Driving Tips in Ireland

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• Car Hire Depots
• Driving Distances
• Driving Licence
• Driving Age
• Rules and Regulations
• Equipment
• Child Safety Seats
• Speed Limits
• Drink Driving
• Tolls
• Road Signs
• Parking
• Visa Information
• Winter Driving

Depot information

We search & compare competitive rates and a wide range of choices with reputable suppliers in Ireland. Our Suppliers are located throughout major cities of Ireland. Click here for more information.

Driving Distances in Ireland

• Cork to Killarney - 86 kms (1hr / 15 mins)
• Dublin to Dun Laoghaire - 12 kms (20 mins)
• Dublin to Cork - 255 kms (3 hrs)
• Galway to Limerick - 100 kms (1 hr / 30 mins)
• Kerry to Shannon - 130 kms (2 hrs)
• Knock to Sligo - 70 kms (1 hr)
• Shannon to Dublin - 220 kms (2 hrs / 45 mins)

Driving Licence

A full valid driver's licence is required for a minimum of 1 year. An International Drivers Licence is required for Australian drivers licence holders.

Age Restrictions

Generally the minimum age is 21 years, but can vary between the car rental company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check terms & conditions when making an enquiry or booking.

Rules, Laws and Regulations

General driving, laws rules and regulations in Ireland:

• Vehicles drive on the left hand side of the road.
• Overtake on the right hand side of the road.
• Seat belts are to be used by all passengers and driver.
• The use of a mobile phone is prohibited while driving.
• Drivers are to carry at all times while driving, a valid drivers licence, registration documents and insurance documents.
• Headlights are to be used during poor daylight visibility.
• It is illegal to use radar detectors.

Equipment

Whilst there are no laws regarding equipment you must carry with you in the vehicle; it is important to make sure you are prepared for whatever driving conditions you may endure.

Child Safety Seats

Children under the age of 12 years old are required to be seated in the back seats of the vehicle and be fasted in either a seat belt or an appropriate child restraint.

Speed Limits

Mostly all public roads have a speed limit. Below are the speed limits for particular types of roads where no speed limit sign is displayed, unless signed otherwise. Motorists are to obey the speed limits by not exceeding the limit. Be aware of your travelling speed on certain roads as authorities will carry out random speed checks on vehicles passing.

• Urban Roads (built up areas): 50km/h
• Rural Roads(regional and local): 80km/h
• National Roads: 100km/h
• Motorways: 120km/h

Drink Driving

Never drink and drive. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) in Ireland is 0.08mg/100ml. Penalties for drink driving involve a driving ban, fines and possibly imprisonment.

Tolls

There are a few motorways in Ireland where a toll is payable. The M50, N4, N3, R131 and the E1 all currently have tolls. Fees are determined on vehicle category and payment is only accept in cash.

Road Signs

Road signs in the Republic of Ireland are very closely similar in design to those used in UK, United States and Australia compared to elsewhere in Europe.

• Regulatory Signs: motorists must follow the actions they are permitted or forbidden to do. You will generally find these signs in a circular shape with a red border and either a black symbol/text in the middle, an example is a speed limit sign.
• Warning Signs: provides motorists warnings of any upcoming hazards ahead. These signs can be found with a yellow background, black border and a black symbol/text in the middle. An example is a sharp turn ahead sign or speed hump ahead.
• Roadwork Signs: gives motorists information of upcoming road works or road changes. These signs are displayed with a white background, red border with a symbol/text in the middle, shapes can also vary.
• Information Signs: provides information regarding directions, facilities, distance, etc. Shapes and colours can vary depending on the types of roads and the information type. These signs can be found with a green background, white, blue, or brown background. Green is used for directions to cities/towns and streets/roads, white will provide information information to other major roads or motorways, blue details motorways and brown are used for tourist facilities/attractions.

Parking

Parking is strictly regulated within many cities in Ireland, make sure you check signage before parking and leaving your vehicle. Street parking is operated with the pay and display system where a parking ticket will need to be purchased at an automated ticket machine. You will receive two tickets once you've inserted your coins, one will need to be displayed on your front windscreen and the other is a copy to bring with you so you are aware of your expiry time.

Visa Information

Visa, passport and entry requirements for Australians visiting Ireland:

• Australian passport holders do not require a visa for the purpose of tourism for stays up to 90 days. Contact the Embassy of Ireland in your local state for special visa information.
• A valid passport is required.

Winter Driving

There are no specific rules or regulations regarding snow tyres, however drivers need to pay due care and attention on the roads in winter and be able to adapt to changing conditions.

All information provided is to be used as a guide only. Distances and time may very according to the route taken. The information shown on this page may have changed since the date of publication. Please refer to the countries local tourist office for up-to-date advice. Last updated: 16 August 2022.