Ireland is one of the most delightful countries in the world for driving, with the amazing scenery to explore which surrounds you. The roads are good quality, the traffic is light and Irish drivers are courteous and well behaved. If you have a hire car you’ll find that Ireland is mainly rural, only Dublin and Cork are sizeable cities, so most driving is done on country roads threading through leafy green farmland dotted with lakes and mountains.

The whole country is accessible within a few days’ easy driving, all you need to do is simply have to take your pick from some of the great touring routes. Most roads radiate from Dublin on the east coast, like the M4, which joins Dublin and Galway, or the M7 joining Dublin to Limerick.

The Irish rules of the road are very similar to the neighbouring UK but you’ll find that distances are measured using the metric system. So signs saying Cork is 260 from Dublin means kilometres not miles. This also means speed limits are given in kilometres per hour. So the Irish motorway speed limit is 120kph (75mph) and 100kph (62mph) on other roads. The limit is 50kph (31mph) in towns.

If you drive up into Northern Ireland you’ll find the measurements change to miles. Note that when you drive between the two countries, the border is usually barely discernible. You do not need to stop or show a passport.

With rolling hills of green and a vast, luscious countryside, it’s no wonder that Ireland is nicknamed “The Emerald Isle”. But there is more to this country than stunning scenery situated around it. Ireland is pleasant mix of the traditional and the modern, so whether you’re here on business or pleasure, you’re bound to find something exiting to do.

The capital city

The grand city of Dublin on the east coast is Ireland’s top destination to visit. It’s a bubbling European city with a welcoming atmosphere, cultural heritage and a modern buzz in the streets.

The ‘attractions’ are mostly historic, like the illustrated Dark Ages manuscript of the Book of Kells displayed in Trinity College Library and the old buildings of Dublin Castle that symbolise the long centuries of British rule.

The city has also become known for its modern nightlife and entertainment. Look out for a vast array of cafes and restaurants, and there’s great live music all over the city - few destinations have anything to beat a sing-along in a traditional Dublin bar.

Ireland’s second city

To the south of the country lies, Cork. Just like Dublin, Cork is full of historic sights to explore. The landmark Victorian gothic Cathedral of Saint Fin Barre towers over the centre - inside are more than 1,200 sculptures to admire – and across the city, you can see the old City Gaol where an audio tour guides you around the cells.

Cork is also home to the famous Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s historic treasures. With almost 600 years of history behind it, Blarney Castle is still attracting hundreds of visitors to its doors. You can also take the opportunity to see the legendary Blarney Stone which is said to bestow the gift of eloquence once kissed.

The West Coast

Ireland’s west coast is a beautiful sequence of unspoilt rugged inlets, misty mountains and wild rocky islands. From Skibbereen to Sligo, it’s an area to tour at a leisurely pace, taking in gentle natural sights like Bantry Bay, the Ring of Kerry and Connemara National Park. Don’t miss the views and photo opportunities at the towering Cliffs of Moher and the magical little village of Dingle far out to the west on its own peninsular. The lively old centres of Galway and Limerick are the best places to base your west coast adventures, and both towns are full of quirky independent shops and cafes to enjoy.

The rest of the Emerald Isle

You can find a memorable day simply pottering around the country lanes or chatting to locals in a small fishing village. But there is also some unique and inspiring placed to visit like the Brú na Bóinne prehistoric burial site which is like travelling back to a time before the Egyptian pyramids. You shuffle inside the massive stone tomb to discover one of the most spectacular intact Megalithic sites in Europe.

To the south west of Ireland, take a trip through the beautiful Wicklow Mountains. These heather-covered wildernesses of hills, valleys and streams are great for outdoor expeditions or just leisurely picnics, depending on the kind of day you’re after.

Ireland is full of majestic places to visit, and the beauty of the surrounding area only adds to the experience of this enchanting location. So go out and explore the Emerald Isle with car hire from Hertz.