Dublin

Most nights the A&E wards in Dublin’s hospitals are packed with casualties. Drunks, junkies, old people, the homeless and victims of gangland shootings pass through nightly in the hope of seeing a doctor. Only venture in if seriously ill.

Private clinics abound all over the city but minimum charge to visit one is €50 and that does not cover the cost of a prescription.

Health care is a real bone of contention in Dublin right now as it is one of the main service sectors not to benefit from the boom. The majority of doctors and nurses in the hospitals are foreign, while the Irish trained doctor and nurses are working abroad.

Generally Dublin is a safe city. Aided by the newfound affluence, tourists are much less likely to get mugged these days, but gun ownership is on the rise and every weekend there are reportings of shootings. They usually take place in suburban housing estates.

Roaming the city centre streets at night is not an uncommon activity for locals so expect company if you are out and about late at night or early in the morning. All in all Dublin is a safe city. Just keep your eyes peeled and stay out of the hospitals and suburbs.

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