Roads in Ireland are generally of a very high standard. Motorways (highways) are prefixed with an “M” (for example M50), while national roads are prefixed with an “N” (for example N18).
Roads in Northern Ireland are prefixed with an "M" for motorway (highway); an "A" and a "B" for primary and non-primary roads.
Be mindful that signs in the Republic of Ireland show distances in kilometers, while in the North miles are used.
There are a number of tolled roads in Ireland.
There are no toll roads in Northern Ireland.
Visitors wishing to drive in Ireland will require either a full valid national driving license or an international driving permit issued abroad. Either of the above can be obtained from the country of origin.
Driving laws
Driving in Ireland is on the left hand side of the road and it is required that all passengers wear seat belts at all times in both the front and back of the vehicle. For those riding motorcycles, both motorcyclists and their passengers must wear helmets. Ireland’s laws on drink driving are very strict. Those drivers found to be contravening the laws will be heavily penalized.
Speed limits in the Republic of Ireland are:
50kph/30mph in built-up urban areas
80kph/50mph on single non-national open roads
100kph/60mph on national roads
120kph on motorways
In Northern Ireland, speed limits are:
30mph/50kph in built-up urban areas
60mph/96kph on single carriageways
70mph/112kph on dual carriageways and motorways (highways)
Signposts
In the Republic of Ireland, signposts denoting speed limits are now in kilometers per hour. Also only in the Republic, signposts and place names are displayed in both Irish (Gaelic) and English. In Gaeltacht areas (an area where Irish is the primary language) only Irish is used.
Signposts and speeds in Northern Ireland are in miles and miles per hour while all place names are displayed in English only.
Fuel
The island of Ireland is well served by petrol (gas) stations. Prices will vary between the petrol (gas) stations. The Automobile Association website features information on pricing in both Northern Ireland and the Republic.