Driving in Ireland: Essential Tips for Visitors and Expats

Fundamental Rules of the Road

Driving on the Left

In Ireland (both Republic and Northern Ireland), driving is on the left side. Everything will be backward for those used to the right side, from the seat on opposite side of the car, blinkers where light switch would be, radio on left.

Ireland drives on the left-hand side of the road. This is one of the biggest concerns for American visitors, but the key is remembering it – turning up left sleeve or repeating "Left is best" can help reinforce it.

Required Documentation

For US/Canadian/Australian Drivers: Those with US license can drive for visit of up to 12 months. Staying for over 12 months requires applying for International Permit.

For EU/EEA Drivers: Drivers from EU/EEA member state (e.g. France, Germany, Belgium) are able to drive in Ireland for as long as their licence is valid.

Insurance: You need insurance, either in your name or as named driver, to legally drive in Ireland. If renting a car, basic level of insurance is included in rental cost by law.

Age Requirements

To drive in Ireland you must be age 17 or older. To rent a car in Ireland you must be 25 years, though some exceptions may apply.

Speed Limits and Signage

Republic of Ireland

Road signs show distances and speed limits in kilometres. Road signs and place names are displayed in both Irish (Gaelic) and English. In Gaeltacht areas (where Irish is primary language) only Irish is used.

Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas (approx. 30 mph), 80km/h on regional roads, 100km/h on national roads, and 120km/h on motorways.

2025 Speed Limit Changes

By 2025, default speed limits on national secondary roads will be cut from 100 km/h to 80 km/h, from 80 km/h to 60 km/h on rural or local roads, and from 50 km/h to 30 km/h on roads in developed or urban areas.

Northern Ireland

Signposts and speed limits are in miles and miles per hour, while all place names are displayed in English only.

Penalties

Exceeding speed limit could result in €160 fine and 3 penalty points. Some areas have average speed cameras tracking speed over distance rather than single point.

Roundabouts

There are lots of roundabouts in Ireland. The main thing to remember is to enter the roundabout by going left and yield to vehicles already in the roundabout that will be coming on your right.

Negotiating roundabouts: Think of four-exit roundabout with two lanes. Imagine the roundabout is cut in half vertically to the position of your car. Take left lane for left exits, right lane for straight ahead or right exits.