A Guide to Motorcycle Touring in Ireland: Routes, Road Rules and Weather

Motorcycle touring in Ireland means riding on the left, on coastal loops like the 2,500 km (about 1,550 mi) Wild Atlantic Way, in a climate where rain is part of the plan. April and May are the driest months on average, and the west is wetter than the east. This guide covers where to ride, the road rules that differ from the US, and what to wear.

Part of our motorcycle touring destinations series. For ferries, bookings and day-by-day logistics, see planning a motorcycle trip in Ireland.

Key takeaways- Keep left everywhere on the island. The Republic uses km/h; Northern Ireland uses mph.- Many rural local roads in the Republic dropped to a 60 km/h default limit on 7 February 2025. Follow the posted signs.- Rider and passenger must both wear helmets.- Plan for rain: the west averages 1,000 to 1,400 mm a year.

Is Ireland good for motorcycle touring?

For riders who like coast roads, short distances between towns and changing scenery, yes. The trade-offs are rain, narrow roads and riding on the left, which takes concentration for US riders.

The routes to know

Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way follows 2,500 km of the west coast, from the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal to Kinsale in Cork. Discover Ireland's page names counties from Donegal, Sligo, Mayo and Galway down through Clare, Kerry and Cork, with areas such as Connemara, the Burren and the Ring of Kerry along the way.

You don't have to ride all of it. Pick a section that fits your days and go back for the rest.

Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is a 179 km (111 mi) loop from Killarney on the N71, N70 and N72. Tour buses go anti-clockwise, Killorglin first, because the roads are too narrow for coaches to pass each other easily.

Advice on which way to ride is split. Some suggest going the opposite way to the buses to avoid getting stuck behind them; others suggest going the same way so you never meet them head-on. On a motorcycle, think about which you would rather deal with.

Northern Ireland

Crossing into Northern Ireland changes the units: speeds and distances switch to miles. Roads are numbered M for motorways and A and B for primary and other roads.

Road rules for visiting riders

Riding on the left

Cars on the whole island of Ireland drive on the left. Take the first day slowly: turns across traffic, roundabouts and pulling out of fuel stations are where habits from home catch riders out.

Speed limits

Tourism Ireland lists these limits:

Ireland is changing its limits in stages. The default on many rural local roads fell from 80 km/h to 60 km/h on 7 February 2025, with no transition period. Treat the table as a guide and ride to the posted signs.

Helmets, licence and documents

Both rider and passenger must wear helmets. You need a valid full national driving licence or an international driving permit, and in the Republic you must carry your licence at all times. Whether your licence covers motorcycles in Ireland is a question for the Irish licensing service; we could not confirm the rule from a primary source, so check before you book a rental.

Tolls and signs

The M50 around Dublin has a barrier-free toll: cameras read your plate and you must pay before 8 pm the next day, online, by app or at a Payzone outlet. Northern Ireland has no toll roads. In Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) areas, signposts are in Irish only, so keep your route on a device or know the Irish place names.

Tourism Ireland's driving guide is the source for most of this section.

When to go: Irish weather for riders

Met Éireann gives these 1991–2020 averages:

So the Wild Atlantic Way, on the west coast, sits in the wetter half of the country. Late spring gives you the best odds of dry roads; even then, pack for rain. Our guide to how to ride a motorcycle in the rain covers grip, braking and visibility.

What to wear and pack

Plan for wet, cool and windy days on the coast. Layer a rain suit over your riding jacket and pants, and carry a second pair of gloves.

• Jacket: a touring cut with vents and reflective details helps when the sun comes out and on grey days. Leather Collection's motorcycle touring jackets come in hand-stitched cowhide with vents, reflective piping or zip-off sleeves, in standard or custom sizes. Pack a rain layer to go over it.
• Gloves: bring two pairs so one can dry overnight.
• Luggage: see our motorcycle trip packing list.

Other destinations to compare

If Ireland's weather puts you off, compare a summer trip to Alaska, the coast and passes of California, or a winter ride down Baja.

Related guides

• Planning a wider trip? Our guide to motorcycle touring in Europe covers Schengen, the EES and licenses.
• Like coast loops? Compare Ireland with planning a motorcycle trip to Nova Scotia.

FAQ

What are some good motorcycle routes in Ireland?

The Wild Atlantic Way along the west coast and the Ring of Kerry loop from Killarney are the two best known. If you cross into Northern Ireland, signs switch to mph.

What is a good itinerary for a motorcycle trip around Ireland?

Build it around one section of the Wild Atlantic Way plus the Ring of Kerry, and leave spare days for rain. Day-by-day planning is covered in planning a motorcycle trip in Ireland.

Which side of the road do you ride on in Ireland?

The left, in both the Republic and Northern Ireland.