Top Attractions - Ireland

Attractions - Dublin

Driving Tips for Ireland

· Any special requirements for driving in Ireland?
· What should I know about Parking in Ireland?
· How much does fuel cost in Ireland?
· What is the speed limit on Irish Roads?
· What is the conversion for kph to mph?
· What is the alcohol limit in Ireland?
· Are there any Toll roads in Ireland?
· What are the seat belt regulations in Ireland?
· What is the minimum age for driving in Ireland?
· Can I use my domestic licence in Ireland?
· What documents may I need to carry?
· What terms may I find useful when driving in Ireland?
· What do I do in the case of an accident?
· What number do I call for the emergency services in Ireland?

Any special requirements for driving in Ireland?
The Irish drive on the left and overtake on the right. Generally, priority is given to vehicles on the right. Where priority is the prime control, vehicles entering priority roads are under no obligation to stop unless yielding to a vehicle on the priority road. This may be a surprise to foreign drivers at first, as vehicles seem to emerge from side roads and partially onto the priority road with little thought of stopping; but really they do stop. Vehicles on a roundabout have priority so vehicles entering a roundabout must yield. Traffic coming from the right hand side has precedence at roundabouts.

What should I know about Parking in Ireland?
Yellow lines indicate parking restrictions. Nearby there will be a sign which details the exact parking restrictions, but typically a double yellow line means no parking at any time, a single yellow line means no parking from 8am to 6 30pm Monday to Saturday, and a broken yellow line means that there are few restrictions. You should check the nearest sign for details of these.Pay-and-display machines are common throughout Irelands major towns and cities. In pay and display machines you need to put in the money for the required amount of time, collect a small ticket and display it CLEARLY on your dashboard.

How much does fuel cost in Ireland?
Current fuel prices vary between 60p and 75p per litre (depending on the area) diesel being only a few pence cheaper. These prices are meant as a guide and may vary widely. Generally gasoline is cheaper per litre in The Republic of Ireland than in Northern Ireland.

What is the speed limit on Irish Roads?
Speed limit on Motorway: 112kph/70mph Speed limit in Towns: 48kph/30mph Speed limit on major roads: 96kph/60mph Speed limits are indicated by circular signs with the limit amount circled by a red band. Care should be taken as speed cameras are in operation on many major roads.

What is the conversion for kph to mph?
1 mile = 1.6 km
1 km = 0.6 miles

What is the alcohol limit in Ireland?
Currently the blood-alcohol level is at 0.08%. Drink driving is taken very seriously in Ireland and heavy penalties will be imposed on those found to be above the legal blood/alcohol limit.

Are there any Toll roads in Ireland?
Unlike most European countries there are no toll roads in Ireland. There are two toll bridges in the Dublin area. Toll prices on these bridges are approximately 70p.

What are the seat belt regulations in Ireland?
In Ireland seat belts are compulsory in the front and the rear if fitted.

What is the minimum age for driving in Ireland?
The minimum driving age in Ireland is 17.

Can I use my domestic licence in Ireland?
You will not require an international drivers licence if your licence is in English. It is advised that if your licence is not printed in English, you should have a translation.

What documents may I need to carry?
You are legally required to carry your driving licence, insurance papers and registration papers (proof of ownership) with you at all times. If you have a hire car you will need to carry all the necessary documents with you also. If you fail to produce these documents the police may ask you to present them at a police station within a specified number of days.

What terms may I find useful when driving in Ireland?
If you are an American visitor you may find some differences in the language used in relation to driving. Here are some of the main words that you may find different.
Petrol - Gasoline
Petrol station - Gas station or garage (for buying fuel)
Number plate - License plate
Gallon - About 1.2 US gallons
Fuel consumption - Gas mileage
Lorry - Truck
Saloon - Sedan
Car park - Parking lot or garage (for parking)
Bonnet - Hood
Manual gearbox - Stick shift
Handbrake - Parking brake
Boot - Trunk
Windscreen - Windshield
Tyre - Tire
Kerb - Curb
Pavement - Sidewalk
Dual carriageway - Divided highway
Motorway - Freeway
Car hire - Car rental

What do I do in the case of an accident?
You will need to call one of the following: Police and Ambulance, tel. 999. If there is any damage to the car or to a passenger of yours or another car then calling the police is essential. You will need to take contact details and the registration number of all witnesses to the accident. If you have a camera make sure you take photographs from all angles before any vehicle is moved.

What number do I call for the emergency services in Ireland?
Police/Ambulance/Fire - 999

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