Dublin deserves at least two nights, if for no other reason than to sample the fantastic restaurants and pubs. Dublin car rental options are numerous, but if you're staying in the centre you'll be able to get around easily by foot and bus, so keep the car for excursions.

Hiring a car
Car hire in Dublin is essential if you're using the capital as a gateway to other areas of Ireland, but as it's a big city you'll experience the usual traffic and parking trouble. One tip is to make Dublin the last stop on your Ireland tour so you can get used to the Irish road rules (and driving on the left) before you get to Dublin.

What to see
With a population of over a million, Dublin offers a wealth of cultural, historical and social activities. There are theatres, museums, bookstores, historical sites and if the weather's fine you can head to one of the many attractive parks. The River Liffey is at the heart of the city, the riversides aren't too exciting, but don't miss the Four Courts on the north bank designed by the great architect James Gandon and the Custom House about a mile downstream.

However most of the tourist action is on the south side where you'll find the museums, churches, castles and public buildings quite close together. Dublin is also very loyal to its writers and at the Dublin Writer's Museum there are literary pieces from authors such as Swift, Sheridan, Yeats, Shaw, Wilde, Joyce and Beckett while James Joyce gets his own museum.

Pubs and Guinness
The biggest attractions in Ireland are the traditional Irish pubs, which you'll find all over Dublin. Try the simple but delicious food, sing along with the folk singers and sip Ireland's famous Guinness beer. If you enjoy it you could visit the Guinness Stonehouse. Dublin's most visited attraction is over 250 years old and from the bar at the top you'll get 360 degree views across the city.

Once you've organised your car hire, Dublin has great accommodation options for you to check out, just do a simple hotel search .