If you're driving in Ireland your checklist requirements are:

• A valid UK driving licence - both the photo and paper parts
• A GB sticker on the back of your car - unless your car has 'Euro-plates' (number-plates that show a circle of 12 stars on a blue background)
• Your motor insurance certificate

You must also:

• Be 17 or over
• Wear your seatbelt at all times (this applies to everyone in the car)
• Wear a crash helmet if you're riding a motorcycle

It's a good idea to have:

• Spare bulbs for your car's external lights
• A fire extinguisher
• A first aid kit
• A warning triangle
• A Camping Card International to give you additional proof of identity, third party liability insurance, plus discounts at a wide range of campsites and tourist attractions. Find out more here
• A Green Card - it's a useful back-up to your motor insurance documents and shows you've got the minimum legal level of cover. If you'd like to find out more, contact your insurance company

Other things you should know:

• You have to pay tolls for some motorways - most don't take credit cards so make sure you've got some change
• Petrol, diesel, LPG and lead replacement petrol (LRP) are readily available
• Children under 12 and less than 1.5m tall must use a suitable seat restraint
• The speed limit is 50kph in built-up areas, 80kph on regional and local roads, 100kph on national roads and 120kph on motorways
• It's illegal to carry or use any radar detection equipment, when driving through Ireland
• If you have a GPS navigation system that shows you where any fixed speed cameras are, you must deactivate this function
• Don't use your horn between 11.30pm - 7am

Useful guides and maps

Michelin - National Map Ireland
Michelin Green Tourist Guide Ireland

What RAC can do for you

RAC offers great-value, flexible RAC European breakdown cover tailored to meet your needs. We also offer comprehensive travel insurance, including cover for medical expenses, baggage, personal money and belongings.

Sources Foreign & Commonwealth Office, www.nationaldrivesafe.co.uk, www.drive-alive.co.uk.

Disclaimer: RAC are not responsible for the content of external websites. The information provided is correct as of August 2009 to the best of our knowledge and should be referred to for information purposes only - it should not be relied upon as formal advice. Please always check the current requirements of the country you are visiting before you leave.