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Ireland summary

Key facts
Official language(s)
Currency
Population
Time zone
Calling code
Drive on the
Member of the EU
Irish and English
Euro
4,422,100
GMT
353
Left
Yes
Local weather
Dublin
  • /ig/images/weather/rain.gifSat
    1° | 9°
  • /ig/images/weather/chance_of_rain.gifSun
    6° | 7°
  • /ig/images/weather/fog.gifMon
    3° | 9°
  • /ig/images/weather/fog.gifTue
    2° | 7°
Speed limits
  1. Motorways:
    • 120kmh (75mph)
  2. Open roads:
    • National Roads 100kmh (62mph) and Regional and Local Roads 80kmh (50mph)
  3. Towns:
    • 50kmh (31mph)
Road Safety
  1. Alcohol limit:
    • 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood
    • Police undertake random breath-testing
  2. Use of mobile phone whilst driving:
    • It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone when driving
    • A mobile phone can be used if a hands free unit is fitted in the car
  3. Seat belts:
    • Seat belts must be worn at all times by front and back seat passengers 
    • Children under 12 years are not allowed in front seat unless in an approved seat or harness
  4. Traffic lights regulations:
    • Red – stop
    • Amber – slow down
    • Green – go
Costs
  1. Road tolls:
    • M50 (Dublin) – Barrier Free Tolling.  National are billed for all tolls relating to the M50.  Customers pay toll charges directly to National.
    • All other toll charges are paid at the toll booths and prices vary from €1.50 - €2.50 depending on the toll road and the size of vehicle
  2. On the spot fines:
    • On the spot fines are issued for speeding and parking offences
General motoring advice
  1. Rush hour in built up areas:
    • Monday to Friday only: 0800 - 0900hrs and 1630 - 1830hrs
  2. Fuel:
    • Fuel stations are open from 0730hrs to 22hrs
    • Some larger stations operate 24hrs
    • Credit cards are widely accepted
    • Unleaded petrol available
  3. Parking advice:
    • Parking meters operate
      Mon – Sat 0800hrs – 1830hrs
    • Maximum parking time is 2hrs 
    • Most parking restrictions end at 1800hrs
    • Cork and Limerick have a parking disc system in
      operation in main areas
    • A disc allows parking between 1 and 3 hours
    • You must not park where parking is prohibited by a
      traffic sign or road markings
    • Parking at night – you should park in the direction of
      the traffic and ensure that the vehicle can be seen

Travel tips

It is usually best to avoid city driving during the morning and evening rush-hours, especially in Dublin as the centre and the main roads leading into the city are often very busy and can be prone to major traffic congestion.
Share your travel tips

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