Whether you have been to Ireland many times or you plan to make your first trip, it’s important to know how best to navigate Ireland’s roads. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, we have put together a handy guide to driving in Ireland.
Please note, the authority on driving in Ireland is the Road Safety Authority (RSA), please refer to them for full information & safety guidelines.
We Drive on the Left!
When you are in Ireland remember that we drive on the LEFT!
Tips for not getting lost in Ireland
Ireland is known for its wild Atlantic Ocean views and majestic mountain passes. However, Ireland is not known for its great directional signage! Some roads have too many signposts it’s confusing and some roads simply don’t have anything! This is something we complain about frequently but it is constantly improving over time. The best thing to do is to prepare yourself:
Plan out your route in advance and have a general idea of where you need to go. We provide a detailed itinerary with our self-drive tours of Ireland that usually has a number of ways to get to your destination and should help you plan. If you want to make things very easy, invest in GPS before you go or make sure you have Apple/ Google maps prepared.
The Dreaded Roundabout!
We know roundabouts are relatively scarce in some countries, but in Ireland prepare to see quite a few! Don’t be scared, roundabouts are generally harmless and easy to navigate once you are familiar with them.
The Rules:
The first thing to do is be prepared. Know where you are going so that you can get into the correct lane.
Always Yield to traffic approaching from your right and traffic that is already on the roundabout.
Lanes:
On a roundabout, you need to be aware of the lane you should be in depending on your exit.
- Generally, if you are taking any exit from the 6 o’clock to the 12 o’clock position, approach in the left-hand lane.
- If you are taking any exit between the 12 o’clock to the 6 o’clock position, approach in the right-hand lane.
**Read the signs on approach, sometimes the lane rules above are changed and signposts approaching the roundabout will tell you where to go***
- If taking the 1st exit: indicate left while you are in the lane to turn left
- If taking the 2nd exit: enter the roundabout in the left-hand lane but do not indicate until you have passed the 1st exit. Then, indicate left as you turn onto your exit.
- If taking the 3rd or any subsequent exit: get in the correct lane and indicate right. Indicate a left turn just before the exit you intend to take. When it is clear, move to the other lane and take your desired exit.
Remember to yield to traffic approaching from your right and traffic that is already on the roundabout.
How to Drive on Narrow Irish Roads
You will find some of Ireland’s best scenery as you drive our narrow country roads. Here are some things to be aware of as you travel;
Be extra careful when there is no white line in the centre of the road. You need to use your personal judgement, sometimes there is enough space for two cars at either side of the road and sometimes there will only be space for one car and one of you will need to give right of way. Either way, drive slowly, especially around bends where there may be oncoming traffic, cyclists or walkers.
Take caution with the speed limits. Sometimes there are speed limits on roads that just don’t make sense, like the road below in Dursey Island. Use your judgement.
Where there is not enough space for two cars you will notice lay by areas at the side of the road. If the lay-by is closest to you on your left, you need to pull in here and allow the other car pass you by. Check if there is a layby behind you, as you may need to reverse. If there is no layby, you may have to use the entrance to a house or farm. Take your time, use your mirrors and be very careful. Watch out for signs in the area telling you want to do.
Watch out for the Sheep!
It’s not uncommon to see sheep, cows, horses and other animals trotting along country roads. We also get a lot of cyclists and walkers, so take care, especially in the countryside.
Remember, if you are nervous driving on our very narrow roads, you can always pre-book a day long coach tour in some of our top driving routes like the Dingle Peninsula & Ring of Kerry. For more information, please contact us.
Parking in Ireland
Pay attention to the signage everywhere. Don’t park beside a double yellow line and don’t park in a yellow grid box.
If you decide to park in a carpark, look for signs telling you how to pay. Sometimes you need to purchase a parking disk (just ask where to buy, in the closest shop) and sometimes you need to pay in advance and display a parking ticket.
European Parking Cards (also known as Disabled Parking Permits) can be used by disabled people within the 25 member states of the EU. If you are visiting Ireland from outside of the EU you should bring your Disabled Parking Permit/European Parking Card with you. Your Disabled Parking Permit/European Parking Card should be visibly displayed in your parked car.
Irish Driving Customs
If you meet a stranger coming towards you on a quiet country road and they wave, don’t be alarmed! We are a friendly bunch and it not uncommon to wave at total strangers!
If you let a car pass you out, and they flash their back lights this means ‘hey, thanks a lot’! If you see someone flashing their lights as you drive towards them it means either there is some kind of danger nearby or the Gardaí are checking for speeding cars up ahead! (By the way, flashing your lights to tell people Gardaí are nearby is illegal so don’t do it yourself!).
Some handy websites for more information on driving in Ireland
http://www.citizensinformation.ie
