Cars & Transportation Ireland

Buses

The bus service is the main type of public transport in Ireland, covering both urban and intercity routes. In Dublin and its surroundings, services are provided by Dublin Bus, while in other regions — by Bus Éireann. There are also private operators serving specific routes. Buses run on a schedule, connecting cities and rural areas.

 

Railway transport

Ireland's railway network connects the major cities and regions of the country. The company Irish Rail operates intercity and commuter trains. Dublin has a suburban train system, DART, linking coastal areas of the capital.

 

Trams

Dublin operates a tram system comprising two lines: red and green. It provides convenient connections between different parts of the city and suburbs. 

 

Ferries

Due to its geographical position, Ireland has developed ferry crossings that connect the island with Great Britain and continental Europe. The main ports are located in Dublin, Rosslare, and Cork. Ferries also provide links to some islands, such as the Aran Islands.

 

Air transportation

Air transportation in Ireland is highly developed, providing both domestic flights between major cities and a wide selection of international routes. 

 

Domestic flights

Domestic flights in Ireland are available, though the selection is limited, as the country is small and most routes are covered by ground transport. However, for quick travel between Dublin and other remote regions, such as from the west (Galway) to the east (Dublin), flights are available.

 

International air transport

Ireland has developed international air transport with several major airports, including Dublin Airport, which serves as the country's main international hub. It offers flights to Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East.

Cork and Shannon airports also offer international flights, including routes to the UK and European countries.

Ireland is home to Europe's largest low-cost airline, Ryanair, which services an extensive network of flights, especially to Europe. This makes international travel accessible and popular among the Irish and tourists.

 

Popular destinations and routes

The main international routes from Ireland include flights to the UK, USA, Spain, Germany, France, and Portugal.

Direct flights to the USA from Dublin Airport make it a key connecting hub between Europe and America. American destinations such as New York, Chicago, and Boston are serviced directly, which is particularly convenient for the Irish diaspora and businesses.

In Ireland, the fare payment system for public transport is diverse and depends on the type of transport and the region.

 

Leap Card

This is a reusable contactless smart card used for fare payment on most public transport in Ireland, including buses, Luas trams, DART commuter trains, and some intercity buses.

Advantages: Reduced fares compared to cash payments, convenience of topping up and usage.

Where to purchase: At retail outlets, such as Spar and Centra stores, as well as in machines at Luas and DART stations.

Top-up: Online through the official website, in the mobile app, or at sales points.

 

Purchasing bus tickets

Dublin Bus: When paying by cash, the exact amount is required as change is not given. It is recommended to use a Leap Card for savings and convenience.

Bus Éireann: Tickets can be purchased from the driver or in advance online. When paying by cash, the exact amount is also needed.

 

Luas tram

Tickets: Purchased from machines at each stop before boarding. Tickets should be kept until the end of the trip for possible inspection.

Leap Card: Before boarding and after leaving, the card must be tapped on the validator at the stop.

 

DART suburban trains and intercity trains

Tickets: Bought at ticket offices or machines at stations. Online purchase is possible through the official Irish Rail website.

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Leap Card: Valid on DART and some suburban routes. Before the journey and after disembarking, you need to tap the card on the validator at the station.

 

Night Buses and Special Routes

Nitelink: Night buses in Dublin. Payments can be made with cash or via Leap Card. Fares may differ from daytime ones.

 

Discounts and Passes

Students and Pensioners: Can receive discounts upon presenting appropriate documents.

Travel Passes: Available for various periods (day, week, month) and can be loaded onto the Leap Card.

 

Mobile Applications

Real-Time Information: Apps providing schedule and arrival time information.

Payment: Some operators offer apps for ticket purchase and Leap Card top-up.

Taxis

 

Availability: Taxis are easily available in cities and large settlements. They can be hailed on the street, found at designated stands, or ordered via phone or mobile apps.

Fares: Fares are government-regulated and depend on the time of day and distance.

Payment: Most taxis accept both cash and credit cards. There is a trend towards cashless payments.

