Ireland motorway and toll roads: A guide for UK drivers

Despite its close proximity to the UK, Ireland has some different road laws, similar to ones seen when driving in Europe.

Here, we outline how the toll roads work and how to pay for them when you are in Ireland.

Yes, you can drive from the UK to Ireland. However, you will need to book a ferry that can take you and your vehicle across the Irish Sea.

Ferries from the UK to Ireland:

• From Cairnryan to Belfast, Northern Ireland
• From Cairnryan to Larne, Northern Ireland
• From Liverpool to Belfast, Northern Ireland
• From Liverpool to Dublin
• From Holyhead to Dublin
• From Fishguard to Rosslare
• From Pembroke to Rosslare

For drivers in the Isle of Man, they can also get a ferry to either Belfast or Dublin. However, these are only available once or twice a week.

Other crossings are available most days of the week.

Driving in Ireland has a variety of different rules when compared to driving in the United Kingdom.

The Republic of Ireland has some notable differences, even though both countries drive on the left side of the road.

The majority of road signs in the UK are in English, with some bilingual signs in Wales.

Meanwhile over the Irish Sea, road signs are in both English and Gaelic in some areas.

In the UK, speed limits are in miles per hour (mph). In Ireland, they are measured in kilometres per hour (kph).

However, most traffic laws around seat belts, drink driving, speeding, etc, are similar – but the punishment varies.

Vehicles must have insurance and have been taxed by the owner.

Like the UK, there are toll roads and congestion zones that drives needs to be aware of.

• Irish road signs – pictures and tips before you go
• Tips for self-driving holidays in Ireland
• Which countries have left-hand drive?

Yes, there are 11 toll roads in the Republic of Ireland, and drivers will need to pay to use these roads.

Irish toll roads:

• M50
• M1 (Gormanston – Monasterboice)
• M3 (Clonee – Kell)
• M4 (Kilcock – Enfield – Kinnegad)
• N6 (Galway – Ballinasloe)
• M7/M8 (Portlaoise – Castletown/Portlaoise – Cullahill)
• N8 (Rathcormac – Fermoy Bypass)
• N25 (Waterford City Bypass)
• East – link Bridge
• Dublin Tunnel
• Limerick Tunnel

They all come with their own fees, and drivers from the UK should visit etoll.ie before setting off on their journey.

Ten of the toll roads use toll plazas and barriers where drivers can pay in cash and debit/credit card on arrival.

The M50 toll road is the only one where drivers are not required to stop. This toll uses video and sensor capture systems to take note of a vehicle’s registration number.

Drivers who use the M50 can pay at Payzone outlets across the country or online at etoll.ie.

Below is a table showing the cost for driving a motor car on an Irish toll road:

The majority of Ireland’s toll roads can be paid for at toll plazas at the barriers with either cash or via debit/credit cards.

However, the M50 toll is barrier-free zone and uses a video and sensor system to record a vehicle's registration number.

Drivers can pay for the M50 toll online at eflow.ie, by calling 0818 50 10 50, or at any Payzone outlet.

Visitors to Ireland who will be using the M50 can also sign up for a temporary eFlow account.

Fines for not paying at a roll road in Ireland can lead to a fine up to €5,000 and a prison sentence up to six months.

Yes, for ten of the eleven toll roads in Ireland, drivers can pay with a debit card at the toll booth.

Drivers can also use a credit card or pay with cash.

Here is the pricing structure for drivers looking to use the M50 toll road in Ireland.

However, this can be paid for using a toll tag, known as an eToll.

By using a tag, drivers will never have to worry about missing payments or having the right change as they approach a toll booth.

Drivers can apply for a tag online at eToll.ie, which will be delivered by post. It can be installed behind the rear-view mirror.