The Irish Road Trip

Driving In Ireland As A Tourist: Tips For Driving Here For The First Time

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: February 15, 2024

Driving In Ireland As A Tourist: Tips For Driving Here For The First Time

Is driving in Ireland as a tourist difficult? Yes! However , if you, like thousands other visitors to Ireland , use this guide, you’ll find yourself confident and capable !

The main mistake tourists make when driving in Ireland for the first time is they do zero prep. The result? A lack of confidence and potentially dangerous situations.

The solution? Preparation both before your trip and when you arrive. Follow these quick 5 steps and you’ll set yourself up for success when driving in Ireland:

  • Step 1: The key info : (e.g. we drive on the left hand side in Ireland)
  • Step 2: Legal requirements  (there are different driving in Ireland requirements)
  • Step 3: Pre-visit prep (anticipate things that may cause stress, e.g. how to use a roundabout)
  • Step 4: In-car competence (understanding key functions, e.g. defogging the window)
  • Step 5: On-road confidence (where you use a quieter road to build you confidence)

Below, you’ll find handy tips on how to drive in Ireland as an American, Australian or European. Enjoy!

Table of Contents

Step 1: Key info to get you up-to-speed on driving in Ireland

driving in ireland for the first time guide

Click to enlarge

Many people spend heaps  of time planning a trip to Ireland , and in particular getting their head around the mess that is renting a car in Ireland . 

However, they never take time to prep for driving in Ireland as a tourist visiting for the first time. Here is some info to get you up-to-speed fast:

1. We drive on the left

Cars in Ireland drive on the left hand side of the road.

2. It’s not all narrow country roads

Some websites would lead you to believe that driving in Ireland as a tourist means learning to get to grips with narrow roads with grass up the centre of them. These roads exist, but the condition of roads in many parts of Ireland is excellent.

3. Both km/h and mp/h are used

There are differences between Ireland and Northern Ireland when it comes to how speed is measured. In the 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland km/h is used while in the 6 counties of Northern Ireland mp/h is used.

4. Stick shift/automatic can be hard to get

Manual/stick shift, vehicles are more common in Ireland than automatics. Unfortunately, many people who plan on driving in Ireland for the first time fail to specify that they want an automatic when renting a car, and end up with a manual transmission instead.

5. Toll roads

There are 1 toll roads in the Republic of Ireland. 10 are the standard tool-both-style (i.e. pay with cash/card). However, 1,  the M50 Toll , is a ‘free-flowing system’ that reads your number plate. You then pay in specific stores or online.

6. Drink driving

Never drink and drive. The drink-driving limit in Ireland is a BAC of 50mg (it’s 20mg for learner and novice drivers). For most people, 1 standard drink = a BAC of 20 – 50mg.

Step 2: The driving in Ireland requirements

tips for driving in ireland as an american

Photos via Shutterstock

One of the most overlooked tips for driving in Ireland for the first time is to check if you can legally drive here in the first place.

The two main things you need to check are the licence requirements and the insurance requirements for driving in Ireland.

1. Licence requirements for Americans

Driving in Ireland with US license is allowed for a visit of up to 12 months. Staying for over 12 months? You’ll need to apply for an International Permit .

2. Licence requirements for EU/EEA member states

Drivers from an EU/EEA member state (e.g. France, Germany, Belgium, etc.) are able to drive in Ireland for as long as their licence is valid.

3. Licence requirements for non-EU/EEA residents

The driving in Ireland requirements for no-EU/EEA/recognised states is straightforward – residents can drive with a valid national driving licence for up to 12 months. 

4. Insurance requirements

You need to have insurance, either in your name or as a named driver, to legally drive in Ireland. If you’re renting a car in Ireland , a basic level of insurance is included in the rental cost by law.

Step 3: Anticipate what elements of driving in Ireland may cause stress in advance

I get asked is it easy to drive in Ireland  very regularly  – the answer? Yes, once you take time to prepare in advance.

One of the most useful driving in Ireland tips is to take some time to think about what  may  cause you stress and prepare in advance.

There tends to be 4 different areas that make driving in Ireland for the first time tricky, like:

1. Driving on the left

I talk to a lot of Americans driving in Ireland and this tends to be the thing they most worry about. We drive on the left-hand side of the road in Ireland.

Now, for the most part, this should be fine. The problem is often remembering it, especially when you’re getting back into the car. Turning up your left sleeve or repeating ‘Left is best’ can hammer it into your brain.

2. Roundabouts, intersections and ‘right of way’

Roundabouts are generally one that cause people issues when driving in Ireland as a tourist, especially as there is often plenty of traffic around you.

Hit play on the video above to see what you need to do. Intersections/junctions can cause similar issues. The key thing to remember is right of way.

If you’re joining a road , the traffic in either direction on that road has the right of way and you must wait for it to clear. At a crossroad or roundabout, the traffic to your right has right of way, unless signage says otherwise.

3. Prepare for road signs

If you’re following one of our Ireland itinerary guides, you’ll encounter hundreds of road signs within minutes of driving in Ireland for the first time.

It’s imperative that you familiarise yourself with these in advance from Ireland’s Road Safety Authority .

4. Narrow roads

The next of our driving in Ireland trips revolves around those often-romanticised country roads. You meet them when you step off-the-beaten-path. If you’re used to narrow roads, you’ll have no problem.

If you want to avoid these kind of roads (e.g. the ones on the Dingle Peninsula ), plan your route out and use Google Satellite and Street View to gauge which roads may cause you issues and plan around them.

Step 4: When you arrive get used to the cars key functions

Glengesh Pass

Step four is for those renting a car and driving in Ireland for the first time. If you’re bringing your own car, you can skip this step.

When you pick-up your car rental in Ireland , sit inside and make sure you understand how to use each of the following:

  • Mirrors (adjust prior to setting off)
  • How to de-fog the windows
  • Window wipers
  • Hazard lights

Step 5: Get use to driving in Ireland on quieter roads first

how hard is it to drive in ireland

One of the better tips for driving in Ireland as a tourist is to set yourself up for success from the moment you leave the car rental spot.

The way to do this is to find a shortish route that allows you to get used to the car, driving on the left etc. Let’s use leaving Dublin Airport as an example.

Option 1: The M1/M50 motorways

If you look at the map above, you’ll see Dublin Airport. You’ll also see a red dotted line that shows the busy M50/M1 Motorways where speed limits hit 120 km/h in places.

If you’re not driving in Ireland for the first time, these will be no bother to you. If you are, choose option 2.

Option 2: A quieter route

I’ve outlined this route on Google Maps as an example of a route you could use to get used to driving in Ireland as a tourist on their first visit.

It follows straightforward roads, avoids any crazy roundabouts and it ends in a big car park where you can stop and plan your next steps.

Although this example is for Dublin Airport, you can easily map one out if you’re visiting Shannon , Belfast etc.

Ireland driving rules to be aware of

driving in Ireland as a tourist

There are key rules of the road that you need to be familiar with when learning how to drive in Ireland.

There’s also many road signs that can cause confusion if you’re driving in Ireland as a tourist for the first time.

Note : This is not an exhaustive guide on how to drive in Ireland – care, the ability to drive properly and preparation are all required.

1. Speed limits

Generally, there are 5 different types of speed limits in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and they vary from 50 km/h (30 mph) in built-up areas to 100km/h on some motorways.

You’ll see the speed limits listed clearly on road signs while your drive around Ireland, so pay attention.

2. Changing lanes

If you need to change lanes, care must be taken. Keep an eye on the road signs so that you have plenty of time to move over and remember “mirror, signal, mirror, manoeuvre”. 

First, check your mirrors to ensure your way is clear. Next, indicate your intent. Check your mirrors once more to ensure your lane is still clear, and if so, begin to move into the next lane.

3. Overtaking

When driving on a dual carriageway or motorway, you’re required by law to remain in the left-hand lane unless you’re safely overtaking another vehicle.

Check twice and indicate, before moving over. Once you’ve overtaken, repeat the process to return to the left-hand lane.

Stick to the speed limit as you overtake and look out for signs/markings indicating that overtaking is forbidden.

U-turns are typically prohibited unless traffic conditions make the manoeuvre completely safe. On some roads, U-turns will still be prohibited even if conditions are safe.

Other roads that prohibit U-turns tend to be marked by either an upright sign or a continuous white line in the centre of the road.

5. Slowing down or stopping on a road

Occasionally you may find you need to pull over or slow down. Only do so if it’s safe and you can be sure you won’t block the road. 

Before you begin to slow down, check your mirrors and then signal your intent by using your indicators or hazard lights and begin to slow down.

6. Driving at night

If you’re nervous and driving in Ireland for the first time, we’d recommend that you avoid driving in the dark until you’re confident.

When driving at night, ensure your windscreen and lights are clean (the weather in Ireland can play havoc on a cars condition!).

Headlights must be on when driving at night. Avoid high beams when driving in built-up areas, when there’s oncoming traffic, or if you’re driving behind someone.

7. Seat belts must be worn

By law, anyone driving in Ireland along with all passengers must wear seat belts whenever the vehicle is in motion.

In Ireland, it’s the driver’s responsibility to ensure that all passengers are wearing their seat belts.

The only exception is for children under 150 cm (around 5 ft) tall and less than 36 kg (around 80 pounds) – they must use a suitable child restraint system.

8. Never use a phone

Regardless of whether your driving the Ring of Kerry or spinning along the Antrim Coast , NEVER use a hand-held phone while driving. This applies when you’re in stationary traffic too.

9. In case of an emergency

The Gardaí have a good breakdown on what to do for a variety of emergency types.

It’s also worth checking with your rental company to see what to do in the event of a minor incident (e.g. if the car won’t start).

Driving in Ireland as an American

Healy Pass

We get emails asking about how to drive in Ireland as an American every couple of days without fail.

As it stands, United States citizens can can go about driving in Ireland for up to 12 months as a tourist. If you want to get an international permit, you can do so via the AAA in the US.

If you’re an American driving in Ireland for the first time and you’re worried, relax. Once you follow the tips mentioned above you’ll set yourself up for success.

If you’re looking to follow a logical, straigtforward road trip itinerary but  don’t  want to do the research/planning, see our free self guided driving tours of Ireland . 

FAQs about driving in Ireland for the first time

Since we started publishing Irish Road Trip itineraries many years ago, one of the most common queries we get relates to driving in Ireland as a tourist.

Below, we’ve attempted to answer the most FAQs, but if you have one you’d like to ask, shout in the comment section.

What side of the road do they drive on in Ireland?

Cars in Ireland drive on the left hand side of the road. This can take some getting used to for those used to driving on the right.

Can Americans drive in Ireland with a US license?

Americans can drive in Ireland with a US license for up to 1 year. Do note, however, that any stay over 12 months will require an international permit.

Is driving in Ireland difficult?

Driving in Ireland for the first time can be intimidating. Whether it’s difficult is completely person dependant. With proper preparation and planning, most will find driving here fine.

tourist road signs ireland

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 34 years and has spent most of the last 10 years creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Tuesday 21st of February 2023

I really apreciate your excelent work , I will travel to Ireland next summer and all the information you provided is a great help for me . Thank you so much, will be reading it for a while, I,m sure i,ll found many important and interesting piece of advice .

Great job Keith Sagry from Madrid in Spain

Sunday 11th of December 2022

We learned a lesson the hard way when we rented a car in Ireland. Make sure you check what type of gas goes into the car. The Hertz rental people didn't tell us and there was no sticker by the gas tank to indicate what type of gas the car used. My husband put in regular gas and turned out, the car used diesel. Needless to say, the car started running horribly and we had to have someone called by Hertz come out to drain the gas lines...when we returned the car at Shannon airport, the dummy light was still lit up on the dashboard and we had to pay an extra 800 euro because of this. I tried fighting the charge with Hertz to no avail.

Saturday 15th of October 2022

Hi Keith, thanks for the great information! I'll be taking a road trip this November. I'm worried about right of way on smaller roads that aren't one-way. Do you just pull over to let the other driver pass? I'm not sure if I will encounter a lot of roads like this, but I have seen pictures of the roads. The road looks too small to fit more than one car. Thanks, Lisa

Wednesday 27th of July 2022

Great advice, I rent about 60 cars a year on business here in the US. I never move my car until I understand how to operate the Wipers, Defroster, Lights, Shifter and Mirrors. I like the idea of finding a place to practice driving on the left side of the road prior to departing the agency.

Brendan Flood

Monday 18th of July 2022

Hey, Keith. I have something I cannot find any information on is whether it's legal to turn at a red light. In the US, where I am, it is legal to turn right on red in some states but not others. Is the equivalent, turning left on red, legal in Ireland? Is it any different in Northern Ireland? Thanks.

Keith O'Hara

Tuesday 19th of July 2022

Hey Brendan - In Ireland you need to wait for a green light to turn and it's the same in NI. Have a lovely trip!

