Despite a reputation as unsafe, Northern Ireland has one of the lowest crime rates among industrialized countries. According to statistics from the U.N. International Crime Victimization Survey (ICVS 2004), Northern Ireland has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe (lower than the United States and the rest of the United Kingdom), and even during the Troubles, the murder rate was still lower than in most large American cities. In fact, the results of the latest ICVS show that Japan is the only industrialized place safer than Northern Ireland. Almost all visitors experience a trouble-free stay.
There is a significant risk of terrorist related incidents in Northern Ireland, though tourists are unlikely to become caught up. It is, however, important to remain vigilant and keep up to date with the situation in the Province before and during your visit. In October 2010, a large car bomb exploded outside a bank in Derry, causing significant damage. In August 2011, terrorists once again targeted the banking sector when a device was thrown into a branch in the border city of Newry, giving staff only minutes to evacuate. In October 2011, a large un-exploded car bomb was found in Bradbury Place, close to the city's most popular night clubs on a busy Friday evening. It is not unusual to find yourself involved in a security alert (which can actually be quite a jovial experience, thanks largely to the locals' wry sense of humour).
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (formerly the Royal Ulster Constabulary or RUC) is the police force in Northern Ireland. Unlike the Garda Síochána in the Republic, the PSNI are routinely armed. It is not unusual to see police officers carrying long-barrelled rifles. The police still use heavily-armoured Land Rover vehicles; do not be concerned by this, as it doesn't mean that trouble is about to break out. There is a visible police presence in Belfast and Derry, and the police are approachable and helpful. Almost all police stations in Northern Ireland are reinforced with fencing or high, blast-proof walls. It is important to remember that there is still a necessity for this type of protection and that it is a visible reminder of the province's past.
As with most places, avoid being alone at night in urban areas. In addition, avoid wearing clothes that could identify you (correctly or not) as being from one community or the other (for example Celtic or Rangers football kits). Do not express a political viewpoint (pro-Nationalist or pro-Unionist) unless you are absolutely sure you are in company that will not become hostile towards you for doing so. Even then, you should be sure that you know what you're talking about. It would even be better if you acted that either you don't know about the conflict or don't care. Avoid political gatherings where possible. Many pubs have a largely cultural and political atmosphere (such as on the Falls Road, the mostly Nationalist main road in West Belfast, and the Newtownards Roads in predominantly Unionist East Belfast), but expressing an opinion among good company, especially if you share the same view, will usually not lead to any negative consequences.
Traffic through many towns and cities in Northern Ireland tends to become difficult at times for at least a few days surrounding the 12th July due to the Orange Parades and some shops may close for the day or for a few hours. The parades have been known to get a bit rowdy but have vastly improved in recent years. Additionnaly, the last Saturday in August is known as "Black Saturday" which is the end of the marching season. There can be trouble at this time too, just stay away from anywhere that appears to be obviously sectarian towards either community, the trouble now usually happens between locals who know each other and are starting.
Pickpockets and violent crime are less common but not non-existent so you can generally walk around the main streets of Belfast or any other city or town without fear during the day.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Northern Ireland
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Northern Ireland - updated Apr 2024
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Northern Ireland Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
