Driving in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland

[Atik]

Heading out for a week break in ROI this weekend, was just wondering if some of the locals can advise if there are any daft rules I need to be aware of when travelling over from the UK. Do I need a GB sticker? Do I need to keep hi-vis vests in the car like you do in France? Anything else I need to be aware of?

I'm staying in Dundalk for a few days and then in Portlaoise a few days. If anyone has anything small that needs transporting over, I may be able to squeeze it in the car. There are 4 of us in the car with all associated luggage and camping gear.

[CARMEL120]

just plenty of euro`s mate very expensive in the Roi

[kiteman]

Hi Atik, I think you'll find Ireland is quite relaxed when it comes to french type motoring rules.
UK registered cars dont incur speeding fines like the locals do, so you can push it a little.
Overdo it and they'll probably pull you over and give you a good talking to.
You'll find petrol is cheaper in Ireland, about £1.29 per litre.
Any other questions you may have, feel free to PM and I'll answer as best as I can.
Enjoy your holiday, Cead mile failte to all 4 of you.
Tommie

Ps, some of our rules of the road are the same as yours.
We drive on the left except when over taking which is most of the time, so it may appear we drive on the right.
When traffic lights turn orange it simply means the next 6 cars can proceed on through.
Single yellow line means no parking at all
double yellow line means no parking at all, at all.
If you overtake on continuous double white lines, you cant return to the correct side till you reach a broken white line.
Theres loads more, but I'll let you find out when you get here. It'll be fun, honest.

[Pastor of Muppets]

Watch out for the "magic" tractors mate, they seem to appear on the roads only at busy times and never ever seem to be doing anything other than slowing traffic down!

[kiteman]

Watch out for the "magic" tractors mate, they seem to appear on the roads only at busy times and never ever seem to be doing anything other than slowing traffic down!

Magic tractors been renamed, "traffic calming tractors"

[Pastor of Muppets]

Magic tractors been renamed, "traffic calming tractors"

ah so it is an official government scheme!!

[Humpty's Revenge]

If you overtake on continuous double white lines,

Pull over wrap a £20 up enjoy yourself & drive of happy!

[Nutter_John]

Just make sure you remember that the speed signs are in MPH and not KPH , well thats how the locals tend to read em

last time I was out there getting super un-leaded was a challenge so turn your boost controller down !!!!

[miller]

The art of overtaking is becoming a lost skill, especially 5 cars and a lorry with a 1298cc car!!!!!

I for one miss it!!

[Nutter_John]

You forgot to put the bit about the overtake being on a blind bend

[miller]

You forgot to put the bit about the overtake being on a blind bend

No one believes me when overtaking on a country road at night its better to watch the telegraph lines for hints of oncoming lights! Plus the overhead lines 99% of the time follow the road. Like having a navigator sat with you!

Ahhh the joys of growing up surrounded by single track bog lanes, cheap rwd cars and no police for miles!

[Atik]

Thanks guys, so effecively I can just get off the ferry and drive like its the UK, except its all in KMs.

[miller]

Thanks guys, so effecively I can just get off the ferry and drive like its the UK, except its all in KMs.

Yes, but do be wary, driving attitude is a lot more relaxed. Over here everyone is in a hurry somewhere!

[Atik]

Thats fine, I can deal with relaxed driving, especially when out on a holiday break. And in the VR4, I'm confident enough to overtake the 'traffic calming tractors' safely

[miller]

Thats fine, I can deal with relaxed driving, especially when out on a holiday break. And in the VR4, I'm confident enough to overtake the 'traffic calming tractors' safely

Beware, the overtake is the easy bit, its the herd of sheep/cattle in front of the tractor which is the tricky one!

If your heading from Dundalk to Portlaoise you will probably pass my home town Navan, dont stop!!!

[Atik]

I think I'll be going past Tommie in Kildare too.

[gallvr4]

atik....hope you have a great time over here and you get a bit off good weather aswell.....and don't forget too try a couple of pints of the black stuff!!!!

if for any reason you need any help with anything at all feel free to ring anytime,i'm in the midlands and an hour'ish from both your stops.

reguards

brendan

087 7811469

[Atik]

Thanks Brendan,

I'll keep that in mind

[miller]

If you put diesel in your VR4 Brendans and expert, along with any fuel pump related problems!

[kiteman]

Atik travelling from dundalk to portlaoise, you'll be best keeping to the motorways (yes we do have a few motorways)
Take the M1 south, then exit to M50 south, then take the M7/M9 south to portlaoise. About an hour 45 min should do it.
Your sat nav may want to take you cross country, ignore it, for definite.
If you're travelling to portlaoise sunday afternoon, you'll bypass the town of Naas (rhymes with face), you'll see the sign for mondello park with the chequered flag, thats my local track and I'll be at the trackday all afternoon, just in case you're tempted.
Any other day give me a call if you have time for a coffee break enroute,
MY no is (You dial) 00353 87 2415050
Tommie