Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  While in Ireland, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

• Cars drive on the left side of the road in Ireland. If you do not have experience driving on the left, you should be especially cautious as tourists driving on the incorrect side of the road are the cause of several serious accidents each year.
  
• Road conditions are generally good, but once you exit the main highways, country roads are likely to be narrow, uneven, and winding. Drivers should be attentive of cyclists and pedestrians, particularly in urban areas.
  
• Most intersections in Ireland use circular “roundabouts” instead of signals, and it is important that drivers pay close attention to signs and yield the right of way to those already in the roundabout.
  
• Most rental cars in Ireland have manual transmission; it can be difficult to find automatic transmission rental cars.

Traffic Laws:   Police periodically set up road blocks to check for drunk drivers. Penalties for driving under the influence can be severe.

• At stoplights, turning on a red light is illegal; you must wait for either a full green (any direction turn permitted) or directional green light (which could be straight, left, or right) before proceeding with caution.
  
• You may use your existing U.S. driver’s license in Ireland for a temporary stay; this can be for any period of time up to a maximum of one year. Some insurance and car rental companies may request an International Driving Permit in addition to your existing driving license. If you wish to apply for an International Driving Permit, please contact the American Automobile Association. You are required to apply for an Irish driving license if you become a resident of Ireland.

Public Transportation: Taxi rates vary with time of day and location. Ask your hotel or for the number of a call-dispatched taxi service if you plan to be out during less busy times.

Intercity bus and train services are generally good.

Local bus service in the cities is generally adequate, although many buses are crowded and they frequently run late. Pay close attention to where bus stops are in both directions, as the drop-off and pick-up locations could be several blocks away from each other.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the Irish Tourism Board and the website for the National Roads Authority of Ireland, which is responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Ireland’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Ireland’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.