For anyone looking to discover the real Emerald Isle, driving in Ireland gives you the chance to experience an authentic taste of Irish life. With stunning coastlines, lush green countryside and a culture rich in tradition, every inch of this country offers incredible scenery and experiences for you to discover.
why drive in ireland?
benefits of exploring ireland by car
With so much to uncover during vacations in Ireland, the ultimate way to experience this breathtaking country is by car. Self-drive tours of Ireland allow you to go wherever you want, whenever you want. In complete control of your own schedule, touring Ireland by car is the key to avoiding the crowds and seeing the real Ireland for yourself.
Ready to get in the driver’s seat of your tour of Ireland? Let’s take a look at the essentials to driving in Ireland.
what to expect when driving in ireland
rules, regulations & local driving laws
keep an eye out for gaelic signposts
In Irish-speaking areas, signposts will be written in Gaelic rather than English. That’s why it’s useful to be familiar with both the Gaelic and English names of your destination whilst you’re trying to navigate on your self-driving tour of Ireland.
drive on the left-hand side of the road
Unlike the rest of Europe, all traffic in Ireland must drive on the left-hand side of the road.
carry your driver’s licence at all times
All vehicle drivers are required to have their documentation with them in the vehicle whenever they travel.
check your speed
One of the major differences between driving in the UK and driving in the Republic of Ireland are the units used to measure speed. In the UK, speed is measured in miles per hour (mph), whilst in the Republic of Ireland and in Europe this is measured in kilometres per hour (kph). Generally, the speed limits in the Republic of Ireland are:
50 kph in built-up areas.
80 kph on single non-local roads.
100-120 kph on national roads and motorways.
drink-driving limits
The drink-driving limit in Ireland is a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05, which is lower than the limit for the UK, and the Gardaí (Irish police) frequently carry out roadside breath tests.
don’t use your mobile phone whilst driving
It’s illegal to use your mobile phone when touring Ireland by car, even when in stationary traffic.
overtaking
On country roads, you might encounter the odd bit of farm or slow-moving traffic. Particularly on narrow roads, we’d recommend exercising caution when overtaking traffic, and only doing so when you have good visibility of the road ahead. Ultimately, overtaking is a manoeuvre that must only be carried out when you feel comfortable doing so.
what to expect: road conditions & potential hazards
narrow roads
Particularly in the countryside and in more remote areas, keep an eye out for narrower roads. Some of these roads were used as former farm tracks and now offer limited pavement space. This means that you might come across pedestrians or cyclists on the road itself.
single track roads
The majority of local roads in Ireland are single-track roads, and in certain coastal areas may lead to a dead end. These roads do contain passing places, but it’s best to drive with caution when on these single-track roads in particular.
renting a car in ireland
When renting a car for your self-drive tour in Ireland, you’ll need:
a driver’s licence
This includes a valid and full UK driver’s licence or a licence issued by an EU or EEA member state. If your licence was issued in a country that doesn’t fall under these categories, you can use an international driving permit and your national driving licence to drive in Ireland.
third-party insurance
At the minimum, you’ll need third-party insurance before you set off driving in Ireland. Under our Celtic Routes insurance policies, we’ll insure you and one other designated driver for your vacation in Ireland, as long as you haven’t made a claim in the last three years, and have fewer than six penalties on your licence.
driving in ireland: dos and don’ts
do
- Carry your full, valid driving licence or international driving permit with you at all times.
- Make a note of emergency contact details before setting off (999 or 112 for emergency services in Ireland).
- Keep your emergency kit well stocked with food and water, warm clothing and a high-vis jacket.
- Familiarise yourself with road signs and markings.
don’t
- Use your mobile phone.
- Drive after drinking alcohol
- Drive recklessly on narrow or single-track roads.
- Use full beam at night when approaching other drivers, travelling through built-up areas, or when you’re driving behind someone.
recommendations for driving in ireland
Let’s take a look at some of the spots you can visit on your vacation in Ireland.
ross castle
Located near Killarney National Park, this 15th-century tower house and keep was once the ancestral home of the influential Clan O’Donoghue. From its ancestral clan roots, through to its period as a military barracks, Ross Castle is rich with history waiting to be discovered.
loop head
Situated at the mouth of the River Shannon, Loop Head peninsula is enveloped by both the powerful waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Shannon Estuary. Its stunning cliffs and natural features make for a breathtaking stop on any self drive tour of Ireland, and was even used as a filming location for blockbuster hit Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Loop Head is also home to its own lighthouse, which has stood at the entrance to Ireland’s busiest river since 1670. Between April and October, visitors can explore the structure and discover the rich history of this significant landmark.
cliffs of moher
Dunluce Castle isn’t the only location in Ireland that’s appeared in blockbuster hits. As well as being home to over 20 different species of bird, the Cliffs of Moher have been used as filming locations for Leap Year, The Princess Bride, and even Harry Potter. Experience these views for yourself, and see why they’re worthy of the silver screen.
scenic drives and destinations in ireland
The beauty in Ireland doesn’t just start when you stop the car. Touring Ireland by car also allows you to experience the breathtaking beauty from the driver’s seat, along some truly scenic roads.
wild atlantic way
Totalling 2,600km in length, the Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest coastal routes in the world. Starting at the Inishowen Peninsula on the north coast of Ireland, and finishing on the south coast at Kinsale, even joining a small section of this route will provide breathtaking Atlantic views.
coastal causeway
The Coastal Causeway is home to Ireland’s tourist hot spot and geological wonder the Giant’s Causeway. Along this stretch of road, you’ll also find a whole host of Game of Thrones filming locations, castles, beaches, and unique attractions.
conor pass
Fancy a scenic drive that offers scenic, 360 views? As the highest mountain pass in Ireland, the Conor Pass sits at a staggering 410m above sea level. Despite appearing to be a winding, narrow road, the Conor Pass is perfectly simple to drive and offers both mountain and lake views along the way.
Once you’ve got to grips with the practicalities of driving in Ireland, and are familiar with the laws, regulations and best practices, you’ll be able to enjoy your self-drive tour of Ireland with ease. With the help of the Celtic Routes team, you’ll be ready to climb in the driver’s seat and experience the authentic side of Ireland from the comfort of your car.
faqs
is it difficult to drive in ireland?
With proper planning and familiarisation with the local rules and regulations, driving in Ireland is straightforward.
which side of the road do they drive on?
All traffic travels on the left side of the road in Ireland.
what should i do if i break down or in an emergency?
With Celtic Routes, you can simply give our team a call if your vehicle breaks down, and we’ll be on hand to assist with breakdown cover.
In a life-threatening emergency, dial either 999 or 112, and you’ll be able to connect to police, ambulance, or fire services.
is driving in ireland the same as the rest of the uk?
Mostly, yes. Driving in Ireland is similar to driving in the UK. The majority of road signs and symbols are the same, and both countries drive on the left. However, there are differences in road laws, such as alcohol driver limits and speed limits, which you should be aware of before you set off.
extra resources for planning your drive in ireland
- Our Comprehensive Guide to self-drive tours in Ireland [insert link here]
- RAC information page about driving in Ireland
- Ireland’s official travel site
the perfect vacation in ireland curated for you, by our team
Our team will use their local knowledge to design a self-drive itinerary tailored to you, so you can uncover the real Ireland. Book your call with our team, and let us plan the perfect trip so you can enjoy the ride.
