Ready to hit the open road in Ireland?
Driving through the country’s breathtaking landscapes is absolutely the best way to explore hidden gems, charming villages, and jaw-dropping coastlines.
But navigating those narrow, winding roads can be tricky, especially if you’re new to driving on the left.
If you’re planning a road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way or cruising through Ireland’s rolling countryside, this guide will arm you with essential tips for a smooth, stress-free adventure.
From car rentals to road etiquette, here’s everything you need to know before taking the wheel in Ireland!
Top Tips For Driving In Ireland
1. Documents
When renting a car in Ireland, you’ll need a valid driver’s license from your home country. But there’s no need for an international driver’s permit if you’re from the U.S., Canada, the EU, or other countries with agreements in place.
As long as your license is in English and clearly legible, you’ll be able to rent a car without any issues.
Just be sure to carry your license with you at all times while driving, as it’s required if you’re stopped by the Irish police or at rental car checkpoints.
2. Drive On The Left Side of the Road
One of the biggest adjustments for visitors to Ireland is driving on the left side of the road. It might feel very strange at first, but take your time and stay focused.
Keep reminding yourself to stay left, especially when turning or entering roundabouts.
You’ll eventually get the hang of it, and you may want to practice on a highway before braving the narrow roads.
3. Narrow, Winding Roads
As I mentioned, many of Ireland’s roads, especially in remote rural areas, are narrow and winding.
In places like the Ring of Kerry or Conor Pass, you may encounter roads so tight that passing another car requires careful maneuvering.
Drive slowly on these roads and be prepared to pull over to the side or reverse if necessary. It’s always a good idea to give larger vehicles the right of way.
4. Roundabouts
Ireland has many roundabouts. And if you’re not used to them, they can be intimidating, especially in cities.
Remember to give way to traffic coming from the right and enter the roundabout when it’s clear. Use your indicator when you’re exiting.
Some roundabouts are multi-lane, so pay attention to the road markings and signs to stay in the correct lane.
If you have a person navigating, they can tell you “take the second exit” or “exit at 12:00 o’clock.”
5. Watch for Sheep & Livestock
In rural areas, you might come across livestock on the road, especially sheep
Take it slow and be patient, as they often wander onto the road without warning. Always be prepared to stop, and don’t rush them – they’ll move eventually!
6. Speed Limits
Ireland’s speed limits are in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour. On national roads, the limit is typically 100 km/h, while motorways allow up to 120 km/h.
In towns and villages, the limit is usually 50 km/h or less, but watch for posted signs. Be cautious on narrow country roads where the speed limit may seem too high for safe driving.
You won’t always know when there’s a speed trap or speed camera. After I arrived home, I received a 160 euro ticket for going just 10 km over the speed limit on a highway. Yikes!
7. Tolls
Some motorways in Ireland, like the M50 around Dublin, have tolls. The M50 toll is electronic, meaning there are no toll booths.
You’ll need to pay online before 8 pm the day after using the road.
Other motorways have traditional toll booths, so keep some cash or a credit card handy to pay.
8. Parking
Parking in cities like Dublin and Galway can be tricky, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
Use designated parking lots, and avoid parking on narrow streets where your car might obstruct traffic.
Pay attention to parking signs, as many areas require pay-and-display tickets.
9. Fuel
Gas stations are common in towns and cities but may be sparse in more remote areas.
Diesel is the most common fuel type in Ireland, so make sure you know what type of fuel your rental car requires.
Pay-at-the-pump is less common than in other countries. So you’ll often need to pay inside the station after fueling up.
10. Signage
While GPS is helpful, Irish road signs can be inconsistent, especially in rural areas.
Some signs are in both Irish and English, while others may only be in one language.
A physical map or downloaded offline maps can be useful, especially in areas with spotty internet connections. Always plan your route ahead of time.
11. Insurance Tips: Get Full Coverage
When renting a car and driving in Ireland, make sure you understand the insurance options.
Many rental agencies offer collision damage waivers (CDWs), but these often come with high excess (deductibles).
You can sometimes reduce this by purchasing additional coverage. It’s also wise to check your credit card policy, as some cards offer rental car insurance.
I highly recommend opting for full insurance coverage, including extra protection for your tires.
The narrow roads and tight spots make it super easy to accidentally scrape a mirror, bust a tire, or bump into something.
