I was just wondering about the safety in Ireland. I'm going with a friend of mine, who's spanish, and I am black. I know Ireland is already trouble with some fighting..but should we worry about our safety in this regards?

Sarah, <BR>I am in a hurry so quick advice advice - appear obviously like a tourist and not a refugee and you will be all right - plain truth for survival in ireland. Don't take any unnecessary risks ie walking around Dublin late at night etc. Have a good time and post if you have any more qs, <BR> <BR>Cathy

Agree with Cathy, don't look like a tourist with cameras hanging around the neck, maps, etc. They'll know anyway but don't accentuate it -- and that goes with any foreign country. <BR> <BR>Aside from that, Dublin is the only city I'd worry about. Again, watch yourself late at night, stay in well lit areas, travel together, etc. Common sense stuff. Temple Bar area has lots of people and things to do which is where we stayed. <BR> <BR>When in the country you'll find people friendly and accommodating but common sense applies here as well. <BR> <BR>Overall, I felt completely safe and comfortable, traveling with my mother last August and then with two friends over Thanksgiving. We're all white, non-minorities but tourists all the same. <BR> <BR>Cheers, <BR> Chris (http://www.flamingo-travel.com/virtu...eland_day1.asp)

You'll be safe, but you may run into uncomfortable (rather than dangerous) situations because of the color of your skin. After all, the older generation still refers to anyone who isn't white as "darkies" or "colored". They typically don't wish them any harm, but since they so rarely see a person of color outside of television, they can be intimidated. The younger generations, however, are very well-traveled and well-educated and therefore tend to be more accepting of everyone. <BR> <BR>I've had black friends visit me in Ireland without incident, but I just think it's something you should be aware of.

Spanish practically becomes the countries second language well in Dublin anyway. There are lots of spanish people living and studying in Ireland. You mention you are black, I think Dublin is more tolerant than any other town or city in Ireland. Older people are generally more suspicious but the black community in Dublin is growing by the week!! So you wont be treated like some sort of Alien. The "fighting" you refer to is in Northern Ireland only which is a different country. Dublin is capital of the Republic of Ireland not N ireland. <BR>Have Fun!!

I have lived in Ireland for the past 15 years and I'm Chinese. I think the Irish in general have become more fearful, and hence xenophobic, about anyone who's not white. You will get stared at a lot, some of it will be hostile. You might even get called names by teenagers and kids. I would advise you to be as careful as you would in any large city and you should be ok. By and large, you will be meet nice and friendly people.

to Sarah, <BR> <BR>I am a black female. I lived in Ireland for several months on two different occasions, and I've travelled there many times over the years. <BR> <BR>The advice here is all good, but comes across as a bit negative. Your skin color may expose you to situations on BOTH ends of the scale - I've been called names by ignorant teens. I've also met people who just wanted to talk to me because the only black people they've ever seen were on TV! My sister nearly had two guys convinced that she was born and raised in Ireland - it was so funny! All of this attention may seem a bit weird, but for the most part quite harmless. You may go completely unnoticed if you stay in Dublin! <BR> <BR>As far as your Spanish friend, Ireland is visited by thousands of Spanish people every year - mostly students, mostly in Summer and mostly in Dublin. <BR> <BR>Hope this puts your mind at ease! Have a good trip!