The US embassy in Dublin has advised visitors to Ireland to avoid walking alone and to keep a “low profile” after an attack on a tourist from New York.
The embassy alert, issued on Tuesday, urged US visitors to “exercise good personal security practices” to be aware of their surroundings.
“Avoid walking alone, if possible, especially during hours of darkness. Do not wear or display expensive jewellery or watches and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Avoid placing passports, cash, cell phones, or other valuables in the outer pockets of backpacks or purses or on tables in public places,” the embassy warned.
Other tips included: “Avoid staring at your phone while walking in public areas. Limit earbud/headphone use when in public. Be mindful of your alcohol consumption. Keep a low profile.”
The warning comes after an assault that left Stephen Termini, 57, with life-changing injuries. A group of youths attacked the New Yorker on Store Street, in Dublin’s north inner city, on 19 July. He was staying at a guesthouse in nearby Talbot Street. A teenage boy has been charged.
The attack on Termini and other recent violent incidents in Dublin have prompted an outcry. The taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, called for more visible policing. “Our cities kind of deteriorated during the pandemic period and have never really come back to the level of safety that they were,” he said.
The US state department’s travel advisory website still rates Ireland at level 1, which means “exercise normal precautions”.
