Driving a car in Ireland is one of the best ways to explore this fabulous place! It gives you the freedom to pull over at scenic lookouts, stop at charming towns and take your time along the Wild Atlantic Way or Ring of Kerry.
After driving for two weeks through the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, here are my best tips for driving in Ireland for Americans!
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If you’re planning a trip to Ireland and thinking about renting a car, I’ve got you covered. Navigating winding roads to see incredible places all while sharing tiny roads with sheep – there’s never a dull moment in Ireland!
🚗 If you’re looking for a rental car while in Ireland, I recommend searching with Discover Cars. It’s a free search tool that finds the best rate from all the major rental companies. I saved over 30% during my trip using Discover Cars!
Tips for driving in Ireland for the first time
It’s fun and if you’ve driven in other countries, it’s not too bad of an adjustment. But here are my best pieces of advice for your trip!
Let’s dive in!
1. Driving on the left
In Ireland, you drive on the left. This can feel intimidating at first if you’ve never driven on the left, but after a day or so, you’ll get the hang of it. Just remember you cross traffic when you turn right, not left!
Roundabouts are another place where it gets a bit confusing. Instead of going counterclockwise like in the U.S., you’ll drive clockwise. Many places like Dublin, Letterkenny and the larger cities have multiple lane roundabouts, so just follow the signs and you’ll be fine!
2. Renting a car in Ireland as an American
The first thing I’ll say here, is that you’ll need a specific travel insurance policy to cover rental cars. You can get this through the rental company. Alternatively, I used my Chase travel credit card benefit, but had to provide proof of coverage through a country-specific rental coverage letter, which can easily be accessed in advance.
Just keep in mind that a lot of European car companies charge very little for the rental, then overcharge for the insurance.
I booked my rental car through DiscoverCars, and saved over 50%, while using my travel card insurance coverage.
The roads can be really narrow, so I recommend renting the smallest car you’re comfortable with.
Driving in Ireland for Americans, most cars in the US are automatic transmissions. But I find that in most of Europe, manual transmission cars are common and cheaper to rent. Unless you’re confident with a stick shift, spend the extra money on an automatic.
3. Do I need an international license in Ireland?
Honestly, this one might depend on your rental car company. Based on my online research, I saw mixed things.
I actually already had an international drivers license from visiting Portugal a few months prior, so I took that. But the rental car company just asked for my US license and said the international license wasn’t necessary.
To double-check, you could book your rental car then contact the company ahead of time.
4. Irish roads
Driving in Ireland for the first time isn’t too overwhelming, but there are definitely some differences in the roads.
Whether you’re exploring the best things to do in Leitrim, or other off-the-beaten-path destinations in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, you could drive on Motorways (like interstates in the US), National Roads (like US highways) or itty-bitty local roads.
And when you’re in rural spots, just when you think it’s too small to pass another car, a local will go past you quickly and you’ll worry about your mirrors!
Just use caution and pull over if you can!
5. Speed limits are in KM
Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour (km/h), not miles per hour. This takes some adjusting, since the numbers feel higher. For example, 100 km/h is about 62 mph.
On rural roads, going the full 80 km/h often feels way too fast. It’s perfectly fine to drive slower around those curves!
6. Driving in Dublin (my least favorite for driving in Ireland)
I’ll be honest, Dublin was my least favorite spot to drive. I stayed in Dublin just two nights; as I arrived in Ireland then on my way back out. There’s lots of one-way roads, public transportation takes priority, traffic takes forever and parking is a pain.
I’d highly recommend using public transportation or ride share apps while in Dublin, and then grab a rental car on your way out of town as you explore other areas and road trip through Ireland.
Driving in Ireland for the first time – more tips
Hopefully these driving in Ireland tips are helpful for you as you prepare for your trip. Let’s keep it going.
7. Parking tips
In larger cities like Dublin, Cork, or Galway parking can be tricky. Many areas have pay-and-display machines where you buy a ticket and place it on your dashboard. Some places let you pay via an app.
I also noticed most people back into spots in parking garages and lots, so bush up on those skills before you leave the US if needed!
8. Watch for sheep while driving in Ireland
Legit, this is not a joke! Sheep often share the road in Ireland. I ran into them in many, many places, including while driving to and from Slieve League, near Duncanaghy, in Warlick Mountains National Park, and many other places!
Just be patient, and grab your camera if it’s safe to do so!
It’s part of the charm of driving in Ireland. You don’t get traffic jams with sheep back home!
9. Navigation
I use Google Maps while driving in Ireland, but Apple Maps probably works too. Cell service is spotty, so download offline maps before you leave your accommodations – or even before you leave the US!
I did find that Google Maps didn’t always tell me which lane to be in for roundabouts while driving a car in Ireland, which was confusing at times.
10. Tolls
There are a few toll roads in Ireland, mostly around Dublin. The tolls use an electronic system with no toll booths. Your rental car company will probably offer to handle tolls for you for a fee.
I found most tolls to be €1,80 or €1,70 each.
11. Driving etiquette in Ireland
I find most Irish drivers are generally polite and patient. Especially in smaller towns and local, rural roads – everyone seems so friendly!
On narrow roads, you’ll often find pull-offs where cars can pass each other. If someone is coming, slow down, use the passing spot, and wave as thanks. Kindness goes a long way.
Driving in Ireland for Americans – that’s a wrap!
Are you so ready for your trip to Ireland?! Well hopefully these driving tips will help you feel comfortable and confident for your vacation.
The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are so incredibly beautiful, with amazing landscapes, great food, charming villages and fun cities.
Driving in Ireland for Americans isn’t too different than back home. Just make sure you keep your patience and think of it as an adventure!
Related content:
Leitrim County Ireland: 15 FUN Things to Do in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
18 Amazing and Unexpected Things to Do in County Donegal, Ireland
Ireland in the Fall: What You Need to Know (+ What to Pack for September/October)
10 Reasons Why Leitrim is Ireland’s Best-kept Secret
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