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Car Hire in Ireland: What to Know Before You Drive

Once you have collected your car, use this guide for Irish speed limits, M50 and motorway tolls, rural roads, Dublin parking, licence requirements, alcohol limits and the road rules that matter on a trip through Ireland.

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Before you leave the rental car park

Ireland's road network ranges from modern motorways to narrow rural lanes where two vehicles may have little room to pass. A few checks before departure can make the journey easier.

  • Confirm the fuel type: check whether the vehicle uses petrol, diesel, electricity or another fuel.
  • Find the controls: locate the lights, indicators, wipers, hazard lights, demister and parking brake.
  • Check existing damage: make sure visible damage is recorded and consider taking your own photographs.
  • Check the tyres: look for obvious damage and know whether the car has a spare wheel or puncture-repair kit.
  • Ask about tolls: find out whether the rental company handles M50 and other toll charges or whether you are expected to pay them yourself.
  • Crossing into Northern Ireland: confirm that the rental agreement permits cross-border travel.
  • Save roadside-assistance details: keep the rental provider's assistance number accessible.

Drive on the left

Traffic drives on the left in Ireland and vehicles normally overtake on the right.

  • Keep left: return to the left after overtaking when it is safe to do so.
  • Visitors used to right-hand traffic: take extra care after junctions, rest stops and fuel stations.
  • Roundabouts: traffic circulates clockwise.
  • Motorways: do not remain unnecessarily in the middle or overtaking lane.
  • Rural roads: expect bends, limited visibility, farm traffic, cyclists and pedestrians.

Speed limits in Ireland

For an ordinary passenger car, the main limits you are likely to encounter are:

  • Motorways: generally 120 km/h.
  • National roads: generally 100 km/h unless a lower limit is posted.
  • Regional roads: generally 80 km/h.
  • Many rural local roads: maximum 60 km/h.
  • Built-up areas: commonly 50 km/h, with 30 km/h and other special limits used in many locations.

Always follow the speed-limit sign on the individual road because local authorities can apply different limits.

Many rural local roads now have a 60 km/h maximum

From 7 February 2025, the default limit on many rural local roads was reduced from 80 km/h to 60 km/h.

  • These roads commonly carry an L road number or may have no road number at all.
  • The black-and-white rural speed-limit sign now indicates a maximum of 60 km/h where it applies.
  • This is a maximum, not a target speed.
  • Many rural lanes require substantially lower speeds because of bends, narrow widths and limited visibility.
  • Follow any different numeric limit shown on the road.

Narrow rural roads need extra care

Some of Ireland's most scenic routes use roads that are much narrower than visitors may expect.

  • Reduce speed before blind bends and crests.
  • Be prepared to stop or reverse to a wider section when meeting another vehicle.
  • Watch for walkers, cyclists, tractors and animals.
  • Grass verges and soft road edges may not support the weight of a vehicle.
  • Do not rely on the posted maximum if the road layout requires a lower speed.

Ireland has several tolled roads

A number of motorways, tunnels and bridges in the Republic of Ireland charge tolls.

  • Most toll roads have conventional toll plazas.
  • Cash is accepted at conventional plazas, while many also accept card payments.
  • Electronic toll tags can be used across participating Irish toll roads.
  • The M50 around Dublin is different because it uses barrier-free tolling.
  • With a rental car, always check the rental company's toll policy before paying independently.

The M50 toll has no toll booths

The tolled section of Dublin's M50 uses an electronic, barrier-free system. Cameras record the vehicle registration as it passes the tolling point.

  • There is no cash booth at the M50 toll point.
  • First check whether your rental company already handles M50 tolls.
  • If you are responsible for payment yourself, the toll normally needs to be paid by 20:00 the following day.
  • eFlow accepts online payment and provides other approved payment options.
  • Enter the vehicle registration accurately and keep the payment receipt or reference.
  • Late payment results in additional charges.

Driving in Dublin

  • Expect congestion during morning and evening commuter periods.
  • Watch carefully for bus lanes, cycle lanes and restricted turning movements.
  • Check bus-lane operating times before entering one.
  • Allow extra time when returning a car to Dublin Airport, particularly during peak traffic.
  • For central sightseeing, parking once and continuing on foot or public transport can be simpler than moving the car repeatedly.

Dublin street parking

Dublin City Council operates several paid parking zones with different tariffs and operating hours.

  • Check the sign beside the space for the applicable zone, operating hours and restrictions.
  • Payment can be made at machines in many areas or through authorised mobile-payment services.
  • Some streets combine pay-and-display parking with resident permit parking.
  • Clearways, loading bays, disabled bays and other restricted spaces have separate rules.
  • An off-street car park may be simpler for a longer city-centre stay.

Rain, wind and low visibility can change driving conditions quickly

Irish weather can change within a short distance, particularly on exposed coastal and mountain routes.

  • Increase following distance on wet roads.
  • Reduce speed in heavy rain, fog or strong winds.
  • Standing water can develop after prolonged rainfall.
  • Strong crosswinds can affect exposed motorway sections, bridges and coastal roads.
  • Check weather warnings before longer journeys during severe weather.

Winter driving

  • Frost and black ice can occur even when there is little or no snow.
  • Bridges and untreated rural roads can freeze before major routes.
  • Allow extra stopping distance in icy conditions.
  • Check weather and road information before travelling during severe cold.

