Best rainwear?

The rain jacket that I'm currently using is from Cabelas - their brand of waterproof. I would go with waterproof and not water resistant. I have previously used a Marmot Precip but decided I wanted a roomier cut to be able to accommodate a small purse under it so changed to the Cabelas.

I have never been able to find waterproof shoes to fit my wide foot. I do have waterproof hiking boots but probably would not pack them unless I was doing a walking tour. If you are seeing the regular first time visitor sites in Ireland you may not need waterproof shoes. I hit Ireland during a very sunny period a few years ago but your mileage might vary.

Check this website for some really extensive reviews of rainwear:
http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/

Their reviews are a outdoor-gear geek's delight :)
I see they have reviews of rain jackets priced from. 275$ to 30$. So they aren't too snobby.

Look at REI online (https://www.rei.com) if you don't have a store near you. Just do a search on the site "rain jackets for women", etc. and you'll see several types. They have an excellent selection of brands and the ratings are posted next to each...plus they explain their products very well (you can call them if you need to). I have a Marmot rain jacket. Shoes should have Gortex or some kind of waterproofing. Really good quality items are not going to be inexpensive, but they'll last and you'll be glad you have them.

As Pam mentioned, go for waterproof and not just water resistant. And go for long coat length rather than short jacket length. A waterproof hat with a wide brim is indispensable. Got ours at LL Bean on line. Never really found any truly waterproof shoes other than heavy hiking boots -- they probably exists I just haven't found them. Not sure how effective the spray on stuff is when it comes to waterproofing shoes. Perhaps others have had success using it. One definite thing to do is keep a pair of dry socks in a zip lock bag in your day bag. Has saved the day for us several times.

I've been using my Patagonia Gore-tex membrane jacket for 16 years and it is functioning like new. I don't use if for day to day wet season wear but have used it on all my winter and wet season travel. I have used my Patagonia on multiple week Nordic ski tours and multiple week UK inn-to-inn walking holidays.

I surface treat my Gore-tex membrane hiking boots with Nikwax products and the boots generally work including crossing boggy moors. On rain days I use rain pants and gaiters. Feet stay dry in female rain showers. However during long male intensity wind driven rain storms water somehow gets in and soaks my socks. The water may be enter through the pants fulL-length leg zippers. I carry spare dry socks for mid-day changes outs.

Love my Patagonia waterproof jacket and pants. Jacket has interior as well as exterior pockets and it folds up into the jacket's hood. Takes up very little room in the suitcase. Their garments are not inexpensive, but are definitely worth the price you pay.
I've been using mine for over 12 years and it's like brand new.

Waterproof coat/jacket needs to be breathable as well. I love my Columbia mid thigh length hooded jacket and Merrill low cut waterproof hiking shoes.

I love my Marmot Gore-tex rain jacket. It's has a hood and the jacket is plenty roomy. I wear a Small but purchased a Med. It wasn't too big, but allows me to layer. My shoes are waterproof gore-tex Merrell's low cut hiking boots. I purchased both items from REI.