 

Car Sharing

Availability: Car sharing is developing in Ireland, especially in Dublin. Services offer cars for short-term rental, convenient for residents and tourists. The most popular car-sharing service is GoCar, which currently offers over 600 cars in cities like Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Dundalk, and Drogheda. Users can book cars through a mobile app or online, with hourly rates including fuel, insurance, and city parking.

Rental Conditions: To rent a car, you need a valid driver's license and a credit card. Age restrictions and driving experience requirements may vary by company.

Payment: Payment is usually made per minute or at a fixed rate for a specific period. Registration and booking are done through mobile apps.

 

Bike Rental

Services: Dublin operates a bike rental system, Dublinbikes, providing bikes for short-term rental.

Usage Conditions: You need to register in the system and purchase a subscription or pay for a single trip. Bikes can be taken and returned to any rental station.

Payment: Payment is made using a credit card through terminals at stations or online.

 

Electric Scooter Rental

Service Development: Electric scooter rental is gaining popularity in Ireland. Companies like Bird offer electric scooter rental services in cities.

Usage Conditions: To rent, you need to download the mobile app, register, and link a credit card. After this, you can find the nearest scooter, scan the QR code to unlock, and start the ride.

Travel Rules: It is recommended to use bike lanes and avoid riding on sidewalks. Wearing a helmet and reflective clothing increases safety.

In Ireland, it is possible to live without a personal car, especially in large cities and their surroundings, where the public transportation system is well-developed. However, the level of convenience depends on your place of residence and individual needs.

 

Public transport is well-developed in urban areas and suburbs. In rural areas, public transport is less developed, buses run less frequently, and routes may be limited. In such regions, having a car significantly increases mobility.

Checking the possibility of exchanging foreign licenses

If you hold a driver's license issued in a country that has an agreement with Ireland for license exchange, you can exchange it for an Irish one without taking exams. Such countries include Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, and some US states. The full list is available on the National Driver License Service website www.NDLS.ie .

 

Obtaining a learner's permit 

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If an exchange is not possible, you need to follow the standard procedure for obtaining a license:

- Theoretical exam: Register on the website (https://theorytest.ie/), pay for the exam, and choose a convenient date. The exam is conducted in English; translation services can be used if necessary.

- Medical certificate: Visit a doctor to obtain a medical report on your fitness to drive.

- Application for a Learner Permit: After successfully passing the theoretical exam, submit an application through the website (https://www.ndls.ie/) or in person at the office of the National Driver License Service. Required documents: proof of address, identification, medical certificate, and theoretical exam results.

 

Driving Training

With the Learner Permit, you are required to complete a mandatory driving training program consisting of 12 lessons with a certified instructor.

 

Driving Practice

It is recommended to practice additionally under the supervision of an experienced driver with a full Irish license of at least two years.

 

Taking the Practical Test

Registration: After completing the mandatory driving training program and at least six months from the date of receiving the Learner Permit, register for the practical exam through the RSA website (https://www.rsa.ie/).

Exam: The practical exam includes testing driving skills, knowledge of traffic rules, and the technical condition of the car.

 

Obtaining a Full Driving License

Upon successfully passing the practical exam, you will receive a full Irish driver’s license valid for 10 years.

 

Additional Recommendations

Language support: If English is not your native language, you can use translation services for the exams.

Preparation: It is recommended to study the official driving manual (https://www.rsa.ie/) and take practice tests to successfully pass the exams.

Owning and driving a personal car in Ireland is accompanied by several features related to legislation, road conditions, and driving culture.

 

Left-Hand Traffic

Ireland has left-hand traffic, which requires adaptation for drivers from right-hand traffic countries. The steering wheel is on the right in cars, and gear shifting is done with the left hand. Special attention should be paid to roundabouts and intersections.

 

Driver's License

To drive a car, you must have a valid driver's license of the appropriate category. Foreign licenses may be valid for a certain period; after that, they need to be exchanged for Irish licenses or local ones obtained.

