Driving in Ireland

Does UK car insurance cover me to drive in Ireland?

All UK car insurance gives you third-party cover to drive in Ireland. But if you have a comprehensive policy, you can’t assume you’ll have the same cover for Ireland. Make sure you check and add extra cover if you need to.

Your policy will also give you third-party cover for driving in the EU, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia and Switzerland.

But to understand the details, always check your policy – or contact your insurance provider – before you go.

Do I need any extra car insurance cover to drive in Ireland?

It depends. You don’t need any extra car insurance cover to drive in Ireland. But you may want to add comprehensive cover to your policy to make sure you’re covered for the costs if you’re involved in an accident – both to you and anyone else.

It doesn’t usually cost a lot more to pay for comprehensive cover and it could save you a lot of money in the long run if you do need to claim.

It’s also a good idea to have breakdown cover so you can get back on the road quickly if something goes wrong with the car. If you already have a policy, check to see whether it covers driving in Ireland.

What side of the road does Ireland drive on?

Ireland drives on the left-hand side of the road, the same as the UK.

What are the speed limits in Ireland?

The speed limit on motorways in the Republic of Ireland is 120kph (74mph). There’s a difference between speed limits on national roads (including dual carriageways) and the speed shown on the ‘national speed limit’ road sign.

The speed limit on national roads is 100 kph (62mph) and the national speed limit is 80kph (49mph).

To sum it up, the maximum speed limits in Ireland (in kilometres per hour) are:

• 30kph – areas with vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists)

• 50kph – built-up urban areas

• 60kph – major approaches or through routes in cities and towns

• 80kph – secondary or regional roads

• 100kph – national primary routes

• 120kph – motorways.

In Northern Ireland, the speed limit is 70mph on motorways, 60mph on dual carriageways and 30mph in built-up areas.

Do I need a green card to drive in Ireland?

Provided you have a full, valid UK licence, you don’t need a green card (or international motor insurance card) to drive in Ireland or to go from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland. But a green card is proof that you have vehicle insurance when driving abroad.

Do I need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in the Irish Republic?

You won’t need an IDP to drive when visiting Ireland for less than 12 months if you have a UK driving licence. But you will need to take your Great Britain (GB) or Northern Ireland driving licence with you.

You may need an IDP to drive in some other countries. You can check if you need an IDP on GOV.UK.

Can I drive to Ireland from the UK?

Yes, you can take your car from the UK to Ireland. Car ferries go from Cairnryan and Liverpool to Belfast, Holyhead to Dublin or Fishguard and Pembroke to Rosslare. You can also drive over the border to or from Northern Ireland.

How long can I drive my car in Ireland on UK plates?

You can drive your UK car in the Republic of Ireland for up to 12 months. If you want to drive it for longer than that, it will be considered a permanent export and you’ll need to notify the DVLA. You’ll also need to register the car in Ireland and pay any duties, registration fees and tax due.

Also, check your travel insurance as most policies have a limit on how many days you can be away for.

What documents do I need to drive in Ireland?

You’ll need your:

• Log book (V5C)

• Insurance certificate

• Driving licence – in the Republic of Ireland you need to have your driving licence with you at all times.

Does my car need a UK sticker to drive in Ireland?

You don’t need a UK sticker (or number plate) to drive in Ireland. This is unique to Ireland and there are different rules in the rest of the EU.

If you’re driving elsewhere in the EU, you do need to display a UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle if your number plate has any of the following:

• A GB identifier with the Union flag

• A Euro symbol

• A national flag of England, Scotland or Wales

• Numbers and letters only.

What else should I know before driving in Ireland?

To make your trip as smooth as possible and to avoid any issues or incidents, here are a few tips for driving in Ireland:

• If your vehicle isn’t fitted with daytime running lights, you should drive with your dipped headlights on during the daytime.

• Ireland has 11 toll roads – ten of them have conventional barrier toll plazas. You’ll need to stop at the cashier’s booth and make a toll payment in cash. With the Dublin M50 barrier-free toll, you should pay your toll before 8pm the following day, either online or in branded Payzone outlets. Specially adapted vehicles driven by disabled drivers are not charged tolls.

• Signs in the Republic of Ireland show distances in kilometres, while distances in Northern Ireland are shown in miles.

• Speeding fines in the Republic of Ireland are currently set at a flat rate of €160 regardless of the speed you’re caught at if you pay within 28 days. It rises to €240 if paid in the subsequent 28 days.

• Most rental car companies won’t rent to drivers under 25.

• Check out the Road Safety Authority’s guide to driving in Ireland for tourists – print it out and take it with you or bookmark it on your phone, so you have it to hand when you’re away.