Ireland
Driving permit
You can use your Australian driver’s licence for up to 12 months. After this, you’ll need to get an Irish licence.
Ireland and Australia have a driver’s licence exchange for both car and motorcycle licences. This means that if you have a licence, you can apply for an Irish licence without sitting any tests.
When hiring a car, check with your hire car provider as to whether you need an International Driving Permit as well.
Road travel
Conditions on major roads and in urban areas are good. However, hazards in country areas include:
- narrow, winding roads, particularly at night and during bad weather
- animals, farm vehicles and machinery on roads
You face serious penalties for drink driving, including heavy fines and jail sentences.
The blood alcohol limits are:
- 0.05% in most cases
- 0.02% for professional, learner and novice drivers
If you plan to drive:
- check your travel insurance will cover you
- learn local road rules and practices
More information:
Motorcycles
Check if your travel insurance policy covers you when riding a motorbike.
Always wear a helmet.
Taxis
Ireland has several authorised taxi and limousine services.
Public transport
Ireland has well-developed networks of buses, trains and ferries.
However, public transport may be disrupted by:
- industrial action
- weather
- engineering works
More information:
Sea travel
Many international cruise lines stop over in Ireland.
More information:
Air travel
DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Ireland’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government