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The buzzing city of Dublin is an excellent base from which to explore some of Ireland's most attractive historical and culltural sites. All you need is a map, a hire car and a sense of adventure!

1.Picnic in the Garden of Ireland: Enniskerry/Powerscourt Drive

The pretty village of Enniskerry is situated in 'The Garden of Ireland' in Co. Wicklow and is well worth exploring by hire car. Leaving Dublin, you'll find the best route to take to Enniskerry is to follow the N11 South for 19km and exit at the 'Enniskerry, Powerscourt Gardens, Bray South' signpost.

Enniskerry is convenient to some of Ireland's most beautiful and popular attractions, including Powerscourt Estate and Gardens. The town itself epitomises character and charm and is well worth a wander. Here you'll find organic food shops selling the best of local produce and preserves, as well as high quality crafts by local artists. If you're looking for tasty treats or authentic souvenirs, you'll find good value here.

The impressive Powerscourt Gardens are found at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains and have a history dating back to 1745. There are plenty of features worth exploring, including walled gardens, ornamental lakes and secret hollows.

A 5km drive from the Powerscourt Estate leads you to Ireland's highest waterfall, the perfect place to stop off for a picnic lunch. The waterfall plunges 135m into the Dargle Valley, splashing impressive limestone rocks along on the way.

2. High Road to High Kings: Newgrange Drive

Follow the N3 towards Navan in Co. Meath. You'll find that the historic Hill of Tara is well signposted and can be found just a few kilometres outside of Dunshaughlin. The Hill of Tara was the one-time seat of Ireland's High Kings and the visitor's centre here is well worth a visit.

On exiting the Hill of Tara, follow the N51 on to Newgrange, where you'll discover one of Europe's most important passage graves. Distinctive spiral artwork dating back to 300BC can be seen here. The valley of this area is home to a range of other fascinating sites and is known as 'Br' na Br'inne'.

3.Kildare Drive: National Stud and Japanese Gardens

Follow the N4 out of Dublin and take the R403 out of Dublin to Celbridge and on to Maynooth. From Maynooth, continue to Kildare Town, which is built around the medieval cathedral dedicated to St. Brigid. Kildare's National Stud is to be found 3km outside of Kildare, in the village of Tully, which is the country's top stud farm. Some of the world's most famous racehorses have been bred here and the stud's museum even houses the skeleton of the legendary Arkle.

The Japanese Gardens are to be found next door and discount rates are available on combination tours of the two attractions.

4.Marble City: Kilkenny Drive

Follow the Wicklow route, and continue on to Aughrim and Shillelagh, from here you'll come to Co. Carlow. Follow the signposts on the main Carlow route for 30km and you'll arrive at the beautiful medieval city of Kilkenny, which is situated on the River Nore. The city is known nationwide as the 'Marble City' due to its distinctive architecture and a guided tour of Kilkenny Castle is recommended. Kilkenny's medieval High Street offers a range of appealing shop fronts, guaranteed to entice souvenir hunters of every budget. Other places of interest in the city include: Saint Canice's Cathedral, Rothe House and the impressive city hall.