Avoid These Driving in Ireland Mistakes (#29 Will Shock You!)
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One thing I get asked time and time again by tourists planning a trip to Ireland is…
Is it REALLY as hard to drive on the Irish roads as everyone says?
And honestly I don’t think it is, but that is easy being said coming from a local like myself.
And don’t get me wrong, the Irish road system is far from a walk in the park…but I do think it is hyped up too be far more challenging that is actually is.
So, I decided to put together this guide. Full of insider knowledge on how you can best navigate driving in Ireland without feeling completely overwhelmed.
To start let’s take a look the primary things you should consider before jumping in the car.
Drive in Ireland
Feeling nervous about driving in Ireland? You’re not the only one… and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
The Ireland Driving Toolkit is a practical guide with clear local advice and no guesswork.
✔️ Custom Google Maps with petrol stations and toll roads mapped out.
✔️ Cheat sheets for roundabouts, road signs and km to miles.
✔️ Straightforward tips on tolls, navigation and what to expect on different road types.
Plus, the small local details most guides skip, but make all the difference once you’re here.
QUICK TIPS for IRELAND
AVOID HIGH ROAMING CHARGES
Airalo eSIMs work seamlessly across Ireland with quick, affordable data plans. Use code IRELAND10 for 10% off your plan (ROI Deals & ROI & NI Plans)
AIRPORT TRANSFER MADE EASY
Welcome Pickups is my go-to for reliable rides from the airport straight to your accommodation. I'd advise booking in advance for peace of mind.
DISCOVER UNIQUE activities
Check out GetYourGuide & Viator for unique things to do, like a DIY Claddagh Ring Workshop or a street food walking tour with a local.
DON’T SKIP INSURANCE!!
I can't stress this enough, but travel insurance is an absolute must! Thankfully, VisitorsCoverage is great for comparing affordable, trusted insurance plans to find one that actually suits your needs.
AVOID OVERPAYING FOR CAR RENTALS
Before booking your rental, I'd advise checking out comparison tools like DiscoverCars to ensure you're getting the best deal on the market.
Section 1: Car Rental Considerations
1. Transmission
For the most part, Irish cars have a manual transmission. That is not to say you can not rent automatic cars, but they do tend to be more on the pricy side with less availability. So, my first bit of advice is to book your car rental in advance to avoid disappointment. On the bright side, renting an automatic car will reduce mental workload since driving on the left is already challenging as it is.
2. Insurance
It can be easy to opt into the cheapest insurance option possible when renting a car, but I would double-check what is actually included in your purchase. Oftentimes things like windscreen cover, loss of keys and putting in the wrong fuel are typically not covered! And the last thing you would want is a high bill at the end of your trip thanks to a simple error.
3. Car Selection
Personally, as a first-time driver in Ireland, I would recommend renting a small to medium-sized car. This will make the narrow country roads far easier to navigate.
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4. Useful Add Ons
It’s common for rental companies to offer additional add-ons to your rental. There are two things I would consider, the first would be a reversing or backup camera. It’s a great option for those needing to reverse back on a narrow country road to let another car pass by. The second thing is a built-in screen or media player that will allow you to display the GPS. This is a much better option than having to rely on your phone for navigation.
5. Toll Boots
Unfortunately, toll roads are common in Ireland, particularly when driving anywhere from Dublin. For the most part, tolls can be paid by either cash or card at the booth, with the exception of the M50 toll bridge in Dublin.
6. Rental Holding Deposit
Most car rental companies in Ireland will ask for a €2000 holding deposit to be held on your card until you return the car in good condition. There is not really a way around this so it is something to be mindful of when planning your vacation.
EXPLORE IRELAND
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👇A SHORT VIDEO TO EXPLAIN THE TYPES OF ROADS WE HAVE IN IRELAND 👇
Before you hit the road, it helps to know what those blue, green, and white signs actually mean.
Here’s a short video where I explain the four main road types in Ireland and how to tell them apart, it’ll make using Google Maps so much easier when you’re planning your route.
The last thing you want is to find yourself on a “shortcut” that turns out to be a grass-in-the-middle local road. We’ve all been there.
