In Ireland we drive on the left side. If you are not used to this and have not driven in Ireland before it will likely take a couple of hours to a day to get used to the new driving conditions. Take your time when starting out and pay close attention to the road signs, if possible try and keep first day driving to main roads. Be especially vigilant after taking a rest, on quiet roads and first thing in the morning as this is when visitors are most likely to make an error and drive on the wrong side. It may help to stick a visible note on the dashboard saying “stay left”.

Before setting off on your first car journey take some time to get used to the controls and if possible drive a few minutes in the car rental area/airport area. If you are not used to driving a manual transmission it is advisable to request an automatic vehicle when you book. Remember it is law in Ireland to carry your driving license with you at all times when driving.

We highly recommend GPS units be used by all self-drive visitors. Clients can bring a GPS unit with the relevant up-to-date information for Ireland or alternatively GPS units are available to hire with the car rental and can be reserved in advance. It is also advisable to purchase a good map and have someone other than the driver do the navigating. It is a good idea to refuel when the tank is half empty as filling stations may be limited on some more rural journeys. Take care which pump you use as your car rental may be petrol or diesel.

A good rule of thumb for journey time estimation is that on average you will cover approximately 40 mph or 64 kph

Roundabouts/Traffic Circles

Not every roundabout is the same, roundabouts may have different road layouts such as the number of exits but the general rules for approaching and using the roundabout and the basic guide lines given below remain the same. Exercise caution at all times. In particular, be aware of traffic signs, traffic lights, road markings and traffic coming from your right when approaching roundabouts.

Basic Guide Lines for using Roundabouts in Ireland

By law, a driver must enter a roundabout by turning to the left.  Failure to do so is an offence.

Treat the roundabout as a junction. You must yield to traffic coming from the right, but keep moving if the way is clear. If a roundabout is controlled by traffic lights, the traffic lights must be obeyed.

On approach to the Roundabout look for directional arrows, road markings or signs which indicate which lane you should use for the direction you are taking and move into the correct lane in good time.

If there are no road markings indicating the correct lane think of a roundabout as a clock and use the clock analogy as follows:

If taking any exit from the 6 o’clock to the 12 o’clock position, motorists should generally approach in the left-hand lane.

If taking any exit between the 12 o’clock to the 6 o’clock positions, motorists should generally approach in the right-hand lane.

 Motorists should be aware of other road users such as cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders, large or long vehicles and so on, who may have to change their position on the road to get around the roundabout safely.  It is also important to watch out for pedestrians who may be attempting to cross the roundabout as some roundabouts may have pedestrian crossing areas close by

 Using indicators at roundabouts:

 Making a left turn

Approach in the left-hand lane, indicate ‘left’ as you approach and continue until you have taken the left exit.

 Going straight ahead (or any exit to the left of 12 o’clock)

Approach in the left-hand lane (unless road markings say otherwise) but do not indicate ‘left’ until you have passed the exit before the one you intend to take.

Taking any later exits (those past 12 o’clock – right)

Approach in the right-hand lane (unless road markings say otherwise), indicate ‘right’ on your approach and leave your indicator on until you have passed the exit before the one you intend to take. Then change to the ‘left’ turn indicator. Move over towards the left on the roundabout and continue signalling left to leave.

When leaving the roundabout take extra care at all exits, checking for other road users – for example, cyclists and motorcyclists who may be continuing on the roundabout.