Driving in Ireland: 11 Tips and Rules For Tourists (2025)

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If you’re a tourist or expat coming to Ireland you’re probably figuring out what to know about driving in Ireland. It’s fairly simple to figure out the Irish road rules and what to know about driving, especially if you follow this guide.

Driving in Ireland offers you a unique experience of the island and will allow you to see things that many tourists that don’t drive will not have access to! You will see the gorgeous scenery and nature that Ireland has to offer and have the flexibility to access many unique and hidden gem things to do in Ireland.

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Jump to…
• Driving in Ireland Requirements
• What to Know When Driving in Ireland for the First Time
• Can Tourists Drive in Ireland?
• Road Rules for Driving in Ireland
• Tips for Driving in Ireland
• Should I Rent a Car in Ireland?

Driving in Ireland Requirements

You must hold a valid driving license.
You must have motor insurance in your own name or as a driver on another person’s policy.

Visitors (outside of the EU/EEA – they can drive until their license expires) can drive on their own country’s license for up to one year. The license must be current and valid. After taking residence in Ireland (or if you live in Ireland for over one year), you will need to exchange your driving license or apply for an Irish driving license.

Driving in Ireland Age

To drive in Ireland you must be age 17 or older. To rent a car in Ireland you must be 25 years, though some exceptions may apply.

What to Know When Driving in Ireland for the First Time

Depending on where you are coming from, driving in Ireland for the first time may be a bit tricky for you. For starters, most private cars, as well as most rental cars in Ireland, are stick shift.

If you are used to automatic cars this will be a big challenge. When first entering your car, take some time to practice driving around the parking lot or consider taking a lesson if needed.

There are a LOT of roundabouts in Ireland. Roundabouts are a common road feature you will experience while driving in Ireland, so it is important to understand how they work.

The main thing to remember is to enter the roundabout by going left and yield to the vehicles already in the roundabout that will be coming on your right.

There are very narrow roads in some parts of Ireland. For the most part, cities will have well-paved and larger roads. When you are in the countryside or heading to more remote areas is when you will need to be mindful of narrow Irish country roads.

The Republic of Ireland uses “kilometers per hour” – kph or km/h as their measurement of driving speed. Northern Ireland uses “miles per hour” – mph.

Is Driving in Ireland on the Left or Right?

In Ireland (both the Republic and Northern Ireland), driving is on the left side. Driving on the left means everything will be backward (for those used to the right side) from the seat on the opposite side of the car, blinkers where the light switch would be, radio on the left, to the way you move on the road.

Take a moment when you first get in the car each day to re-familiarize yourself with where things are, look in the mirrors, and adjust your mind for driving on the left-hand side of the road. Drive slowly and stay extra aware of your surroundings and actions in the car.

Take extra caution in the cities – I highly recommend tourists practice outside of a city first. When you get into the cities you might be distracted by road signs and the other cars on the road.

The best way to stay safe driving for the first time in Ireland is to familiarize yourself with the manual transmission car, the opposite direction of driving, and road rules before beginning any long routes.

A few things to remember when driving on the left side for the first time:

Look for pedestrians stepping into the street from the left side of the road
Drive through the roundabout in a clockwise direction
Make a left turn when accessing a motorway (the Irish term for a major highway/freeway)
Merge with traffic on the right side of the car

Is it Difficult to Drive in Ireland As a Tourist?

It is not too difficult to drive in Ireland once you understand the rules of the road, are comfortable driving stick shift, understand driving on the left-hand side, and stay extra aware of roundabouts and narrow countryside roads. Google Maps works fine in Ireland for navigation, so long as you have mobile phone service you should be able to use the maps.

Can Tourists Drive in Ireland?

Yes, tourists can drive in Ireland. It is relatively easy to drive in Ireland as a visitor, even with a foreign license.

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Driving in Ireland With a Foreign License

It is possible to drive in Ireland with a foreign license, though visitors from certain countries may need to have an international driving permit from their own country in addition to holding a national driving license from their own country.

If your driving license is from an EU or EEA member state…

You can drive in Ireland using your valid foreign license until it expires. If you become normally resident in Ireland (meaning you usually live in Ireland for at least 185 days per year) you will likely want to exchange your license for an Irish driving license.

2. If your driving license is from one of Ireland’s “recognized states”…

You can drive in Ireland using your valid foreign license for up to 1 year while visiting. After one year, and/or if you become normally resident in Ireland you will need to apply for an Irish driving license.

List of Recognized States for Driving in Ireland:

Australia
Canada
Gibraltar
Guernsey
Isle of Man
Japan
Jersey
South Africa
Republic of Korea (South Korea)
Switzerland
New Zealand
Taiwan
UK

3. If your driving license is NOT from the EU, EEA, or a recognized state…

You will need a national driving license AND an international driving permit. You can drive in Ireland with this for up to one year, at which point you will need to apply for and go through the full Irish driving license process.

