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Basic Info Route Planner Driving in Ireland Important Driving Info Helpful Tips

Basic vs inclusive car rental

Basic vs Inclusive Car Rental - To avoid additional fees, higher costs and possible billing disputes, VisitIreland always recommends Inclusive car rental bookings. If you elect to book at the “Basic” service fees and additional required insurance charged at the time of vehicle collection will in many cases amount to a higher overall cos(sometimes by 50% or more). Furthermore, rental car insurance coverage (if provided on your personal car insurance and/or offered by certain US and Canadian Visa and MasterCard companies will in almost every cases be rejected by the rental car supplier. VisitIreland will not become involved or assist in any way in issues that arise from “Basic” car rental disputes.

Route Planner and Distance Calculator

Click here for a detailed route planner and distance calculator.

Driving in Ireland and Northern Ireland

An automobile is the best means to explore Ireland. In Ireland and Northern Ireland traffic proceeds on the left. It is highly advisable to rent an automatic vehicle if this is what you are accustom to driving. If you are from North America or Continental Europe you will be driving on the opposite side of the road. Drivers who are not familiar with driving on the left and/or in ireland should take their time acclimated with the Irish road system. This section contains two important links for driving in Ireland and Northern Ireland. All drivers should familiarize themselves with national regulations, as well as, signals, road markings, traffic, warning, information and motorway signs before driving in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

All visitors to wishing to drive in The Republic of Ireland should read and Understand The Republic of Ireland Rules of the Road which is accessible at www.rulesoftheroad.com

All visitors wishing to drive in Northern Ireland should read and understand The Great Britain Highway Code which is accessible via “travel and transport” link at www.direct.gov.uk

Important information for driving in Ireland and Northern Ireland

  • All drivers and passengers must where seat belts at all times.
  • Use of proper child and infant seats is mandatory at all times.
  • It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone while driving.
  • Never drive impaired, under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other controlled substance.

Helpful Tips

When you drive your rental vehicle for the first time it may be helpful to take it around the car rental lot, block or airport loop a few times to get used to the controls and driving on the left-hand side of the road if you are not already accustom to doing so. If driving on the left is new to you try to avoid narrow roads and tight driving situations for the first day or two or until you become comfortable and familiar with your car and your new driving environment.

One of the primary mistakes visiting drivers to Ireland make is that they underestimate the amount of time it takes to get from “Point A” to “Point B”. A good rule of thumb is to estimate averaging 40 MPH while driving in Ireland. If you are driving on narrow rural roads an average of 25 to 35 MPH may be a more realistic estimate. If your journey will be exclusively or primarily on major motorways an average of 50 or 60 MPH may be achieved. However, driving at night, during poor weather conditions or on roads that are subject to construction and roadwork will diminish these estimates.

Also, be wary of route planners which merely calculate driving times by dividing the distance by the maximum speed limit which can be inaccurate in estimating driving times for Ireland. VisitIreland recommends the free route planner offered by the Automobile Association of Ireland wish is accessible at www.aaireland.ie/routes/ .

Care should always be taken to make sure you know what is ahead of you at all times. This is especially vital when driving on winding secondary, rural and narrow roads that may be overgrown by brush where you may encounter wondering animals, people on horseback, slow moving farm equipment or livestock being herded by foot. The best advice is to always pay close attention to all road signal and signs and proceed carefully and cautiously. Never drink and drive, always proceed with an abundance of care and do not speed.