Wild Atlantic Way Driving from Galway: Speed Limits, Tolls

What are the speed limits on Irish rural roads in 2026?

Ireland cut the default limit on rural local roads, the narrow boreens that link villages and farms, from 80 km/h to 60 km/h on 7 February 2025. Citizens Information lists the defaults, as updated on 1 December 2025:

Posted signs always override the default. The RSA explains that the 60 km/h limit is shown by a generic sign, a white disc crossed by black diagonal lines, often with a plate reading "Go Mall / Slow". The same sign meant 80 km/h before February 2025, so older guidebooks and memories are out of date.

Speeding carries a 160 euro fixed charge and 3 penalty points. Paid after 28 days it rises to 240 euros; if it stays unpaid the case can go to court, where the fine can reach 1,000 euros with 5 points on conviction.

How do I drive the narrow Connemara roads safely?

Traffic in Ireland drives on the left. The RSA's advice for tourists warns that nearly 100,000 km of roads range from motorways to narrow rural lanes, often without hard shoulders, and that tractors and animals are common. On the Wild Atlantic Way, which Fáilte Ireland describes as 2,500 km of coastline from Inishowen in Donegal to Kinsale in Cork, the scenic loops west of Galway mix N, R and L roads, and the limit changes with each.

Other rules the RSA lists: seatbelts in front and rear seats, no hand-held phone while driving, and a drink-drive limit of 50 mg per 100 ml of blood (20 mg for learner and professional drivers), enforced at Garda checkpoints. Carry your licence and the rental agreement.

Visitors can drive on an EU or EEA licence as long as it is valid. According to Citizens Information, a licence from a recognised state is valid for up to one year when visiting; drivers from other countries can drive for up to 12 months if they also hold an International Driving Permit.

How much are the tolls from Dublin to Galway?

If you pick up the car in Dublin, the usual motorway route west crosses three tolls, all at 2026 car rates from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), which raised most charges on 1 January 2026.

The M50 is the one that catches renters. If the car has no tag or video account, the toll must be paid online at eflow.ie, by phone or at a Payzone outlet by 8 pm the day after the trip; a late payment adds 4 euros, then a further 51 euros, then 128 euros. Ask the rental desk whether the car is registered with eFlow and what admin fee applies if they pay it for you.

Parking in Galway city

Galway City Council charges 2.50 euros an hour for on-street parking, Monday to Saturday 08:30 to 18:30 and Sunday 13:00 to 18:00, with a 2-hour limit on most streets. There is no paper ticket: you pay through the council's parking app, GalwayCityParking.ie, by phone on 091 894 300, or with cash or card at a Payzone shop, and the number plate is the proof of payment.

For a full day in the city, 2 hours at a time is impractical. A rental car parked on-street from 10:00 to 18:30 would cost 21.25 euros and need moving several times; a car park or leaving the car at the accommodation usually suits a city day better.

Ferries: leave the car for Inis Mór

The Aran Islands are best done without the rental car. Discover Ireland's car-free guide says ferries to Inis Mór leave from Rossaveal, 38 km west of Galway city, for a 40-minute crossing, with a shuttle bus from Queen Street in Galway timed to the sailings. From April to September there is also a daily 09:30 sailing from Galway City Docks, about 90 minutes out and around two and a half hours back via the Cliffs of Moher. On the island, bikes and e-bikes are rented next to the pier, and Dún Aonghasa is just under half an hour away by bike.