Can I Drive in Ireland With a UK License?

Yes, you can drive in Ireland with a UK license. The UK is on the list of Ireland’s “recognized states”, meaning you do NOT have to apply for an international driving permit to drive in Ireland during your visit.

Driving in Ireland as an American

You CAN drive in Ireland as an American. According to the U.S. Embassy… “U.S. citizens are permitted to drive in Ireland for the duration of a visit up to 12 months as a tourist” and do not need to hold an international driving permit.

Yes, you can use your valid U.S. driver’s license in Ireland for up to one year. However, if you plan on moving to Ireland and intend to stay longer than a year, you will need to convert your U.S. driver’s license to an Irish driver’s license.

For further information on driving as a tourist in Ireland and licensing exchanges or applications, visit Citizens Information.

Road Rules for Driving in Ireland

It is best to have a general understanding of the road rules prior to driving in Ireland. Always pay attention to marked road signs and the flow of traffic as you drive.

1. Speed Limits When Driving in Ireland:

A note: National roads are ones that are smaller than motorways and often have two lanes going in both directions. They are marked with a green sign and the letter ‘N’.

National primary roads are typically the main roads where no motorways are available and run between cities and large towns. National secondary roads are smaller than primary but share the same speed limit.

Ireland – Type of Road	Speed Limit
Roads in urban areas (e.g. cities and towns)	50 kph (31 mph)
Non-national roads / Single lane open roads (regional and local)	80 kph (50 mph)
National roads (primary and secondary)	100 kph (62 mph)
Motorways	120 kph (75 mph)

Northern Ireland – Type of Road	Speed Limit
Roads in urban areas (e.g. cities and towns)	45 kph (30 mph)
Single lane roads	95 kph (59 mph)
Double-lane roads and Motorways	110 kph (68 mph)

2. Use Seat Belts

Seat belts are required at all times when driving in Ireland for both the driver and passengers.

Children under 16 kg (36 lbs) or shorter than 150 cm (4’11”) are required to use age and weight-appropriate car seats or booster seats.

3. No Cell Phones

Using your cell phone while driving in Ireland is strictly prohibited. Bluetooth and hands-free devices are allowed, but if they are a distraction, you could be fined for unsafe driving.

4. Absolutely No Drinking and Driving in Ireland

Drinking and driving is a serious offense in Ireland, so much so that most Irish residents will not drive after even one drink.

The legal drinking and driving limit in Ireland is 0.05% BAC (blood alcohol content). For reference, that is lower than the 0.08% BAC legal limit in the U.S. and many other countries.

As a general rule of thumb, for every one drink, your BAC goes up by about 0.02%. Meaning about 3 standard drinks will put you over 0.05%. However, remember that each person processes and reacts to alcohol differently so you can’t rely on that – it’s safest to just NOT DRINK before driving!

The Best Dublin Pub Crawls and Drinking Experiences

5. Right of Way in Ireland

At unmarked crossings, the car coming from the right of you will have the right of way. Cars already in a roundabout have the right of way as well. The same goes for yielding to cars already on the motorway.

6. Have Important Driving Documentation Handy

You are required to have your vehicle’s registration documentation (5V) available. You should also keep the contract from the rental car company stating that you have permission to drive the car. Or, have a letter from the registered owner stating you have permission to drive if the car is not registered in your name.

7. No Left Turns on Red Lights

Many countries, including the U.S., allow for right turns on red lights when driving on the right side of the road. As an American driving in Ireland, you may think the same applies to left turns while driving on the left side of the road. This is NOT the case in Ireland, you can never turn left at red lights while driving in Ireland.

Tips for Driving in Ireland

8. Emergencies:

If you find yourself in an emergency while driving in Ireland, pull safely to the side of the road and dial either 112 or 999. Both will connect you to an emergency operator in both the Republic and Northern Ireland.

It’s also smart to keep a first aid kit, some water, and a blanket in your car in case you get stuck for a bit on the rural roads.

9. Gas (Petrol) Stations:

Gas stations are called “petrol stations” in Ireland and are smaller than the standard gas station in the U.S. You will pump your own gas in Ireland.

It is a good rule of thumb to refill your tank when it is half empty as it might be difficult to find a petrol station, depending on your location and destination. Petrol stations can be difficult to find in more rural areas, and almost none of them offer 24/7 service.

10. Cash While Driving in Ireland:

Store some emergency cash in your car, or carry cash on you at all times when driving in Ireland. Not all gas stations take credit cards, so it is good to keep cash on hand just in case. Plus, there’s a chance you may run into some toll roads that require cash as well.

11. Have Snacks on Hand for Irish Road Trips:

Road-tripping across Ireland is so much fun! You will see gorgeous parts of Ireland and experience some towns that you probably wouldn’t have if it weren’t for driving across the country. Road trips are incredible for taking in the Irish mountains, greenery, and dramatic coastlines along the way.

