Is driving in Ireland easy?

Driving in Ireland is not difficult , but you may want to rent an automatic car rather than one with a stick shift. Yes, it is more expensive, but the convenience is worth it if you're not used to driving on the left.

Is it easy to drive around in Ireland?

Once you start feeling more comfortable driving in Ireland, you might be tempted to speed, but Ireland is not the place to go over the speed limit. There are many windy roads and narrow paths, so you could easily hit something. There are also so many scenic drives in Ireland that you'll want to take your time.

Is driving in Ireland difficult for Americans?

Driving in Ireland is a challenge, particularly for American visitors. The sad facts are that every year American lives are lost on Irish roads in accidents, no matter how careful they are.

Is driving in Dublin difficult?

Dublin isn't designed well for driving, unlike a lot of other European or American cities. Signage, where it exists, is often of poor quality and route numbers are rarely marked out correctly. It's fine for someone who knows their way around but to a visitor it can be very confusing.

How do I prepare for driving in Ireland?

7 Tips for Driving in Ireland

Is driving in Ireland safe?

There are almost 100,000 kilometres of roads in Ireland, from motorways to narrow, single lane rural roads. Using the roads in Ireland has never been safer, and Ireland is one of the safest countries in the European Union.

Can foreigners drive in Ireland?

All visitors to Ireland you can drive on a driving licence from any state outside the EU/EEA for up to one year, providing that the driving licence is current and valid and up to date.

Do I need a car in Ireland?

As you can see, traveling in Ireland without a car is possible when you plan ahead. Whether you take the train, the bus, or a combination of public transportation in Ireland, you'll still be able to access most of the country during your trip.

What is it like to drive in Ireland?

Driving on the left side of the road: In Ireland, you must drive on the left side of the road. This means more than simply remembering to keep left. It means that everything you do as a driver in Ireland will feel like the mirror image of what you do without thinking when driving on the right.

Is there Uber in Ireland?

Technically, yes, the Uber app exists in Ireland but it is not normal Uber. Ireland has prohibited Uber from hiring out private cars and only allows licensed taxi and limousine drivers to operate. So, when you order a car from Uber you will simply be hiring a taxi pick-up.

Do they drive on the left side in Ireland?

Driving laws

We drive on the left hand side of the road in Ireland. Everyone in your vehicle (front and back) MUST wear a seat belt at all times.

What side of the car is the steering wheel in Ireland?

The steering wheel is the opposite of cars here, also. It's on the right (passenger side to us in America) in Ireland.

How hard is it to get around in Ireland?

When it comes to getting around Ireland with public transport, you will struggle a little. But it's possible, especially if you're on a backpacker budget. If you're coming into one of the main airports, Shannon, Cork or Dublin, you can get buses to almost every city in the country.

Can tourists drive in Ireland?

Tourists visiting Ireland can drive with a driving licence from any state outside the EU/EEA for up to a year provided the driving licence is current and valid. Note: you need to carry your driving licence or learner permit with you at all times when you are driving in Ireland.

What is speed limit in Ireland?

120 km/h (75 mph) for motorways. 100 km/h (62 mph) for National Routes (Primary and Secondary) that are not motorway status. 80 km/h (50 mph) for local and regional roads. 50 km/h (31 mph) in built up areas.

Can you train around Ireland?

As the National Rail provider in Ireland, Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail offers a simple, convenient and comfortable way to travel around our beautiful country.

What is the best month to go to Ireland?

The best time to visit Ireland is between March and May, and September to November, when it's not as crowded as it is in summer, or as cold as it is in winter. That said, Ireland has a mild, temperate climate and although it's rainy at times, you can visit all year round.

Can US citizens drive in Ireland?

U.S. citizens are permitted to drive in Ireland for the duration of a visit up to 12 months as a tourist. If you wish to apply for an International Permit for use during your visit you can apply through the AAA in the U.S. – you can find more information here .

How long is the Irish driving test?

The driving test checks your knowledge of the Rules of the Road, your ability to drive competently and safely in accordance with those rules and with regard for other road users. The test takes about 65 to 100 minutes depending on the vehicle category.

How long does it take to get a drivers license in Ireland?

Due to the high volumes of applications on hand, processing times for driving licences and learner permits are longer than normal and are at least three weeks in most cases. You should also allow up to 5 working days for delivery by An Post.

How do you survive driving in Ireland?

Can you turn right on red in Ireland?

While in some countries, including the USA, the general rule is that you can make a right turn at a red light provided the road is clear, the equivalent is not the case in Ireland. You cannot turn left on a red light, ever.

Can I turn left on a red light in Ireland?

In the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, drivers sit on the right side of the car and drive on the left side of the road. Unlike in the U.S., where motorists can turn right at most red lights, you can never turn left on red in Ireland.

What do I need to know before I go to Ireland?