With full coverage, you can relax knowing that these common mishaps won’t result in hefty bills, a claim on your own insurance, or delays when you return your car.
Tire coverage is especially important, as sharp curbs and hidden obstacles can cause unexpected damage. I can’t even count how many times we bumped into curbs on the left side!
By getting full insurance, you’ll have peace of mind when you drop off the car, knowing you’re fully covered.
Also, very important before you pull out of the parking lot, take a look at your car. Document, photograph, or video any and all existing dings and dents. So you won’t be held responsible later.
12. Familiarize Yourself With Local Driving Etiquette
Irish drivers tend to be courteous, often giving a friendly wave when you let them pass or yield.
And you’ll have to work together to navigate the narrow roads. Road rage doesn’t really exist, as far as I could tell, in Ireland. So don’t be that person!
On narrow roads, you may encounter slower drivers pulling over to let traffic by. Returning the courtesy with a wave is part of the local driving culture.
13. Take Breaks & Enjoy the Journey
Driving in Ireland can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Don’t rush from point A to point B.
Take breaks at scenic pull-offs, stop in small villages, and enjoy the slower pace of life.
The joy of driving in Ireland is often in the journey itself, not just the destination.
14. Choose a Small Car
One key tip for driving in Ireland is to rent the smallest car that suits your needs. The roads, especially in rural areas, can be narrow and winding, making a compact car much easier to navigate.
If your group has more than four people, it’s best to rent two smaller cars instead of one large vehicle.
Larger cars are just so much harder to maneuver on tight roads and in small villages. And there are some places, like Conor Pass, where you just shouldn’t venture with a large car.
Additionally, keep in mind that the boot (trunk) space in most rental cars is limited. You may need to pack light or consider renting a second car to comfortably fit both passengers and luggage.
There were 4 people in my mid-size car and we couldn’t fit all our luggage. We handed some off to another driver in the group.
15. No Need to Purchase GPS
When renting a car, you don’t need to purchase an extra GPS unit.
Instead, you can download Google Maps for offline use or rely on your phone’s GPS if you have an international data plan.
Google Maps and Apple Maps work well in most areas of Ireland, and offline maps can be a lifesaver in remote places where phone signals are weak.
Just be sure to download your maps before setting out, so you’re always prepared, even when your signal fades. This will save you money and keep you from relying on an additional device.
16. Age Limits For Renting Cars in Ireland
In Ireland, the minimum age to rent a car is usually 21. But most rental companies require drivers to be at least 25.
Some companies allow younger drivers, but they may charge an additional “young driver” fee.
On the other end of the spectrum, some rental agencies set a maximum age limit of 75.
The bottom line?
Be sure to check with your rental company in advance to confirm their age policies and any potential fees, so you’re not surprised on pick up day.
17. Watch for Hidden Stone Walls
Many of Ireland’s rural roads are lined with tall hedges. And behind those hedges, you’ll often find stone walls.
These can be easy to miss, especially on narrow roads where you may need to pull over to let other cars pass.
Be cautious when driving close to the edge of the road, as a slight misjudgment could result in a scraped or damaged car. Take it slow on these tight roads to avoid any unwanted surprises!
I definitely flinched a few times in the passenger seat when we barely got past these stony traps.
18. Avoid Renting a Manual Transmission If You’re Unfamiliar
If you’re not used to driving a manual transmission, Ireland is not the place to try it for the first time.
Driving on the left side of the road and shifting gears with your left hand can feel awkward, especially if you’re already adjusting to unfamiliar roads.
Opting for an automatic car will let you focus on navigating the winding, narrow roads without the added stress of mastering a stick shift.
It’s worth the extra cost to make your driving experience smoother and more enjoyable.
19. Book Your Rental Car From A City, Not a Small Town
Another tip for driving in Ireland is that it’s best to pick up and drop off your car in a major city rather than a small town.
Renting from smaller towns can be significantly more expensive, and the selection of vehicles may be limited.
Stick to major cities like Dublin, Cork, or Galway. These places offer more rental options, often at lower prices. Plus, it’s easier to find the type of car you need.
Additionally, bigger cities tend to have more flexible rental hours, making it more convenient for your travel schedule.
20. Rental Car Pick Up Time
Most car rental companies in Ireland allow flexibility with pick-up times. And and you can usually choose a time that suits your schedule when booking.
Noon is a common default pick-up time. So unless you’ve made other arrangements, this is when you’ll get your car.
