Following a night of violence in Dublin, the Canadian government has updated its travel advice for citizens visiting Ireland. Protests disrupted local services and transport and involved vandalism, arson, and clashes with police.
The travel advisory came ahead of reassurances from Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on November 24 that Dublin remains safe despite the turmoil.
According to Reuters, the disturbances in Dublin began after a stabbing near a local school. The incident led to widespread rioting, including the destruction of shop windows, police cars, buses, and a tram, along with violent encounters between rioters and police.
The rioting, which resulted in 34 arrests, was triggered by the stabbing of three young children earlier in the day that left a five-year-old girl in critical condition.
Prime Minister Varadkar condemned the violence, stating that those involved had brought shame upon Dublin and Ireland. He assured the public that the city was safe to visit, emphasizing that the riots were quickly contained. His statement addressed the safety of returning to the city centre, as normalcy began to resume with shoppers and tourists venturing back into the area.
Police have warned of the potential for further violence. The initial unrest saw extensive property damage, including looted shops and destroyed public vehicles.
In response to the violence, Varadkar announced immediate steps to tighten anti-hate legislation. The move is seen as a direct reaction to the riots and the circumstances that led to them.
For Canadians in Dublin, the updated travel advice underscores the importance of staying informed and being prepared to adapt to changing circumstances. The advisory also warns about petty crimes like pickpocketing and purse snatching, which are common, especially targeting tourists.
Canadians should keep their belongings, including passports, secure and carry photocopies of important documents instead of the originals. It's also advised to avoid displaying wealth, carrying a lot of cash, and walking on deserted streets at night. The advisory notes that crimes often occur at tourist spots, hotels, restaurants, bars, public transport, airports, and railway stations.
An Irish police car parked on the pavement in Dublin city centre.Michael Harper | Dreamstime
Vehicle-related thefts, including car break-ins, are noted to be an issue, particularly in Dublin's tourist areas. Travelers are advised to know their routes, keep their vehicles locked, store belongings out of sight, use secure parking, and never leave any items unattended in a vehicle.
In the rare event of violent crime, Canadians should report any incidents to the nearest An Garda Síochána station. For additional support, the Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS) is available to help tourists who are victims of crime. ITAS can help arrange accommodation, transport, and meals, and will liaise with various companies and authorities, including the local police and the Canadian Embassy.