Driving in Ireland

23 questions, answered plainly.

Which side of the road does Ireland drive on, and what else changes for a North American driver?

Ireland drives on the left, in the Republic and the North alike, and the car itself puts you on the right hand side of it.

Do I need an international driving permit to rent a car in Ireland?

For most visitors, no.

Why is Irish car rental insurance so confusing, and what do CDW and excess mean?

It reads as insurance and behaves like a contract.

What speed limits apply on motorways, national roads, regional roads and in towns?

In the Republic, in kilometres per hour: 120 on motorways, 100 on national roads, 80 on regional and local roads, and 50 in built up areas, with lower signed limits, 30 in many…

How do toll roads work in Ireland, especially the M50 barrier free toll?

Most Irish toll roads have a barrier plaza where you pay by card or cash as you pass.

Can I drive a rental car between the Republic and Northern Ireland?

Yes, but tell the rental company before you go, not after.

What are Irish rural roads really like, and how much extra time should I allow?

Expect narrow to be the default: two cars passing with care, hedges and stone walls at the edge of the tarmac, and bends that hide tractors, cyclists and walkers.

How do I handle single track roads, tractors, sheep and cyclists safely?

Slow down early and use the passing places, the widened bays cut into single track roads.

What drink driving limits and penalties should visitors know in Ireland?

The limit in the Republic is 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood for most drivers, and 20 milligrams for learner, novice and professional drivers, a level one drink can reach.

When must I use headlights, seat belts and child seats in Ireland?

Seat belts are compulsory for every occupant where one is fitted, front and back, and the driver is legally responsible for passengers under 17.

How does parking work in Irish towns, and what do disc parking and clamping mean?

Most Irish towns run one of three systems, and the street sign is the law.

What fuel types and electric vehicle charging should I expect on a road trip?

Petrol here means unleaded petrol, sold from the green pump; diesel comes from the black pump, and putting the wrong one in is an expensive morning, so check the label inside the…

Should I choose the Ring of Kerry clockwise or anticlockwise?

Drive it clockwise: from Killarney take the N71 south to Kenmare first.

How long does the Ring of Kerry take if I stop properly?

Give it a full day, and two if you can.

What are the most demanding drives for a nervous driver, and what are the alternatives?

Three kinds of road test nervous drivers.

Can I drive the Healy Pass, Conor Pass and Gap of Dunloe in a normal rental car?

Healy Pass and Conor Pass, yes.

What should I do after a minor collision or breakdown in a rental car in Ireland?

Stop, switch on the hazard lights and check for injuries first.

Are there roads or city areas I should avoid driving in as a first time visitor?

Dublin city centre is the main place to leave the car behind.

How do I plan fuel, coffee and safe rest stops on long Irish driving days?

Build the stops into the day before you set off, using towns rather than hoping for a service station.

What changes when driving in Northern Ireland: signs, speed limits and currency for parking?

Three things change at an unmarked border.

What are the best scenic drives in County Kildare?

Kildare's scenery is gentle rather than grand, and its best driving is slow.

Where do I park in Kildare Town, and what does it cost?

Parking is the easy part of a Kildare town day.

How do petrol stations work in Ireland?

They are called petrol stations, never gas stations, and almost all of them are self service.

Useful pages: Driving in Ireland: the full guide · An Ireland road trip · Dublin · County Kerry · Scenic drives in Ireland · Killarney · Healthcare and emergencies · Plan your journey · Northern Ireland

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