Very jet lagged, but back home.  I will do a trip report later (after laundry, bills, weeding garden, etc) but, as this was my first visit, just wanted to share a couple of things quickly for other first-timers:

- It rains.  Be prepared.  We didn't change any plans because of weather but we were glad we had taken everyone's advice and had good rain jackets + small umbrella that "lived" in my pocket.  Most days were half sun and half rain so don't reach any conclusions by looking out the window in the morning - or from listening to the weather report either, for that matter!  (I sat next to an Ireland native on our flight home and she said she didn't remember another May so wet as this one - we just luck out I guess....  )

- We bought a 10Euro Vodofone SIM card for my phone.  It came with 11 Euro of phone credit (nice deal).  We used it a LOT - the flat tyre on a Sunday afternoon and no lug wrench (wheel brace) in the car had something to do with that... but it was very handy for calling about opening times,  B&B's, restaurants, etc.   I called the US twice and a 5 minute call was only 80 cents.   Incoming calls are free.  If you have a quad-band unlocked phone I recommend it highly.  

- I had no trouble adjusting to driving on the left as a DRIVER, but I never got used to it as a passenger.  It was just terrifying to me.  Hence, I drove most of the time!

- It was a little scary how quickly I came to accept driving on one-lane roads between two stone walls as "normal!"  We only met a bus once and managed to back up (uphill) to a place wide enough for him to get around.   I just drove at a speed that felt safe to me then pulled off the road occasionally to let others get by. 

- Bring at least 2 pairs of shoes (or boots).  If you're planning to do anything outdoors - even walk through gardens - they are likely to get very wet.

- Advice I heard before we left that is worth repeating: get the smallest car you think you can fit in (we had 4 people so ours wasn't very small) and never pass up a convenient restroom!

- The people were all extremely friendly and helpful.   All of our accommodations were lovely and we had a wonderful time. 

- Our only disappointment was the difficulty of finding music that started before 10 PM.  (We are not late-night people.  We never saw one get going before about 10:15 - the locals laughed when we would ask at 9:30 when they were going to start!  It seems the musicians arrive between 9:30-10 and then have a pint or two before actually playing.)   There are some special "early" nights but those, we found out, are standing room only unless you book a table for dinner.  OBVIOUS HINT:  if you are interested in any of those, call ahead and book dinner!   We did go to the "folk concert" in Dingle at St. James Church -  they are held 3x a week (maybe more often in season?).  It cost 12E but was a wonderful experience; we got to sit down and they actually started on time!

That's all that comes to mind right this minute.  Many thanks to all of you who gave me such great advice! 

Barb