Ladybird Driving School

Road Signs Ireland

Road Signs Ireland

Download Our Road Signs Guide PDF

Your Location North Dublin South Dublin West Dublin County Dublin Carlow Cavan Clare Cork Derry Donegal Down Galway Kerry Kildare Kilkenny Laois Leitrim Limerick Longford Louth Mayo Meath Monaghan Offaly Roscommon Sligo Tipperary Tyrone Waterford Westmeath Wexford Wicklow Other Location Outside Ireland

Road signs play a huge role in making Ireland a country with safe roads. Learners who plan to take up a driving test and get licensed are expected to recognise a befitting percentage of these signs if they want to come out successful with the test.

On a general note, Road signs are divided into four broad aspects. They are Regulatory road signs, warning road signs, information road signs, and motorway road signs.

Some of these signs in the warning category are explained as follows. When your ready to start your driving lessons Dublin , make sure to contact us at Ladybird Driving School.

Junctions Ahead Road Signs

Dangerous corner: Road configuration is something you can’t really predict if you are driving for the first time. No matter how safe a road may look, you can always expect to meet up with a sharp corner, which is a potentially dangerous road configuration.

The road sign of a dangerous corner is in the form of a right angle pointer. Usually, it points in the direction to which the bend in question heads.

This will help road users have an idea which side of the road the bent is tilted to and how sharp it is.

Whenever you see a warning sign of this nature, it is best for you to drop down the speed of the vehicle and pay more than usual attention to the road configuration; driving accordingly.

Roundabout ahead: roundabouts are an integral part of roads in many countries. Ireland is not an exemption. There are roundabouts even in rural areas and in highbrow areas, we have complex road structures which include roundabouts.

A roundabout warning sign usually comes in the form of three round pointers that gives them a general look of a circle of the same diameter.

Once you see this, you should have it in mind that you are approaching a major roundabout.

Therefore, it is expected that you drop your speed and anticipate the situation you are going to encounter getting to the roundabout.

Mini roundabout: this is quite different from the type of roundabout earlier described, the size of a roundabout is very important to the attitude of the driver plying the road it determines the attitude of drivers on the road.

Hence, in addition to identifying a roundabout warning sign on the road, it is vital that you have an idea of how big it is.

A mini-roundabout warning sign has a dot in the middle, then surrounded by three curved lines towing the same diameter, making it look like a circle with three broken lines. However, the curved lines are with small arrows or pointers as described in the main roundabout warning sign.

Once you see something of this nature, you can expect to meet a not-so-busy roundabout. However, you still want to be careful and reduce your speed as you approach it.

Merging traffic: in busy areas, you get to see two busy roads merging in a slanted format. You get to see that it is not really a T junction. Usually, the receiving lane is a one-way lane.

Once you are about to get to a road with this configuration, it is always vital to slow down your speed.

However, many drivers feel this is not a junction; hence, they tend to just transit at the same speed level.

That is why you get to see a warning signal for roads of this configuration so drivers can be mindful of their speed as they approach merging traffic.

Two-way traffic: this can also be known as a double lane. It is not uncommon to see two standard roads side by side, demarcated with a constructed concrete ridge that houses large street lamps in Irish cities.

When you are approaching a road of this configuration, you get to see a warning sign of two arrows lying side by side but pointing in different directions.

On seeing this, drivers are expected to configure their minds to comply with the rules associated with driving on roads with this configuration.

For example, they should know when they need to be on the fast lane or slow lane. Again, they want to exercise caution in transiting from a fast to a slow lane or vice versa.

Dangerous bend ahead: Don’t get confused, there is actually a difference between a dangerous corner and a dangerous bend. The difference is that one being a bend and the other being a corner.

While a corner is quite gentle in its diversion, a bend is way Swiffer. For a dangerous bend, its sigh looks exactly like a gently bending arrow.

In essence, you want to exercise a more significant deal of patience when approaching a dangerous corner. In the case of a bend, you want to be careful too by dropping your speed while you ply the bending part of the road.

Series of dangerous bends ahead: some road configuration can be really complex. You find roads like this in areas with rough topography, such as undulating mountains that are sometimes characterised by clumsy water bodies.

In cases like this, road designers are usually short of options in their quest to deliver easily navigable roads. This gives birth to a set of dangerous bends.

Once this is the situation, the only option to maintain road safety is by cautioning road users via a warning traffic sign that reads “series of dangerous roads ahead.” This sign is usually in the form of a snake-like arrow, signifying multiple bends.

It is not uncommon for roads like this to be accompanied by multiple bumps. This is usually done in a bid to force reckless drivers to drop their speed while they navigate the bends.

Restricted headroom: some axis or areas are mindful of the type of vehicle allowed into them. Most of the time, reasons for this restriction might be road capability or even security in some cases.

For roads like this, you get to see road signs, including the specific height of restricted vehicles, if your vehicle is a bit longer than the benchmark height; you are likely to be met with some sort of restriction.

Most times, a barricade that prevents the unwanted category of vehicle is built at the entrance of such roads.

T-junction: this road type is quite common. It is found both in rural areas and urban centers.

It is usually the transition of a less busy road to a major highway. This is indicated in the warning traffic sign as it is often a short thin vertical line meeting with a longer horizontal line that is visibly thicker.

Series of dangerous corners ahead: the look of this warning sign is terrifying. Often the situation on the ground is just as dangerous as this sign suggests.

It makes no sense to drive recklessly on roads like this.

The construction story is similar to that of dangerous bends as mentioned earlier. Also, it is not uncommon for roads like this to be accompanied by bumps.

When you see a warning traffic sign that indicates two consecutive sharp bends, making it look like the “letter N,” then you should know you are bound for a dangerous corner.

With that in mind, we present the full list of road signs seen in Ireland and the categories they fall under.

Warning traffic signs

You already know this is the most crucial to your safety when driving. As the name implies, they are meant to warn you of approaching dangers. They are arranged into a few subcategories for better understanding.

Hazards ahead: as mentioned earlier, they are used to warn road users of an incoming danger

  • Dangerous corner ahead
  • Roundabout ahead
  • Mini-roundabout ahead
  • Merging traffic
  • Two-way traffic
  • Dangerous bend ahead
  • Series of dangerous bends ahead
  • Series of dangerous corners ahead
  • Restricted headroom

Junctions ahead: With roads of varying importance or roads of equal importance

Junctions ahead

  • Staggered crossroads

Advanced warning of major roads

Advanced warning of major roads

  • T-junctions of a dual carriage way
  • Crossroads with dual carriage way

General-purpose warning signs

General Purpose Warning Signs

  • Drive on left
  • Safe height plate
  • Low-flying aircrafts
  • Road divides
  • Merging/diverging traffic
  • Dual carriage ends
  • Traffic crossover ahead
  • Overhead electric cables
  • Traffic signals ahead
  • Pedestrian crossing ahead
  • Slippery road ahead.
  • Road narrows on both sides
  • Road narrows from left
  • Road narrows from right
  • Tunnel ahead
  • Start of a passing lane
  • Start of a climbing lane
  • Loop road ahead
  • Sharp dip ahead
  • Series of bumps ahead
  • Sharp rise ahead
  • Wild animals ahead
  • Cattle and farm animals
  • Accompanied horses and ponies
  • Steep descent ahead
  • Steep ascent ahead
  • Danger of falling rocks
  • Unprotected quay, canal or river
  • Low bridge ahead
  • Level crossing ahead, guarded by gates or lifting barrier
  • Level crossing ahead, unguarded by gates or lifting barrier
  • Level crossing ahead, guarded by gates or lifting barriers
  • Stop when lights are red
  • Automatic level crossing ahead
  • Chevron board (left or right direction)

Warning Signs for Schools and Kids

Warning signs for schools and kids

  • School ahead
  • School children crossing ahead
  • Children crossing ahead (in academic area)
  • Children crossing ahead (in residential areas)

Tram Signs

  • Tram lane crossing ahead
  • Tram lane warning signs for pedestrians(look right, look left, and look both ways)
  • Slippery for cyclists

Warning signs for road works

Warning Signs for Road Works

  • Road works ahead
  • One-lane crossover (out)
  • One-lane crossover (back)
  • Move to leave (one lane)
  • Move to right (one lane)
  • Move to left (two lanes)
  • Move to right (two lanes)
  • Obstruction between lanes
  • End of obstruction between lanes
  • Start of central reserve or obstruction
  • End of central reserve or obstruction
  • Lanes diverge at crossover
  • Lanes rejoin at crossover
  • Two-lanes crossover (back)
  • Two-lanes crossover (out)
  • Single-lane (for shuttle working)
  • Offside lane (of two) closed
  • Nearside lane (of two) closed
  • Offside lane (of three) closed
  • Nearside lane (of three) closed
  • Two offside lanes (of three) closed
  • Two nearside lanes (of three) closed. Two alternative styles
  • Offside lane (of four) closed
  • Nearside lane (of four) closed
  • Two offside lanes (of four) closed
  • Two nearside lanes (of four) closed
  • Side road on left
  • Side road on right
  • Site access on left
  • Site access on right
  • Temporary traffic
  • signals ahead
  • Flagman ahead
  • Queues likely Hump or ramp
  • Uneven surface
  • Slippery road
  • Loose chippings
  • Pedestrians cross To left
  • Pedestrians cross To right
  • Detour ahead
  • Detour to left
  • Detour to right
  • Road closed
  • Diverted traffic left
  • Diverted traffic
  • End of detour
  • Detour destination

Information plates at road works

Warning Signs for Road Works

  • Direction and distance
  • Cautionary speed
  • Concealed Entrance
  • Type of works
  • Use hard shoulder
  • Hard shoulder closed
  • Unfinished road surface
  • Barrier board
  • Chevron board
  • Speed limit ahead

Manual traffic control signs at roads

Manual traffic control signs at roads

  • Either form of Go or Téigh can be used

Regulatory traffic signs

Regulation signs are road signals that require a driver to obey a specific order. They are also called traffic control signage.

This is basically the most important signage category for drivers who are new in town as they serve as guide for them not break traffic rules that could attract stiff sanctions..

They include the following

Regulatory traffic signs

  • School wardens stop sign
  • No left turn
  • No entry or ‘No straight ahead’
  • No right turn
  • Parking prohibited
  • Max speed limit 30kmh
  • Max speed limit 50kmh
  • Max speed limit 60kmh
  • Max speed limit 80kmh
  • Max speed limit 100kmh
  • Max speed limit 120kmh
  • Speed limits per lane
  • No bicycles
  • No ridden or accompanied horses
  • No entry to vehicles
  • Maximum gross weight (traffic management)
  • Maximum vehicle length
  • Maximum vehicle width
  • Maximum axle weight
  • No overtaking for three-axle vehicles
  • No horse carriages
  • Height restriction
  • No entry for large vehicles (by reference to weight)
  • No overtaking
  • Pedestrianised street
  • Parking permitted
  • Disc parking plate
  • Zonal restriction – parking of large vehicles
  • End of the restriction zone

Mandatory signs at junctions: these are usually in white and blue colours.

Mandatory signs at junctions

  • Turn left ahead
  • Turn right ahead
  • Turn left Turn right Straight ahead
  • Pass either side
  • Mini roundabout

Manual traffic control sign at road works

Manual traffic control sign at road works

  • No entry to goods vehicles (by reference to number of axles)
  • no entry for pedestrians to tramway
  • With flow bus lane on left
  • With flow bus lane on right
  • Contra flow bus lane
  • Tram lane on left
  • Tram lane on right
  • Start of cycle track
  • End of cycle track
  • Electronic variable speed
  • limit sign (tunnel only)
  • Variable speed limit
  • Electronic periodic speed limit sign
  • Electronic periodic speed limit sign at school
  • Tram only street
  • Tram and access only street
  • Bus only street
  • Pedestrians and bicycles only
  • Separate bicycle and pedestrian lanes

Traffic lane control signs: this category of regulatory traffic signs is useful in tunnels, national roads and motorways.

Traffic lane control signs

  • Go (Lane open)
  • Stop (Lane closed)
  • Move into the left-hand lane
  • Move into the right-hand lane

Variable message signs (VMS)

Variable message signs (VMS)

  • Overhead VWS
  • Mobile VMS displaying text message
  • Mobile VMS displaying chevrons
  • VMS chevron formats

Information Road Signs

Usually in rectangular forms, they provide guidance and information for drivers; helping them explores interstate roads without having to ask passersby, pedestrians, or fellow road users for directions.