 

Insurance

Car insurance is mandatory. The minimum level is third-party liability insurance. It is recommended to consider broader coverage to protect against various risks.

 

Taxes and Fees

Vehicle tax: An annual tax, the amount of which depends on engine size or CO₂ emissions. Payment is made online or at local tax offices.

 

Technical inspection: Mandatory for cars older than four years, conducted every two years.

 

Standard Speed Limits:

- 50 km/h in populated areas;

- 80 km/h on regional roads;

- 100 km/h on national roads;

- 120 km/h on motorways.

 

Parking

Parking in cities can be limited and paid. There are zones with different rates and time limits. Payment is made through parking meters, mobile apps, or special parking discs. Violating parking regulations can result in fines or vehicle towing.

 

Toll Roads

There are toll roads, bridges, and tunnels in Ireland. Payment can be made in cash, using electronic systems, or online. Some sections, such as the M50 in Dublin, use a barrier-free toll system (eFlow), where payment must be made by 8:00 PM the next day after the trip.

 

Traffic Rules

Priority: On roundabouts, the priority is given to traffic moving around the circle.

Seat belts: Mandatory for all passengers.

Use of mobile phones: Prohibited without a hands-free system.

Alcohol: The permissible blood alcohol level is 0.5‰; for drivers with less than two years of experience, it is 0.2‰.

 

Road Conditions

The road network in Ireland varies from modern motorways to narrow rural roads. In rural areas, roads can be winding and narrow with limited visibility. Caution is advised and drivers should be prepared for encounters with agricultural machinery or animals on the road.

 

Driving Culture

Irish drivers are generally polite and adhere to traffic rules. It is customary to thank other drivers for yielding by flashing hazard lights. It is important to maintain distance and avoid aggressive driving.

Main measures for traffic violations include fines, penalty points, and, in some cases, revocation of driving licenses or imprisonment.

 

Speeding

- Fine: €160.

- Penalty points: 3 points.

 

Using a mobile phone while driving

- Fine: €120.

- Penalty points: 3 points.

Note: The use of a phone without a hands-free system is prohibited.

 

Not wearing a seatbelt

- Fine: €120.

- Penalty points: 3 points.

Note: Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. 

 

Driving under the influence

- Fine: Up to €5,000.

- License revocation: Minimum of 3 months.

- Imprisonment: Up to 6 months.

Note: The permissible blood alcohol level is 0.5‰; for drivers with less than two years of experience, it is 0.2‰.

 

Dangerous driving

- Fine: Up to €5,000.

- Penalty points: 5 points.

- License revocation: Possible.

- Imprisonment: Up to 6 months.

 

Running a red light

- Fine: €125.

- Penalty points: 2 points.

 

Illegal parking

- Fine: €80.

Note: Parking in prohibited areas may result in the vehicle being towed.

 

Exceeding the permissible blood alcohol level

- Fine: €200–€400.

- License revocation: 3–6 months.

Note: The fine and duration of license revocation depend on the blood alcohol level.

 

Driving without insurance

- Fine: Up to €5,000.

- Penalty points: 5 points.

- License revocation: Possible.

- Imprisonment: Up to 6 months.

 

Improper lane usage

- Fine: €80.

- Penalty points: 1 point.

- Note: For example, driving in a bus lane at unauthorized times.

 

Penalty points system

Accumulating 12 or more penalty points within 3 years results in the automatic revocation of driving licenses for 6 months.

 

Payment of fines

Fines must be paid within 28 days. If overdue, the amount increases by 50%, and an additional 28-day period is given for payment. If the fine is not paid within this timeframe, the case is forwarded to court.

 

Payment of traffic violation fines in Ireland for foreigners is as follows:

Receiving a fine notice: After recording a violation, you will receive a notice by mail to the address registered for your vehicle. The notice will detail the violation, the fine amount, and payment instructions.

 

Payment methods:

Online: The notice will include a website where the fine can be paid with a credit or debit card. Usually, it's the site (https://www.anpost.com/) where the fine number needs to be entered followed by instructions.

By phone: You can call the number provided in the notice and pay the fine using a card.

