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?

In the Republic of Ireland, speed limits are shown in kilometres per hour (km/h). The main limits for cars are:

• 120km/h (75mph) – motorways

• 100km/h (62mph) – national primary and secondary roads 80km/h (49mph) – regional roads

• 60km/h (37mph) – rural local roads

• 50km/h (31mph) – built-up areas

In February 2025, the speed limit on rural local roads dropped from 80km/h to 60km/h.

This also means the national speed limit sign (a white circle with black diagonal lines) now indicates 60km/h on these roads.

Some towns and cities have 30km/h zones, so always follow the road signs.

In Northern Ireland, speed limits are shown in miles per hour (mph). For cars, the usual limits are 70mph on motorways and dual carriageways, 60mph on single carriageways and 30mph in built-up areas, unless signs say otherwise.

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?

If you're visiting Ireland and normally live outside the country, you can usually drive your UK-registered car there for up to 12 months, as long as you meet the temporary exemption rules.

If you're moving to Ireland, you'll generally need to book a vehicle registration appointment within seven days and register your car within 30 days of bringing it into the country.

You may also need to pay Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT), although exemptions can apply.

If you're taking your car out of the UK for 12 months or more, you'll also need to notify the DVLA.

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.