Advance direction signs

Advance direction signs

  • National road
  • Regional road
  • Lane destination sign
  • Dublin Port Tunnel ahead

Direction signs at junctions

Direction signs at junctions

  • Motorway direction sign
  • National road direction signs
  • Regional road direction sign
  • Local road direction sign
  • Destination distance sign
  • Town or village sign
  • Cycle track information signs with numbers referring to mapped cycle routes
  • Slow lane sign
  • Industrial estate symbol
  • Disabled persons parking bay
  • Airport symbol
  • Ferry symbol
  • Alternative route for high vehicles
  • Lay-by ahead sign
  • Hospital ahead sign
  • Lay-by sign
  • Hospital sign
  • Car park with facilities for disabled persons
  • Speed camera
  • Speed limit change ahead
  • Advance information sign for low clearance
  • Alternative route for heavy vehicles
  • Traffic calming sign
  • Supplementary plate
  • Ramps on road

Tourist information signs

Tourist information signs

  • Advance sign for facilities in lay-by
  • Advance sign for lay-by with tourism information
  • Sign for youth hostels
  • Advance direction to local services
  • Signing to approved tourist information
  • Alternative route off the motorway
  • Tourist advanced direction sign
  • Tourist attraction direction sign
  • Pedestrian sign to a tourist attraction
  • Pedestrian sign to a car park
  • Sign to approved tourist information points

Motorway signs

These are signs that are basically aimed to help drivers have an idea of the road type they are on to and what type of road to expect a few meters away.

Motorway signs

  • Motorway ahead
  • Advance direction sign
  • Route confirmatory sign with Euro Route marker plate
  • Entry to motorway
  • 300m to next exit
  • 200m to next exit
  • 100m to next exit
  • The motorway ends 1km ahead
  • Motorway ends 500m ahead
  • End of motorway
  • Typical lane gain sign
  • Advance direction for destination
  • Typical 2km next exit sign
  • Toll plaza ahead
  • Route confirmatory sign for M7
  • Toll plaza information sign
  • Authorized vehicles only
  • Toll charges
  • Motorway service plaza
  • information sign

Why Choose Ladybird Driving School Dublin

Why Choose Us

Contact Us Ladybird Driving School

What To Do Now?

Exceptional instructors, patient & reliable.

Ladybird Driving School Dublin Car

tourist road signs ireland

  • Testimonials

tourist road signs ireland

Driving in Ireland as a Tourist: Top Tips for Safety

tourist road signs ireland

Are you visiting the Emerald Isle and going to be driving in Ireland for the first time? Are you wondering is it hard to drive in Ireland? In this guide to driving in Ireland as a tourist, we answer these questions and more.

We understand that it can feel daunting and a bit overwhelming when it comes to driving in Ireland for the first time, especially for those coming from countries where driving is on the right-hand side of the road. It is natural to worry about everything being on the wrong side of the car (and road) if you are not used to it.

We’ve put together a guide for tourist driving in Ireland, so you don’t have to worry anymore. Everything from the rules of the road Ireland follows to driving in Ireland with a US licence is covered here. So, let’s get going with our guide to driving in Ireland as a tourist.

Tips for Driving in Ireland as a Tourist

Driving in Ireland is the perfect way to explore the country and it opens up a wider range of possibilities than joining a coach tour or doing day trips from the likes of Dublin.

It offers flexibility to stop when you want, go further than planned and it allows you to find out-of-the-way hidden gems that you might otherwise miss. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some practical things to know about driving in Ireland as a tourist.

Driving in Ireland requirements

When it comes to driving in Ireland, the basic requirements are as follows:

  •  You must hold a current and valid driving license.
  •   You must have motor insurance in your own name or be a name driver on someone else’s policy. In the case of renting a car, you are named on the insurance policy that the car rental company holds.

We will address the rules regarding foreign license holders below.

Driving in Ireland age

The legal age for driving in Ireland is 17 years of age. However, despite 17 being the legal driving age in Ireland, most car rental companies in Ireland will do hire cars to those under the age of 25. Read why in our guide to car rental age restrictions in Ireland . There may be some exceptions, but you should always check ahead of time with your car rental company.

Can tourists drive in Ireland?

Yes, all tourists are permitted to drive in Ireland so long as they meet the legal requirements and hold a valid and current driving license. They must also be insured to drive the car they are in and in certain cases, hold an International Driving Permit alongside their current and valid driving license issued in their country of residence (see below for more details).

What to know when driving in Ireland for the first time

The very first thing you should know about driving in Ireland for the first time, aside from the fact that they drive on the left, is that the vast majority of cars, both private and rental cars, have manual transmission or stick shift.

While automatic cars are available, the cost of hiring them is significantly more than manual transmission as they are not as common in Ireland as manual.

If you have never driven a stick shift (manual) car before, you should consider some practise before you drive in Ireland or take a lesson or two to become familiar with the gear stick and clutch.

Driving manual for the first time can be challenging and you should never go to Ireland unprepared for stick shift cars if this type of transmission is the type you will be using.

Another common thing in Ireland that might not be as common in your own country is the abundance of roundabouts. We discuss these in greater detail further below.

And finally, be aware that speed limits and road signs change when you go between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. This will also be discussed in section further on in this article.

Is driving in Ireland on the left or right?

You might be wondering “Is it difficult to drive in Ireland as a tourist?”, well it depends. If you are coming from a country that drives on the left-hand side of the road like Ireland, then the answer is no. Everything will be exactly as you are used to.

However, since Ireland drives on the left, those coming from countries that drive on the right will be faced with everything being a mirror image of what you are used to on the roads.

You must yield to traffic approaching from the right, and cars are left-hand-drive in Ireland meaning you, the wheel, the gear stick (whether manual or automatic) and controls will be on the opposite side of the car, but these things are not in mirror-image positions. Items such as the indicators/blinkers, wipers and peddles are generally in the same position as right-hand-drive cars, just on the other side of the vehicle.

If you are renting a car in Ireland and are used to driving on the right, take time to familiarise yourself with where everything is from the indicators/blinkers to the radio and parking brake.

Once you are aware of things coming from your right, get comfortable driving a manual or stick shift car, know the most important rules of the road (listed below), and take extra care on country roads, narrow roads and while crossing roundabouts, driving in Ireland is not difficult.

Top tips for driving on the left-hand-side for the first time

–   Yield to all traffic approaching you from the right.

–   Merge with traffic on the right side of the car.

–   Access motorway roads (highways/freeways) by turning left onto the slip road.

–   Look for pedestrians stepping onto streets from the left.

Driving in Ireland with a foreign license

Whether they are tourists or planning to stay in Ireland, foreign license holders are permitted to drive in Ireland on their current license under the following rules:

–     EU/EEA driving license holders are permitted to drive in Ireland until their current license expires. If they plan on staying in Ireland after that, they must exchange their foreign license for an Irish license prior to its expiration.

–     All other license holders can drive in Ireland for up to one year on their current license before they must exchange it for an Irish driving license.

Can I drive in Ireland with a UK license?

Driving in Ireland with a UK licence is permitted but you may also be required to have a DVLA ‘check code’ with your license, particularly if you are hiring a car in Ireland. This ‘check code’ is valid for 21 days and allows you to share your driving record with anyone who requires it such as car hire companies. This can be applied for online here .

Can I use my U.S. driver’s license in Ireland?

Driving in Ireland as an American is permitted without the need for an International Driving Permit. If the license holder plans to remain in Ireland after one year, they must exchange their current, valid license for an Irish driving license or apply for an Irish driving license if it has expired.

Driving in Ireland with Canadian licenses or driving in Ireland on Australian licences are no different and follow the same rules as for US driving licenses.

Do you need an international driver's license in Ireland?

Any driving license that is not an EU/EEA license or issued by an English-speaking country such as the US, Canada, Australia or the United Kingdom must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP).

This IDP is not a replacement of your driving license, and you must always carry both with you when driving in Ireland.

tourist road signs ireland

Renting a Car in Ireland

Should i rent a car in ireland.

The question of whether you should rent a car in Ireland very much depends on your travel style and what you want to achieve while in Ireland.

If you want to do a road trip around Ireland, then renting a car and road tripping go hand in hand.

To reach certain parts of the country will require a car due to the lack of regular (or any) public transport.

Unless you are coming to Ireland from the UK and are bringing your own car, then renting a car is going to be your mode of transport for exploring the island.

However, that said, if you are staying in the Irish capital, you do not need to hire a car. Driving in Dublin is chaotic at the best of times and if you are staying in the city centre, public transport is a brilliant option and of course, there are plenty of cabs servicing the city.

If you are renting a car from My Irish Cousin and are going to be visiting the city before exploring Ireland by car, we recommend you use public transport in the city and then arrange to pick up your rental car from one of our 7 locations across Dublin.

We have offices on St Stephen’s Green and Russell Street which are conveniently located within walking distance to most city centre hotels.

You can also do this in reverse by picking up your rental car from us at Dublin Airport and dropping it back to any of our Dublin locations before enjoying Dublin City on foot or by using public transport.

This will save you patience with Dublin traffic and save you any hassle trying to find parking or even worse, having to pay for parking in the busy city.

What type of car rental should I choose?

You should choose to rent a car from My Irish Cousin for the following reasons.

My Irish Cousin is an all-inclusive car rental company. What does that mean? It means that the price you receive on your quotation covers EVERYTHING. And we mean everything.

Most car rental companies will give you a quotation that shows the cost of the car and basic third-party insurance. Anything beyond this incurs an additional fee including second named drivers, Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW), unlimited mileage, permission to drive to Northern Ireland, coverage for glass and tyres, and full roadside assistance.

If you choose not to take the car rental company’s SCDW policy, you may face a €5000 charge on your credit card as an excess, whether you have a third-party comprehensive rental car insurance policy or not. With My Irish Cousin there is no excess so there is no need for us to charge your credit card €5000, just in case.

Without SCDW, you are advised to take pictures and videos of the car prior to leaving the car park of any scratches and scrapes to be compared to when you return the car. No need to do any of this with My Irish Cousin as your insurance policy with us covers everything.

The price you get from My Irish Cousin includes all of this for complete peace of mind while driving in Ireland. All these extras are chargeable by our competitors which can be a nasty surprise at the desk when you arrive in Dublin Airport.

My Irish Cousin also has a wide range of vehicles to suit travellers of every kind. The size of vehicle we recommend is dependent on your requirements, party size, and luggage. However, we do recommend you pack light, preferably with hand luggage and with soft shell luggage.

My Irish Cousin also has superior customer service both before, and during, your car rental period. We are always on hand and happy to assist with anything during your time in Ireland, whether it is car related or not. No other car rental company in Ireland provides this level of service.

We have even come to the rescue of customers of other car rental companies when the customers have not been able to get hold of their car rental company customer service people!

And finally, My Irish Cousin allows you to have different pick-up and drop-off locations without additional fees, something other car rental companies will charge a hefty fee for.

So, it is a no brainer which car rental company you should choose to hire a car from in Ireland if you want one price that covers everything and gives you complete peace of mind.

Oh, and I should also mention we have no upper age limit for hiring a car from us. No need to bring extra documentation with you. If you can drive at home, you can hire a car from us!

tourist road signs ireland

Road Rules for Driving in Ireland

In this section, we detail some of the important Irish rules of the road all visitors to the island should be aware of. While this is not an exhaustive list of Irish road rules, these are some of the most important you, as a driver in Ireland, needs to know. We have a guide to the most important rules of the road in Ireland every tourist should know which we briefly discuss below.

When it comes to the rules of the road signs Ireland uses, many are the same as the UK and Europe. However, there are three differences:

  • Warning signs in the Republic of Ireland, apart from a yield sign, take the form of a diamond shape with a yellow background and black symbol contained in the middle of the sign. This is difference from warning signs in Northern Ireland and the rest of Europe where they are triangular with a red border, white background and black symbol in the centre.
  • Distances indicated on road signs in Ireland are displayed as kilometres per hour while in Northern Ireland they are in miles per hour. This is the same for speed limit road signs.
  • In Ireland, road signs are generally displayed in both English and Irish except Gaeltacht areas (Irish speaking) where signs are only in Irish. In Northern Ireland, road signs are shown in English only.

If you are unsure of what road signs Ireland uses or have seen one and you aren’t sure what it means, then our guide to Irish road signs might help you.

tourist road signs ireland

Speed limits when driving in Ireland

As mentioned above, speed limits are different between the Republic and Northern Ireland as one uses kilometres and the other uses miles. So, whether you will be driving in Northern Ireland or the Republic, you need to be aware of the speed limits and their differences between the two countries.

The Northern Ireland national speed limit is as follows:

– 30mph (built up or urban areas)

– 60mph (rural areas or outside urban/built up areas)

– 70mph (dual carriageway/motorway roads).

The Republic of Ireland national speed limit is as follows:

–   50kph (in built up or urban areas)

–   80kph (on regional and local roads that are single lane)

–   100kph (on national roads)

–   120kph (on motorways/Irish highways)

A change in the speed limit units will tell you when you have crossed from the Republic into Northern Ireland and vice versa.

Seat belts are mandatory

Unlike some states in the US, seat belts are mandatory for both the driver and any passengers in the vehicle. Young children under the age of 12 and under 150cm in height and 16kg in weight must use an appropriate child safety restraint system or child booster seat.

Use of cell phones is prohibited

It is strictly forbidden to hold or use a cell phone or mobile phone while driving in Ireland.

While it is technically not illegal to use a cell phone via Bluetooth or hands-free, the police can stop any driver who they believe to be driving without due care and attention due to being distracted while using a cell phone via Bluetooth. They can also issue fines for unsafe driving.

