Driving in Ireland: Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience

From winding country roads to bustling city streets, driving in Ireland offers a unique experience. Assuming you've mastered the rules of the road (if not, check out our guide to understanding Irish driving rules and regulations), driving in Ireland requires a certain finesse.

This guide provides essential tips to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience on the road. Learn how to navigate narrow country lanes, understand the 'thank you' wave, and more, whether you're cruising the scenic Wild Atlantic Way or tackling Dublin traffic.

Road Conditions 

No two roads in Ireland are exactly the same, so be aware of the need to adapt to changing conditions and elements that can quickly pop up along your journey. 

Country roads, for instance, might as well have ‘subject to change’ painted on them. Be extremely careful on narrow rural roads - patience is a virtue here, as you will likely need to wait for an approaching vehicle to pass by before you proceed ahead - and adhere to speed limits. 

Also, while the sight of local livestock travelling on the road is often a quaint and pleasant detour from the human traffic on city streets, be very careful to avoid dangerous close encounters. 

And whether you’re an Irish native or just visiting, you should be well aware that we can experience four seasons of weather in just one day, so be ready for any suddenly-shifting developments that involve sun, rain, wind, frost, ice, and even snow.

Guide: Winter Driving - Tips & Techniques for a Safer Journey

Parking Rules

Parking is a skill all of its own, with different branches to consider. Most towns and cities in Ireland have designated bye-laws concerning parking your vehicle, so pay attention to signage for things like pay and display and restricted areas to avoid completely. 

Unless otherwise offered for free by a business or venue, parking somewhere for an extended period of time is likely to cost you a small amount of money, which is much more preferable than the hefty fine that can accompany the breaking of parking rules and regulations. 

A general rule of thumb with parking is to avoid parking your vehicle anywhere that obstructs or endangers others. You should also avoid parking:  

• Where a ‘no parking’ sign is displayed
• Where a ‘restricted parking’ sign is displayed, detailing limited time periods
• On double yellow lines
• On a single yellow line on the times outlined on an accompanying sign 
• In a cycle lane
• In a bus lane 
• In a taxi rank
• In a loading bay 
• On or directly beside tram lines
• On a footpath
• On a pedestrian-only street
• On a pedestrian-crossing 
• On a motorway, including the hard shoulder 
• Anywhere that obstructs the operation of emergency services

Toll Roads

Ireland is host to many toll roads that drivers must pay to pass through, as overseen by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). These roads are usually located on major inter-urban corridors such as motorways, bypasses, bridges, and tunnels. 

Different payment methods are available, including the old-school exchange of physical tender between driver and toll agent at a manual booth, or electronic tags such as eFlow.  A full list of toll locations and charges in Ireland is available here.

Fuel Prices

While fuel isn't cheap, you can find ways to save money – and we'll show you how in this article. Fuel prices across the world are in a constant state of flux - summer 2024 in Ireland saw two separate significant price increases in petrol and diesel in the space of just three months - so it’s important to strategise and assess the different options available to you. 

FuelCompare provides a nationwide compare-and-contrast on petrol and diesel prices at service stations, while the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers a handy fuel price comparison when it comes to considering an electric vehicle. 

Insurance

The wise driver knows that valid car insurance brings peace of mind. In the case of an emergency or accident, insurance is there to take any extra stresses off your shoulders, especially those of a financial nature. 

At AIG, we offer a wide range of standard benefits across all types of our insurance coverage. We also offer specialised packages to suit every driver, including comprehensive, third party, and BoxClever, which is specifically tailored towards young and first-time drivers. 

Road Emergencies

Nobody gets behind the wheel with an emergency in mind, but should something unforeseen and frightening occur, try your best to take a deep breath, dial down the panic, stay calm, and respond to a difficult situation as best as you can. 

Call 112 free of charge on your phone in the event of a medical emergency if somebody is injured, unconscious, at risk of dying, or seriously ill. 

When connected with the appropriate service, provide the following information:

• The phone number you are calling from or an alternate number to contact you back on
• The location and address of where you are and the emergency has taken place
• Clear and concise details of what exactly has happened

Once an ambulance or other emergency response unit has been dispatched, stay on the line unless otherwise instructed to as you may need to give more information. 

Guide: What to Do If You Are in a Car Accident?

‘Thank You’ Wave

Last but not least, remember your manners and practice etiquette while driving on Irish roads. It’s something of a tradition in Ireland to give a passing salute if another driver has opted to let you drive ahead of them from an adjoining road during a busy flow of traffic, or if they’re allowing you to pass by them on a narrow rural road. 

In response, give them a ‘thank you’ wave or even raise a finger or two from your steering wheel in appreciation and acknowledgement of their kind gesture. Failure to do so will likely be seen as rude, and that’s not your style, is it? 

Conclusion

Driving in Ireland is more than just reaching a destination; it's about embracing the journey with a blend of caution and courtesy. By familiarising yourself with the practical tips and local insights in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to handle the unique quirks of Irish roads, ensuring a safe and memorable experience for yourself and others.

Ready to hit the road with confidence? Explore AIG's range of comprehensive car insurance options, tailored to your specific needs, and embark on your Irish adventure with true peace of mind.