Wow, what an incredible trip. We kissed the Blarney Stone, drank fresh Guinness, toured the Waterford Crystal Factory, and enjoyed a medieval banquet. I'm really glad we went. Been there, done that. But ... what would I have changed?

RELAX. I really planned too many things to do and traveled far too many miles. I would keep driving under 60 miles a day. There is only so much you can do in one day. The roads in Ireland aren't roads. They are narrow stretches of asphalt with many stops along the way. How ever long you think it will take, double it!

CALL AHEAD. Get an international phone call and verify that things are open. The Beamish Brewery, Dublin Brewing Company, and the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin had hours, or no tours, that were different from their website.

PLAN AHEAD. Get detailed maps of cities and locations. We couldn't find Carrigafoyle Castle or Wicklow Head Lighthouse, even though they were marked on the map. We spent a large amount of time driving in circles because we did not know where to go. Getting around in Cork was a real challenge. Call the Bed and Breakfast locations to get directions (this was a real problem). Ireland maps are available at http://www.osi.ie/.

DRIVING. Take the extra insurance - you're going to do something to the car, I promise. We got a door ding, plus Avis claims we messed up a tire. Thankfully, we took the extra insurance.

DISCOUNTS! Everything has an entrance cost. 'Ireland at a Glimpse' was a free coupon book we got with our travel package. Almost all the coupons are two-for-one. Also, Heritage Island has some good coupons. If you planning on visiting multiple castle, you should definitely check-out the Heritage Card. It would pay for itself within 3 or 4 visits. If you take the Dublin City Bus Tour, there are some coupons.

Don't arrive in Ireland at 6 in the morning!

Ok, with that said, what would I do again?

Best things to do:

• Bunratty Medieval Banquet. This was a hoot, especially since Ty was involved

• Waterford Crystal Factory. A very interesting tour

• Cliffs of Moher. This is a must!

• Rock of Cashel. A very cool place.

• Blarney Castle. Yes, it's corny, but a required stop for all tourist.

• Old Midleton Distillery. Good tour, great Irish whiskey.

• Dublin City Bus Tour. The best way to see all the sites.

Best Beers:

• Stout - O'Hara - Carlow Brewing Company

• Lager - Blonde Biddy - Biddy Early Brewery

• Red Ale - Brainbusta - Porter House Brewing Company

• Guinness - Guinness Storehouse, of course

Best Food:

Blarney Woolen Mills - Ty had a great seafood platter

Things I would skip:

• Rattoo Round Tower

• Dingle Peninsula (I know, maybe I was just too tired)

• Messrs Maguire