Driving in Ireland – Important Information
If you are driving in Ireland as an American you should be aware of some basic facts.. (Other non-Irish please take note also. Some of this article will not apply to drivers who come from left driving countries like the UK).
There is a good network of roads throughout the county. The major motorways are marked M on maps and have blue signage.
The next size including dual carriageways are marked N and have green signage. Lesser roads, which are often the most scenic are narrower and are often marked R on maps.
Driving on the Left
Driving is on the left side of the road (The opposite to the USA) so it takes a little getting used to. Also be aware that road markings. Centre lines etc are different to what you are accustomed to.
Here you can find a very good explanation of road markings in Ireland:
https://www.aviva.ie/blog/driving/irish-road-markings-meaning/
Speed limits
Motorway: Max 120km per hour.
Lesser roads: Max 100km per hour. Smaller roads: 80km per hour. Through towns and villages limits are reduced to 50 or 60 km per hour.
There are other speed limits in some built up areas and cities.
Speed limits on all roads are well signposted and should be adhered to strictly both for safety and to avoid fines/penalty points.
Gardaí are vigilant and fixed and mobile speed cameras are in operation.
Just because you are driving in Ireland as an American or other foreign national, please do not ignore the speed limits and other rules of the road. They are there for your own safety and the safety of other road users.
As well as that, being stopped for speeding or other offences can be expensive and time consuming and can spoil the enjoyment of your visit to Ireland.
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Roundabouts
You need to get used to turning left on to a roundabout. This is probably the trickiest manoeuvre you will encounter but you will get used to it quickly.
Here is a useful video about driving in Ireland fror the first time.
If you are driving in Ireland as an American you can find useful tips in this video by Aamir:
Driving and Alcohol
As of Friday 26 October 2018, fully licenced drivers detected by Gardaí (police) with a blood alcohol concentration level of between 50mg and 80mg, will receive an automatic disqualification from driving of three months and a €200 fine.
There are regular roadside breath tests all over Ireland. Please note that drivers who are found to be driving while over the limit are likely to be arrested.
These limits are quite low and the best advice is “Don’t drink at all if you are driving”
Stick Shift
The vast majority of cars in Ireland are stick shift. All car hire companies will have a supply of automatic gear shift cars but in the event that you find that there are none left you will have to go with stick shift.
If you are an American driving in Ireland you may have to get used to the stick shift’
For lots of useful information about driving in Ireland visit the Road Safety Authority website.
If you are driving in Ireland as an American or other foreign national, Happy motoring and Stay Safe!