Strictly no drinking and driving in Ireland

Drink driving in Ireland is a serious offense and comes with hefty fines.

Ireland has one of the lowest tolerances for alcohol levels in blood in the world, and this is lower than that of the US. The legal limit for fully licenced drivers is 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100ml of blood. In the US, this is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

The legal limit for professional and learner drivers is 20 milligrams of alcohol per 100ml of blood. Local police (An Garda Siochána) have powers to set up random breath-test checkpoints and the right to request any driver take a breathalyser test.

It is best to leave the car at your hotel or accommodation and use public transport or taxis if you plan on having a drink in Ireland and you do not have someone else acting as designated driver in your party.

Know who has right of way in Ireland

In Ireland, as already mentioned, drivers must give way to traffic approaching from the right.

This goes for roundabouts, motorways, slip roads onto other roads, and at any unmarked junctions, which you may come across in the countryside. Road markings in the countryside may be faded or even missing so it is important to look carefully for traffic coming from your right.

Keep important driving documentation with you at all times

You should always carry your driving license and insurance documents with you while driving in Ireland.

The vehicles registration document (known as the VRC or Vehicle Registration Certificate) should be in the car along with a valid certificate of roadworthiness (NCT test certificate) for cars over the age of 4. In Northern Ireland, these documents are known as the V5 certificate and MOT certificate.

If you are hiring a car in Ireland, you should keep your copy of your rental agreement in the car in case you are stopped by the police.

No left turns on red lights

When it comes to driving in Ireland for Americans, you should be aware that here is strictly no turning left when on a red light. While it is allowed to turn right in the US on a red light if the road is clear and it is safe to do so, this is not permitted in Ireland or Northern Ireland.

A red light means stop and and you must wait until the light turn green before turning left, right or proceeding straight.

tourist road signs ireland

Tips for Driving in Ireland

Here are some additional tips for driving in Ireland for tourists and locals alike.

Highways are called motorways in Ireland and are the easiest way to travel the country. Main cities such as Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Cork, Kilkenny and even Belfast are connected by motorways.

While they are not the most scenic route to take between destinations, they are often the quickest route and outside of the cities are generally quieter without too much traffic.

Some motorways have tolls along them which we mention below.

Some motorways in Ireland operate as toll roads which means you need to pay in order to use them. At certain points along them, you will encounter toll plazas which have different types of lanes.

There will be lanes for electronic toll tags, lanes for paying with cash, and specific lanes for lorries and trucks to use with extra head height.

There are currently 11 toll roads in Ireland which include the M1, M3, M4, N6, Limerick Tunnel, N25, Dublin Port Tunnel, M50 and the East Link Toll.

Note that the toll plazas are only located at certain points along the motorway, meaning depending on your route and destination, you may not encounter any. Click here to find out more about toll roads in Ireland and exactly where they are located.

One of the toll roads mentioned above is the M50. This is a circular toll road that encircles much of Dublin as it passes around and through the outer suburbs.

Between Junction 6 (N3 Blanchardstown) and Junction 7 (N4 Lucan) you will encounter tolls. This road does not have a toll plaza with lanes and booths as it operates via an electronic gantry system.

The gantry system has cameras overlooking the motorway that register the number plate of every vehicle crossing underneath. This is then recorded in a database where payment is processed.

Anyone arriving at Dublin Airport and then travelling west or south in the Republic of Ireland will pass under the M50 gantry system.

If your rental car does not have an electronic toll tag fitted (My Irish Cousin can arrange one for you by prior arrangement), then you will need to pay a toll before 8pm the next day. Read our step-by-step guide to paying the M50 toll online to find out how you can do this and avoid any penalty charges for late payment.

Cash while driving in Ireland

It is a good idea to ensure you have cash on you at all times while driving in Ireland as a tourist. Some toll roads do not accept cards for payment and some rural gas (petrol) stations do not accept cards.

So, ensure you have change for toll roads and enough cash on you to fill up your car if the fuel station doesn’t accept cards.

You may also need cash to pay for parking at some tourist sites as well. The public car park at the bottom of the Rock of Cashel is a payable public car park as is the one at Cahir Castle.

Roundabouts

Roundabouts are everywhere in Ireland. They keep traffic flowing and are used in place of traffic lights, especially at busy junctions where traffic jams could build up without free-flowing traffic.

For some tourists, roundabouts are a new thing to encounter on the roads. But they don’t have to be difficult to navigate.

The most important thing to remember with Irish roundabouts is to yield to traffic coming from your right and already on the roundabout and to enter the roundabout by turning left. You must also go around roundabouts in a clockwise manner. If you remember that, you will be fine.

If a roundabout has two lanes on the approach, use the left-hand lane for turning left or going straight ahead as far as 12 o’clock (midday). For any junction after 12 o’clock or for turning right, use the right-hand lane on the approach.

Rural roads

When you come to drive in Ireland, rural roads are ones on which you should take extra care and pay extra attention.

These roads are country roads and are often narrower than main roads. Stone walls lining the side are common, as are bushes. They often have blind corners and are without verges.

These roads can often be used by locals as shortcuts and who tend to drive fast since they know the roads. What they do not consider are visitors driving along the road who do not know it well. They drive quite fast, and it can be unnerving meeting a fast car, van or truck coming at you on one of these roads.

That said, do not let that put you off driving these roads. These can be some of the most scenic drives in Ireland, you just need to take extra care when using them.

Keep to the left as much as you can and slow down when coming towards any bend.

Watch out for laybys or spots to pull in if the road is particularly narrow and allow others to pass you before continuing your journey.

tourist road signs ireland

Livestock on roads

And our last point leads us nicely into this one, livestock on the roads.

It is not uncommon in rural areas to come across livestock on the roads as farmers move animals from one field to another, or even horse riders on the roads. Slow down or stop and allow them to move on before continuing your journey.

In other places in Ireland, such as along the road to Keem Bay on Achill Island, sheep often line the roads without any barriers. They graze on the grass lining the road. So, take extra care and pass by slowing so as not to startle them.

Driving in towns

Driving in towns can be more difficult for some drivers compared to the open road or motorways.

Locals can often suddenly pull in without warning, or double park as they stop to chat to Paddy or Joe about the latest news on the local GAA team.

Towns can be busy places and traffic can build up, especially around the times schools let out or during rush hour. Yes, rush hour does and can occur even in rural Ireland.

So, again, take care and watch out for unexpected pulling in of cars and pedestrians looking to cross the road.

And following on from our last point, parking in towns can be extremely difficult. Lack of parking is a real problem in many towns in Ireland and some do not have dedicated public parking or paid car parks.

At some tourist sites, parking can be an issue during the height of the tourist season, so you should always plan to arrive early to secure your parking spot. This is important for places such as Glendalough, the Rock of Dunamase, or Tintern Abbey.

In bigger cities it may not be as much of an issue with most larger cities such as Dublin, Belfast, Limerick Cork, Galway and even Kilkenny having several large public car parks available. But this comes at a cost with some car parks charging a premium for their location near the city centre.

GPS Navigation

Not all hire cars will come with a GPS navigation system. Your best option is to use your phone’s navigation app. Just make sure to download maps directly onto your phone in case you are in an area with little or no data signal which can happen in rural Ireland.

Use Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze on your cell phone and plan your route ahead of time. Some cars will be equipped with Android Auto or Apple Carplay which will display your route on the display screen once your phone is connected to the car via a USB port.

Using your phone will also work out cheaper than hiring a GPS navigation system from your car rental company.

One thing you cannot predict or control as a driver in Ireland is the weather. Unless it has snowed heavily, driving in Ireland is fine weather-wise.

Yes, it is unpredictable and can vary from place to place, but generally Ireland has a temperate climate. What may happen is you have to drive through rain. This is not uncommon and unless it is a severe downpour, it should not impede your ability to drive.

Our advice is to slow down and take extra care to match the road conditions.

During autumn you may encounter fog, especially early in the morning and frost is common during autumn, winter and even into spring, so take care if these are the conditions you are met with.

During summer, rain showers can and do happen but driving in these conditions is not difficult.

Always check the weather forecast, local road conditions and for any warnings before starting any journey in Ireland to be on the safe side.

Gas (Petrol) Stations

Gas stations in Ireland are known as petrol stations and are common across the country. Most small towns will have at least one, many national roads will have some along them and all motorways are serviced by petrol stations, although in the last two cases, the stretches between them might be long.

Now, although petrol stations are common, you should never leave it until the last drop to decide to fill up. In rural places that are out of the way, petrol stations may be fewer than larger cities and you may find them closed early or closed completely on a Sunday or bank holiday.

The best advice we can give you is fill up your car regularly. This will mean you don’t get caught out. And avoid trying to find the cheapest prices as you may burn more fuel than necessary in your search.

Note that petrol stations in Ireland are mostly self-service meaning you fill your car and pay at the cash desk inside the station building. Most service stations are also smaller than in the US.

And whatever you do, do not fill your car with the wrong fuel. If you think you have done this, do not start your engine. Push your car to the side and call your car rental company and/or their breakdown service.

Emergencies

If you have an emergency while driving or have been involved in an accident, call 112 in the Republic of Ireland for the emergency services, or 999 in Northern Ireland.

If you have been in an accident, ask for the police and ambulance service, wait for them to arrive and move all passengers from the vehicle if you are able to and it is safe to do so, and wait in the verge behind crash barriers.

Call your car rental company as well who will inform you of the next steps and remember to take details from other vehicles involved and from the emergency services.

Bring snacks for your Irish road trips

Road tripping is the best way to explore and see Ireland, but no-one likes to be hungry while exploring. And if you happen to get lost down the country, you might not come across a town with a café, pub or restaurant for a while.

So, to avoid a hangry driver or passengers, pack some snacks and drinks in the car for those just-in-case moments. You’ll thank us later. These will also come in handy if you breakdown, which we hope does not happen.

tourist road signs ireland

Final thoughts about driving in Ireland as a tourist

Driving in Ireland as a tourist can be an enjoyable experience and is by far the best way to see the country. With this guide, driving a car in Ireland doesn’t need to be scary and you should now be well prepared for your road trip on the Emerald Isle.

The best way to stay safe driving for the first time in Ireland is to familiarise yourself with the manual transmission car, the opposite direction of driving, and road rules before beginning any long routes.

If necessary, have a few practice runs in the car park before you leave and have a dedicated navigator or co-pilot to help with directions.

After a few hours you’ll soon be a pro at driving on the left and within a day or two you’ll feel more like a local on the roads.

Frequently Asked Questions about driving in Ireland as a tourist

Yes, Ireland drives on the left, both in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. This is opposite to that in the US and Canada.

This is dependent on the driver and their level of confidence. While country roads can be narrow and winding, you should always drive at a pace you are comfortable with. Never allow a driver behind you to put you under pressure. Pull over, let them pass, and continue at your own pace.

Yes, it is safe to drive in Ireland. Ireland is one of the safest countries in Europe to drive in. That said, Ireland does have some roads that could be considered dangerous simply from a driving or road conditions point of view, so if you are not comfortable with how a road looks, avoid it and find another route.

No, driving in Ireland is not considered dangerous. There are some drivers who do not drive safely as there are in other countries and if you feel under pressure or panicked from someone behind you, find a safe place to pull in to allow them to pass you. Never let another driver intimidate you.

Driving in Ireland as a tourist is not difficult but can feel overwhelming or a little intimidating at first if you are used to driving on the right side of the road. Take time to adjust and get used to the other side of the road and car and you’ll soon feel more comfortable. Motorways are easy to drive on thanks to their wider lanes, but even country roads will feel more comfortable after a day or two on the island.

No left turns on red lights. When it comes to driving in Ireland for Americans, you should be aware that here is strictly no turning left when on a red light. While it is allowed to turn right in the US on a red light if the road is clear and it is safe to do so, this is not permitted in Ireland or Northern Ireland.

A red light means stop and and you must wait until the light turn green before turning left, right or proceeding straight.

Table of Contents

tourist road signs ireland

Ultimate Guide to Golf Trips to Ireland

tourist road signs ireland

Top Things to See and Do in Sligo: Your Ultimate Guide to This Irish Gem

tourist road signs ireland

Car Rental with Free Cancellation in Ireland: Your Stress-Free Travel Companion

My Irish Cousin

1st Floor, Building Two, The Green Dublin Airport Central Dublin Airport, Swords Co. Dublin, K67 E2H3

Useful Links

tourist road signs ireland

My Irish Cousin – Ireland’s Friendliest Agency

WhatsApp-Image-2023-08-02-at-10.58.08

Are you sure you want to sure you want to leave the feed?

Oops... something went wrong!

Looking for inspiration? Planning a trip? Or just want to scroll yourself happy? We'll show you an Ireland that's tailor-made for you.

  • #Landscapes
  • #CultureandHeritage
  • #OutdoorActivities

FFFFFF-0

Oops, no internet connection

While offline, you can still add items to ‘My Board’. New travel reccomendations will only show up once you’re back online.

