Rules of the Road

As of the January 20, 2005, the measurement of speed limits on the Republic of Ireland roads changed from miles per hour (mph) to kilometres per hour (km/h). There has also been significant changes to speed limits on certain roads in the ROI along with some new vehicle speed limits.

Motorists are urged to remember the change of driving laws when crossing the border. New signs in the Republic display the new speed limits in kilometres per hour. However, motorists should also be aware that on some roads permitted speeds are now different to those in Northern Ireland.

Speed Limits (Republic of Ireland)

The maximum speed limits:

• Towns and cities 50km/h; 
• regional areas and local roads (speeds displayed by white signs) 80km/h; 
• national roads (displayed by green signs) 100km/h.     

Speed Limits (Northern Ireland)

The maximum speed limits:

• Towns and cities 30mph;
• regional/country roads 60mph;
• motorway 70mph.     

Signposts 

• In the Republic, all signposts denoting distance and speed limits are now in kilometres per hour. 
• In the Gaeltacht (Gaelic-speaking) areas of the Republic of Ireland, only the Irish/Gaelic versions of place names will be used on road signs and large-scale maps. Smaller scale ordnance survey maps, such as those used by tourists and currently distributed by Tourism Ireland, can carry both Irish and English versions of names. The areas in question are relatively small and with the aid of a good tourist map and the help of friendly locals, visitors should be able to navigate their way around all parts of the country without too much difficulty. 
• In Northern Ireland, all signposts and speeds are in miles and place names are displayed in English.     

Licence and Insurance 

Visitors to Ireland should be in possession of either a full valid national driving licence or an international driving permit issued abroad. These are readily available from motoring organisations in the country of origin. If planning to bring your car to Ireland, please advise your insurance company before travelling.