(There are large clear signs as you cross over reminding the driver that the speed is in "Miles per hour" ). In many instances the new speed in kms will be slightly faster than the equivalent in mph and in some slower.(The speed signs state km/h so people are not confused with the old "mph" signs and go faster than they should)

Toll Roads: Sections of motorwayss have tolls on them, some for only a short stretch like on the M1 near Drogheda. With these you can buy an automated system from "etoll" or pay at the toll booths at the toll plazzas. Take great care on the M50 as this is operated by a cameral system. More information Here

Speed Cameras: Ireland has had speed cameras for a number of years and many are very similar to those found in the UK at slightly higher height levels than traffic lights on many roads and motorways. Rememeber if you are hiring a car, the car hire company will pass your details onto the authorities and you then have to pay the fine.

It is wise to keep car hire documentation for a few months in case there is a mix up with the vehicle's registration and you find that it was not the car you were renting that was actually caught on camera.

Mobile vehicle cameravans are also used and they can also appear on Sundays and bank holidays!

They track the location of over 1000 Garda and GoSafe speed trap locations. They feature all the fixed safety camera and most frequently reported mobile speed cameras locations

Irish Registered Cars

Road Tax: All motor vehicles must be taxed before the vehicle is used on a road and display a current circular road tax disc on the vehicle's windscreen (or holder if it a motor bike).

Insurance: All drivers must have insurance covering them to drive a motor vehicle on a public road. An up to date insurance disc must be displayed on the vehicle's windscreen.

The following vehicles do not need to by law display an insurance disc:

Trailers: All trailers must be covered by third party motor insurance.

National Car Test: Passenger cars over four years old must have a valid NCT Certificate and the NCT disc must be displayed on the windscreen.

Certificate of Roadworthiness: Goods vehicles, goods trailers with a gross weight of more than 3,500kg, ambulance, buses, minbuses and coaches that are over one year old must have a valid Certificate of Roadworthiness.

Vehicle Registration plates (Republic of Ireland): These are black letters on a white background for both front and rear of the vehicle with the IRL sign incorporated into the euro sign on a blue background on the left or top left hand corner of the number plate. First two number show year vehicle was registered - Letter is for county the vehicle is registered in - Random numbers.The county / city the vehicle is registered in is also at the top of the plate in Irish. Details on the left below

Vehicle Registration plates (Northern Ireland): In Northern Ireland the registration plates are white at the front and yellow at the rear like in Britain, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Gibraltar. There are different letters for each county / city as shown above right. The county registration scheme was the same in the Republic of Ireland which changed in 1991.

See also - No Number 13 in Irish Vehicle Registration Next Year - December 2012 and

New Number Plate system in Ireland - February 2013

M50 Barrier Free Tolling system - Dublin - Ireland (SEE Don’t get caught not paying the toll on the M50 in Ireland - Blog June 2009 and How Irish car hire companies are not improving Irish Tourism Article - October 2010)

Drivers of all vehicles using the section of the M50 between Junctions 6 (N3 Blanchardstown) and Junction 7 (M4 Lucan) are liable to pay a toll.

(click on image to enlarge) There is no toll barrier or tolling booth and therefore there is no cash payment facility available at the tolling point on the M50. Most car hire companies will have established account facilities with the toll operator (eflow), therefore the toll account will be automatically charged to a car rental company's account for each toll incurred. This will mean the car hire company will debit your credit card company for any tolls.

In the event of no arrangement you must pay your own tolls. You can do this on line at the eFlow website or at shops and petrol stations that show the logo. You have until 8pm the following day to pay for your journey. If this deadline passes and you have not made payment at any Payzone outlet, online at www.eflow.ie or at their call centre (LoCall: 1890 50 10 50) Monday to Sunday 7AM to 11PM, a Standard Toll Request will be issued for payment (STR).

December 2015: A word of warning! Editors note - if you don't pay the M50 toll and you are driving an UK registered vehicle the system will send you reminder back to the registered keepper in the UK and this will include a fine for late payment. Borrowed a friend's car to go to Dublin, had to cross over M50 toll and return.

That evening went to newsagent displaying the "payzone" logo and paid for two crossings. Asked for registration and showed a shot of the number plate on iPhone. On return to England the friend received a letter with a fine from "eflow". Contacted them by phone as this was best way and spotted on the receipt of payment (always keep these) that in the registration there was a "0" that had been entered as the letter "O". Problem was sorted, but the character 0 and O meant that eflow registered this as not being paid. same could possibly happen with"1" and "i" for example.

If you are renting a car in the Republic of Ireland, check whether you can take the car into Northern Ireland. Some companies will make a compulsory charge of   25 (approx) to cover AA breakdown in that part if the country. A similar amount £22 approx) is payable if you are renting in Northern Ireland and want to take the car into the Republic of Ireland.It is best to check with the vehicle hire company in advance.

Electric scooters: These have become very popular and as of March 2020 no actual legislation has come into force. Riders tend to use these on main roads, pavements and bike lanes. They don't appear to be insured or registered so take great care you are knocked down by one. Gardaí have the powers to consficate these vehicles and there are more and more on the roads (and pavements) every year.

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AA Ireland is the main motoring association.

Looking in for AA Car Insurance or Breakdown Assistance in the Republic of Ireland? Find out more by clicking on the images below

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Views of the Dublin area

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Information from holiday autos about Ireland

Ireland's scenery is the biggest attraction for visitors who can also enjoy traditional hospitality in lively towns and the buzz of Dublin and Cork. The Dingle Peninsula, Ring of Kerry and the Connemara and Donegal coasts are firm favourites. The beaches around the south-east coast are best for swimming and the unsheltered western coast is great for surfers. Try visiting in June or September when it is less crowded and easier to get around .

It’s not all about Guinness and steak pies. Hop on a plane, hire a car and explore what the Emerald Isle is really all about. Book today for great rates on car hire in Ireland.

Book car hire Northern Ireland and head off exploring landscapes and legends. Drive your hire car through some of the most stunning scenery. You'll need to remember to drive on the right and to change gear, as most car rentals are not automatic. Book car hire in Northern Ireland today.

car hire in Dublin - Dublin is perfect for that weekend away. Hire a car and make the most of your time. Dubliners love their Guinness. Head to the Guinness Storehouse for a free beer and a 360-view over the city. Want to escape the city? Take your hire car to the Wicklow Mountains, it’s about an hour’s drive from Dublin.

car hire in Galway - Good things come in small packages. Galway maybe Ireland’s smallest city but it’s packed with charm. It’s also a great base to hire a car and explore the west of Ireland. Drive out to the Connemara National Park. Careful where you step – you don’t want to get bogged down. Take the hire car to the sleepy town of Sligo. Westlife call it home, it also houses the remains of a 5,000-year old village.

car hire in Belfast - Belfast. An ideal place for a city break for us Brits. Book Northern Ireland car hire from one of four locations and see what’s on offer in the birthplace of the Titanic. Legend has it the Giant’s Causeway was formed by the fighting of two great giants. Whether you believe the legend or not, it's well worth the car ride. For some real history, head to Derry. It’s city walls are still intact and there’s even 24 cannons to play with on your way round.

top driving tips -Check your fuel before setting off. There are no petrol stations on the motorways - In Galway and some other cities - It’s too much of a hassle parking on the city streets – you’ll need to get a disc – head for a car park instead.Speed limits are well signposted in Northern Ireland. Follow them or you’re next stop will be court.

See Also:

Renting a Car in Ireland - Tripadvisor Article

Irish Tourism in 2011 - Article

Car hire insurance for Irish residents Here