There is much talk about how safe it is to visit Ireland, even before the most recent events in the Middle East and the escalation in the cost of fuel and the increase in the general cost of living. Other stories about safety in Dublin are circulating, but the real problem for Dublin in particular is the cost of visiting Ireland’s capital. In 2025 it overtook Oslo, the capital of Norway, as Europe’s most expensive city destination. But is Ireland safe to visit in 2026?
Dublin is still attracting its fair share of (mostly well heeled) travellers, but there is a whole island to discover beyond its boundaries.This is where you will still find value for money, authentic Irish experiences and more modest accommodation and eating out opportunities. Travel north of the border into Northern Ireland and the costs of visiting are even more attractive.
Northern Ireland is still suffering the negative halo effect of the years known as ‘The Troubles’, particularly in the older travelling cohort, but nearly three decades after the peace agreement, many travellers are now attracted by its great value accommodation, its culinary offer and the promise of a less crowded and more authentic Irish experience. There is also a great deal of hesitancy in the travelling public, cautious about committing to overseas travel in an uncertain geopolitical climate. But this is probably the best time to travel and I’ll explain why.
At the time of writing, air travel has not yet been adversely affected by the increased cost in fuel (although this might change), so there has not been a marked increase in the cost of flying, either short or long haul. More importantly, most of us in the Irish travel industry have held down our prices, despite the increasing cost of running a travel and hospitality business in the current economic climate.
It is almost impossible to get away from the constant gloomy headlines and it would be easy to get depressed and to believe that the world is a very dangerous place. But the reality is far away from the mainstream headlines and Ireland remains the green and pleasant land that it has always been. That’s not to say that there aren’t challenges. Uncertainly in currency exchange, additional bureaucracy with travel permits to enter the UK from Ireland and fear of getting caught up in the uncertainty of global conflicts are still making travellers pause.
But Ireland, north and south, east and west is open for business and those who commit to travel will find the same warm welcome, the outstanding natural environment and some to the world’s best visitor attractions. And better still, outside of Dublin, the destination remains one of the best value for money locations in Europe.
So, set aside any doubts about travelling and book your Ireland trip in 2026. We look forward to hosting you and sharing the delights of our beloved Emerald Isle. Better still, Contact Us now to discuss your travel plans. Now that we’ve answered the question, is Ireland safe to visit in 2026?