Tips for Driving in Ireland
Ireland is one of the world's most popular destinations with numerous attractions located in the beautiful countryside. Get familiar with local rules, signs, and types of rental cars available before you embark on your journey.
Speed Limits
- Motorways 120 km/h
- Dual carriageways 100 km/h
- Main roads 80 km/h
- Built up areas 50 km/h
N-roads = National Roads
R-Roads = Regional (minor) roads
The Irish police are known as the Garda Sióchána
Driver's Checklist
- Valid documentation - driving licence and vehicle rental agreement
- Warning triangle - not a legal obligation, but always useful
- First aid kit
- Loose change for tolls, unless you have opted for an EXPRESSTOLL tag as part of your rental
- GPS - road signs in rural Ireland can be confusing
112 is the European emergency number
Gaeltacht Areas
Road signs in Ireland usually show place names in both English and Irish, apart from in the Irish-speaking Gaeltacht areas along the west coast, where local signs are only in Irish. A few useful ones to know are:
- Géill slí: Yield (give way)
- Stad: Stop
- Go Mall: Go Slow
- Bóthar Dúnta: Road Closed
Dos
- Always remember to drive on the left. In Ireland you drive on the left side of the road and the driver sits on the right-hand side of the car.
- Prepare for your journey properly. There are not many service stations on motorways in Ireland.
- Abide by the laws of the road. Even foreign drivers can be issued with penalty points.
- Wear your seat belt. Children must use booster seats or an appropriate child restraint system.
- Research your directions and plan your route in advance. In parts of Ireland's 'Gaeltacht' areas, road signs are written only in the Irish language (Gaeilge).
Don'ts
- Don't use your mobile phone while driving. Not only is it dangerous, but it's against the law and you could be fined up to €2,000.
- Many minor roads can be narrow with no 'hard shoulder'. Watch out for oncoming traffic and adverse road conditions.
- Don't drink and drive, it's a very serious offence in Ireland. The legal limit for fully licensed drivers is 0.05mg/ml in Ireland compared to 0.08mg/ml in the UK.
- Speed. Mobile speed camera detectors and police checkpoints are commonplace throughout the country.
- Don't beep your horn between 11:30 pm-7:00 am
Don't get caught out
Loos in Ireland are often labelled in Irish:
Mná - Ladies
Fir - Gents
This is sometimes abbreviated to M and F, which can be mistaken for Male and Female, when in fact it's the opposite!
CAR HIRE IN IRELAND
Car Rental Locations
You’ll find an Enterprise Rent-A-Car location perfect for your adventure.
- Airport: Begin the trip as soon as you arrive. Airports are usually located near major roadways that will allow you to get on the road quickly.
- Neighborhood: Great for day trips or to begin your journey after a visit to a major city.
- Train Station: Rent at a train station to explore a region further.
Legal Requirements for Driving in Ireland
At the time of rental, all drivers must produce a valid driver’s licence and two proofs of address including photographic identification. All overseas renters require a passport as well as a driver’s licence.
Cross Border Regulations
Renters are allowed to travel within Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Please note that all North American renters will be required to purchase mandatory liability insurance.
One-Way Rentals Within Ireland
Some branches in Ireland will allow you to return the vehicle to another branch within Ireland for an additional charge.
Considering Taking A Road Trip To Another Country?
Check out all of our Driving Guides and learn the rules of the road for: