Ireland Driving Guide 2023
So, you want to have a good craic while driving in the Republic of Ireland without breaking any of the nation’s rules and ensuring everything is smooth during your stay.
Let’s start with some good news from the offset: For starters, you don’t have to worry about having a GB sticker like in many other EU countries. You’ll also be glad to know that they drive on the left-hand side just like in the United Kingdom.
Most of the general advice is also common sense, such as ensuring you and all passengers wear set belts at all times. In this guide, we’ll go through all you need to know when driving in Ireland, looking at everything from insurance to parking to speed limits.
Drink and Drugs
Ireland is just strict as the UK when it comes to drink or drug-influenced driving. Of course, you may want to enjoy a traditional Irish pub or two during your stay but the rules remain very similar: you must set a designated driver who will remain sober. Even if you do enjoy a drink well within the legal limit, it’s best to allow ample time after you drive in order to reduce the risk. The same applies to all illegal drugs in Ireland: don’t think just because you are on holiday you can get away with illicit drug use – it’s still against the law.
Licence and Insurance
The good news is that you can use your UK driving licence in Ireland. In fact it is legally required to be carried with you at all times. Also, motor insurance is necessary either in your own name or the policy of a named driver. This will be proved by your UK driving licence but if hiring a car in Ireland you should check insurance coverage with the company you are using.
Watch Your Speed!
The speed limits in Ireland are similar to those in the UK, namely.
- 50kph/30mph in built-up urban areas
- 80kph/50mph on single non-national open roads
- 100kph/60mph on national roads
- 120kph/74.5mph on motorways
Be mindful that unlike Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, Ireland displays speed limits and distances in kilometres, not miles.
A Note on Road Signage in Ireland
Motorways are prefixed with an ‘M’ In the Republic of Ireland, (such as the M50 ring road around Dublin city). While the prefix ‘N’ is used for national roads. These are signposted with distances and speed limits shown in kilometres. Both Irish (Gaelic) and English are used to display road signs and place names except in Gaeltacht areas where only Irish is used, being the primary language.
Parking in Ireland
Parking again is similar to the UK, and you can use any of these three methods:
- On the street using coins in Pay and Display machines.
- Tag or Park by Text.
- Apps for cashless parking.
Toll Roads
Toll roads in the Republic are managed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Dublin City Council. One exception is the barrier-free toll system used on Dublin’s M50 ring road where a photo will be taken of your licence plate to be paid online before 8pm the next day.
Fuelling Up
Fuel is currently approximately 1.84 Euros with almost all accepting credit cards as well as cash or pay as you go. While for electric vehicles there are plenty of charging points for the green option of driving.
We hope this guide is useful when you come to drive in Ireland. Below, we’ve listed a selection of locations where you can hire a car with a debit card in Ireland. Have a good craic!