Driving in Ireland: The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know for a safe and enjoyable driving experience on Irish roads
Welcome to Irish Roads
Driving in Ireland can be one of the most rewarding ways to explore the Emerald Isle. From the winding coastal routes of the Wild Atlantic Way to the tranquil country lanes of the midlands, Ireland's roads offer access to breathtaking scenery and charming villages that might otherwise be missed.
However, driving in Ireland can also present unique challenges for visitors, particularly those from countries where driving is on the right. This comprehensive guide aims to prepare you for the Irish driving experience, covering everything from legal requirements and road rules to practical tips and common pitfalls to avoid.
Important Notice
Ireland drives on the left side of the road. If you're accustomed to driving on the right, this will require some adjustment. Take your time, stay alert, and you'll adapt quickly to this difference.
The winding roads of Ireland offer spectacular views
Legal Requirements for Driving in Ireland
Driving License
- You must hold a valid driving license to drive in Ireland
- Licenses from EU/EEA countries are valid in Ireland
- If you have a license from the US, Canada, Australia, or other non-EU countries, you can use it for up to 12 months when visiting
- International Driving Permits (IDPs) are recommended for non-EU licenses, especially if your license is not in English
Tip: Always carry your driving license with you while driving in Ireland.
Insurance
- Motor insurance is legally required to drive in Ireland
- If renting a car, basic insurance is typically included in the rental fee, but often with a high excess (deductible)
- Consider purchasing additional coverage to reduce the excess amount
- If driving your own vehicle from another country, check that your insurance covers driving in Ireland
- Green Card may be required for UK vehicles post-Brexit
Important: Without proper insurance, you could be personally liable for all costs in case of an accident.
Age Restrictions
- The minimum age to drive in Ireland is 17
- Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old
- Drivers under 25 often face additional fees and restrictions from rental companies
- Some rental companies have upper age limits (typically 70-75 years)
- Age surcharges can significantly increase rental costs
Tip: If you're under 25 or over 70, check with multiple rental companies as policies vary.
Required Documents
When driving in Ireland, you should always have the following documents with you:
- Valid driving license
- Vehicle registration document (if driving your own vehicle)
- Insurance certificate or cover note
- Rental agreement (if applicable)
- Personal identification (passport)
Note: Keep these documents easily accessible but secure while traveling.
Irish Road Rules & Regulations
Basic Road Rules
- Drive on the left side of the road at all times
- Overtake on the right side only
- Yield to traffic coming from the right at roundabouts
- Always give way to pedestrians at zebra crossings
- Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers
- Children under 150cm tall or 36kg must use appropriate child restraints
- Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is illegal
Speed Limits
| Road Type | Speed Limit (km/h) | Speed Limit (mph) |
|---|---|---|
| Motorway | 120 km/h | 75 mph |
| National Roads (N roads) | 100 km/h | 62 mph |
| Regional Roads (R roads) | 80 km/h | 50 mph |
| Urban Areas | 50 km/h | 31 mph |
| Special Limits (e.g., school zones) | 30 km/h | 19 mph |
Important: Speed limits in the Republic of Ireland are displayed in kilometers per hour (km/h), while in Northern Ireland they are in miles per hour (mph).
Alcohol & Driving
Ireland has strict laws regarding drinking and driving:
- The legal blood alcohol limit is 50mg per 100ml of blood (0.05%)
- For learner drivers, newly qualified drivers (less than 2 years), and professional drivers, the limit is just 20mg (0.02%)
- Random breath testing is common, especially at night and on weekends
- Penalties for drunk driving are severe, including fines, license disqualification, and possible imprisonment
Our advice: Never drink and drive in Ireland. Even one drink can put you over the limit. If you plan to drink, use public transport, designate a sober driver, or book a taxi.
Road Signs
Irish road signs generally follow the European standard but have some unique features:
- Signs are in both English and Irish (Gaelic)
- Distances and speed limits are in kilometers in the Republic (miles in Northern Ireland)
- Warning signs are diamond-shaped with a yellow background
- Regulatory signs are generally round
- Information signs are usually rectangular with a blue or white background
Common signs to know:
Yield/Give Way
Stop (Completely)
Roundabout Ahead
Uneven Road
Practical Driving Tips for Visitors
Adjusting to Driving on the Left
For drivers used to right-side driving, adapting to left-side driving in Ireland can be challenging at first. Here's how to make the transition smoother:
- Remember: driver sits on the right side of the car, closest to the center of the road
- Take time to familiarize yourself with the vehicle controls before setting off
- Start in a quiet area or car park, not in busy city traffic
- Use a simple mental reminder: "keep the steering wheel toward the center of the road"
- Be especially careful at intersections and when turning
- Consider adding a note on your dashboard as a reminder
Tip: The most dangerous times are when you're tired or distracted. Take regular breaks and stay focused, especially in the first few days.
Navigating Roundabouts
Roundabouts are extremely common in Ireland and can be confusing for visitors. Here's how to handle them:
- Approach with caution and reduce speed
- Give way to traffic already on the roundabout (coming from your right)
- Signal left or right to indicate your exit direction
- For taking the first exit: signal left, stay in left lane
- For going straight: no signal on approach, stay in left lane, signal left before exit
- For taking a later exit: signal right on approach, stay in right lane, signal left before exit
Rural Roads & Narrow Lanes
Many of Ireland's most scenic routes involve narrow, winding rural roads that require special attention:
- Be prepared for single-lane roads with passing places
- Drive slowly and be ready to stop or reverse to a passing place
- Watch for livestock on the road, especially sheep in rural areas
- Beware of blind corners and hidden dips
- Keep left, especially when navigating a bend in the road
- Use your horn gently when approaching blind corners on very narrow roads
Important: Rental car coverage often excludes damage to the undercarriage, wheels, and mirrors - the parts most likely to be damaged on narrow roads. Drive with extra caution.
Weather Considerations
Irish weather can change rapidly and affects driving conditions:
- Rain is common year-round - be prepared for wet roads
- Use headlights in rain, fog, or overcast conditions
- Reduce speed in wet conditions
- Morning and evening fog can be dense, especially in valleys and near water
- Snow is rare but can cause significant disruption when it occurs
- High winds can affect driving, particularly on exposed coastal roads
Tip: Check weather forecasts before setting out on long journeys, especially in winter or when traveling to mountainous areas.
Fuel & Rest Stops
Planning for fuel and breaks on Irish roads:
- Petrol stations (gas stations) are typically open 7am-11pm
- Some motorway service areas are open 24 hours
- In rural areas, fuel stations can be scarce - don't let your tank get too low
- Fuel is sold by the liter (not gallon)
- As of 2025, average fuel prices are approximately €1.70/liter for petrol (gasoline) and €1.60/liter for diesel
- Most service stations have convenience stores, toilets, and coffee facilities
Reminder: Take a break every two hours or so when driving long distances. Fatigue is a major cause of accidents.
Parking in Ireland
Parking guidelines to follow:
- In cities, paid parking is common via meters, pay-and-display machines, or parking apps
- Look for blue signs with a white "P" for public parking
- Avoid parking on double yellow lines (prohibited at all times)
- Single yellow lines indicate restricted times - check nearby signs
- Disabled parking spaces require a valid disabled parking permit
- In rural areas, never block farm gates or access roads
Warning: Illegal parking may result in fines, clamping, or towing, with fees of €80-€150 to release your vehicle.
Irish Road Types & Navigation
Understanding Ireland's road classification system will help you navigate more effectively:
Motorways (M Roads)
- High-speed, multi-lane highways similar to freeways/autobahns
- Identified by blue signs and an 'M' prefix (e.g., M50, M1)
- Speed limit: 120 km/h (75 mph)
- Many have tolls - see our Toll Roads Guide
- Restricted to motor vehicles only - no pedestrians, bicycles, or learner drivers
- Service areas available on some routes
National Roads (N Roads)
- Major routes connecting cities and large towns
- Identified by green signs and an 'N' prefix (e.g., N2, N59)
- Primary National Roads: N1-N50 (speed limit: 100 km/h)
- Secondary National Roads: N51-N99 (speed limit: 100 km/h)
- May be dual carriageway or single carriageway
- Generally well-maintained but can vary in quality
Regional Roads (R Roads)
- Connect smaller towns and link to national road network
- Identified by white signs and an 'R' prefix (e.g., R121, R559)
- Speed limit: 80 km/h (50 mph)
- Usually single carriageway of varying quality
- Can be narrow and winding, especially in rural areas
- Often offer scenic routes through the countryside
Local Roads (L Roads)
- Minor roads serving rural areas and local access
- Identified by white signs and an 'L' prefix when signed
- Speed limit: 80 km/h (50 mph), but often too narrow for such speeds
- Quality varies greatly - may be very narrow, winding, or unpaved
- Can require special caution, particularly for larger vehicles
- May include "boreens" - very narrow country lanes
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Ireland?
If you have a driving license from an EU/EEA country, you do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP). If your license is from the US, Canada, Australia, or other non-EU countries, you can drive with your national license for up to 12 months as a visitor.