There’s even a handy local tip on how Google Street View can save you from that surprise 😉
Section 2: Types of roads when driving in Ireland
Ireland has its fair share of road types, these range from high-speed motorways (or highways as they are known as in the US) to EXTREMELY narrow country roads with grass growing in the middle of them.
We typically name our roads according to it’s driving conditions and limits.
M = Motorway
Similar to US interstate highways with on and off ramps. The speed limits on these range from 100 to 120km per hour.
N = National
National roads are generally used between cities and large towns when a motorway is not present. In most cases they are easy to navigate. They do give more of s ‘country’ feel to them but don’t tend to be overly windy compared to actual country roads. They are usually 100Km per hour.
R = Regional Roads
These are far smaller than National roads and generally only have two lanes (one going in each direction). They can really vary in difficulty, some you may question if they are a one-way system, whereas others are nice, wide and open. They can be windy in places but manageable for most drivers.
L = Local Roads
It’s rare that a tourist would end up on one of these roads but it does happen. Only because Google Maps insists that it is a ‘shorter’ route. When in reality no one, not even the locals, is driving at the 80km speed limit on them. These roads are used as access to a house or property.
A Pass or Gap = Scenic Driving Route Through the Mountains
Odds are you will come across these road terms more than once on your trip to Ireland. It typically refers to scenic driving routes that bring you up through the mountains. My favourites being Connors Pass in Kerry, Do Lough Valley in Mayo and Sally’s Gap in Wicklow.
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Section 3: How Speed Limits Work in Ireland
On the island of Ireland, you have two speed measurements to be mindful of depending on where you intend to travel. In the Republic of Ireland, the speed is calculated in Kilometres per hour, and in Northern Ireland it is in miles per hour.
Here’s a quick conversion (please note it is only estimates):
- 50 kph: ~32 mph
- 60 kph: ~36 mph
- 80 kph: ~48 mph
- 100 kph: ~62 mph
- 120 kph: ~75 mph
11. Driving Below Limit
It’s okay to drive below the posted limit, especially early in your trip. It’s important to get used to the car and feel safe while driving. If you choose to drive slower when on a Motorway, it is important to stay in the lane closest to the left. If you want to drive slow on country/national roads, please be considerate of locals behind you and pull in somewhere safe to let them pass.
12. Speed Cameras in Ireland
It is common for your speed to be monitored while driving in Ireland. There are three main ways this is done, the first being by ‘mobile speed cameras’. These are basically parked vans on the side of the road with a big camera image on the side of them. The second way is an average speed camera. These are places between two driving points and take into consideration your average speed getting from A to B. The are bright yellow in colour and their location is displayed well in advance. And finally, the Guards (the Irish police) can have speed guns in their hands while parked. If you are driving over the speed limit, you will get points and a driving offence.
Drive in Ireland
Feeling nervous about driving in Ireland? You’re not the only one… and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
The Ireland Driving Toolkit is a practical guide with clear local advice and no guesswork.
✔️ Custom Google Maps with petrol stations and toll roads mapped out.
✔️ Cheat sheets for roundabouts, road signs and km to miles.
✔️ Straightforward tips on tolls, navigation and what to expect on different road types.
Plus, the small local details most guides skip, but make all the difference once you’re here.
Section 4: Driving Tips
13. Navigation
Have one person navigate with Google Maps and another person drive. The navigator provides directions while the driver focuses on the road. This reduces the driver’s workload.
14. Driver Rotation
Ideally, have at least two drivers. Exhaustion from driving can lead to missing destinations or unsafe driving.
15. Single Direction Giver
Designate one person to give directions to avoid confusion. Others can speak up about imminent safety issues if needed.
16. Local Drivers
Irish drivers are used to the roads but still may take risks. It’s best not to copy something that seems wrong just because they’re doing it.
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18. Bikes
Are common on all types of roads, including N, R, and L roads. Be mindful of their presence, they can be easy to miss and 9 times out of 10 if you hit a cyclist the driver is in the wrong.
19. Petrol Stations
Green means unleaded petrol; black is diesel. Petrol stations also offer ice cream, sandwiches, and snacks.
