Driving the Ring of Kerry, and want to get off the beaten path? Head to Staigue Fort - it's between Sneem and Caherciveen, off a tiny road inland. You will drive a very narrow lane, but keep following the signs. There's a visitor centre with films (and a cafe), although we never stopped there. Park your car in the lot and pay your voluntary entrance fee. Skip across the creek, and climb a small hill to get to the fort.

Foodie Finds: Avoca in Moll's Gap, Co. Kerry, Ireland

We'd driven for hours from Co Clare toward our cottage in Co Kerry. We didn't have any restaurant recommendations in Killarney, but had a great one for Moll's Gap, about a half-hour south-west of Killarney. And, it was halfway to our rental home, Pier Cottage, west of Sneem. So, we held out a little more for the Avoca gift shop and cafe, in Moll's Gap.

If you've been to Ireland, you've probably flown into Shannon airport (the better to explore the west with, I say). It's a small, regional airport that is VERY easy to get in and out of - and very friendly people. It's in County Clare, Ireland.

We're in Ireland, and loving it (needless to say). And yes, the rain is ubiquitous.

I've got a GREAT list of travel tips for you! For our upcoming trip to Ireland and Scotland, I contacted several of my favorite travel writers and asked them for their top tips.  With their answers, we’ll share a series of ten articles on travel planning, airlines, traveling with kids, tips for Scotland and Ireland, and more.

Thus far, we've shared:

Most travellers don’t need much of an excuse to visit Ireland, but those who do could possibly use Celtic history and the Irish culture, tracing the family tree, the fine crystal, the rolling green countryside, horseracing, Gaelic football, Irish pubs or folk dancing, literature, art or music.