See what Ireland has in store for you

 alt=

Items without a physical location are not shown in map view.

Looks like your board is empty

Look out for the little heart icon around Ireland.com, simply tap the icon to start adding items to your board!

Emptyboard

Board settings

Collection cover image.

Visible to people you share your board with

Share Board

Share a link to your ‘My Ireland’ board and inspire friends, co-travellers and family. Only you can add or remove items from your board.

tourist road signs ireland

Forgot your password?

Create an account.

Access My Ireland across all of your devices by logging in.

Sign up Not got an account?

Terms of use | Privacy policy

Login Got an account?

Location access

  • View offers and deals nearby you
  • Get travel inspiration based on your location
  • Local weather warnings and useful travel information

Enable location access

Location access on ios.

  • 1 Open the website settings for this website in your browser
  • 2 Select Location settings
  • 3 Choose “Allow
  • 1 Open the My Ireland website

location-ios-step-1

  • 2 Select the Icon below

location-ios-step-2

  • 3 Select “Website Settings

location-ios-step-3

  • 4 Change “Location” to “Allow”

location-ios-step-4

Notifications

Travel times.

Tell us when you are going to be travelling Ireland, and we will show you tailored recommendations for the duration of your trip.

img-calendar

  • Tips for events happening during your stay
  • Helpful travel reminders and updates

You have unsaved changes. Save before leaving?

We take your privacy very serious and only ever process your data with your persmission. If possible this is handled anonymously and we will never store your data for longer than is required. For more information on how we handle your personal data please read our Privacy Policy.

Remove Data

To securely remove all data associated with your profile please contact our Data Protection Officer.

Reset your Board

This will remove all the items you have previously liked from your board. Please note, you can’t undo this action.

Are you sure you want to reset your board?

This will completely reset your board and all associated data permanently. This cannot be undone.

  • Created date 19 July 2023

Delete account

Sorry you’re leaving. But you gotta do what you gotta do. Just a reminder, if you delete your account, you won’t be able to post in Community. And it’s permanent so you can’t “undo” it in the future.

car-bg-antrim-coast

Driving in Ireland

The essential information you will need before getting around Ireland by road.

Planning on a road trip? Here's what you need to know about driving laws, tolls, parking and more

  • #GettingAround

cliffs-of-moher-us-email-overlay

Ireland in your inbox

Sign up to receive free email newsletters from Tourism Ireland, including vacation ideas, insider tips, news, and events.

We will use your email address to send you personalised content straight to your inbox based on how you interact with this website and our advertisements on other websites.

Something went wrong...

Success! Thank you for subscribing to our Newsletter!

I understand that by signing up, I will receive personalised email content based on my use of Tourism Ireland’s website, emails and Tourism Ireland’s advertising on other websites, cookies and tracking pixels. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking 'unsubscribe' in our emails. Find out more information on "How we handle your personal data" in our privacy policy .

What's on this page?

Roads in ireland, driving laws, tolls and fuel, speed limits.

If you ’ re going to be driving on your trip to Ireland, you ’ ll need to know the basics. So we ’ ve put together this handy guide that covers everything from the laws in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to helpful tips and useful links to official bodies where you can get more information.

connemara-image-one

Roads in Ireland are generally of a high standard. They range from motorways and dual carriageways to secondary roads with two-way traffic and winding country lanes.

In the Republic of Ireland, motorways are prefixed with an “M” (for example, the M50 ring road around Dublin city).  National roads are prefixed with an “N” (for example N18). Secondary roads may also be dual-carriageways or have two way traffic.

Roads in Northern Ireland  are prefixed with an “ M ”  for motorway; an “ A ” and a “ B ” for primary and non-primary roads. Signs in the Republic of Ireland show distances in kilometres, while in Northern Ireland miles are used.

Driving laws

We drive on the left hand side of the road in Ireland. 

Everyone in your vehicle (front and back) MUST wear a seat belt at all times.

Riding a motorcycle? Both you and your passenger must wear helmets. Ireland has strict laws against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the penalties for breaking these laws are stiff.

Never use your mobile phone while you're driving.

Licence and insurance

You ’ ll need either a valid, full national driving licence or an international driving permit to drive in Ireland. In the Republic of Ireland, you must carry your driver’s licence at all times.

You must also have car insurance either in your own name or as a named driver on another’s policy. EU-registered vehicles will need to carry a green card (as proof of motor insurance) for all vehicles, including caravans and trailers if driving in Northern Ireland or planning to cross the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

UK-registered vehicles (with valid insurance) will not need a Green Card to drive in Ireland or from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland. If you ’ re renting a car, the Car Rental Council of Ireland can give you advice on the kind of insurance, waivers and options that will suit you.

There are no tolled roads in Northern Ireland but you ’ ll find tolls on a number of roads in the Republic of Ireland. They ’ re managed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Dublin City Council . Generally, you can pay tolls at the toll booth, however, there is one exception: M50 eFlow Barrier System.

M50 eFlow Barrier System

There is a barrier-free toll system in operation on the M50 ring road around Dublin. So instead of paying your toll at a toll booth, the system will record your trip by photographing your licence plate number. It is important to pay your toll before 8pm the next day, either online , via the app for Apple or Android, or in branded Payzone outlets. Disabled drivers are not charged tolls on roads in the Republic of Ireland.

You ’ ll find plenty of service stations, particularly on main routes. Fuel prices will vary between service stations and if you ’ re travelling between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, you ’ ll notice that fuel prices are given in euro in the Republic and pounds in Northern Ireland.

Almost all service stations accept credit cards as well as cash. Just fill up at the pump and then head into the station to pay. Some stations may have self-service pumps where you can just pay and go.

Electric vehicles are growing in popularity in Ireland and you ’ ll find charging points all around the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Speed limits: Republic of Ireland

Speed limits: northern ireland.

drivinginireland-roadsigns

In the Republic of Ireland, road signs show distances and speed limits in kilometres. Road signs and place names are displayed in both Irish (Gaelic) and English. In Gaeltacht areas (where Irish is the primary language) only Irish is used.

Signposts and speed limits in Northern Ireland are in miles and miles per hour, while all place names are displayed in English only.

You will need to pay for parking in many places in Ireland. Look for street signs showing parking information for guidance. You can pay for parking using:

1. Coins in the Pay and Display machine on the street.

2. Parking Tag or  Park by Text in the Republic of Ireland and Park by Text in Northern Ireland.

3. Some car park management companies have their own apps for cashless parking so check for signs in the car park.

Parking for people with disabilities

If you have an EU Parking Permit for People with Disabilities, you can use this in any vehicle in which you ’ re travelling. UK Blue Badges and Australian and New Zealand Disability Parking Permits can also be used on the island of Ireland. Contact the Disabled Drivers ’ Association of Ireland for more information on parking in the Republic of Ireland and the Blue Badge Unit for information on parking in Northern Ireland.

Useful links

AA Route Planner

Up-to-date traffic information and a route planner that recommends the best route to get you to your destination.

NI Direct Motoring

Road safety, insurance and licences, towing a caravan... it's all here on Northern Ireland's official government website.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland

Toll information and traffic news from the national body that manages the Republic of Ireland's transport network.

Where do you want to go?

Do you feel like tasting wild Atlantic sea spray on your lips? Strolling through vibrant city streets? Exploring ancient ruins? Right this way…

Category : Tourist road signs in Ireland

Media in category "tourist road signs in ireland".

The following 85 files are in this category, out of 85 total.

tourist road signs ireland

  • Tourist road signs by country
  • Guide road signs in Ireland

Navigation menu

  • Warning Sign
  • Information Sign
  • Mandatory Sign
  • Priority Sign
  • Prohibitory Sign

Ireland Road Signs

Road signs in ireland - what do road signs in  ireland  mean.

If you’re driving in Ireland for the first time, you should learn the road signs before hitting the road…

Ireland Road Signs

Warning Road Signs in Ireland

Warning signs in Ireland are often red or yellow to advise of potential danger. You should take note of any warning signs in Ireland as they are designed to alert you of possible dangers ahead.

Speed bumps in road - Road Sign

Information Road Signs in Ireland

Information signs in Ireland are the most frequently used road signs in Ireland and are generally used on any type of road to provide road users with general information about the road they are using and the road ahead.

Road ahead is a dead end - Road Sign

Mandatory Road Signs in Ireland

Mandatory road signs in Ireland are used where you are required to carry out a specific task, they are not suggestions, information or advisory signs, they must be adhered to and as such are arguably the most important roads signs in Ireland that you need to know.

Pass on right only - Road Sign

Priority Road Signs in Ireland

Priority road signs in Ireland are designed to clarify who has priority at the junction / road ahead. If driving in a country where you drive on the other side to the road, priorities are likely to the opposite of what you are familiar with, roundabouts being a notable difference.

Direction of traffic on roundabout - Road Sign

Prohibitory Road Signs in Ireland

Prohibitory road signs in Ireland are used on all road types in Ireland , often to restrict certain types of vehicles and certain manoeuvres such as prohibiting u-turns or setting maximum speeds.

Equestrians prohibited - Road Sign

  Visitor Comments

David o'connell.

National Driving School

Road Signs Ireland

Learn the Road Signs of Ireland from our easy to follow guide.

Road Signs Ireland

Road signs are the standard means of regulating behaviour on the motorways in Ireland to communicate basic rules and regulations through simple graphics that can be understood easily.

In most of the parts, these road signs usually appear generic and similar to those found in other places across Europe and beyond, but it is important to mention that road signs in Ireland may have a few unique differences and exceptions.

Download Road Signs 085 118 1111

Learn all the Road Signs in Ireland all in one place!

tourist road signs ireland

Dangerous corner ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Roundabout ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Mini-Roundabout ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Merging traffic

tourist road signs ireland

Two-way traffic

tourist road signs ireland

Dangerous bend ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Series of dangerous bends ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Series of dangerous corners ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Restricted headroom

tourist road signs ireland

Dangerous Corner Ahead

Roundabout ahead, mini-roundabout ahead, dangerous bend ahead, restricted head rooms, junction signs.

It shows the sign of merger of roads into wider long roads and presence of more traffic with vehicles of high speed that requires more care.

tourist road signs ireland

Staggered crossroads

Advanced warning signs of roads.

These driving test road signs insist to take certain actions ahead and warn regarding some condition so that the driver can take extra care while passing through these junctions.

tourist road signs ireland

T-junctions of a dual carriageway

tourist road signs ireland

Crossroads with dual carriageway

tourist road signs ireland

General Warning Signs

The other warning signs are used to give information regarding upcoming hurdles or the movement of other things like animals, cyclists or a sudden change ahead like slippery road or sudden dip which might not get noticed through eyes only so that you can take the necessary precautions and do not fall into some mishappening.

tourist road signs ireland

Drive on left

tourist road signs ireland

Safe height plate

tourist road signs ireland

Low-flying aircrafts

tourist road signs ireland

Road divides

tourist road signs ireland

Merging/diverging traffic

tourist road signs ireland

Dual carriage ends

tourist road signs ireland

Traffic crossover ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Overhead electric cables

tourist road signs ireland

Traffic signals ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Pedestrian crossing ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Slippery road ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Road narrows on both sides

tourist road signs ireland

Road narrows from left

tourist road signs ireland

Road narrows from right

tourist road signs ireland

Tunnel ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Start of a passing lane

tourist road signs ireland

Start of a climbing lane

tourist road signs ireland

Loop road ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Sharp dip ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Series of bumps ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Sharp rise ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Wild animals ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Cattle and farm animals

tourist road signs ireland

Accompanied horses and ponies

tourist road signs ireland

Steep descent ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Steep ascent ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Danger of falling rocks

tourist road signs ireland

Unprotected quay, canal or river

tourist road signs ireland

Level crossing ahead, guarded by gates or lifting barrier

tourist road signs ireland

Level crossing ahead, unguarded by gates or lifting barrier

tourist road signs ireland

Level crossing ahead, guarded by gates or lifting barriers

tourist road signs ireland

Stop when lights are red

tourist road signs ireland

Automatic level crossing ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Chevron board (left)

tourist road signs ireland

Chevron board (right)

If there is a track for railway lines or a tram moving ahead then the tram signs are placed to make you aware of the network so that you can slow down, look both sides and when it is safe then only cross it.

tourist road signs ireland

Tram lane crossing ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Tram lane warning signs for pedestrians (look left)

tourist road signs ireland

Tram lane warning signs for pedestrians (look both sides)

tourist road signs ireland

Tram lane warning signs for pedestrians (look right)

tourist road signs ireland

Slippery for cyclists

Warning signs for schools and children.

To restrict the drivers from over speeding and to protect the children, road signs are placed in the way to mark the schools ahead.

tourist road signs ireland

School ahead

tourist road signs ireland

School children crossing ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Children crossing ahead (in residential areas)

Warning signs for road work.

