Ireland is a desirable destination for many. No wonder, because Ireland is not too far away and flights are cheap. In addition, Ireland can be wonderfully travelled by car. If you are planning to explore Ireland by car, we would like to give you some tips regarding the traffic rules, speeds and blood alcohol limit.
Ireland has some special features that you may not be familiar with.
Left-hand traffic in Ireland
First of all, there is left-hand traffic in Ireland. Left-hand traffic means for the car driver that the wheel is not on the left, as in most countries, but on the right in the direction of travel.
This can lead to difficulties. Because the dimensions of the used PKW´s are to be estimated at the beginning around some more heavily, than one is used otherwise. Due to the left-hand traffic there are also other special features, which we would like to list here in brief:
- In a roundabout it must always be driven left and in clockwise direction
- On highways drive left and overtake right
Speed Limits in Ireland
Ireland is divided into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which belongs to Great Britain. This means the following for you:
- Speeds in the Republic of Ireland are displayed in kilometers per hour
- In Northern Ireland the unit is miles per hour!
The speeds are as follows:
Speed Limit in Republic of Ireland:
Speed in town: 50 km/h
Speed on Highway: 120 km/h
Speed on Express Way: 100 km/h
Speed on Country Road: 80 km/h
Speed Limit in North Ireland:
Speed in town: 30 mph/ 48 km/h
Speed on Highway: 70 mph / 112 km/h
Speed on Express Way: 70 mph / 112 km/h
Speed on Country Road: 60 mph / 96 km/h
Parking in Ireland
Especially in the big cities like Dublin, Londonderry, Galway or Cork you should pay attention to the signs. Otherwise it can become expensive. Signs usually give information about parking times and parking zones.
Double yellow lines parallel to the curb mean no parking and no stopping
Parking meters should be used. If you are caught, then the vehicle is usually held with a parking claw. Especially if you park on private land or parking lots, the operators are allowed to use such parking claws.
In order to remove these again it results in costs of 80€ to 250€. A corresponding contact number is attached to the driver's door with a note.
Other important information about driving in Ireland
Important telephone numbers to remember in case of an emergency:
- Police and ambulance service: 999 or the 112
The roads in Ireland are sometimes very narrow. Don't drive too fast as you have to be prepared to brake or avoid them at all times. Animals on the road are omnipresent. Behind every bend there can be a sheep family standing or lying. Please always remember this!
Shepherd dogs also often have the fun of hiding behind a driveway and jumping out when you drive past.
If you want to drive around the Dingle Peninsula, make sure you drive clockwise! Otherwise you won't have any fun, because traffic (coaches) is constantly coming towards you and you can't avoid it very well. Besides, you see less of the sea!
The road surface is 90% very good. However it can be that there are passages where this is very slippery. Pay attention to this and adjust to a longer braking distance.
An important tip: Stop also sometimes. Because then you usually see more and the beauty of Ireland unfolds. In addition, it relaxes during the car ride to stretch your feet a bit.
If you have further questions about driving in Ireland, you can simply ask your question in the comments below. We will try to answer them for you.
