RoundaboutIreland

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Ireland. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


16. Roundabout

A roundabout is a circular road arrangement in which traffic travels around a central island in one designated direction. Vehicles enter and leave through connecting roads, and traffic signs or local rules determine who has priority.

Drivers should reduce speed, choose a suitable lane, observe all road users and signal as required when leaving. The direction of travel, entry priority, lane use and rules for cyclists and pedestrians depend on local traffic signs and regulations.

Roundabout direction sign on road R639 north of Urlingford. (County Kilkenny, Ireland)
Wikimedia.org • Seighean • CC0
Who has priority at a roundabout in Ireland?

Ireland’s RSA requires yielding to traffic coming from the right or already on the roundabout. Keep moving when the way is clear, and obey any signs or markings that specify a different lane arrangement.

🔗 revisedacts.lawreform.ie • Ireland, Traffic and Parking Regulations — articles 8, 11, 15, 18, 27; RSA roundabout lane and signal guidance

🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments

Mandatory roundabout direction. Mandatory roundabout direction.

English • RUS 049 • Mini-roundabout. Follow the clockwise direction indicated by the arrows at the mini-roundabout and yield to traffic approaching from the right as required.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • RUS 049
🔗 Irishstatutebook.ie • Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Regulations 2025 (EN)

SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2023-08-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against Roadguidelines.ie • official published diagram RUS 049.

Warning for a roundabout. Warning for a roundabout.

English • W 043 • Roundabout ahead. A roundabout is ahead. Reduce speed and prepare to give way as required by its signs and markings.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Roadguidelines.ie • Department of Transport • Traffic Signs Manual • W 043

SVG source: Government of Ireland – Department of Transport • Public domain • Original revision 2021-10-28. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against Roadguidelines.ie • official published diagram W 043.

How should you choose a roundabout lane in Ireland?

Unless signs or markings direct otherwise, the RSA’s 12 o’clock guide uses the left lane for exits up to the straight-ahead direction and the right lane for later exits. Give room to cyclists and other road users who may remain in the left lane while continuing around.

🔗 revisedacts.lawreform.ie • Ireland, Traffic and Parking Regulations — articles 8, 11, 15, 18, 27; RSA roundabout lane and signal guidance

🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments

What should you check when leaving a roundabout in Ireland?

Indicate left for the first exit. For straight ahead, do not signal on approach, but signal left after passing the preceding exit. For later exits, indicate right on approach and then left after the preceding exit, unless the actual controls direct otherwise.

🔗 revisedacts.lawreform.ie • Ireland, Traffic and Parking Regulations — articles 8, 11, 15, 18, 27; RSA roundabout lane and signal guidance

🔗 rsa.ie • RSA Rules of the Road — guidance, law date 1 March 2025; read with later amendments

1 Ireland 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian warning 8 Bridge 9 Speed bump 10 Toll road 11 Quay 12 Slope 13 Bus lane 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Road narrowing 18 Pedestrian crossing 19 Railway crossing 20 Turn prohibition 21 School area 22 Crossing animals 23 Slippery road 24 Curve 25 Chevron 26 Wrong-way driving 27 Height limit 28 Weight limit 29 Radar speed sign 30 Priority at the next junction 31 Traffic lights warning 32 Pedestrian lights 33 Left-hand traffic 34 Driving licence 35 End of restriction 36 Parking 37 No parking 38 Reversing 39 U-turn 40 Hostel 41 Tourist attraction 42 Licence plate 43 Dangers 44 Cyclist 45 Bus 46 Police 47 Ambulance 48 Taxi 49 European emission standard 50 Pothole 51 Path 52 Particulates 53 Air pollution 54 Rush hour 55 Road code 56 2+2 Road 57 Street gutter 58 Cargo bike 59 Forestry vehicle 60 Construction vehicle 61 Semi-trailer truck 62 Trolleybus 63 Speed pedelec 64 Delivery vehicle 65 Idling 66 Tow truck 67 Four-wheel drive 68 Bicycle 69 Motorcycle equipment 70 Tram 71 Rail track 72 Caravan 73 Trailer 74 Tow hitch 75 Fire truck 76 Siren 77 Convoy 78 Emergency vehicle lighting 79 Agricultural machinery 80 Electric bicycle 81 Electric vehicle 82 Pedelec 83 Quadricycle 84 Microcar 85 All-terrain vehicle 86 Van 87 Recreational vehicle 88 Scooter 89 Trikke 90 Personal mobility device 91 Skateboard 92 Segway 93 Kick scooter 94 Roller skates 95 Mailman 96 Hitchhiker 97 Toddler 98 Child 99 Disability 100 Motorail ...