However, we recommend getting an IDP if your license is not in English, as it provides a translation of your license that is recognized internationally. An IDP is not a standalone document and must be carried alongside your original driving license.
What do I do if I have an accident?
If you're involved in a road accident in Ireland:
- Stop your vehicle and turn on hazard lights
- Check if anyone is injured - if so, call emergency services immediately (112 or 999)
- Exchange details with other drivers involved (name, address, phone number, vehicle registration, insurance information)
- Take photos of the scene, including vehicle positions and damage
- Collect contact information from any witnesses
- Report the accident to the Gardaí (police) if anyone is injured or if there is significant damage
- If in a rental car, contact your rental company as soon as possible
- Do not admit fault or liability, even if you think you were responsible
How do I pay for toll roads?
Ireland has two types of toll systems:
- Barrier tolls: Most toll roads have physical toll booths where you can pay with cash (Euro) or credit/debit card as you pass through.
- Barrier-free tolling: The M50 toll around Dublin has no toll booths. You must pay online, by phone, or at certain retail outlets by 8 PM the day after your journey.
If you're renting a car, ask your rental company about their toll policy. Many rentals have electronic tags installed, or the company may charge tolls to your credit card (often with an administrative fee).
For a complete guide to all toll roads in Ireland, including current rates and payment methods, see our Toll Roads Guide.
Are there many speed cameras in Ireland?
Yes, Ireland has an extensive network of speed cameras, both fixed and mobile:
- Fixed speed cameras: Permanently installed at locations with history of speeding or accidents. Usually clearly visible and marked with warning signs.
- Mobile speed cameras: Operated from vans parked alongside roads. These can be positioned anywhere but are often at known accident blackspots.
- Average speed cameras: Measure your average speed between two points. Currently used in the Dublin Port Tunnel.
Speed limits are strictly enforced in Ireland, and penalties can be severe. Fixed penalty notices start at €80 and 3 penalty points for speeding offenses, with higher speeds resulting in court appearances.
What should I do if I encounter a narrow bridge or road?
Narrow bridges and single-lane roads are common in rural Ireland. Here's how to handle them:
- Approach slowly and with caution
- Look for signs indicating who has priority (if any)
- If you see oncoming traffic, look for the nearest passing place
- Be prepared to stop or reverse if necessary
- On very narrow bridges, fold in your side mirrors if needed
- Be patient and courteous - a friendly wave to thank drivers who give way is common practice
On longer stretches of single-lane road, check your mirror regularly. If faster traffic builds up behind you, use the next passing place to let them overtake.
How do I handle driving in Irish cities?
Driving in Irish cities, particularly Dublin, Cork, and Galway, presents unique challenges:
- Many city centers have one-way systems that can be confusing for first-time visitors
- Bus lanes are common and usually operational during specific hours - driving in them during these times can result in fines
- Parking can be limited and expensive - consider using park and ride facilities on the outskirts
- Traffic congestion can be significant during rush hours (typically 7:30-9:30 AM and 4:30-6:30 PM)
- Pedestrians and cyclists are common - drive with extra caution
- Narrow streets in historic city centers may be challenging for larger vehicles
Consider using public transportation for city center exploration and saving your car for traveling between cities or exploring rural areas.
Emergency Information
Emergency Contacts
- Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112 or 999
- Garda (Police) - Non-emergency: 01 666 0000
- Roadside Assistance:
- AA Ireland: 0818 66 77 88
- RAC Ireland: +44 330 159 1111
- Tourist Assistance Service: 01 661 0562
Breakdown Procedures
If your vehicle breaks down in Ireland:
- Move your vehicle off the road if possible
- Turn on hazard warning lights
- Wear a high-visibility vest if you have one
- Place a warning triangle behind your vehicle (if safe to do so)
- Call your roadside assistance provider or rental car company
- Remain in a safe location, preferably out of the vehicle and behind the barrier on motorways
For rental cars, check your rental agreement for the specific breakdown procedure and contact numbers.
Useful Irish Phrases
While English is spoken throughout Ireland, knowing a few emergency phrases can be helpful:
- Help! - "Cabhair!" (pronounced: "cow-ir")
- Call an ambulance! - "Glaoigh ar otharcharr!" (pronounced: "glee ar o-har-car")
- Police - "Gardaí" (pronounced: "gar-dee")
- Hospital - "Ospidéal" (pronounced: "os-pi-dale")
- I've had an accident - "Bhí timpiste agam" (pronounced: "vee timp-ish-teh ah-gum")
Car Rental Tips
For visitors renting a car in Ireland, here are some essential tips:
Ready to Explore Ireland's Roads?
Check out our guides to toll roads and scenic routes to make the most of your Irish driving adventure.