20. Don't turn on red
This is crucial to remember: in Ireland, you can’t turn left or right at a red light – no exceptions. Unless there’s a specific sign allowing it, at times there will be a specific turning light for the more difficult junctions. If a turning light is not present, you wait for the main light to turn green and then drive into the turning box (at times can be faded) to allow cars going straight to pass. You then make a turn once all the oncoming traffic has passed. If you notice the light start to turn red, once you have passed into the box you are ok to proceed with the turn.
21. Markings
Lane markings are all white, regardless of traffic direction. Do not mistake them for one-way roads.
Section 5: Tips for Dealing with Roundabouts in Ireland
There are A LOT of roundabouts in Ireland, and if you are unfamiliar with them, it can be something that is hard to get your head around. So, below are some of my best tips.
22. Understand the Basics
- Priority: Vehicles already in the roundabout have priority. This means you must yield to traffic coming from your right.
- Approach: Slow down as you approach the roundabout. Look for the signs and road markings that indicate which exit you need to take.
23. Choose the Correct Lane
- Left Lane: If you are taking the first exit or if the roundabout is small and straightforward, use the left lane.
- Right Lane: If you are taking the second exit or beyond, you might need to use the right lane. Check the road signs or markings as you approach.
24. Signal Your Intentions
- Entering the Roundabout: Indicate left if you are taking the first exit. If you are going straight through, only signal left as you are approaching your exit. When leaving at the last exit, signal right until you come to the last turn-off and then signal left.
25. Use Your Mirrors
- Before Entering: Check your mirrors to ensure you are aware of traffic in both lanes and behind you.
- While in the Roundabout: Keep an eye on vehicles around you and be prepared to react if someone changes lanes or if there is unexpected behaviour.
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26. Keep a Safe Distance
- Spacing: Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Roundabouts can become congested, and keeping space helps avoid collisions and allows for smoother navigation.
27. Be Mindful of Pedestrians and Cyclists
- Crossings: Watch out for pedestrian crossings and cycle lanes on and around the roundabout. Pedestrians and cyclists have the right of way at designated crossings.
28. Avoid Lane Changes Within the Roundabout
- Staying in Your Lane: Do not change lanes while you are in the roundabout. Pick your lane before entering and stick with it to avoid confusion and potential accidents.
29. Don’t Rush
- Patience: Take your time to ensure you’re in the correct lane and have assessed all traffic conditions. It’s better to be cautious than to make a sudden maneuver that could be dangerous.
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Section 6: How to deal with ‘Irish’ traffic jams
In Ireland, a perfectly good excuse for being late for something is ‘Sorry I was stuck behind a tractor’ or ‘There was a herd of sheep in the way’.
30. Tractor Tips
In general, tractors tend not to be able to drive at the speed limit. This can be extremely frustrating, especially when you are stuck behind them on a winding road. However, you should NEVER overtake them on a bend. Wait until it is clear. Otherwise you could end up in a serious accident.
31. Sheep Jams
This one may come as a shock, but one of the most common types of traffic jams in Ireland is caused by sheep. 9 times out of 10 the farmer is moving them, and they’ll be out of your way in a few minutes. However, if you do find sheep in the middle of the road for no reason, it is ok to continue driving, just drive really slow until they move out of the way.
Drive in Ireland
Feeling nervous about driving in Ireland? You’re not the only one… and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
The Ireland Driving Toolkit is a practical guide with clear local advice and no guesswork.
✔️ Custom Google Maps with petrol stations and toll roads mapped out.
✔️ Cheat sheets for roundabouts, road signs and km to miles.
✔️ Straightforward tips on tolls, navigation and what to expect on different road types.
Plus, the small local details most guides skip, but make all the difference once you’re here.
Section 7: Choosing Where to Stay Based on Your Route.
32. Strategic Locations
To make the most of your trip, decide what you want to do and see in Ireland. Choose a few strategically located cities and stay there for a few days at a time. This helps minimise driving time and maximises your sightseeing.
33. Avoid Driving in Dublin
With that being said, I do not advise driving in Dublin, the city is really not set up for it with many weird rules like no right/left turns on certain streets and the parking costs a fortune.
34. Sites En Route
The best thing about driving is you can stop off along the way to a new destination. It’s a great way to discover hidden gems that you wouldn’t have otherwise come across if you were travelling Ireland as part of a tour group.
