los Angeles!    
    
    I suggest she stay to the main routes.  I felt secure in the Trinity 
    College area.   She should also take cabs rather than walk after dark.
    
    And all the other stuff about not carrying a lot of cash or a purse to
    be snatched makes sense.    Also tell her to watch her passport!
    
    /jen
    

    
    Stay in the Concert Venue after the concert and phone for a taxi to the
    hotel.
    Also get a taxi to the concert venue.
    
    She should be safe enough then.
    

    
    
   > ...Stay in the Concert Venue after the concert and phone for a taxi to
   > the hotel
     
    John...Not sure how feasibile that is...You can expect up to 30,000
    people there and there are a VERY limited amount of phones ..Also
    No taxi is going to accept a call from the arena..
    
    Best bet is walk across to Jurys hotel...300 yrds and wait in line
    at taxi rank. 
    
    Has she got her tickets yet??...One of the two days in totally sold
    out...
    
    I would echo previous noters about Dublin being no dangerous than any
    other City..abit of common sense should ensure saftey. 
    
    
    Rgs,
    
    Mick 
       

Mick,

Common Sense includes not going into Hartigans after 
A hurling Match and talking about Digital (or Hurling).

Now that is VERY dangerous.

MBR

    What is the legal drinking age in Dublin?  Is it considered acceptable
    for a woman to go into a pub alone and order a drink?
    
    For the first 3 days she will be on a tour that includes hotel, and the
    concert, so I imagine it also includes transportation to and from the
    concert.  However, she has decided to stay on for 5 more days on her
    own, and that's what I'm worried about.
    
    Does anyone know if the area of Dublin where the recording studio that
    U2 uses is located, is a safe area?  (I can't remember the name of the
    recording studio...something like Windmill Lane or Windhollow Lane or
    something like that??)
    
    Thanks,
    
    Lorna
    

    Lorna,
    
    I think the legal drinking age is 18.   Nobody ever checks, at least in
    Galway, if you look 18 they will serve you.    
    
    I do not know where the U2 studio is, one of our Dublin decies
    will help you there.
    
    
    
    Bernie

    Lorna, tell her not to use any of the public restrooms in Dublin -
    the stone buildings along the river.  The undesirables seem to hang
    around them.  Use a hotel or a restaurant instead.
    
    Lastly, have her tell someone (hotel clerk, tour companion, etc.) where
    she's going for the day.
    
    I'm sure she'll have a great time...                           
    /george

    The legal age to be served alcohol in a pub is eighteen. No ID card is
    required by law but each management will have their own rules so keep
    some proof of age handy.
    

Windmill lane recording studios is just off Sir John Rogerson's 
Quay on the south of the river. Its not too far from where the
Guinness Tankers (Lady Patricia and Miranda Guinness) park. It is
also not too far from the old gasometer - which can be seen from
almost anywhere in Dublin.


The area is OK. However I would not be inclined to walk around 
this area at night. Use a car if you wish to go down there.

There is a pub there (can't think of the name) where a lot of the
Windmill Lane crowd hang out. However remember its a dockers pub
so treat it accordingly. It has a superb pint.

MBr

    RE: .16-.18  by SIOG::BRENNAN_M 
    
    Come again?

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    Re: .16-.18
    
    Martin, I'll be in Dublin with my wife in September and if you pay a
    round of pints the way you enter Notes, I may never come back home!
    
    Pat

    RE: .20  by POLAR::RUSHTON 
    
    >Martin, I'll be in Dublin with my wife in September and if you pay a
    >round of pints the way you enter Notes, I may never come back home!
    
    When in September?  I'll be there sometime after 21-September, but
    without my wife, or anybody else, for that matter.  I'll be staying at
    the Dublin International Youth Hostel in Mountjoy Square, which is what
    I recommended to Lorna for her daughter's extended visit.
    

    Although this has nothing to do with the topic of this Note, I will
    attempt to twist it in that direction.
    
    Dennis, we will be travelling through Dublin, with a one or two day
    stopover, from 11-13 September.  We'll be back through again around 23-25
    September.  Now, to back on topic...
    
    My wife thinks that all of Britain and Ireland are embroiled in a state
    of constant bombings and shootings.  Since the only news that catches
    her attention is that of the bombings in London, Belfast and
    Warrington, it's not surprising.  Although she has no qualms about
    walking alone at night in most parts of Toronto (population about 2.5
    million) and Ottawa (population about 1 million), she doesn't think
    it's a good idea to even DRIVE through Dublin in broad daylight!!  It's
    been a devil of a time to convince her otherwise.
    
