Driving in Ireland Tips: This is What you Need to Know!
Ireland is an excellent destination for a nice road trip. There is a lot of beautiful nature and many charming villages and beautiful mountain and coastal roads! And although we have seen various bus services and group tours, we think a rental car is a must! And even if you are not used to it, driving on the left is really not a deal-breaker. Read our tips for driving in Ireland here!
1. Driving Left
Everyone knows they drive on the left in the UK. Ireland is no exception. However, it really doesn’t have to be an obstacle to your travel plans, because it really isn’t as difficult as you might think.
Is it your first time? Of course it takes some time getting used to doing everything in opposite direction in the car. Entering, for example, will probably go wrong at least a few times (on the wrong side) and you will definitely try to wipe dry windows a few times (as turn signal and wipers are sometimes switched). Fortunately, the pedals are not the other way around! In the car itself it is slightly different, but on the road the first kilometers also take some getting used to. Small turns to the left, large ones to the right. And driving clockwise across the roundabout. Actually most of those things go naturally, as there always is more traffic on the road to follow.
Tip: check out our Google Maps travel guide Ireland with all our stops and accommodations.
2. Ireland has Many Narrow Roads
Except for the major cities and primary connecting roads, the roads in Ireland are quite narrow. And with maximum speeds of often 80 or even 100 km/h it feels like you are driving way too fast. Actually, we found this the most challenging thing in Ireland, those narrow mountain roads. Really beautiful, but you have to pay close attention.
3. The Irish Like to Drive Fast
Narrow roads full of bends, hills, potholes and other bumps. Yet the locals don’t seem to care much about it, as they drive quite fast. However, we did not experience this as dangerous, we hardly saw any tailgaters, for instance. Especially when passing oncoming traffic, it can sometimes feel like you have dodge completely in the shoulder area.
4. Other Traffic Regulations
There are also a few other traffic rules that require some attention. For example, at intersections, traffic from the right has priority. We sometimes thought that was a bit strange, because everything else works the other way around. At a T-junction, traffic on the main road always has priority. And usually the priority rules are also regulated with stop signs and lines. Furthermore, on larger main roads we have occasionally seen slower traffic moves more on the right side, allowing other traffic to pass.
Conclusion Driving in Ireland Tips
Driving in Ireland can take some time getting used to, especially when you are driving on the left side of the road for the first time. If you’re feeling uncomfortable, automatic transmission may be recommended. Other than that, just go for it and try. It really isn’t that hard.
Tip: we always rent our car through Sunnycars. Here you are guaranteed an all-in rental price with full insurance included and they have a free cancellation policy up to 1 hour before pick-up!
