Driving in Ireland? Tips to Use Google Maps Without Ending Up on the Smallest Roads
If you’re planning a trip to Ireland and renting a car, you’re in for a spectacular adventure — winding coastal drives, rolling green hills, and charming rural villages await! But for international visitors used to driving on the right-hand side of the road, navigating Ireland’s roads (and Google Maps!) can be a bit of a challenge at first.
At Doolin Inn, we welcome guests from all over the world — and many of them arrive by car. So we’ve put together some essential tips to help you plan your journey, avoid the tiniest country lanes, and arrive in Doolin relaxed and ready to explore.
Driving in Ireland: The Basics for International Visitors
We drive on the left-hand side of the road in Ireland. Your rental car will be right-hand drive.
Manual (stick shift) cars are common, so request an automatic if that’s your preference — book early!
Road signs are in kilometres, and speed limits vary by road type (watch for signs).
Expect narrow rural roads, especially in the west — it’s part of the charm but requires focus!
getting to Doolin Without the Detours
From Dublin Airport
Estimated time: 3 hrs
The most comfortable and scenic way to get to Doolin is to:
1. Use Google Maps to search for Kinvara first — this helps direct the route along better roads.
2. Then, search for Doolin as your next stop.
Why? Google Maps often suggests the “quickest” route, which can include tiny farm roads with grass growing in the middle — not ideal after a long flight! Going through Kinvara keeps you on better roads for longer.
From Shannon Airport
Estimated time: 50 minutes to 1 hr
Take the M18 North from Shannon.
Exit at Junction 12 (Ennistymon/Inagh) and take the R460 through Inagh to Ennistymon.
Follow signs for the N67 toward Lisdoonvarna, then follow the R478 to Doolin.
From Lahinch
If you’re coming from Lahinch, the best route is along the Cliffs of Moher road. It’s well signposted, scenic, and avoids the narrowest back roads that GPS sometimes suggests.
Understanding Irish Road Numbers (It Helps!)
Ireland’s roads are categorised by letters. Here’s what to look for:
M (e.g. M6, M7) = Motorways. Big, fast roads – like highways or freeways.
N (e.g. N67) = National Roads. Good-quality roads between towns.
R (e.g. R479) = Regional Roads. Often narrower, but still fine for most routes.
L (e.g. L4611) = Local Roads. Small country lanes, often single-track with grass verges and tight bends.
A Common Mistake: Doolin to/from Belfast “Shortcut”
If you’re heading to Northern Ireland from Doolin or vice versa, Google Maps might show a route straight across the country — full of local roads. Ignore it.
The fastest, smoothest route is to go back via Dublin using the motorway network (M18 → M6 → M1). It’s longer in distance, but much easier, less stressful and usually quicker in real time. If you prefer the scenic route, then go cross-country!
Essential Driving Tips for First-Time Visitors
🔄 Roundabouts: Yield (give way) to traffic from your right. They’re common here and keep traffic flowing smoothly.
↪️ Turning Right? You should be near the middle line of the road — not beside the ditch or hedge.
🚜 Expect Slow Vehicles: Tractors, cyclists, and tourists in campervans are frequent. Allow extra travel time, especially in summer.
🛣️ Use pull-ins – on narrow rural roads, pull into lay-bys to let faster traffic pass (locals will thank you!).
⛽ Fuel Up in Bigger Towns: Gas stations can be few and far between in rural areas.
🛑 Speed limits are in km/h – not miles.
📵 Signal Early & Stay Calm: Irish roads can be narrow, but locals are friendly and patient.
📱 Google Maps Isn’t Perfect: Use it, but don’t follow it blindly. If the road starts looking like a farm track — turn around!
🔌 Driving an electric car?
Ireland has a growing EV charging network, with fast chargers in most towns and along major roads.
Use the ESB eCars app or PlugShare to find nearby charging stations.
There are charging points in Doolin village.
Driving in Ireland can be one of the best ways to see the country — especially along the Wild Atlantic Way and into the heart of the Burren. Just remember to give yourself extra time, prioritise bigger roads where you can, and enjoy the journey.
When you arrive in Doolin, we’ll be here to welcome you with open arms, a comfy bed, and plenty of recommendations for exploring this magical corner of Ireland.
Ready to plan your stay?
Book your stay at Doolin Inn today — your perfect base for discovering the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, and the stunning Burren landscape.