    It is very important to be reassured that all the violence that one
    hears of does not occur all of the time and always in one city.  We
    have had telephone calls, letters and personal visits from friends and
    relatives from Ireland in the last few months attesting to the fact
    that the Republic's crime is no worse than Canada's (11 police officers
    have been killed in the line of duty in Canada in the last five years);
    that any large city has its share of `rough' areas and one should use
    common sense; and, lastly, although Montreal suffered a period of
    bombings in the '60s that didn't prevent us from visiting friends and
    relatives in that city without any thought given to being `blown up'.
    
    I have a 20 year old son and a 17 year old daughter, both of whom have
    taken trips alone or with friends to Toronto, Montreal, Florida and
    Prince Edward Island.  So, should I be more concerned if they go
    further afield to a foreign (more foreign than the US of A) country? 
    Probably not, but I would sleep better at night knowing that there was
    someone they could rely on in the case of need.
    
    Lorna, I hope you resolve your `spot of bother'.
    
    Pat

I think the main theme of the responses is that a person (male or female)
should be very careful in a foreign land.  I would agree with most of the
people that say Dublin has less crime than other capital cities, however
there are many places that one should not walk alone in Dublin and unfortunately
most of them are close to city centre.

As a previous noter said - use taxis, but they are not cheap and one would
probably have to get to the taxi ranks.  I also believe that tourists always
stand out ( in every country) and are easy prey for the thieves, harrasment
etc.

Its the same here in Boston, I'll walk around most of Boston ( carefully at 
night), but I have no current plans to tour Dorchester - day or night.

However this should not put her off going; I would give this advice to anyone
travelling alone in any country in the world.

    The last reply .23 proves a point, he said he would not walk down
    Dorchester day or night.   Why vacating in Boston recently, I stayed
    in Dorchester and had no fear walking with my young son there during
    the day, ok at night I think about it.
    
    Lorna, your daughter will have a brilliant time.   As previous noters
    state let her get taxis, hid her bag etc.    Could she bring one of
    those bags you carry around your waist.   I had one of these with me
    in Boston.   They are very handy and hold a lot.   If she gets mislaid
    a policeman/woman would be the best and safest to ask for help.
    
    
    Bernie
    
    

    re .22, it wasn't bombings or IRA type stuff that I was concerned
    about.  (I might worry about that if she were going to Belfast, but
    she's not.)  
    
    My main concern was just random street crime - muggings, etc. - and the
    fact that a woman alone might seem like easy prey.  
    
    And, it isn't just the fact that it's a foreign city that worries me,
    either.  For example, I would be *much* more upset if she were going to
    L.A. or Miami, or even Chicago, Detroit, or NYC.
    
    The only city she's familiar with is Boston, so I was hoping for
    comparisons between Dublin and Boston.  Speaking of Boston, I wouldn't
    go to Dorchester, either! (or Jamaica Plain or Roxbury!!)  Although, I
    go to the downtown area - Newbury St., Downtown Crossing, Quincy Mkt. -
    a lot.
    
    I appreciate all the replies so far, and if anybody has anything else
    to add I'd be interested to read it.
    
    Lorna
    

    
    Hi Lorna,
    
    As far as comparisions go, Dublin is much more like a Boston than a New
    York.  Very walkable.   The stores close early though (compared to our
    shops being opened to 9:30-10:00 p.m. everynight.   So she won't have
    to worry about being out late shopping!
    
    The other thing to keep in mind is that guns are practically
    nonexistant compared to our cities.   Not too likely she'll meet up
    with an automatic machine gun which sadly isn't all that rare in L.A.!
    
    And I may be on 'sensitive' territory here, but I also think there are 
    fewer problems in Dublin relative to 'melting pot' issues that we see
    in most of our cities.  
    
    /jen
    

I'd agree with previous noter, Dublin is more like Boston than other large US
cities.  You mentioned in a previous note that she was really only familar 
with Boston, therefore I would still advise caution, even tho Boston is quiet
Irish, the cultural difference between Boston & Dublin ( & US and Irl) is huge,

... imho.

    I would suggest getting a street map of Dublin before she goes
    over.  Having some idea of the city would help.  Then she can
    find out where the "non-tourist" areas are and avoid them.  I
    think its an excellent idea to let somebody know where she's
    going for the day.  At least for Mom's peace of mind.
    
    Julia
    
    

    RE: .23  by CTHQ::COADY 
    
    >I think the main theme of the responses is that a person (male or
    >female) should be very careful in a foreign land.  
    
