This is not only easy, it can be great fun, too. The roads are well surfaced and you'll be surprised at how little traffic there is. Or you can travel by train, or coach, and marvel at the beauty of the countryside in armchair comfort. Or you could travel by air: there are 11 airports around the country.

But if you come to Ireland, it's a big mistake to rush it: the pace is gentle and easy going. Besides if you go too fast you will miss so much of this enchanted island. Here are a few ways to tour the country:

By Car: Bring your own or hire one. Car rental is easily arranged either as a fly-drive or a rail-sail-drive inclusive package. Ireland, like its European partners, promotes unleaded petrol though you can buy the leaded variety. Age requirements vary from a minimum of 21 to a maximum of 75 years. A full licence from the driver's home country is required and the driver must normally have at least two years experience. Road signs are international and traffic drives on the left.

By Rail: Trains operate between most major towns and are clean and efficient. There are two classes with a supplement of IR£5 to take the first class alternative. Children under 5 years of age travel free and 5-15 year olds pay half fare. The Eurorail card system is valid for Ireland.

DART: the Dublin Area Rapid Transport system links the ferry ports and the coastal areas north and south of Dublin with the city centre.

By Coach: The national network links most of the towns and villages in Ireland and the price of a ticket is very reasonable. For example, from Dublin to Cork is only IR£16 and to Galway a mere IR£10. The Central Bus Station (Busaras) is in Store Street, Dublin. Many companies offer completely escorted coach tours, varying in length and itinerary. Full-day and half-day guided tours are organised from the larger towns and cities

Special rail/coach tickets: Because CIE, the national transport company, runs both the train and coach services throughout the country, there are some excellent value passes to be had. Ask about the Irish Explorer Ticket (rail only) for only IR£60: or the Emerald Card Ticket which covers rail and coach for IR£180. Call CIE in: UK on +44 (0181) 686 0994 US on +1 201 292 3899

Island Boat and Air services: There are boats to most of the many islands off the west coast. There is a regular service from Galway and Clare to the Aran islands which takes about half an hour and costs IR£18 return.

Urban travel: A good taxi service is available in major cities and towns. Cruising taxis are infrequent. The best places to get a taxi are at hotels, bus and rail stations and taxi ranks. Extensive bus services operate in the cities. Dublin is also served by the DART a fast suburban rail service connecting the ferry ports and the coastal areas north and south of Dublin with the city centre. The Dublin Explorer ticket is valid for four days on all Dublin buses and DART suburban trains.

Visitor information: There is a comprehensive network of visitor centres as well as regional tourism centres. If you need any further help the Irish Tourist Board- Bord Failte has offices worldwide.

Escorted Tours of Ireland: For information on escorted tours please visit www.irelandescorted.com for escorted tours around ireland for a special vacation