Driving in Ireland as an American: full guide

Planning a road trip to Ireland? It’s a beautiful country, with plenty to see, and having your own vehicle can mean the journey is as much fun as the destination itself.

But what do you need to know about driving in Ireland as an American? This guide walks through everything so you’re ready to arrive, collect your vehicle, and hit the open road.

Can you drive in Ireland as an American?

Yes. If you have a valid US driving license you can use this in Ireland for a visit of up to 12 months as a tourist¹. If you want to you can also get an international permit through the AAA, but this is not strictly necessary.

If you’re going to be in Ireland for longer than a year you’ll need to convert your license to a local one to drive legally.

What are the license requirements for driving in Ireland?

If you need to exchange your US license for an Irish license you can do so in person at an Irish National Driving License Service Center.

There’s a fee of 55 EUR for exchange - and some people may also be required to take medical or eye tests².

What do the driving laws look like in Ireland?

It’s important to read up on the driving laws in Ireland before you drive there. You can find lots of helpful information online³, including the full rules of the road.

Some particular notes to be aware of:
Speed limits are shown in kilometers and may be lower than you’re used to The blood alcohol level acceptable in Ireland to drive legally is the equivalent of 0.05%⁴ - lower than in many states All occupants of a vehicle must wear seat belts Child car seats are mandatory for children under 150cm in height Insurance is required - third party insurance is the minimum acceptable by law

What type of insurance do you need?

Motor insurance is mandatory in Ireland. If you’re hiring a car on arrival, the vehicle hire company will talk you through your options as you can often upgrade from the minimum insurance required for peace of mind.

Third party insurance is the minimum cover needed to drive legally⁵, but selecting comprehensive insurance with low excess fees can be a smart move and will mean you don’t need to worry so much about being out of pocket in the event of an accident, theft or other problems.

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What are the main differences between driving in the US and Ireland?

Let’s walk through a few important considerations before you get behind the wheel of a vehicle in ireland.

Driving on the left

In Ireland you drive on the left unless you’re overtaking. If you’re not used to driving on the left, it may be worth spending a little time on quieter roads before you make any longer trips, to get accustomed to the different feel of the car.

Road signs

Irish road signs are usually easy enough to understand - but don’t be surprised to see a mixture of English and Gaelic language being used. In some areas, you’ll only see Gaelic used, so reviewing the most important signs you may come across in advance is definitely a smart plan.

It’s also important to remember that in Ireland you’ll see lots of roundabouts at intersections. Make sure you understand the priority on a roundabout to avoid confusion or even accidents.

Emergency procedures

In an emergency call 999 to get help from the police, ambulance or other emergency services. If you have a minor accident you’ll need to swap insurance details with the other party, and get each other’s contact details in case there is follow up needed by the insurers.

Weather considerations

Irish weather is famously changeable. In poor conditions - such as heavy rain or fog - you’ll need to drive very defensively. If weather changes suddenly - particularly with ice or snow - road surfaces may not be treated in time, making conditions dangerous. Keep an eye out for weather forecasts and adjust your plans accordingly.

Driving safely in Ireland: tips and tricks
Roads in Ireland seldom have as many lanes as in the US - overtake with extreme caution Double check all speed limits - they’re shown in kilometers, not miles, and often slightly lower in Ireland compared to the equivalent in the US If you run into problems, the Irish emergency number is 999

How can you find reliable car rental companies in Ireland?

There are many different car rental companies in Ireland, including many global brands you might be familiar with already.

Most major brands have a presence in Irish airports, and you may also be able to hire to collect and drop off in different locations if you’re planning a longer trip and don’t need the car for the full time.

Check out options like Enterprise®⁶ and Hertz®⁷, and take a look at the airport you’re flying into to see which brands are represented there.

What are the most popular and scenic routes in Ireland?

You’re pretty spoiled for choice for where to go - so you may need to decide simply based on how much time you have.

If you’re planning an epic trip, the Wild Atlantic Way⁸ might appeal. It’s a staggering 2,500 km long, down the west coast of Ireland, on the very edge of Europe.

While you may not be able to take in the full stretch, you could consider doing a segment or two - depending on where you want to focus on you could fly into Cork, Shannon, Ireland West or Donegal, or go overland from Dublin.

If you’re looking for something a little shorter, consider the Braveheart drive in Wicklow⁹. The film Braveheart may have been about Scotland, but a lot of it was actually filmed in Ireland - this route takes in many of the places that the film Braveheart was filmed on a scenic wander which is easily accessible if you fly into Dublin airport.

Another film inspired drive could take you to the Dingle Peninsula¹⁰ - where some of Star Wars was filmed. Technically part of the Wild Atlantic Way, this is a manageable 50 km or so, giving you plenty of time to check out some other areas as well. For this section of the Wild Atlantic Way flying into Kerry is usually the most convenient option.

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There’s no shortage of places you could pick for a scenic road trip in Ireland. Whether you want to get right out into the wild, or cover some of the towns and cities along the way, there are many different routes which are easily manageable once you’ve figured out driving on the left.

Use this guide to start your research and be sure to read up on the rules of the road before you get behind the wheel so your trip goes off without any incident.

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Sources:

1. US Embassy - Ireland: Driving
2. Citizens information Ireland - foreign driving licenses
3. RSA - road safety
4. Irish health services
5. Citizens information Ireland - motor insurance
6. Enterprise rent a car
7. Hertz
8. Wild Atlantic Way
9. Wicklow tourism
10. Dingle Peninsula

Sources checked on 05.24.2024