Irish Driving Culture

• By: Editor
• On: 18/Jun/2008
• In: Ireland Travel Tips

Irish Motorists:
Other Irish motorists tend to be quite mannerly and patient and will usually allow people who are pulling out, though there can be exceptions to this rule. In some cases, when trapped behind a tractor (or a particular cautious tourist), some drivers will overtake in any situation including going around blind corners! This isn’t as much of a problem on the bigger roads as the slower drivers will usually pull into the hard shoulder to allow traffic to overtake, but it should be noted that if you do this, you should pull back into the normal lane when possible as the hard shoulder isn’t for normal traffic.

Some other things worth bearing in mind is that, in Ireland, the traffic lights go from Green, to Amber to Red. Normally Amber means stop if you can but if its too late continue; this is not the case in practise, Irish drivers will usually put the foot down and try get through the Amber light even if it has turned red by the time they get there. This is important because when you are driving the guy behind you may well expect you to drive through the amber and will be surprised if you do stop, so if you are going to stop don’t do it suddenly.

Another feature you may find in urban areas is a yellow box painted on the road. The rule for this is that you don’t enter it unless you can get out the other side without stopping. Though many Irish drivers don’t pay these much attention, so like the traffic light situation above, approach slowly so the guy behind you has time to slow down as well.

When asking for directions in Ireland it is usually best to say where you are going. If you ask for the best way to get onto the N70, you will be met with blank expressions as Irish people don’t use the road numbers. Simply say how do I get to Dingle from here and they will usually be able to set you straight.

Irish Drivers can seem a little crazy, but its mostly that they are simply used to driving on Irish roads. For a other activity ideas during your trip to Ireland check out our other car hire Ireland blogs. The best way to see Ireland for yourself is through the freedom of a car so for the best Car Rental Ireland options give us a go.

Just remember to enjoy your trip to Ireland and if you have any tips or questions of your own, why not post a comment below?