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Speed limits

All limits are maximum permitted speeds.

It may be necessary to go much slower in many situations. In some areas drivers completely disregard the limits either through ignorance or a disregard for the law - this is the same world wide.

Other considerations are that many (older) drivers have never taken a test and may be going too fast or too slow. Plus, in some circumstances learner drivers are allowed to dive unaccompanied.

Unfortunately Ireland has a poor road safety record and much of this is due to excessive speed. My only comment is that a road death with all the resultant misery might just take the edge off your holiday ...

Speed limits are kilometres per hour

Built-up Areas
50 km/h

'R' Roads
80 km/h

'N' Roads
100 km/h
Motorways
120 km/h
Leaflets
 

The following limits apply to large vehicles and for towing


Double Deck Vehicles - 65km/h (approx. 40mph)

Buses and Coaches (with accommodation for more than 8 passengers 80 km/h (approx. 50mph)

Towing Vehicles - 80km/h (approx. 50mph)

Trucks (with a design gross weight of more than 3,500kg) - 80km/h (approx. 50mph)

If the posted limit is lower than the vehicle limit, the lower limit applies.

Click HERE for pdf format leaflet for large vehicles and towing

Leaflets courtesy of An Roinn lompair (Department for Transport)

 

There are also 'special' speed limits of 30, 60 and 80 km/h posted in specific situations.

Unlike the UK, there is no 'national' or 'general' speed limit. You must not exceed the maximum for the road type that you are driving on.

 

 

January 2005 - Get full metric speed limit information by clicking the image below. This external link takes you to the GoMetric website.

 
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