    That's true of any locale if you're the type of tourist who leaves
    common sense at home.  All too often people travel with the idea that
    just because they are on vacation they are somehow exempt from harm and
    misfortune.  
    
    Many are rudely awakened to find that they're not in Disneyland
    anymore.
    

   << As far as comparisions go, Dublin is much more like a Boston than a New
   <<York.  Very walkable.   The stores close early though (compared to our
   <<shops being opened to 9:30-10:00 p.m. everynight
    
    
    	Actually, I found Dublin very much like the Ottawa/Hull area rather
    than Boston.  And the shops had the same hours (Ottawa and Dublin).
    
    	My kids go into Ottawa on a regular basis and my son goes to the
    University of Ottawa.  They know enough to stay away from the `bad'
    strips (unless they're with a group).  But then, Ottawa is close and
    Dublin isn't, so I guess distance and unfamiliarity do give rise to
    concern.  
    
    	Pat

    If your daughter is flying into Dublin she should visit the tourist
    office at the airport - they are very helpful regarding where not to go
    and where not to park the car etc.
    
    Therese

Dennis

Its this ##### ALPHA. It is going so fast I cant keep up with it.
Unfortunately I am In Belfast on the week you are over So I cannot 
coax you into buying me a pint.  BTW arent you a bit old for a youth
hostel. Or is it entering your second childhood you are. -)

Lorna.

I have just realized why your daughter wishes to stay On. That is the
Week leading up to the All-Ireland Hurling final. If she is a good
girl and eats all her greens I might even get her a ticket. After all
there should be lots of tickets going in Mick Keyes' home county. -) 

Martin B.

    RE: .32  by SIOG::BRENNAN_M 
    
>Unfortunately I am In Belfast on the week you are over So I cannot 
>coax you into buying me a pint.  BTW arent you a bit old for a youth
>hostel. Or is it entering your second childhood you are. -)
    
    Not to worry, Martin, I'm going to Belfast as well.  Of course, I'm not
    old enough to buy you a pint.  ;-)
    

    re .1232, gee, and here I was thinking that she wanted to stay on so
    she could try to track down Bono.   :-)
    
    Lorna
    

    Martin:
    
    When is the All_Ireland Hurling final?  We'll be in Dublin on 11-12
    September, 17-19 September and 24-25 September.
    
    Pat

    Usualy the first Sunday in September.
    
    Gerry

Pat,

Sunday 6th September for the Hurling All-Ireland. I think
you may be OK for that other "sport" called football. I
Think thats on 20th. Sept.

BTW expect anything for the rest of this year, Clare have
Won another All Ireland. The last time they won one ther
was a bit of a war starting in Bosnia. Look what that led 
to -)

MBr

    I was talking to my Aunt last night about her trip to Ireland
    last year.  Two ladies in their tour group were mugged.  They
    were over by St. Stephen's Green.  A car pulled up to the sidewalk,
    a bunch of thugs got out, knocked them down and stole their bags,
    money, passports, etc.  One suffered a broken collar bone.  The
    next day they read in the paper . "Two elderly tourists mugged"
    According to my Aunt, the most upsetting part of the whole ordeal
    was being referred to as "elderly".
    
    Julia
    

    I just wanted to report that my daughter, Melissa, made it back safely
    from Ireland.  She had a wonderful time, went to two U2 concerts, and
    explored Dublin.  She spent the first 3 nights at a hotel.  But, at one
    of the U2 concerts she met a brother and sister, in her age bracket
    (she's 19), who live with their parents in Dublin, and they invited her
    to spend the rest of the time at their house, so she did.  It worked
    out great.  The guy she met showed her around Dublin, and she ate meals
    with the family, and made friends with them.  They invited her to come
    back and stay with them for a week next summer, too, if she can make it
    over there.  So, it all worked out well.  She loved it, and had a
    wonderful time.
    
    Thanks for all the helpful hints and comments that were entered here.
    
    Lorna
    
    ps - now *I* want to go to Ireland!  :-)
    

    
    Lorna!
    
    That's wonderful.  I'm very glad she went and had a good
    experience....and found much the same wonderful hospitality from the
    Irish that I did! :)
    
    /jen
    
    P.S. Lorna....go!  

    Lorna,
    
    Delighted to hear that your daughter had a brilliant time in Dublin 
    and that she met up with a lovely family.
    
    Of course, make sure you come yourself this year or next.
    
    
    Bernie