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: