When driving through Ireland there are a few options for getting to your destination. The fastest route will always be the main highways (called motorways). However, these are NOT the best for sightseeing, and if you're embarking on a self-drive much of your trip will be about the stops along the way. This is why we recommend you stick to the smaller costal routes and inland roads that will bring you through villages, historical attractions, and ancient ruins - offering truly spectacular scenery all along the way.
Top Driving Tips for Ireland
Have a GPS and a Map: Many car rental companies either have cars with a built-in GPS or may provide one for an additional fee. We highly recommend making sure you have one, but we equally recommend having an old fashioned paper map as well. While the GPS feels imperative you may find yourself on rural roads without cell service. (Unless you can you time travel back to the 90's and print out a Mapquest).
Test Drive: Don't grab the car and just set off on your way. Take the time to drive around a parking lot or local roads before starting your journey. Give yourself a few minutes to get used to driving on the left side of the road.
Stay on the left side of the road: This may sound obvious since everybody else will be - but it can be forgotten - especially after breaks, on rural roads, in the morning when you're tired, or when you're dealing with jet lag.
Pass traffic islands to the left.
Only use a rotary (or roundabout depending on where you're from) clockwise.
Take a left turn when accessing a motorway and remember to join traffic on your right side.
Utilize a Post-it note: We recommend having a small post-it note saying "stay left" on the dashboard. We know this one may sound nuts - but it helps! Bring a square of brightly colored post-its with you so when one note loses its stickiness or gets soaked from you throwing your wet hair or raincoat in the car you can replace it.
Obey Speed Limits: The speed limit in Ireland is 50km/h in built-up areas, 80km/h on regional and local roads, 100km/h on national roads, and 120km/h on motorways. Keep an eye out for speed limit signs, and make sure you're not over or you'll likely get pulled over and be fined €80.
Get to know the road signs:
Direction signs will be in blue for major routes (motorways), green for national roads and white for local roads.
Places of tourist interest are on brown signs with white lettering.
Note that you may find areas with no road signs or many stacked on one pole, and they may be hard to decipher - or impossible if you're in a Gaeltacht area where the sign will be in Gaelic (this is where a map really comes in handy!).
Respect the right of way: At unmarked crossings the car from the right (!) will have right of way. The same is true for cars already in a rotary (roundabout). Yellow signs with black markings will give instructions at marked crossings - a graphic approximation of the layout with thick lines denoting the right of way, thinner lines representing roads that have to yield. Additional stop signs or markings on the road surface will help you.
Keep an eye on the gas tank: Gas stations can be few and far between in rural areas with almost none of them offering 24/7 - service. We recommend refilling when your tank is half-empty. (Remember that not all gas stations will take credit cards).
Bring Cash: Only the main highways in Ireland have tolls, and most don’t accept payment by card so make sure you have plenty of cash and change. (The rental car may have an electronic payment tag).
Go Slow: Road conditions are generally good, but country roads quickly become narrow, bumpy, and winding with potholes. Take your time and drive at a speed comfortable to you.
Consider Timing: Rural roads may not be well lit - so be aware of this if you will be driving at night, and if you're nervous aim to be at your destination before nightfall.
Expect the unexpected - Ireland is largely a rural country and rural traffic is typical. Expect slow and large pieces of farm machinery around every corner from March to October. Also be prepared for wildlife and pets suddenly crossing the road or cows and especially sheep to use it as a resting place.
TOP TIP: Embrace the unexpected and enjoy!!
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