In person: Payment is possible at An Post offices or Garda (police) stations throughout Ireland. You must have the fine notice and the required amount with you.

 

Payment deadlines: You have 28 days from the date of issue of the notice to pay the fine at the fixed rate. Failure to pay within this period results in an increased fine and possible additional penalties.

 

Lack of notice: If you did not receive a fine notice but suspect you may have violated the rules, it is recommended to contact the local Garda station or visit their official website for information.

Vehicle registration

 

Imported vehicles: If bringing a vehicle into Ireland, it must be registered within 30 days of arrival. This requires paying a vehicle registration tax and obtaining a registration certificate. Registration is carried out at National Car Testing Service centers. An appointment must be made online or by phone before visiting the center.

 

Required documents:

  - Completed form with details about the purchase of a car for personal use.

  - Foreign vehicle registration certificate.

  - Invoice with purchase date.

  - Proof of name and address.

  - Identity card.

  - PPS number (Personal Public Service number).

  - Certificate of exemption from registration tax, if applicable.

 

After registration: After successful registration, you will receive a receipt for the registration tax payment indicating the assigned registration number. You then need to pay the vehicle tax and secure insurance.

 

Technical inspection 

Mandatory: All vehicles older than four years are required to undergo a technical inspection every two years. The purpose of the inspection is to check the technical condition and compliance with environmental standards.

 

Booking for inspection: You can book online or by phone. 

 

Required documents:

  - Vehicle registration certificate.

  - Proof of payment of vehicle tax.

  - Valid insurance policy.

 

Inspection procedure: During the technical inspection, the brake system, steering, suspension, lighting, emissions, and other key components are checked. If successfully passed, a certificate is issued, which must be placed on the vehicle's windshield.

 

Important notes

Timeliness: Late registration or technical inspection may result in fines and other penalties.

Temporary use of a foreign car

 

Periods: Foreign cars can be used in Ireland without registration for up to 12 months if the owner is not a resident of Ireland. If you plan to stay in the country for more than 12 months or become a resident, the car must be registered.

 

Insurance: Ensure your insurance policy is valid in Ireland. Some foreign insurance may not cover driving in Ireland, so it is recommended to contact your insurance company for clarification.

 

Vehicle tax: Temporary visitors are exempt from paying the Irish vehicle tax. However, if you become a resident, the tax must be paid.

 

Registration of a foreign car in Ireland

 

Mandatory: If you plan to reside in Ireland for more than 12 months or become a resident, you are required to register your car within 30 days of arrival.

 

Registration procedure

  - Payment of vehicle registration tax: Payment is made at the National Car Testing Service center.

  - Technical inspection: Cars older than four years are subject to mandatory technical inspection.

  - Obtaining Irish number plates: After successful registration and payment of all fees, Irish number plates will be issued to you.

 

 

Exemption from registration tax

In some cases, it is possible to be exempt from paying the registration tax, for example, when relocating to Ireland with a car that you have owned for more than six months prior to moving. To obtain an exemption, you must submit the relevant application and provide proof of ownership and residency outside of Ireland.

 

Important notes

Penalties for non-compliance: Violation of registration rules may result in fines, confiscation of the car, or other penalties.

Road tolls: Foreign cars are required to pay all road tolls and charges on par with Irish vehicles.

Charging stations

The network of charging stations in Ireland is constantly expanding. Currently, there are over 1,350 public charging points installed throughout the country, including both standard and fast chargers. The main operator is ESB ecars.

Service centers

With the increase in the number of electric vehicles, the number of specialized service centers is also growing. Many car manufacturers, such as Tesla, Nissan, and Hyundai, have opened official service centers in Ireland, offering maintenance and repair of electric vehicles. Additionally, independent workshops are becoming certified to work with electric vehicles, providing owners with a wide range of service options.

State Support

The Irish government actively encourages the transition to electric vehicles by providing financial incentives such as purchase grants and tax benefits. Programs for the installation of home charging devices with partial cost reimbursement are also being implemented.