If there is construction work on the roads and men are at work to ensure the safety of the workers and the drivers both, road work warning signs are placed to make them use the safe way out of the sight.

tourist road signs ireland

Road works ahead

tourist road signs ireland

One-lane crossover (out)

One-lane crossover (back).

tourist road signs ireland

Move to right (one lane)

tourist road signs ireland

Move to left (one lane)

tourist road signs ireland

Move to right (two lanes)

tourist road signs ireland

Move to left (two lanes)

tourist road signs ireland

Obstruction between lanes

tourist road signs ireland

End of obstruction between lanes

tourist road signs ireland

Start of central reserve or obstruction

tourist road signs ireland

End of central reserve or obstruction

tourist road signs ireland

Lanes diverge at crossover

tourist road signs ireland

Lanes rejoin at crossover

tourist road signs ireland

Two-lanes crossover (back)

tourist road signs ireland

Two-lanes crossover (out)

tourist road signs ireland

Single-lane (for shuttle working)

tourist road signs ireland

Offside lane (of two) closed

tourist road signs ireland

Nearside lane (of two) closed

tourist road signs ireland

Offside lane (of three) closed

tourist road signs ireland

Nearside lane (of three) closed

tourist road signs ireland

Two offside lanes (of three) closed

tourist road signs ireland

Two nearside lanes (of three) closed. Two alternative styles

tourist road signs ireland

Offside lane (of four) closed

tourist road signs ireland

Nearside lane (of four) closed

tourist road signs ireland

Two offside lanes (of four) closed

tourist road signs ireland

Two nearside lanes (of four) closed

tourist road signs ireland

Side road on left

tourist road signs ireland

Side road on right

tourist road signs ireland

Site access on left

tourist road signs ireland

Site access on right

tourist road signs ireland

Temporary traffic signal ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Flagman ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Slippery road

tourist road signs ireland

Loose chippings

tourist road signs ireland

Queues likely

tourist road signs ireland

Hump or ramp

tourist road signs ireland

Pedestrian cross to right

tourist road signs ireland

Pedestrian cross to left

tourist road signs ireland

Uneven surface

tourist road signs ireland

Detour ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Detour to left

tourist road signs ireland

Detour to right

tourist road signs ireland

Road closed

tourist road signs ireland

Diverted traffic left

tourist road signs ireland

Diverted traffic

tourist road signs ireland

End of detour

tourist road signs ireland

Detour destination

Informative signs for work at road.

To give the information of the nature of work or construction at the roads, the speed limit that they have to maintain, the dimensions of the vehicle that can pass through and other regulatory signs.

tourist road signs ireland

Direction and distance

tourist road signs ireland

Cautionary speed

tourist road signs ireland

Type of works

tourist road signs ireland

Use hard shoulder

tourist road signs ireland

Unfinished road surface

tourist road signs ireland

Barrier board

tourist road signs ireland

Concealed Entrance

tourist road signs ireland

Chevron board

tourist road signs ireland

Speed limit ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Manual Signs for Traffic control at road

The signs to direct the vehicles on the way to move.

tourist road signs ireland

Either form of go can be used

tourist road signs ireland

Either form of téigh can be used

Regulatory traffic signs.

Traffic control signs are used to regulate the vehicles in a specific order. These are primarily for the new drivers entering the area to inform them about the rules which when violated might attract stiff penalties and to make them aware all the time during their journey so that they don’t forget to follow it.

tourist road signs ireland

School wardens stop sign

tourist road signs ireland

Parking prohibited

tourist road signs ireland

No left turn

tourist road signs ireland

No entry or ‘No straight ahead’

tourist road signs ireland

No right turn

tourist road signs ireland

Max speed limit 30kmh

tourist road signs ireland

Max speed limit 50kmh

tourist road signs ireland

Max speed limit 60kmh

tourist road signs ireland

Max speed limit 80kmh

tourist road signs ireland

Max speed limit 100kmh

tourist road signs ireland

Max speed limit 120kmh

tourist road signs ireland

No ridden or accompanied horses

tourist road signs ireland

No bicycles

tourist road signs ireland

Maximum gross weight (traffic management)

tourist road signs ireland

Maximum vehicle length

tourist road signs ireland

Maximum vehicle width

tourist road signs ireland

No entry to vehicles

tourist road signs ireland

Maximum axle weight

tourist road signs ireland

No overtaking for three-axle vehicles

tourist road signs ireland

No horse carriages

tourist road signs ireland

Height restriction

tourist road signs ireland

No overtaking

tourist road signs ireland

No entry for large vehicles (by reference to weight)

tourist road signs ireland

End of the restriction zone

tourist road signs ireland

Parking permitted

tourist road signs ireland

Pedestrianised street

tourist road signs ireland

Zonal restriction – parking of large vehicles

tourist road signs ireland

Disc parking plate

Mandatory turns at junctions.

To show the one way turns ahead which are compulsory to take and follow to move ahead on the path.

tourist road signs ireland

Turn left ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Turn right ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Straight ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Pass either side

tourist road signs ireland

Mini roundabout

Other manual work signs for work at road.

tourist road signs ireland

Either form of Go

tourist road signs ireland

or Téigh can be used

tourist road signs ireland

No entry for pedestrians to tramway

tourist road signs ireland

No entry to goods vehicles (by reference to number of axles)

tourist road signs ireland

Contra flow bus lane

tourist road signs ireland

With flow bus lane on right

tourist road signs ireland

With flow bus lane on left

tourist road signs ireland

Tram lane on left

tourist road signs ireland

Tram lane on right

tourist road signs ireland

Start of cycle track

tourist road signs ireland

End of cycle track

In a tunnel goods vehicles cannot use right-hand lane (by reference to number of axles), electronic periodic speed limit sign, electronic periodic speed limit sign at school.

tourist road signs ireland

Tram only street ireland

tourist road signs ireland

Tram and access only street

tourist road signs ireland

Bus only street

tourist road signs ireland

Pedestrians and bicycles only

tourist road signs ireland

Separate bicycle and pedestrian lanes

Traffic lane signs.

To direct the drivers for the possible way ahead and to manage the movement of traffic by allowing a specific lane to move at a time.

tourist road signs ireland

Go (Lane open)

tourist road signs ireland

Stop (Lane closed)

tourist road signs ireland

Move into the right-hand lane

tourist road signs ireland

Move into the left-hand lane

Variable message signs.

To show the information other than the traditional traffic road signs.

tourist road signs ireland

Overhead VWS

tourist road signs ireland

Mobile VMS displaying text message

tourist road signs ireland

Mobile VMS displaying chevrons

tourist road signs ireland

VMS chevron formats

Advance information signs.

To make the drivers aware of the road type, the speed limit on it and to know about the vehicles and the traffic on the road.

tourist road signs ireland

National road

tourist road signs ireland

Regional road

tourist road signs ireland

Lane destination sign

tourist road signs ireland

Dublin Port Tunnel ahead

Advance direction signs.

These are to show the national highway instructions, path for nearest stop, upcoming destinations with the distance between them and more.

tourist road signs ireland

Motorway direction sign

tourist road signs ireland

National road direction signs

tourist road signs ireland

Regional road direction sign

tourist road signs ireland

Local road direction sign

tourist road signs ireland

Town or village sign

tourist road signs ireland

Destination distance sign

tourist road signs ireland

Slow lane sign

tourist road signs ireland

Disabled persons parking bay

tourist road signs ireland

Airport symbol

tourist road signs ireland

Industrial estate symbol

tourist road signs ireland

Ferry symbol

tourist road signs ireland

Alternative route for high vehicles

tourist road signs ireland

Lay-by ahead sign

tourist road signs ireland

Hospital ahead sign

tourist road signs ireland

Lay-by sign

tourist road signs ireland

Hospital sign

tourist road signs ireland

Car park with facilities for disabled person

tourist road signs ireland

Speed camera

tourist road signs ireland

Advance information sign for low clearance

tourist road signs ireland

Alternative route for heavy vehicles

tourist road signs ireland

Traffic calming sign

tourist road signs ireland

Speed limit change ahead

Supplementary plate, ramps on road, tourist information signs.

This is to direct the travellers about the type of road and the vehicles which are allowed to move, the next destination on the road and the upcoming places like the ferry sign, nearest village, industrial region and much more.

tourist road signs ireland

Advance sign for facilities in lay-by

tourist road signs ireland

Advance sign for lay-by with tourism information

tourist road signs ireland

Advance direction to local services

tourist road signs ireland

Sign to approved tourist information points

tourist road signs ireland

Signing to approved tourist information

tourist road signs ireland

Tourist advance direction sign

tourist road signs ireland

Tourist attraction direction sign

tourist road signs ireland

Pedestrian sign to a car park

tourist road signs ireland

Pedestrian sign to a tourist attraction

tourist road signs ireland

Alternative route off the motorway

Motorway signs.

To make the drivers aware of the road type that they are currently driving on the road and about the road type that they are going to enter in the upcoming region.

tourist road signs ireland

Motorway ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Advance direction sign

tourist road signs ireland

300m to next exit

tourist road signs ireland

200m to next exit

tourist road signs ireland

100m to next exit

tourist road signs ireland

The motorway ends 1km ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Motorway ends 500m ahead

tourist road signs ireland

End of motorway

tourist road signs ireland

Route confirmatory sign for M7

tourist road signs ireland

Advance direction for destination

tourist road signs ireland

Entry to motorway

tourist road signs ireland

Toll plaza ahead

tourist road signs ireland

Toll charges

tourist road signs ireland

Toll plaza information sign

tourist road signs ireland

Authorized vehicles only

tourist road signs ireland

Typical 2km next exit sign

tourist road signs ireland

Motorway service plaza

tourist road signs ireland

Route confirmatory sign with Euro Route marker plate

tourist road signs ireland

Typical lane gain sign

Frequently asked questions.

You can find our most popular frequently asked questions around driving lessons below

WhatsApp us

Ask a Question

Road signs pdf, get rules of the road pdf.

Enter your details below:

tourist road signs ireland

Traning Pack

  • Useful Maps
  • Ask About Ireland
  • Ireland & the Irish
  • Ireland with Kids
  • Ireland on a Budget

Dochara logo

Irish Road Signs & Traffic Signals

tourist road signs ireland

There can seem to be a bit of a mish-mash of signs on Irish roads, with signs of various colours and styles sharing a single signpost. Yes, it can be confusing! Once you know how to decode the signs though, all becomes clear.

Sign Colours

Signpost

While square or rectangular brown signs, which are informational, are usually separated from official directional signs, this isn’t always the case, as this somewhat chaotic signposting in Glengarriff shows – a testament to the fact that it IS possible to provide too much information!

Knowing this, if you now look at the jumble of signs in the image above, they should start to make sense.

Direction Signs

National Road Sign

Official signage is always bilingual, with the Irish version in italics over the English one. The only exception to this rule is in Gealtacht, or Irish speaking, areas, where signs are in Irish only.

Knowing the way signs are formatted means you can get a lot more information from them. In the one on the left, it is a sign on the N77 road, in the direction of Durrow.

The destination in brackets means it is also the correct road for Athy, but you will have to make a turn somewhere ahead to get to Athy. You are 25km from Durrow and 46 km from Athy.

Traffic Signals

Traffic lights appear in two basic guises.

Standard Traffic Signals

In spite of the fact that legally an orange light means ‘stop unless it is unsafe to do so’, the reality is that Irish people tend to drive through much of the time. Many law abiding visitors, on obediently stopping when the lights go orange, have found themselves rear-ended by a motorist behind who was just speeding up to “make the lights”.

Pedestrian Crossing Signals

The flashing orange light indicates that pedestrians still have priority but that motorists may proceed if it is safe to do so.

Important regulatory road signs

tourist road signs ireland

Yield sign in Irish by CronoBird

Informational and warning signs

tourist road signs ireland

Long and winding road that leads to… By C.A.M.Stephens

Published: August 10, 2009 | Updated: March 31, 2017 | Image Credits

More Like this:

tourist road signs ireland

Contemporary Irish Glass

It would be wrong to think Irish glass ends with crystal, there are many …

tourist road signs ireland

Money and Banking in Northern Ireland

The currency of Northern Ireland is sterling, and although some stores close to …

tourist road signs ireland

Getting gear ready for the trip…and the Irish weather!

While the changeable weather conditions in Ireland means great light and …

tourist road signs ireland

The Claddagh Ring

Used as a token of love and friendship this traditional Galway ring can be worn …

Sponsored Content

' src=

Firstly, thank you for providing this resource, it is very helpful for us overseas travellers planning a trip to Ireland.

However a couple of point regarding this Irish Road Signs & Traffic Signals page if I may.

1. In the section on traffic lights it states that the sequence is Red » Green » Orange » Red but the image display is Red » Orange » Green » Red which is obviously quite confusing.

2. Many of the images that are supposed to provide examples are actually missing or badly linked so they do not display on the page. (I have checked on multiple browsers and operating systems.)

Hope you find this helpful, it is not meant as a criticism.

