Top tips for driving in Ireland a guide for Americans

Ah, driving in Ireland! It’s not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s an adventure wrapped up in extraordinary landscapes, charming towns, narrow roads and not losing your nerve. Picture this: you’re cruising along winding roads, lush green fields stretching out on either side, and the occasional sheep deciding to take a leisurely stroll across your path. It’s the kind of experience that makes your heart race and your camera work overtime for the gram.

But let’s be real—driving in Ireland can be a bit of a wild ride. With its unique road signs, narrow lanes, and that whole steering-wheel-on-the-right-side-of-the-car thing, so I must drive on the left side of the road – it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. And don’t even get me started on the roundabouts! Oh and I’m always trying to get in the right side of the car as a passenger.

Yet, there’s something magical about the thrill of navigating through beautiful villages and breathtaking coastlines, all while listening to Google sending you down the wrong road. So, whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or a nervous newbie, buckle up, because driving in Ireland is a journey you won’t want to miss!

At 486 km (302 miles) at its longest point from north to south, Ireland is a very drivable island that is best seen by road. Many parts of Ireland are not easily accessible by public transport. For example, if you are looking for things to do in Donegal you will absolutely need a car. If you are accustomed to driving on North American roads and highways you will find driving in Ireland very easy, trust me.

With so many great things to see and do when visiting Ireland all within an island about the size of the State of Indiana, Ireland is best explored by road. So, if you’re planning an Irish road trip, these are our top tips for driving in Ireland.

7 days around Ireland Itinerary

14 days around Ireland Itinerary

Hiring a private driver in Ireland

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Questions about driving in Ireland for the first time

What do I need to know about driving in Ireland for the first time?

So, you’re getting ready for a trip to Ireland and want to drive in Ireland? First off, you should know that you’ll be driving on the left! That’s right, it’s the left side of the road here, which might feel a bit weird if you’re used to the right side of the road. Just take your time and don’t rush; you’ll get the hang of it! Also, be aware of the road signs—they can be a bit different from what you’re used to, so keep your eyes peeled.

Road Signs in Ireland

In Ireland, both km/h and mph are used for speed measurements, depending on the region. In the Republic of Ireland (26 counties), speed limits are displayed in kilometers per hour (km/h), while in Northern Ireland (6 counties), they are shown in miles per hour (mph).  

Brown signs, also known as tourist signs, indicate the most suitable route for visitors to reach a tourist destination. They can also point out attractions that might not be expected in a given location.

Some Irish road signs show a sarcastic sense of humour with graffiti and others are just downright silly.

Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Ireland?

If you’re from outside the EU, you might need an international driving permit (IDP) along with your regular driving licence. If you’re from the US, your US license is usually fine, always check the latest rules just to be safe!

What are the speed limits like in Ireland?

Speed limits in Ireland can differ a lot depending on where you are. In general, it’s 120 km/h (75 mph) on motorways, 100 km/h (62 mph) on national roads (that’s the national road system), and 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas. Just keep an eye on the road signs—they’ll tell you what the limit is in each area. And if you’re driving in Ireland for the first time, it’s a good idea to stick to the lower end of the speed limit until you get comfortable!

Are the roads in Ireland really narrow?

Yes, they can be! If you’re venturing onto rural roads, be prepared for some seriously narrow roads. You might find yourself squeezing past stone walls, gigantic tractors, huge Range Rovers or hedges taking up the space. Just remember to take it slow and watch out for oncoming traffic. If you’re in a rental car, try to get a smaller vehicle—it’ll make navigating those narrow roads a lot easier!

Guide to driving in Ireland requirements

Driving in Ireland as a North American visitor requires meeting specific requirements to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on the roads. Here’s what you need to know:  

Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license from your home country is required. For stays longer than a year, you may need to exchange your license for an Irish one.  
   – U.S. and Canadian licenses are generally accepted for short-term visits.  
   – An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not legally required but can be helpful, especially if your license is not in English.  

Age Requirements: The minimum age to rent a car in Ireland is typically 21, but some rental companies require drivers to be at least 25, with additional fees for younger or older drivers.

Car Insurance: Rental cars come with basic insurance, but it’s advisable to check for additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). North Americans should verify if their credit card or travel insurance provides car rental coverage in Ireland, and have it in writing.  

Driving on the Left: In Ireland, driving is on the left side of the road, and roundabouts are common, so familiarize yourself with the rules and local signage.

Speed Limits: Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour (km/h), so North American drivers may need to adjust to the metric system.  

Required Documents: Carry your driver’s license, passport, car rental agreement, and insurance documents at all times.  

Road Types: Roads range from motorways (highways) to narrow rural roads. Be prepared for variable conditions, especially in scenic areas.  

