Complete Guide to Toll Roads in Ireland

Ireland has 11 toll roads across the country, including bridges, tunnels, and motorway sections. Most are straightforward—but the M50 around Dublin catches out many visitors. Here's everything you need to know.

Overview of Irish Tolls

Prices as of 2024. Check eFlow.ie for current rates.

Standard Toll Booths

Most Irish tolls operate with traditional barriers. Payment is simple:

Payment Options at Barriers

• Cash: Euro coins and notes accepted
• Credit/Debit cards: Contactless and chip accepted
• Electronic tags: eFlow, Easytrip, or ParkMagic

Tips for Barrier Tolls

• Keep coins handy for faster passage
• Card payments are quick and convenient
• Staff are available if you have issues

The M50: Barrier-Free Tolling

The M50 is Dublin's orbital motorway and uses barrier-free (open road) tolling. There are no booths—cameras photograph your registration plate, and you must pay afterwards.

How It Works

1. You drive through the toll point (between Junctions 6-7)
2. Cameras record your number plate
3. You must pay by 8pm the next day

Payment Options

Before your trip:

• Register at eFlow.ie with your rental car's registration
• Set up an electronic tag with your rental company

After passing through:

• Online at eFlow.ie
• By phone: 01 461 0100
• At Payzone outlets (over 2,000 locations nationwide)
• Via the eFlow app

Rental Car Warning

Your rental company may:

• Charge your card directly (with an admin fee)
• Send you a bill later
• Some include M50 tolling in their package

Check your rental agreement to understand how M50 tolls are handled.

Late Payment Penalties

Missing the M50 payment deadline triggers escalating penalties:

Bottom line: Pay on time. It's not worth the hassle.

Electronic Tags

If you're driving extensively around Dublin, an electronic tag saves time and often money.

eFlow Tag

• Discounted tolling on M50
• Works at all Irish toll roads
• Can register for video tolling instead

Rental Car Tags

Some rental companies offer:

• Pre-paid toll packages
• Electronic tag rental
• Automatic M50 billing

Ask about toll options when collecting your car.

Avoiding Tolls

If you prefer to skip tolls entirely, navigation apps can help:

• Google Maps: Settings → Route options → Avoid tolls
• Waze: Settings → Navigation → Avoid toll roads

Alternative Routes

• Instead of M50: Take the older N7, N4, or N3 (more traffic, but free)
• Dublin Tunnel: Use surface roads through the city centre (slower)

Note that avoiding tolls significantly increases journey times around Dublin.

Toll Roads by Region

Dublin Area

The M50 circles Dublin and is hard to avoid if driving through. The Dublin Tunnel connects the port to the M1 and is the fastest route north from the ferry terminal.

If you're doing the Dublin Bay & Howth route, you can avoid tolls entirely by staying on surface roads.

Cork Area

Two tolls on routes to/from Cork:

• M8 (Fermoy) on the Dublin-Cork motorway
• N8 (Rathcormac-Fermoy) on the older route

Both are straightforward barrier tolls.

Galway Area

The M6 toll (Ballinasloe-Galway) and N6 toll (Galway City) apply when approaching from Dublin. Routes like the Wild Atlantic Way typically avoid these.

Northern Routes

The M1 and M3 tolls apply when heading north from Dublin towards the Boyne Valley or Cooley Peninsula.

Practical Tips

1. Keep payment receipts from M50 as proof of payment
2. Check eFlow online to verify your M50 passage was registered correctly
3. Set a reminder to pay M50 tolls before 8pm the following day
4. Ask rental companies about their toll handling policies
5. Download the eFlow app for easy M50 payments

Common Questions

What if I forgot to pay the M50?

Pay as soon as you remember. If it's within 14 days, you'll only owe the €3 late fee on top of the toll.

Can I pay at a petrol station?

Yes! Payzone outlets (found in many petrol stations and shops) accept M50 toll payments. Just have your registration number ready.

Do I need a tag for barrier tolls?

No. Cash and cards work fine at all barrier tolls. Tags just speed up the process.

Are tolls expensive?

Not really. A full trip from Dublin to Cork via the M7 and M8 costs about €5-6 in tolls. The time savings are worth it.

Summary

Most Irish tolls are simple barrier-pay systems. The only tricky one is the M50, which requires you to pay by 8pm the next day to avoid penalties. Plan ahead, and tolls won't be a worry.

For more practical driving advice, see our guides on:

• Driving Rules in Ireland
• Navigation Apps
• Fuel Costs & Misfuelling