Regards, Graham

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Info & Contacts

  • About DoChara
  • Maps of Ireland
  • DoChara’s Blog
  • Submit an Event
  • Write about Ireland

Recent Comments

  • Edel on Irish Tea Brack
  • Katherine on Proportional Representation: How it Works
  • Terry Prentice on Proportional Representation: How it Works
  • Inge on Traditional Irish Christmas Cake

Popular Today

  • Diciphering Irish Placenames
  • Irish Surnames M-N
  • Food in Ireland 1600 – 1835
  • Gosford Castle & Forest Park
  • Mitchelstown Cave
  • The Dublin Pass Attractions

Get Updates

  • Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

CHM-logo

A Comprehensive Guide to Road Traffic Signs in Ireland

Welcome to our guide to road traffic signs in Ireland. This blog post discovers the three primary categories of road signs – regulatory, warning, and information signs – while delving into the significance each holds. Moreover, we’ll delve into the realm of temporary traffic management , the pivotal role of traffic management contractors, and the utmost importance of road markings in upholding road safety .

Venturing into the realm of road signs in the Republic of Ireland, we find similarities with those employed across Europe, except for one distinct feature – hazard or warning signs showcase the “New World” style donning a yellow diamond. Nevertheless, the symbols used on these warning signs bear a striking resemblance to those seen in the rest of Europe, adorning red-bordered white or yellow triangles, rather than resembling those prevalent in the United States.

Differences between regulatory signs (pertaining to limits and prohibitions) in Ireland and the rest of Europe are almost negligible.

As for directional signs, the system employed in the Republic of Ireland draws inspiration from the United Kingdom, but it is truly bilingual, except in the Gaeltacht regions, where solely the Irish language graces the signs.

Mini Roundabout: Distinct from standard roundabouts, a mini roundabout is marked by a sign with a dot in the center, surrounded by three curved lines. This design resembles a circle with three broken lines, each featuring small arrows. Drivers encountering this sign should be aware that they are approaching a smaller, less busy roundabout, but should still exercise caution and reduce their speed.

Merging Traffic: In areas where two busy roads converge at an angle, the road configuration can be complex. This sign warns drivers that they are approaching a merging traffic scenario. It’s a reminder to reduce speed and be vigilant when navigating this type of junction.

Two-Way Traffic: Also referred to as a double lane, this sign indicates twoparallel roads with a constructed concrete ridge, often found in Irish cities. When drivers see this sign with two arrows pointing in different directions, they should prepare to follow the rules for driving on roads with this configuration. This includes knowing when to use the fast lane or the slow lane and transitioning between them cautiously.

Dangerous Bend Ahead: While a “Dangerous Corner” sign suggests a gentler curve, a “Dangerous Bend Ahead” sign indicates a sharper, swifter turn. This sign features a gently bending arrow, and drivers should reduce their speed and navigate the bend with care.

Series of Dangerous Bends Ahead: In regions with challenging topography, such as undulating mountains and unpredictable water bodies, road designers often face limitations in creating easily navigable roads. In such cases, a series of dangerous bends may be encountered. To maintain road safety, a sign resembling a snake-like arrow warns drivers of multiple bends. These roads may also feature speed-reducing bumps.

Restricted Headroom: Some areas or roadways have restrictions on the types of vehicles allowed. Signs indicatingthe specific height of restricted vehicles serve as a warning. Drivers with vehicles exceeding the designated height may encounter barriers at the entrance of such roads, preventing entry.

T-Junction: T-junctions are common in both rural and urban settings, representing the transition from a less busy road to a major highway. This warning sign consists of a short, thin vertical line meeting a thicker, longer horizontal line. It signals the need for caution and adherence to right-of-way rules.

Series of Dangerous Corners Ahead: This sign is particularly ominous in appearance, reflecting the real hazards drivers may face. A road configuration with a series of dangerous corners is accompanied by this warning sign. It’s a reminder not to drive recklessly and to exercise extreme caution.

These warning signs are essential for the safety of all road users, providing critical information to ensure safe and informed driving. Understanding and adhering to these signs is an integral part of responsible driving in Ireland.

Three Categories of Road Traffic Signs in Ireland

  • Regulatory Signs : Their Shapes and Meanings  
  • Circular Signs and Speed Limits
  • Prohibitory Circular Signs
  • Blue Circular Signs for Directional Guidance

Despite certain deviations from the original design (refer to Regulatory signs), “Keep Left” and “Keep Right” signs predominantly feature white on a blue background, following the British pattern. To facilitate the adoption of standardized designs from British suppliers, local authorities extensively embraced the white-on-blue design, primarily due to its practicality, resulting in legislative measures making both patterns legally acceptable. In adherence to the Irish Power of One (energy conservation campaign), electronic signs gradually yield to reflective signs. The former “No Entry” sign, a prohibition sign with an upward-pointing arrow, now gives way to the international standard red disk in TSM 2010. However, the older version, now dubbed “No Straight Ahead,” may still surface when paired with a time or other restriction.

In the past, the Republic of Ireland’s ‘Yield’ sign read ‘Yield Right of Way,’ with remnants of this older variant still visible around the State.

On January 20, 2005, imperial speed limits on signs gracefully transitioned to metric speed limits. Approximately 35,000 existing signs received modification or replacement, accompanied by a further 23,000 newly erected signs displaying the speed limit in kilometers per hour. To dispel any ambiguity linked to the old signs, all speed limit signs now proudly display the mention “km/h” beneath the numerals. Distances, as showcased on route confirmatory signs, had already embraced kilometers since the 1970s. Owing to the dual speed limits possible on non-urban roads post-2005 metrication, the “end of speed limit” signs in Ireland (a white circle with a black diagonal line, as seen in the UK) have now faded into obscurity – the end of an urban speed restriction stands signified by the sign presenting the limit for the ensuing section.

Regulatory signs predominantly take on a circular shape, adorned with mostly black on a white background, with a red border. If the sign imparts a prohibition, a red line elegantly bisects the sign. This distinctive type of road sign made its debut in 1956 with the Traffic Signs Regulations, 1956. Subsequently, certain signs joined the fray. All these signs congregate in Chapter 5 of the TSM.

Road traffic signs in Ireland fall Regulatory signs

Warning Signs

 Decoding Warning Signs

  • Diamond-Shaped Warning Signs
  • Yellow Signs for Permanent Hazards
  • Orange Signs for Temporary Roadworks

Before the adoption of the 1956 traffic signs regulations, warning signs adhered to a standard outlined in the 1926 Road Signs and Traffic Signals Regulations. These signs, seldom found in situ anywhere in the Republic of Ireland these days, bore similarities to signs prevalent in the United Kingdom at that time.

Cast-iron plates, featuring raised type painted black on yellow, formed the base of these signs. A square pictogram showcased the hazard, with the type of hazard presented in both Irish, with traditional typeface, and English. Normally, a hollow red triangle would grace the pole to which the sign was attached.

Warning signs adopt the MUTCD design, characterized by a black composition on an amber (orangish-yellow) background, and boast a diamond shape. This exceptional type of road sign entered the scene with the Traffic Signs Regulations, 1956. Certain signs were later added, with many types, even the most commonplace ones, eluding any legislative inclusion. All these signs congregate in Chapter 6 of the TSM.

Warning Signs1

Information Signs

 Information Signs: Unearthing the Colors and Backing

  • Brown Signs – Showcasing Local Interest and Service Areas
  • White Signs – Revealing Route Information and Locations
  • Orange Signs – Unraveling the Enigma of Temporary Detours and Diversion Routes

Irish road signs proudly showcase the Transport and Motorway typefaces. Though uniquely designed for dark text against light backgrounds, the Transport Heavy weight finds application in all signs across Ireland. The Irish text adopts a distinctive oblique variant of Transport Heavy, with letters inclining at 15 degrees. While the letter “a” takes on the form of script “a” (ɑ), the letter “i” used to bear the dotless “i” (ı) for easier differentiation from its accented forms; nowadays, the conventional letter “i” reigns supreme. Additionally, the capitals “M,” “N,” and “A” exhibit similarities to lowercase “m,” “n,” and “a.”

Irish text takes precedence above the corresponding English text and invariably assumes mixed case. Meanwhile, all English text embraces the uppercase Roman alphabet.

  • Embracing the Art of Utilizing Composite Boards: Uniting Diverse Signs for Enhanced Impact

What are the distinct categories of road traffic signs in Ireland?

Regulatory Signs

What do regulatory signs signify, and what prompts their varying shapes?

Regulatory signs take on a circular form and impose rules to be strictly followed. Circular signs with red borders, featuring numbers like 30 and 50, indicate speed limits, while those boasting an upward arrow and diagonal bar restrict vehicles from advancing. Meanwhile, blue circular signs with white symbols guide drivers in their directional journey.

How do warning road signs operate in Ireland?

Warning signs, predominantly diamond-shaped, act as vigilant guardians, alerting drivers to potential hazards like treacherous bends, junctions, railway crossings, and crosswinds. Yellow signs serve as beacons for permanent hazards, while orange signs indicate temporary roadworks, such as the peril of an unprotected quay edge.

What type of information do signs with brown, white, and orange backgrounds convey?

Signs with brown backgrounds: Embrace local interest, scenic areas, historical monuments, and service areas.

Signs with white backgrounds: Provide crucial route information, locations, and directions.

Signs with orange backgrounds: Primarily linked to roadworks, proffering vital intel on temporary detours and diversion routes.

How can composite boards be effectively utilized to merge multiple signs?

Ingeniously crafted grey composite boards come to the rescue, combining diverse signs – envision a playful warning sign for children playing, a regulatory sign mandating a speed limit, and an information supplementary plate introducing a serene “Slow Zone.” Such amalgamations grace the approaches to villages and towns on National and Regional routes.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Click one of our contacts below to chat on WhatsApp

John Doe

Logo

  • Getting Started
  • Learn to Drive
  • Your exam in practice
  • Driving Licence C, CE, D and Driver CPC
  • Driver Qualification Card
  • Tachograph Card
  • Helpful Links
  • Documents to download

Road Signs Ireland

  • Practical Test Questions
  • Test Centres
  • - Getting Started
  • - Learn to Drive
  • - EDT lesson
  • - Your exam in practice
  • - Pre-Test
  • - Refresh
  • - Motorway
  • - Automatic
  • - Driving Licence C, CE, D and Driver CPC
  • - Driver Qualification Card
  • - Tachograph Card
  • - Helpful Links
  • - Documents to download
  • - Road Signs Ireland
  • - Practical Test Questions
  • - Test Centres
  • - Motorbike
  • - Truck

Regulatory Traffic Signs

tourist road signs ireland

Mandatory signs at junctions (white and blue)

tourist road signs ireland

Manual traffic control signs at roadworks

tourist road signs ireland

Motorway Signs

tourist road signs ireland

Warning Traffic Signs

tourist road signs ireland

Warning Signs for Road Works

tourist road signs ireland

Advance Direction Signs

tourist road signs ireland

Direction Signs (at junctions)

tourist road signs ireland

Tourist Information Signs

tourist road signs ireland

  • Irish Information Traffic Signs Gallery

Irish Information Road Traffic Signs

information traffic signs

‘Other Information Traffic Signs’ are road signs used to inform drivers of miscellaneous features on the road ahead, like road layout, geographical location information, and local services (such as parks and petrol stations). In this post, we give you the basics on information road signs as well as a gallery of signs you can study in preparation for your theory test. For a more comprehensive review, you can download the chapter from the Department of Transport Road Sign Manual at the end of this article.

Information Road Signs Categories

All information road signs in Ireland fall under one of the following categories:

  • Geographical Information Signs

Signs Indicating Facilities

Road layout signs, traffic calming signs.

  • Alternate Route Information Signs

Signs for Services

Toll road signs, tunnel information signs.

  • Miscellaneous Information Signs
  • Signs for Tourist Attractions and Facilities
  • Cycle Network Signs

Let’s take a look at those categories individually and discuss the signs and rules that you should know for each.

Geographical Information Traffic Signs

Geographical Information Road Traffic Signs give you information about the area you are driving in or to. For example, town or village signs like this one that you might see as you’re approaching a location.

town or village information road signs, information traffic sign

Town or village road signs will be green if on a national road, and white with black outline and text if they are on a regional or local road. Like all information traffic signs, town and village information signs will be larger on roads where the speed is higher so that drivers can see them more easily.

County Boundary Signs

County boundary signs are another kind of geographical information sign that you will see often. They are brown and inform drivers that they are entering or leaving a county. When located on local roads, the sign will be smaller and give just the county information. On national and regional roads, the sign will be larger and feature the county crest.

county boundary signs, information road signs, information traffic signs, geographical information road signs

Signs for Rivers

Signs for rivers are another common geographical information road sign. They are brown and feature the river name and river symbol, as pictured below. You will find them where a road crosses a river, even on motorways, and are always the same colour and design no matter what kind of road they are posted on. They will, however, be larger on high speed roads and motorways.

Roundabout Name Signs

Roundabout Name Signs are, as the name suggests, signs posted at roundabouts giving the name. They are designed to help drivers determine their location and/or find their way by map or GPS. They follow the same design guidelines as the Town or Village Road Signs.