Visibility and lights

  • Use appropriate lights when visibility deteriorates.
  • Make sure headlights and windows are clean before a long journey.
  • Use fog lights only when conditions justify them.
  • Remember that daylight can be short during winter.

Drink-driving limits

Ireland has relatively low legal alcohol limits and roadside testing is routinely used.

  • Most fully licensed drivers: maximum 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.
  • Learner, novice and professional drivers: maximum 20 mg per 100 ml of blood.
  • Gardaí can conduct roadside alcohol testing.
  • Alcohol can remain in the body the morning after drinking.
  • Do not treat the legal threshold as a safe drinking target.
  • The simplest approach with a rental car is not to drink before driving.

Mobile phones and distractions

  • Do not hold a mobile phone while driving.
  • Set navigation before moving.
  • Mount the device securely if it is being used for directions.
  • Stop somewhere legal and safe if you need to make substantial route changes.

Seat belts and child restraints

  • Seat belts must be worn where fitted.
  • The driver is responsible for ensuring passengers under 17 are appropriately restrained.
  • Children under 150 cm in height or 36 kg in weight generally require an appropriate child restraint.
  • Arrange any child seat when booking the rental car.
  • Check that the restraint is fitted correctly before leaving the branch.

Driving licence requirements for visitors

Visitors can generally drive in Ireland using a current valid foreign driving licence during a temporary visit.

  • A visitor with a valid foreign licence can generally drive for the duration of a temporary visit, up to 12 months.
  • An International Driving Permit may also be required depending on the country that issued the licence.
  • The IDP does not replace the original driving licence.
  • Rental companies can apply their own age, licence-holding and documentation requirements.
  • Check the rental provider's terms before travelling rather than relying only on the general legal rule.

Driving into Northern Ireland

There is no routine physical border checkpoint between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, but the road rules change when you cross into Northern Ireland.

  • Confirm that the rental company permits the vehicle to enter Northern Ireland.
  • Check whether an additional cross-border fee or notification is required.
  • Road signs in the Republic show speeds in kilometres per hour.
  • Northern Ireland uses miles per hour.
  • UK road, parking and traffic rules apply once you cross the border.
  • Confirm that roadside assistance and insurance remain valid for the full itinerary.

Irish trips where a hire car can be particularly useful

Wild Atlantic Way

A car gives flexibility for coastal viewpoints, beaches, villages and smaller destinations along Ireland's western seaboard.

Ring of Kerry and Dingle

Driving makes it easier to explore peninsulas, mountain passes and coastal stops, although some roads are narrow and busy in summer.

West Cork

A rental car is particularly useful for coastal villages, peninsulas and rural destinations beyond the main public transport network.

Connemara and Mayo

A car provides flexibility for national parks, coastal roads, islands reached by ferry and smaller rural communities.

Ancient East and the Midlands

Castles, historic sites, small towns and countryside are often easier to combine when travelling by car.

If you are involved in an accident

  • Stop safely and switch on the hazard warning lights.
  • Check whether anyone requires medical assistance.
  • Call the emergency services if necessary.
  • Contact the rental provider promptly.
  • Record relevant driver, vehicle and insurance details.
  • Photograph the scene where it is safe to do so.
  • Do not admit liability at the scene without following the rental provider's accident procedure.

Emergency numbers in Ireland

  • European emergency number: 112
  • Irish emergency number: 999

Either number can connect you with the Gardaí, ambulance service, fire service or Coast Guard.

Emergency calls to 112 and 999 are free.

For an ordinary rental-car breakdown, use the roadside-assistance service specified in the rental agreement.

Before returning the hire car

  • Confirm the exact branch or airport return location.
  • Refuel or recharge according to the rental agreement.
  • Keep the final fuel receipt if required.
  • Allow extra time around Dublin, Cork and other busy urban areas.
  • Check whether any M50 journey still needs to be paid if the rental company does not handle it.
  • Remove personal belongings and check the glovebox, door pockets and luggage area.
  • Consider photographing the vehicle, mileage and fuel level at return.
  • Keep the rental paperwork until the deposit or card pre-authorisation has been released.

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Frequently asked questions about driving a hire car in Ireland

Which side of the road do you drive on in Ireland?

Traffic drives on the left and vehicles normally overtake on the right.

What are the speed limits in Ireland?

For ordinary cars, motorways are generally 120 km/h, national roads 100 km/h, regional roads 80 km/h and many rural local roads 60 km/h. Built-up areas commonly use 50 km/h, with 30 km/h and other special limits increasingly used. Always follow the posted sign.

Do I have to pay road tolls in Ireland?

Several Irish motorways, bridges and tunnels are tolled. Most have conventional toll plazas, while the M50 around Dublin uses barrier-free electronic tolling.

How do I pay the M50 toll with a rental car?

First ask the rental company whether M50 tolls are included or billed automatically. If you are responsible for payment, it normally needs to be made by 8pm on the day after the journey.

Can I drive in Ireland with a foreign driving licence?

A visitor with a current valid foreign driving licence can generally drive in Ireland during a temporary visit for up to 12 months. An International Driving Permit may also be required depending on the country that issued the licence.

Can I take an Irish rental car into Northern Ireland?

Many rental providers permit cross-border travel, but you should confirm this before departure because notification, fees or other conditions can apply. Remember that Northern Ireland uses miles per hour while the Republic uses kilometres per hour.

Official and reliable driving information for Ireland

Speed limits, toll charges, parking rules and local restrictions can change. The links below were checked when this page was reviewed.

Last reviewed: 28 September 2026.