Mastering Irish Roundabouts

Ireland has more roundabouts per capita than almost anywhere in the world. For visitors from countries without many roundabouts, they can seem intimidating—but they're actually safer and more efficient than traditional junctions once you understand them.

The Basic Rules

Always Remember

1. Give way to traffic on your right (vehicles already on the roundabout)
2. Travel clockwise around the roundabout
3. Signal left when exiting (after passing the exit before yours)
4. Stay in your lane throughout

Before You Enter

• Slow down on approach
• Look right for traffic already on the roundabout
• Choose your lane based on your intended exit
• Wait for a safe gap—don't force your way in

Lane Selection

For a standard 4-exit roundabout:

Key principle: Left lane for earlier exits, right lane for later exits.

Step-by-Step: Taking a Roundabout

Taking the First Exit (Turning Left)

1. Approach in the left lane
2. Signal left before entering
3. Enter when safe, staying in left lane
4. Exit directly—you're already signaling

Going Straight Ahead (Second Exit)

1. Approach in the left or middle lane (check signs)
2. No signal on approach
3. Enter when safe
4. As you pass the first exit, signal left
5. Exit in the left lane

Turning Right (Third Exit or Later)

1. Approach in the right lane
2. Signal right on approach (optional but helpful)
3. Enter when safe, staying in right lane
4. Drive around, passing earlier exits
5. As you pass the exit before yours, signal left
6. Exit, moving to the left lane

Multi-Lane Roundabouts

Larger roundabouts (especially around Dublin, Cork, and Galway) may have 2-3 lanes. These follow the same principles but require more attention.

Lane Markings

• Follow painted lane markings through the roundabout
• Signs before the roundabout indicate which lane for which exit
• If unsure, the left lane is usually safest (take an earlier exit and loop back)

Changing Lanes

• Never change lanes on the roundabout if possible
• If you must, check mirrors thoroughly and signal
• Other drivers may not expect lane changes

Mini Roundabouts

Small painted circles at minor junctions. Rules are the same:

• Give way to the right
• You can drive over the painted circle if needed (trucks often must)
• Treat them like regular roundabouts, just smaller

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Stopping on the Roundabout

Once you're on, keep moving. Stopping creates confusion and danger. If you miss your exit, go around again.

Wrong Lane Selection

Approaching in the left lane then trying to take the third exit forces dangerous lane changes. Choose correctly before entering.

Forgetting to Signal

Your exit signal (left) tells other drivers you're leaving. Without it, they don't know your intention.

Rushing In

The biggest mistake is entering without a clear gap. Wait for space—being patient beats being in an accident.

Roundabouts vs. Your Home Country

For American Drivers

US traffic circles are relatively rare and often larger. Irish roundabouts:

• Are much more common (expect one every few kilometres)
• Range from tiny mini-roundabouts to large multi-lane ones
• Flow clockwise (opposite to US circles if you have them)
• Require giving way to the right, not left

For European Drivers

Similar principles to continental Europe, but remember:

• Traffic flows clockwise (not counter-clockwise)
• Give way to the right (traffic from your right)
• Otherwise, very similar to French, German, or Italian roundabouts

Practice Locations

If you want to build confidence before hitting major roads, try these quieter areas:

• Suburbs of any city: Residential roundabouts are smaller and less busy
• Industrial estates: Usually quiet on weekends
• Rural towns: Smaller roundabouts with less traffic

Roundabouts on Popular Routes

Dublin Area

The M50 orbital motorway has several major interchange roundabouts. These are large but well-marked. The Dublin Bay & Howth route largely avoids them.

Cork City

Cork has busy roundabouts on the N40 ring road. The West Cork Coast route bypasses most of these.

Galway

The N6 approach to Galway has multi-lane roundabouts. Allow extra time if you're new to them. The Galway Bay & Burren route eases you in gently.

Quick Reference Card

Print this or screenshot it for your trip:

Before roundabout:

• Slow down
• Check right for traffic
• Choose lane (left for early exits, right for late exits)

On roundabout:

• Give way to right
• Travel clockwise
• Stay in lane

Exiting:

• Signal left after passing previous exit
• Exit smoothly
• Check mirrors

Final Thoughts

Roundabouts become second nature within a day or two of driving. The key is starting slowly, staying calm, and remembering that going around again is always an option if you miss your exit.

Ireland's roundabouts are actually a blessing—they keep traffic flowing efficiently and are statistically safer than traditional junctions. Embrace them!

For more driving advice, see:

• Irish Driving Rules
• Manual vs Automatic
• Navigation Apps