Manual or Automatic?

Manual (stick shift) vehicles are far more common in Ireland than automatic cars. Many first-time visitors forget to request an automatic transmission when renting a car, only to discover they’ve been given a manual instead. To avoid confusion or difficulty, be sure to specify your preference when making your car rental reservation.

License Requirements in Ireland

Licence requirements for Americans

Driving in Ireland with US license is allowed for a visit of up to 12 months. Staying for over 12 months? You’ll need to apply for an International Permit.

License Requirements for EU/EEA Member States  

Drivers from EU/EEA countries (such as France, Germany, and Belgium) can legally drive in Ireland as long as their license remains valid, with no additional requirements.  

License Requirements for Non-EU/EEA Residents  

Non-EU/EEA residents can drive in Ireland for up to 12 months using a valid national driving license. After this period, additional steps may be required to continue driving legally.  

Insurance Requirements

Insurance is mandatory to drive legally in Ireland. Whether the policy is in your name or you’re listed as a named driver, coverage is required. If renting a car, basic insurance is automatically included in the rental price by law, though additional coverage options are available for extra peace of mind. Truth be told take all the insurances offered it may be expensive but trust me when I say those narrow roads play havoc with wing mirrors and tires.

Motorcycling in Ireland

Riding a motorcycle throughout Ireland is an unforgettable experience. Hubs is a bike fanatic and is still depressed about having to sell his Honda Shadow. He has rented a bike and driven several iconic Irish and European roads and loves the freedom his bike gives him.

I started riding pillion years ago but my confidence is not great and I don’t like being out of control. I would love to get my own bike one day but need to gain confidence. There are some epic motorcycle roads in Europe that would be a joy to ride on.

Top tips for driving in Ireland as an American

Do they drive on the left in Ireland? Yes, Cars on the island of Ireland drive on the left-hand side of the road.

I always say to myself to keep my butt in the middle of the road, which is good advice as then you don’t have to think about driving on (as we N. Americans say) the wrong side of the road.

Tourist driving in Ireland – how to use a roundabout

Who has right of way on a roundabout in Ireland? You always yield to traffic that’s already on the roundabout and traffic coming from your right. Don’t enter the roundabout until it’s clear from your right – this may mean waiting until someone is exiting onto the road you’re waiting to enter from.

Traffic Lights in Ireland

Sometimes traffic lights operate differently depending on what European country you are driving in so here’s the basic information on using traffic lights.

In Ireland as in the UK, the traffic light sequence appears to be the same but will change from red to amber and then to green. Unlike the USA and Canada which go green, amber and red. This is because in Europe most cars are manual and the lights going from red to amber gives you a chance to get ready to go and put the car in gear. In NA the lights change from green to amber to warn you to stop.

Red light: do not cross the stop line or pass the light.

Yellow light precedes the red light: stop unless you are already too close to stop safely when the light changes.

Yellow and red lights flashing together: prepare to drive.

Green light: drive.

Flashing yellow light alone: the intersection is not regulated by traffic lights, proceed with caution.

Driving in Ireland tips

From making sure you stay on the right side of the road to being aware of driving laws, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before taking to the road in Ireland.

Google Maps

Google maps – can I just say that I’ve been lost several times with Google but I have always enjoyed the fact that I get to explore places I never dreamed of and enjoyed more than the standard tourist sites. There are however several Google Maps tricks and tips for your next travel adventures that you should know before you go.

Rules of the road

First up on our list of top tips for driving in Ireland is that you abide by the law. Offences like driving under the influence and using a mobile phone while driving are taken very seriously in Ireland.

To keep yourself and those around you safe – and also to avoid any hefty fines – make sure you abide by the driving laws in Ireland.

Don’t Drive in Dublin

Driving in Dublin Ireland is simply a no-go if you’re not used to the roads. Like any city, the centre is often full of traffic, making it a nightmare to navigate the road systems. The roads are also very narrow unlike N. America roads which does making city driving quite nerve wracking.

So, if you’re heading into the city centre, we advise against driving. There are lots of park-and-ride spots on the outskirts of the city, where you can leave your car and commute to the centre using public transport.

Irish roads

Many of Ireland’s roads are narrow and winding country roads. Thus, we advise taking it slow if you don’t know about the upcoming twists and turns.

Many locals will want to race on ahead, so feel free to let them pass. Just drive slow and enjoy the stunning Irish scenery that surrounds you.

Be aware of the change from km to miles

When you cross the border from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland, remember that the speed limits change from kilometres per hour to miles per hour.

You don’t want to get caught speeding because you’ve got confused about the unit of measurement.

