Left-Hand Traffic — Survival Guide
Ireland drives on the left — like Great Britain. For most German travelers, this is the biggest challenge. The good news: You get used to it faster than expected. The bad news: The first 30 minutes are nerve-wracking.
Tips for Left-Hand Traffic Beginners
- Book automatic! The gear stick is on the left, the gears are mirrored. Automatic eliminates a source of error
- Roundabouts: Clockwise! Look right, look left, then enter. Traffic comes from the RIGHT
- Wipers instead of indicators: The indicator lever is on the right side of the steering wheel. The first few days you'll turn on the wipers at every turn
- “Hug the left”: Always stay left. After overtaking: move back to the left. When parking: pull over to the left side of the road
- Country roads: Narrow roads with hedges on both sides, no shoulder, oncoming traffic. Drive slowly, fold in side mirrors, keep calm
- First day: Avoid Dublin and the Ring of Kerry. Get used to it on quiet country roads
Speed Limits
| Road | Republic of Ireland (km/h) | Northern Ireland (mph) |
|---|---|---|
| Urban | 50 km/h | 30 mph (48 km/h) |
| Country road | 80 km/h | 60 mph (97 km/h) |
| National road | 100 km/h | 60 mph (97 km/h) |
| Motorway | 120 km/h | 70 mph (113 km/h) |
💡 Tipp
The most dangerous moment: Driving off from the hotel in the morning. You're still tired, get in, forget the left-hand traffic, and automatically drive on the right. Stick a “DRIVE LEFT” note on the dashboard!
