Stay Left - Ireland by Car

Car touring around Ireland - once you're out of the cities - is short, simple and sweet. Distances are relatively short and there's a good network of major roads.

With wheels, Ireland is your oyster. It's a simple matter of deciding which part of it to explore. Classic routes include the scenic Ring of Kerry, on the Iveragh Peninsula, and the Beara Peninsula, both on the west coast. The wild and eerie Burren provides an unforgettable driving landscape. In County Antrim, the Causeway Coastal route from the Giant's Causeway to Ballycastle is a fantastical blend of sea cliffs of contrasting black basalt and white chalk, picturesque little harbours and broad sweeps of sandy beach. Hikers and anglers could explore the lake country from Lough Erne to Lough Sheelin. With time on your hands, you could even do the Giant Loop - starting and ending in Dublin. But whatever you do, be sure not rush it - the pleasure of car touring is that it's always the quietest places where you form your most abiding memories.

The best part about touring Ireland? Wherever you go, you're never far from music, conviviality and a warm pub!

Practicalities

Car hire in Ireland is not cheap, but still compares well to many other European countries (eg France and Great Britain). Your best bet is to make arrangements in your home country, where some good package deals can be had. For July and August, book well ahead.

Ireland has a huge network of secondary and tertiary roads, and a small but growing network of motorways to supplement them. Be prepared, though, for challenging driving conditions on the smaller rural roads: you'll need a good road map and sense of humour to deal with the potholes and lack of signposts. The upside is that asking directions of somebody invariably results in striking up a conversation - many travellers report making new friends this way.

If Ireland's tigerish economy has a downside, it's the ever-increasing number of cars on the road. In the cities, be prepared for delays, especially at holiday weekends. Parking can also be a challenge.

The Irish drive on the left. For other road rules, enquire at any tourist office.