Driving from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland

Planning a road trip down south? Here’s your guide from SERE Motors. 

You might be heading to see what Galway has to offer, planning a hike in Wicklow, or popping down to the shopping centres in Dundalk, whatever the occasion, driving from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland is easy, once you know the basic and what to expect. At SERE Motors, we’re all about taking the stress out of car journeys, so here’s everything you need to know before you hit the road.  

If you’re imagining passport checks or customs queues, think again. Crossing the border is as simple as driving from one county to another. In fact, if you’re not paying attention to the signs, you might not even notice you’ve crossed. There’s no physical border – just a subtle shift in signage, speed limits and, occasionally, road markings. 

That said, although there are no formal checks, it’s still wise to carry photographic ID (like a passport or driving licence), just in case you’re asked to show it. And if you're a visitor from outside the UK or Ireland, make sure your visa allows travel to both. 

Both sides of the island drive on the left, but the speed limits are where it gets interesting. 

• Northern Ireland uses miles per hour (mph) 
• Republic of Ireland uses kilometres per hour (km/h) 

So, as soon as you cross the border, speed limits switch to kilometres. That 60 mph road? It becomes 100 km/h. All speed signs reflect the unit they’re using, so keep an eye out and make sure your speedometer has both mph and km/h marked (or memorise the correct speeds). Most cars do, but if you’re in a rental or unfamiliar car, take a minute to check before you drive off. 

Typical speed limits in the Republic of Ireland: 

• Urban areas: 50 km/h 

• Regional roads: 80 km/h 

• National roads: 100 km/h 

• Motorways: 120 km/h 

km/h to mph (approx)

30 km/h > 19mph (approx) 

50km/h > 31mph (approx) 

80km/h > 50mph (approx) 

100km/h > 62mph (approx) 

120km/h > 75mph (approx) 

Bonus tip: Road signs in the Republic often display place names in both Irish and English – or only in Irish if you're in a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) area. Don't panic if you don’t recognise the name straight away! 

This one’s simple but easy to forget. Northern Ireland uses pounds sterling (£), while the Republic of Ireland uses euros (€). 

Shops, cafés, fuel stations, and toll booths in the Republic won’t accept pounds, so make sure you’ve got some euros on hand – or use a debit/credit card that doesn’t charge heavy foreign transaction fees. 

Fuel costs may vary between north and south – so it’s worth checking where you’ll get better value before filling up. 

Although there are separate mobile networks in each country, most major UK and Irish providers offer free roaming across the island. That said, your phone might automatically switch networks when you’re near the border – sometimes even before you’ve crossed it! 

If you’re unsure, check with your provider to avoid unexpected charges. 

Both sides of the border operate pay-and-display systems in towns and cities. You’ll find: 

• On-street meters (coins or card) 

• Text-to-park options (available in most areas) 

• App-based systems like Payzone or Q-Park 

Just keep an eye out for signage to see what’s accepted in the area you’re parking in. Don’t get caught out with a fine just because you didn’t notice a sign. 

Unlike Northern Ireland, toll roads are common in the Republic, especially on motorways. You’ll typically pass through a toll plaza where you pay with cash or card. Charges are usually around €1.90–€3.10 for cars depending on the route. 

Here are a few major toll routes you might encounter: 

• M1 (Dublin to Belfast route) – Toll near Drogheda 

• M50 (Dublin Ring Road) – This one’s different. There’s no toll booth – it uses video tolling, so you’ll need to pay online or via app before 8pm the next day. Visit eflow.ie to pay. 

• M7, M8, M4, M6 – Other common motorways heading west and south also have tolls. 

The basics of driving remain the same across both jurisdictions: 

• Drive on the left-hand side 

• Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt 

• No drinking and driving (zero tolerance is stricter in the Republic) 

You’ll need to carry a valid driving licence (from the UK, Ireland, or another accepted country), and you must have insurance that covers you in both Northern Ireland and the Republic. UK-registered cars do not need a Green Card to cross the border anymore, but it’s always worth double-checking your policy before you travel. 

If you're in a rental car, let the hire company know you’ll be crossing into the Republic. There’s usually a small cross-border fee to ensure your insurance and breakdown cover is valid in both areas. And returning the car to a different country from where you hired it? That’ll likely cost extra – sometimes a lot extra. 

Whether you’re after a change of scenery, a coastal road trip, or a chance to explore some of Ireland’s most charming villages and landscapes – the Republic of Ireland has it all. 

From the Wild Atlantic Way and the Cliffs of Moher to the vibrant streets of Dublin and the quiet charm of Kilkenny, it’s worth the few adjustments to explore what’s on your doorstep. 

And the best part? It’s all just a short drive away. No flights. No hassle. Just the open road and a new adventure a few miles (or kilometres) away. 

At SERE Motors, we’re here to make your driving experience simple – whether you’re crossing counties or crossing borders. Before your trip, pop in for a vehicle health check, tyre inspection, or servicing to make sure your car’s ready for the journey. Safe travels – and enjoy the craic on both sides of the border!