Toll Roads in Ireland

Ten of Ireland’s eleven toll roads have regular barrier toll plazas which means you can pay in cash or debit/credit card at the barrier. The M8, Limerick Tunnel and the East Link Bridge require a cash payment. The M50 is the only toll road you don’t have a barrier so you may not notice that you do have to pay. There are no toll roads in Northern Ireland.

BEWARE: The M50 toll road that goes around Dublin is a barrier-free toll, this means that you don’t pay on the road but you MUST pay before 8 pm the next day. This can be done by an app on your mobile or via computer and at most gas stations with a Payzone sign. There are no toll roads in Northern Ireland.

Plan your route

When you’re thinking of heading on an Ireland road trip, it is super important to plan your route. This comes in handy, so you don’t miss any important stops and sights you want to see along the way.

However, many of the best things in Ireland are hidden gems that you might not even have heard of. So, allow extra time to discover some unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Renting a car in Ireland

It goes without saying that one of the top tips for driving in Ireland is to hire from a reputable car company. To avoid any issues with the car, insurance, or anything else, make sure you read the reviews before booking your vehicle.

Make sure you’re fully insured – comprehensive insurance is your best bet. There are three levels of insurance for driving in Ireland: third-party, third-party fire and theft, and comprehensive. To avoid running into any trouble in the long run, pay the extra money upfront and buy comprehensive insurance.

Hire a small car – best for narrow country roads

Many of the roads across Ireland are narrow and winding country roads, and many feature low bridges. For this reason, we advise hiring a small car that can fit through tiny spaces and won’t get stuck on narrow roads. You’ll thank us later for this one!

Topping our list of tips for driving in Ireland is remembering to drive on the left. Unlike most other countries, including the United States and most countries around Europe, cars drive on the left-hand side of the road in Ireland with the driver on the right of the car.

Driving Disabled Blue badge parking

There is a Reciprocal agreement between the EU and the USA and Canada whereby EU parking disks are valid in all EU Nations, USA and Canada. Therefore US and Canadian disks are also acceptable in EU countries. If you are at all concerned then Email the Irish Wheelchair Association at –  [email protected]. or the Disabled Drivers Association at –  [email protected].

Disability has been a problem but there are now options to rent Adapted and Wheelchair friendly vehicles. In the West of Ireland, try Freedom Mobility which is based in Mayo and Oranmore whilst Motability Ireland and Vantastic are Dublin based.

Gas (petrol) in Ireland

Gas or petrol is expensive in Ireland (very similar to Canadian prices per litre). The average current price ranges from €1.49/litre to €1.60 a litre depending on which area you are in. However, the cars are really good at conserving gas and the drives are not as long as they are in N. America.

There are only two types of fuel available here petrol/gas or diesel so make sure you use the correct one to fill up. Check your rental car’s fuel return policy. We had a small hold put on the car rental we used for fuel but it was returned to us around a week after we turned the car in with the gas tank full.

Differences between driving in Northern Ireland vs Republic of Ireland

Northern Ireland: Road signs are in English and Gaelic.

Driving in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland has several key differences due to separate jurisdictions and road regulations.

1. Speed Limits

Republic of Ireland: Speed limits are measured in kilometers per hour (km/h).

Northern Ireland: Speed limits are measured in miles per hour (mph).

2. Road Signage

Republic of Ireland: Road signs are primarily in Irish (Gaeilge) and English, especially in rural areas.

3. Currency

• Republic of Ireland: The currency is the Euro (€).
• Northern Ireland: The currency is the Pound Sterling (£).

4. Legal Requirements

• Insurance and Licenses: Both regions require valid insurance and a driver’s license. However, UK licenses are sufficient in Northern Ireland, while EU/EEA licenses are standard in the Republic. Non-EU/EEA licenses are typically accepted in both regions for up to 12 months.

5. Road Networks

Republic of Ireland: Roads are marked with green signs for primary routes and blue for motorways. The road numbering system uses the prefix “N” for national roads and “M” for motorways (e.g., N7, M50).

Northern Ireland: Roads use white signs for primary routes and green for motorways, with road numbers prefixed by “A” or “M” (e.g., A1, M2).

6. Fuel Prices and Availability

• Fuel costs may differ slightly, with the Republic of Ireland typically having higher prices due to different tax structures.

7. Driving Style and Enforcement

• Republic of Ireland: Gardaí (Irish police) enforce traffic laws, and there is an emphasis on speed cameras.
• Northern Ireland: The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is responsible for enforcement, with similar use of speed cameras and roadside checks.

Despite these differences, driving between the two regions is seamless, as the border is open, and road networks are well-connected. Always check your car rental agreement if driving across the border to ensure coverage applies in both areas.