Driving Abroad – Ireland – Car Insurance

To really see all that Ireland has to offer, you’re better off by car. Escape the hustle and bustle of the major cities and explore the countryside. Taking your own car is easy and inexpensive with ferry services are available to and from Ireland from the UK. Petrol prices are also cheaper than the UK.

Driving on the Roads of Ireland

There are many idyllic villages that you will come across as you explore the country lanes. However, take care when travelling on the more rural roads as they are often very narrow; and as road signage can be patchy in rural areas maps / satellite navigation are a must.

Also beware of livestock venturing on to the roads - don’t be surprised if you turn round a blind corner, only to be met with a herd of animals. So drive slowly round blind corners and along open roads where there is no fencing to prevent animals from trespassing on the road.

When it comes to drink-driving, the limit is the same in Ireland as it is in the UK but has severe punishments for offenders. If you are unfortunately caught speeding you can expect to get an on the spot fine from a police officer.

Sites You Can’t Afford To Miss

A must see when driving in Ireland is The Ring of Kerry. The Ring of Kerry is a 110 mile circular road that will take you around the breathtaking coastal line of the Iveragh Peninsular. Located in the west of Ireland this offers stunning views along with a number of different pubs and beaches.

Laws on the Roads of Ireland

Passengers must wear seatbelts if they are fitted in the vehicle.
Children under the age of 12 are not allowed to sit in the front seat without a suitable child restraint. In addition, passengers under 12 years of age or less than 1.5m tall must be seated in a suitable child seat or booster chair.
Drivers should use dipped headlights in poor light conditions.
In an emergency call 999 or 112.
Motorcyclists must dip their headlights during the day and wear a crash helmet at all times. This includes any passengers.

Irish Speed Limits

Urban Areas – 50 Km/h (30mph)
Outside Urban Areas – 60 Km/h up to 100 Km/h (38mph – 60mph)
Motorways – 120 Km/h (75mph)

Local Knowledge

Roads going into bigger cities such as Dublin and Cork get particularly busy during rush hour. Getting out of the bigger cities can also be a bit of a headache during these times. Another law that you should obey when driving in Ireland is not to use your horn between the hours of 11.30pm and 7am.

Cities in Ireland also have a high level of car crime so be sure to park your car in a sensible place with adequate street lighting and make sure that no valuables or important documents are left in the vehicle when it is unattended.

Be expected to hit motorway tolls in Ireland. These tolls are now being introduced gradually for the M1, M4, M8 and the new M50 Dublin Orbital. Just make sure that you have always got some spare cash on you at all times and you should be fine.

About Us I Car Insurance I Contact Us I Site Map

©2009 Motor Quote Direct. All rights reserved. W E Bedford Insurance Services (Wimbledon) Ltd, 267-269 Kingston Road, Wimbledon, London, SW19 3FW is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Our FSA Register number is 305737