Driving in Ireland?

[ShowOfHands]

It's just hit me that making sure I've packed enough snacks for the journey from Norfolk to Ireland is possibly the least of my problems.

I only learnt to drive a couple of months ago and it's just occurred to me that I need to drive on not only unfamiliar roads, but also ones with different rules. I vaguely recall that it's kph in Ireland. Our ancient car only has mph on the dial. I have to drive from Dublin to Kilkenny and then on to Castle Durrow. Tell me that it's straightforward and it'll all fall into place. Up until this year, holidays have involved buses, bikes and boats.

It's straightforward and it'll all fall into place! We drove all over Ireland the summer before last and it was completely fine. Don't panic!! You'll have a lovely time. Ireland is great.

But but but is it in kph? And how do I know what the speed limit is? Do they have national speed limit signs the same as here? Do I need to learn the separate speed limits?

The Irish drive like loons anyway. Does that make you feel better, or worse?

Seriously, the roads are fairly quiet, you'll have lots of breathing space. National speed limit is 100kph, which is just above 60mph. It's all pretty clearly marked.

Just stay away from Ennis, my granny's a liability.

Expect other drivers to do unexpected things, they will probably give you a bit of extra room as you have GB plates so can be assumed to not know where you are going or the layout of the road.

Just learn off the key km to miles conversions - there are only 4 you will need
built up areas 50km = approx. 30 mph
faster roads 80km = 50 mph (nb a lot of country lanes have a limit of 80kmph, but you would be mad to try and go that fast)
dual carriageway or A road equivalent 100km = approx. 60 mph
some sections of motorway 120km = 74 mph

You could temporarily put little stickers on the outside of your speedometer to mark the four most common speeds, if you think it would be helpful.

There are no speed cameras in Ireland, there are only mobile vans that do a speed check and policemen with handheld speed monitors. If oncoming cars flash their lights at you then slow down a bit and be alert, it's usually a speed check ahead, or it could be some sort of problem like an accident or sheep on the road.

The rules are generally the same apart from the speed limits being in kph rather than mph. I'm in Belfast and have just learned to drive, I don't notice much difference apart from the speed limits.

Just learn off what the approx speed is in mph, eg 50 kph is approx 30 mph, and you'll be grand. Enjoy!

It is mostly motorway from Dub to KK so you'll be grand. Keep in mind that motorways are still a fairly new phenomenon in Ireland so people can be a bit hazy on the rules; you could see pedestrians, cyclists or, as I saw one day, two lads sitting next to their car which was parked on the side of the road with a kettle boiling on their camping gaz stove!

You will be fine OP. most of the driving population in Ireland is not as backwards as other posters are making us out to be.

ah go on, i live off the M7 and have seen loads of weird shit on that road!!

I'm trying to think of relevant differences. There aren't many. Traffic lights don't go amber before green, just before turning red. Motorways have been in Ireland for decades and most motorists manage them fine (although to be fair there are a lot of new ones). The road network has really improved and getting about is straight forward.

Have Euro change with you in case you meet a motorway toll. I'm not familiar with the M9.There's a toll in the M7 south of Portlaoise. On the way back to Dublin If you travel north from Durrow to Portlaoise via Abbeyleix you will avoid that toll

Yes really there is very little difference other than the kph/mph thing. Us Irish drive pretty much the same as you do, no better no worse :). When we were in the UK last year the 2 main things I noticed were the ones already mentioned, the mph which took a bit of getting used to, and the traffic lights (although my brother who used to live in London had warned me about that). traffic lights here go green, amber, red, green. Oh the other thing that might be relevant is that the height limit for children in car seats is different too, over here an older child must be on a booster seat until they are 150cms.

Watch out for roundabouts, everybody has their own interpretation of what to do on them!!

Shir go'wan, you'll be gran!!

I'm an exquisite mixture of reassured and terrified.

If in doubt, drift left...

... and cry.

And thank you. You're all wonderful.

I'm a student driver here in Norfolk (test is 4 weeks away!)and found the driving much easier in Ireland, tbh. We were mostly in the West but traffic was great and the roads seemed wider. If you have someone else to navigate for you while you're behind the wheel, you'll be grand !

If you're going via N.Ireland, you'll need 'R' plates if its less than a year since you passed your test.

The motorways are very empty compared to here, apart from around Dublin.

We're not going to N.Ireland at all afaik. That's a good tip though, I never would have known that. I will have help with navigation occasionally but DH will be on groomsman duties for the wedding we're going to and I will be doing some driving on my own.

Vagndidit, where are you taking your test? I refuse to believe that driving can be easier than it is in Norfolk. BUT I took my test in KL as opposed to Norwich where I drove once and swore never again.

Er, we do have speed cameras, not just gatso vans. Not sure where that came from.
Traffic lights go green, amber, red, green; pedestrian lights go green, amber, red, flashing amber, green.
Anyway, you'll be fine once you figure out speed differences, stickers on the speedometer are a good idea.
Enjoy :)

I haven't ever seen a fixed speed camera in Ireland, only traffic monitoring cameras. According to the Garda Siochana website there are four types of speed cameras, but no mention of fixed ones.
? Handheld and tripod mounted laser guns;
? Vehicle mounted Puma speed detection equipment, (both marked and unmarked vehicles);
? Van mounted automatic speed detection radars (Garda operated);
? Van mounted Go-Safe vans (civilian operated).

It's not really relevant to this thread anyway as I'm pretty sure that ShowofHands is entirely law-abiding and will be well within the speed limit at all times.

I passed my test in April. I'm still driving with my hands in the 10 and 2 position, checking mirrors every 10 seconds and repeating mantras like 'look assess decide act' before each manoeuvre. Speeding I will not be.

I passed my test dear God, 28 years ago and I still drive with my hands in the 10 and 2 position.

If driving in the early hours do watch out for drivers who may have had a few drinks especially in country areas and expect the unexpected generally!