While you will have access to rest stops and stores across Ireland, it is always a good idea to keep some snacks and water in your car. When you are in more rural parts of Ireland, it could take a while to get to the next place to eat. Plus, you might need them in an emergency if your car breaks down somewhere rural.

Should I Rent a Car in Ireland?

Yes! I always recommend that tourists to Ireland should rent a car.

However, if you plan on staying in the big cities (e.g. Dublin, Cork, Galway) you can get away without driving in Ireland. The big cities are all decently easy to walk in. I could get everywhere I needed to be within ~20 minutes of walking when I lived in Dublin! They also have buses and some public transportation options available too.

To get between cities there are trains and buses. The bus system covers nearly every town in Ireland but is significantly slower, with Bus Éireann being the main bus line.

If you want to see anything out in nature, smaller and more rural towns, or anything off the beaten path – you will want to rent a car in Ireland.

The reason I always tell my friends and family to rent a car is so that they don’t miss out on the gorgeous scenery and wonderful things to do in the smaller towns and between the big cities of Ireland!

I recommend using Discover Cars to rent a car in Ireland. They compare prices across the leading Irish car rental companies to find you the BEST deals and LOWEST prices.

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Discover Cars saves you money on renting a car, is easy to use, and most importantly – allows you to explore ALL that Ireland has to offer so you have the most memorable trip!

They also include insurance coverage, which is a requirement for driving in Ireland. The ease of purchasing insurance as you rent a car is something I love about Discover Cars. Once you book your car, you can pick it up from Dublin Airport or wherever is most convenient for you.

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IMPORTANT TIP WHEN USING DISCOVERCARS!

I have recently realized that unfortunately, DiscoverCars rating system is quite off and can be a bit misleading. Make sure to cross-check ratings by doing a quick Google search of the car company locally and checking their reviews there.

To be clear, DiscoverCars is still the best rental car price finder and has deals that you won’t be able to find anywhere else, BUT you will find the best company by taking the extra step of checking reviews in a second location.

Always choose a highly-rated car rental company
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Do You Still Need Travel Insurance if You Have Car Insurance?

Yes! Travel insurance and car insurance are two different things and you need both.

Travel insurance will cover you for travel delays, lost checked luggage, emergency response, natural disasters, and personal liability. The insurance I use, Safety Wing, covers some medical accidents as well, which is great for drivers in Ireland.

Safety Wing is incredibly affordable, reliable, and offers great coverage for both travelers and expats in Ireland. To get a quote, click below:

brightly colored building in Ireland town

A few areas to consider if you can drive in Ireland:

Wild Atlantic Way
Dingle Penninsula
Lough Dergh
The Burren

Driving through Ireland is an incredible experience and opens up a whole new world of possibilities for your trip. You will create incredible moments and possibly face some exciting challenges that will just add to the memory and stories of your experience!

When driving in any new country, and especially if you are coming from somewhere that drives on the right side of the road or uses automatic cars, take some time to practice, stay extra aware and calm while driving, and don’t forget to review these road rules and tips for driving in Ireland!

Looking for resources to use for your next trip or move abroad?
CLICK HERE for my favorite travel and expat tools!

☘️FAQs About Ireland☘️

✈️ Where Can You Find the BEST Flight Deals to Ireland?
1. Scott’s Cheap Flights – FREE flight deals alert, works best if you can be flexible
2. Skyscanner – FREE search engine, great for budget flights + deal

❗Is Travel Insurance Required in Ireland?
No, it’s not.
However, it’s always recommended to have travel insurance any time you travel in case of injury, accident, lost luggage, missed flight, etc. The best and most affordable travel/expat insurance is Safety Wing.
>>>CLICK HERE FOR INFO

☔️ When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?
Summer (June-August) – is the warmest and rains the least but you will have the most crowds.
Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) – are cooler and have more rain but you will beat the crowds and see some incredible wildflowers (spring)/greenery (fall).

🏠 Where Should You Stay in Ireland?
Hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and house sitting are all available in Ireland for accommodation. My top recommendations for each are:
• Booking.com
• Hostelworld
• Vrbo (usually better options than Airbnb in Ireland)
• Trusted Housesitters (watch a home/pets in return for a FREE place to stay)

☘️ Where Can You Find Tours?
I found incredible tours in Ireland >>>HERE for private and guided group tours of both the most popular attractions and ones that fit your specific interests.

🚘 Should You Rent a Car in Ireland?
I always tell my friends and family to rent a car in Ireland so that they don’t miss out on the gorgeous scenery and wonderful things to do in between the big cities! However, if you plan to stay only in the cities, then you should be fine getting by with buses and walking.
>>> What to know about driving in Ireland
>>> The best car rental in Ireland

🍻 Make sure to try out the pubs! Even if you don’t drink, the atmosphere, live music, and friendly people are very uniquely Irish.

Driving in Ireland: 11 Tips and Rules For Tourists (2025)