Don’t wait until you’ve got your permit to book your lessons. Our instructors book out fast this time of year! We recommend booking a month in advance to avoid a delay and lock in your best days and times. Book by Phone

Signs indicating facilities are provided to give motorists information about facilities on the road ahead. These include parking , hospitals , airports , bus and train stations , ferry terminals and ports , garda stations and observation points , and service facilities such as restaurants and fuel stations. The signs vary in design depending on the facility indicated. Signs indicating parking and lay-bys are blue. Hospital signs are also blue as well as Garda observation point signs. All other facilities signs are black and white.

Understanding Irish Road Layout Signs is not only an important part of your theory test, but also very important for safe driving. We recommend spending a little more time learning these information road signs.

Road layout signs can appear on any road and are for the purpose of informing motorists of important changes in the layout of the road ahead. These signs are blue when on motorways , green on national roads , and white with black symbols on all other roads .

Lane Gain at Junctions

Lane gain signs appear most often at junctions.

tourist road signs ireland

Lane Gain Between Junctions

In some instances an additional lane may be introduced between junctions. Some include distance panels below to tell drivers exactly how soon the change will occur.

information traffic signs

Lane Diverge Signs

Lane diverge occurs when the lanes in a carriageway split at a junction: one or more lanes lead off to a different destination with a consequent reduction in the number of lanes on the main carriageway. On urban roads, there are also lane diverge signs that alert motorists of appropriate manoeuvres needed for the road ahead. These signs can also advise drivers on which lane they should be in for an upcoming junction. Where one of the lanes is a bus lane, the arrow depicting that lane will be replaced by the words “LÁNA BUS”.

tourist road signs ireland

Start and End Signs for Motorways

Start and End Signs for Motorways are blue with white symbols and lettering. They indicate to drivers when a motorway starts and ends.

tourist road signs ireland

Countdown Markers

Countdown Markers are provided in advance of a diverge lane on all grade separated dual carriageways or motorways. They are located in sets of three on the left-hand verge at approximately 300m, 200m and 100m in advance of the start of the diverge taper, in order to give the driver a final countdown to the start of the diverge slip lane. Each line on the sign indicates 100 metres. So the first sign shown will have three lines to indicate the approaching change is 300m away. Then two, and then one. They are blue on motorways, green on national and regional roads and white on local roads.

information road signs

Cul-de-Sac Sign

This sign is posted at the entrance of a road that has no outlet.

information road signs

With Flow Bus Lanes

Displayed at the start of a with flow bus lane, these signs alert drivers that a bus lane is starting either nearside or offside.

tourist road signs ireland

Alternative Route Information Signs

tourist road signs ireland

Signs are required on main roads to indicate where services such as refreshments and fuel can be obtained. These facilities might be available in special service areas on motorways; adjacent to a junction on a major road; in adjacent towns or villages; on nearby side roads; or with access directly off the main road.

Motorway Service Areas are indicated with blue signs. Service Areas off the Main Line are brown.

tourist road signs ireland

Tourist Attractions

tourist road signs ireland

Cycle Network Signs

Cycle network signs are direction signs used to direct cyclists along networks of cycle routes – either local routes or longer distance routes.

tourist road signs ireland

More Information on Information Road Signs

In our experience, the information provided here is more than enough to prepare yourself for the theory test on this particular topic, but if you would like even more detailed information regarding Information Road Signs, you can download the relevant chapter from the Department of Transport Road Sign Manual.

Check Out Our Other Traffic Signs Galleries

traffic signs, regulatory road signs

Share this:

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Driving Instructors

  • Declan O’Brien | Gorey, All Wicklow

Quick Links

  • Why Choose Our Driving School?
  • Learning to Drive | Driving Lessons in Ireland
  • Cost of Driving Lessons
  • Jeep Trailer Lessons
  • Learn to Drive | EDT Driving Lessons

Latest Posts

information traffic signs

The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Leinster School of Motoring, and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

Image Credits: Icons made by Freepik on Flaticon.com

  • LED & Solar Powered Signs
  • Commercial Signs
  • Health and Safety Signs

Tourism Signs

  • Sign Accessories
  • Signage – Packaging Cleaning & Storage
  • Permanent Safety Barriers
  • Temporary Steel Barriers
  • Traffic and Pedestrian Control
  • Traffic Management Vehicles
  • Delineator Posts – Flexible
  • CONSPICUITY TAPE
  • Salt Grit Storage
  • Protected: Equestrian
  • Kissing Gate
  • Litter Bins
  • Outdoor Furniture
  • Walkways & Bridges
  • Water Safety
  • Waymarker Posts
  • Sign Design
  • Installation
  • Maintenance and Repairs
  • IPV Crash Cushion Hire
  • Traffic Management
  • CNC Routing & Cutting
  • Product Videos
  • Quality Certification

tourist road signs ireland

  • Road Safety
  • Leisure Products
  • Services & Hire
  • Terms and Conditions of Sale
  • Decorative Signage
  • Information Display Units & Map Signs
  • Recent projects & product examples
  • Town & Village Signs

SEARCH HERE

As Irelands premier sign manufacturer our team are here to assist you in your signage requirement.

With our vast experience and knowledge we will provide the signs to suit your needs. Our clients include Local Authorities, Inland Fisheries, Coilte, OPW, Group Scheme Committees, Rural Development Groups, various Tidy Towns committees nationwide etc. Our signs are at various locations throughout Ireland, with Kilkenny’s very successful Medieval Mile Signage one of our most recent projects.

Whether you are looking for a B&B directional finger post sign or a detailed decorative information point display sign, we are here to help. Our design team are experienced and entuiastic to get your message displayed visually.

  • Local amenity signage
  • Information Display Units
  • Map Display points
  • Lectern units
  • Town and village signs
  • Tidy towns signs
  • Decorative scheme signs
  • Aluminium Raised Letter Signs and Plaques
  • Way-finding and directional signage

For further information, select from the above list or the menu on the left, and if you need assistance please do not hesitate to contact us.

tourist road signs ireland

Highway Safety Developments, Knocktopher, Co. Kilkenny. EIRCODE R95 TW83

T: 056-7768702.

tourist road signs ireland

COMMENTS

  1. Irish road signs

    Junction ahead. This is a warning sign that is diamond in shape with a yellow background, black border and an indication of the type of junction ahead in black. This includes crossroads, T-junctions, staggered junctions and left or right turns off roads. Picture Source: Kenneth Allen / Road at Tirhoran, via Wikimedia Commons.

  2. Driving in Ireland: Tips for Tourists + First Timers (2024)

    3. Prepare for road signs. If you're following one of our Ireland itinerary guides, you'll encounter hundreds of road signs within minutes of driving in Ireland for the first time. It's imperative that you familiarise yourself with these in advance from Ireland's Road Safety Authority. 4. Narrow roads

  3. PDF Road Signs Ireland

    In most of the parts, these road signs usually appear generic and similar to those found in other places across Europe and beyond, but it is important to mention that road signs in Ireland may have a few unique differences and exceptions. Email: [email protected]. Phone: 085 118 1111.

  4. A useful guide to Ireland road markings

    Hatched road markings are most commonly found where central reservations are located and are accompanied by a blue directional road sign (see picture below). The other common use of hatched road markings in Ireland is on single carriageway roads to separate streams of traffic, for example, in the case of allowing drivers to turn right.

  5. Road Signs Ireland

    Road signs play a huge role in making Ireland a country with safe roads. Learners who plan to take up a driving test and get licensed are expected to recognise a befitting percentage of these signs if they want to come out successful with the test. On a general note, Road signs are divided into four broad aspects.

  6. Driving in Ireland as a Tourist: Top Tips for Safety

    Road signs. When it comes to the rules of the road signs Ireland uses, many are the same as the UK and Europe. However, there are three differences: Warning signs in the Republic of Ireland, apart from a yield sign, take the form of a diamond shape with a yellow background and black symbol contained in the middle of the sign.

  7. Driving in Ireland

    In the Republic of Ireland, road signs show distances and speed limits in kilometres. Road signs and place names are displayed in both Irish (Gaelic) and English. In Gaeltacht areas (where Irish is the primary language) only Irish is used. ... I will receive personalised email content based on my use of Tourism Ireland's website, emails and ...

  8. Category : Tourist road signs in Ireland

    Media in category "Tourist road signs in Ireland" The following 77 files are in this category, out of 77 total.

  9. Irish road signs

    The first sign on our list that uses the Irish language. The words 'Géill Slí', 'Yield', or 'Yield Right of Way' appear in a triangular sign with a red border and work in the same way as 'Give Way' signs in the UK. The sign usually appears next to a broken white line in the road and although it isn't essential to stop your ...

  10. Road Signs Ireland

    Simply put, road signs fall into four groups. These are: rules for the road signs, warning signs, information signs, and signs you see on highways. Let's look at some signs from the warning group. Dangerous Corner: If you're driving somewhere for the first time, you can't always guess what the road will look like.

  11. Road and Traffic Signs in Ireland

    Warning signs in Ireland are often red or yellow to advise of potential danger. You should take note of any warning signs in Ireland as they are designed to alert you of possible dangers ahead. Speed bumps in road. Traffic light ahead. Road bends right then left. Double curve ahead, to the left then to the right.

  12. Road Signs Ireland

    Road signs are the standard means of regulating behaviour on the motorways in Ireland to communicate basic rules and regulations through simple graphics that can be understood easily. In most of the parts, these road signs usually appear generic and similar to those found in other places across Europe and beyond, but it is important to mention ...

  13. Ireland Road Signs

    Typically, road signs exclusively in Irish are either relics from years past, or are place names for tourist attractions in Ireland, these signs are easily distinguished because they will be in either brown and white or black and white, as opposed to the yellow and black, red, black and white, or blue and white color regimes found on the signs ...

  14. Irish Road Signs & Traffic Signals

    Knowing the way signs are formatted means you can get a lot more information from them. In the one on the left, it is a sign on the N77 road, in the direction of Durrow. The destination in brackets means it is also the correct road for Athy, but you will have to make a turn somewhere ahead to get to Athy. You are 25km from Durrow and 46 km from ...

  15. PDF Policy on The Provision of Tourist and Leisure Signage on ...

    Part 1: Background. 1.1 Official strategy for the use of tourist signage is governed by the document PD 12/14, 1988, "Criteria for the Provision of Tourist Attraction and Accommodation Signs", originally published by the Department of the Environment.

  16. Irish Gaelic You'll See on Road Signs

    You're much more likely to see Irish Gaelic on road signs than hearing it spoken. Just about any road sign pointing you to a town or city will have the name of the place in two languages: the top bit in italics is Irish Gaelic, the bottom bit in capital letters is in English. Generally, place names in Ireland were originally in Irish Gaelic ...

  17. Road signs in Ireland

    Various road signs outside Farranfore, County Kerry. Typical road signs in rural areas of the Republic of Ireland. Here, a fingerpost with old road number and Bord Fáilte logo. Signpost located in Rathangan, County Kildare.. Road signs in the Republic of Ireland do not differ greatly from those used elsewhere in Europe - with the notable exception that hazard or warning signs follow the ...

  18. Ireland Road Signs

    Typically, road signs exclusively in Irish are either relics from years past, or are place names for tourist attractions in Ireland, these signs are easily distinguished because they will be in either brown and white or black and white, as opposed to the yellow and black, red, black and white, or blue and white color regimes found on the signs ...

  19. A Comprehensive Guide to Road Traffic Signs in Ireland

    Regulatory signs predominantly take on a circular shape, adorned with mostly black on a white background, with a red border. If the sign imparts a prohibition, a red line elegantly bisects the sign. This distinctive type of road sign made its debut in 1956 with the Traffic Signs Regulations, 1956. Subsequently, certain signs joined the fray.

  20. Road Signs

    Road Signs Ireland Regulatory Traffic Signs Mandatory signs at junctions (white and blue) Manual traffic control signs at roadworks Motorway Signs Warning Traffic Signs Warning Signs for Road Works Advance Direction Signs Direction Signs (at junctions) Tourist Information Signs. About; Car Lessons. Getting Started; Learn to Drive;

  21. Irish Information Road Signs

    Irish Information Road Traffic Signs. 'Other Information Traffic Signs' are road signs used to inform drivers of miscellaneous features on the road ahead, like road layout, geographical location information, and local services (such as parks and petrol stations). In this post, we give you the basics on information road signs as well as a ...

  22. gov

    Published on 18 February 2021. Last updated on 18 October 2021. The Traffic Signs Manual is available at www.trafficsigns.ie where each chapter can be downloaded individually. A number of Guidance Documents have also been produced in support of Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual, relating to Temporary Traffic Measures and Signs for Roadworks.

  23. Tourism Signs

    Our signs are at various locations throughout Ireland, with Kilkenny's very successful Medieval Mile Signage one of our most recent projects. Whether you are looking for a B&B directional finger post sign or a detailed decorative information point display sign, we are here to help.