Travel alerts & warnings
Ireland driving guide.
Ireland rewards drivers with coastal routes, mountain scenery and villages that are difficult to reach by public transport. Main roads are generally straightforward, but rural lanes can be narrow, winding and shared with cyclists, livestock and farm machinery.
- Advisory
- Normal precautions
- Drives on
- Left
- Best season
- May to June or…
- Permit honored
- Yes
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Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Ireland is generally a safe destination for travelers. Travelers should remain vigilant as petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing. Large-scale demonstrations related to the local political situation may occur with little notice. Demonstrations may disrupt transportation and other essential services.
- Exercise normal precautionin Ireland.
Driving there
Your permit in Ireland
- Ireland honors the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your license into ten languages — it is not a license on its own.
- Carry your valid U.S. driver's license with the permit at all times. The permit is valid for one year and only while your U.S. license is valid.
- Rental companies and local police can be stricter than national law. Confirm the requirement with your rental company before you travel.
Advisory information is published by the U.S. Department of State and reproduced here for convenience. It can change at any time — always check the official advisory before you travel. USIDA does not issue travel advisories.
Before you drive
Top travel tips for Ireland
Road rules and rural lanes
Seat belts are compulsory, and using a handheld phone while driving is illegal. On narrow lanes, slow down before blind bends and use passing places rather than verges; never assume an oncoming vehicle can squeeze past.
Speed limits and the border
In the Republic, limits are posted in km/h: motorways are generally 120 km/h and national primary roads 100 km/h. Many rural local roads now have a 60 km/h limit; always follow signs and drive slower when conditions require. Northern Ireland uses mph and UK road rules.
Tolls and Dublin's M50
Several motorways charge tolls. Dublin's M50 has barrier-free tolling between junctions 6 and 7; unless your rental company handles payment, pay through eFlow by 8 p.m. the following day. Confirm the rental firm's toll arrangements before paying to avoid duplicate charges.
Fuel and remote routes
Stations sell petrol and diesel by the litre; confirm the correct fuel on your rental agreement and filler cap. Fill up before remote stretches of Connemara, Kerry or Donegal, where stations may be sparse and opening hours limited.
Rental requirements and police checks
Carry your original valid driving licence, IDP, rental agreement and insurance details; an IDP does not replace your licence. Keep your passport available for rental identification. Confirm age, licence-tenure and credit-card requirements, and obtain permission before entering Northern Ireland. Gardaí, the Republic's police, conduct roadside document and alcohol checks.
Worth the drive
Places to see in Ireland
Cliffs of Moher
County Clare · About 1 hour 30 minutes from Galway to the visitor centre.
Dramatic Atlantic cliffs with designated viewpoints; combine the visit with a drive through the Burren.
Connemara National Park
County Galway · About 1 hour 30 minutes from Galway to Letterfrack.
Mountain walks, bogland scenery and access to scenic coastal roads around Letterfrack.
Killarney National Park
County Kerry · About 1 hour 30 minutes from Cork to Killarney; allow extra time for park stops.
Lakes, woodland and mountain views, with convenient stops at Muckross House and Torc Waterfall.
Dingle Peninsula
County Kerry · About 2 hours 30 minutes from Cork to Dingle; allow several additional hours for Slea Head.
Atlantic beaches, archaeological sites and the spectacular Slea Head coastal drive.
Rock of Cashel
County Tipperary · About 1 hour from Cork.
A striking hilltop complex of medieval religious buildings, easily reached from the M8.
Glendalough
County Wicklow · About 1 hour 15 minutes from Dublin, depending on traffic.
An early medieval monastic settlement, lakeside trails and access to the Wicklow Mountains.
Heading to Ireland?
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