Some companies accommodate earlier or later times, depending on availability. Larger rental companies often offer more flexibility than smaller ones, especially at major airports and cities.
It’s always a good idea to confirm your pick-up time in advance, as some locations may have more limited operating hours, particularly in smaller towns.
21. Where Not To Drive
There are a few places where you shouldn’t drive or exercise extreme caution in Ireland.
Driving in Dublin could be hazardous for your health. There are pedestrianized areas as well.
If you park illegally, prepare to be wheel clamped. Pick up your car on the way out of town instead.
Driving in Dunquin Pier on Dingle’s Slea Head Drive is forbidden, and could result in a wrecked car.
Passes like Conor Pass and Healy Pass offer stunning views. But they can be dangerous in poor weather conditions, such as fog, rain, or snow.
Areas like the Slieve League Cliffs or other exposed coastal roads can be hazardous during high winds or storms. Always check weather conditions before driving in these areas.
And, as you may expect, off road driving isn’t permitted in national parks or places like the Burren.
It’s not a great idea to drive in the Gap of Dunloe either. There are hikers and jaunting cars (horse drawn carriages) on the road.
22. Tabert Ferry
If you’re driving from north to south or vice versa, you may want to use the Tarbert Ferry, also known as the Shannon Ferry.
It can significantly cut down driving time when traveling. You may save up to an hour.
The ferry crosses the River Shannon between Tarbert in County Kerry and Killimer in County Clare, bypassing the need to drive all the way around the Shannon estuary.
The cost for one car is €20 one way or €35 for a return trip. The trip lasts about 20 minutes
The ferry operates daily, but the schedule varies depending on the time of year:
- Summer (April to October): Ferries run more frequently, roughly every 30 minutes from 7;)0 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Winter (November to March): Service is reduced, with crossings every hour or so, starting around 7:00 a.m. and ending earlier, typically by 7:30 p.m.
You can either purchase tickets online in advance through the Shannon Ferries website or buy them at the ferry terminal before boarding. If you’re buying tickets at the terminal, staff will direct you to the appropriate lane for boarding.
23. Don’t Drink & Drive!
Ireland has strict laws on drink driving. And the legal blood alcohol limit is lower than in many other countries.
It’s 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. That’s about one beer or a small glass of wine.
If you’re caught over the limit, the consequences can be severe, including hefty fines, license suspension, or even imprisonment. More importantly, Ireland’s rural roads are often narrow, winding, and poorly lit, making driving under the influence even riskier.
Instead of taking the chance, plan ahead. Use Ubers, taxis, or local ride services, which are readily available in most towns and cities.
If you’re in a more rural area, agree on a designated driver or check with your accommodation about local taxi numbers.
Our bed and breakfast, Barrow House, came with a driver on call to take us back and forth to pubs when needed.
24. What To Do If You Have An Accident
If, heaven forbid, you have an accident, pull over and call 999. Remain at the scene. You’re required by law to stop at the scene, even if the accident seems minor.
Exchange names and insurance details with everyone involved. And do not admit liability under any circumstances (the lawyer in me).
Document the scene with photos. This will be useful when filing a report. Then, contact your rental car company.
Most agencies detail in the documentation the steps you have to take. These may include a requirement to use a specific towing and repair service.
25. Why Not Renting a Car Is A Mistake
Finally, just to reiterate, please don’t fail to rent a car because it seems daunting.
As you can see form the photos, skipping out on renting a car in Ireland means missing out on the freedom to explore the country’s most beautiful, off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Public transportation can get you to major cities. But it’s the remote villages, rugged coastlines, and scenic drives that make Ireland truly magical.
Renting a car allows you to visit places like the Dingle Peninsula, Connemara, or the hidden gems along the Wild Atlantic Way at your own pace.
Without a car, you’re at the mercy of bus schedules and tours, which can limit how much you can see and do. With your own vehicle, every detour can lead to a new adventure!
I hope you’ve enjoyed my tips for driving in Ireland. You find these other Ireland travel guides useful:
- Dublin bucket list
- 2 days in Dublin itinerary
- 3 days in Dublin itinerary
- beautiful places to visit in Ireland
- what not to do in Ireland
- guide to Dingle’s Slea Head Drive
- guide to Trinity College & Book of Kells
- guide to the Guinness Storehouse
- guide to the Rock of Cashel
- guide to Blarney Castle
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