I don't think anyone has recommended a car in Paris, London or Dublin.

My mention of the major highway was to explain how an organized coach tour to Normandy can be done (though a long and tiring day) from Paris.

I've often talked about my favorite day trip from Paris. We rented a car for the day and left the city early going to Giverny. We arrived there before they opened and had light breakfast in the garden cafe across the street, then toured the house and gardens when they opened. From there we drove to the scenic town of Honfleur where we had a great seafood lunch right on the harbor. Next we headed out to the coast at Etratat -- simply beautiful, and then made a stop in Pont Audemer where we sat by a canal and had lovely tea and pastries. We arrived back in Paris just about dark -- 9:30. It was a remarkable day, and we were thrilled we got a car to do that. It sounds rushed, but we didn't think it was at all.

NeoPatrick, Where is a good place to rent a car in Paris?

my comment was about a car IN the city. Taking a car for an outing in the countryside can make sense.

That was quite a while back but we were staying in the 6th and got ours from Avis which is in a big underground garage adjacent (below) St. Sulpice. They gave us a map and it was a quick and easy route out to the highway, and an easy return as well. What's more we could return it after hours parking it in the garage, and then we returned the next day to pick up our receipt and acknowledge that there was no problem. There are numerous rental agencies around Gare Lyon and arount Montparnasse Station as well. Both are pretty easy for navigation out and away without hitting the crowded part of the city, depending on the direction you are going.

Padraig and Irisheyes give good and wise advice! You can easily fill 2 days and three evenings in Dublin. If you feel you must rent a car and get out of the city, Wicklow is a fantastic option and has everything Padraig mentions.