Boots in Ireland

I would say it could depend on where you will be going. If you are going to stay in a city, you might be able to get by with one pair of shoes/boots. Any hiking? You could run into some mud.

My DH always takes an extra pair because we like to go off the beaten path. The grass could look nice and green but you could be stepping into a good puddle. (My experience up at Slieve League.) I would like to be able to let my shoes dry out for a day. (I wear my heaviest pair on the flight and pack two lighter pairs, but I am not a light packer.)

I think it depend on what you plan to do. Maybe just bring another for back. (no experience in Ireland btw, just thinking)

Depends what your are doing in Ireland. If you are a ordinary tourist sticking to pavements, even boots would not be necessary. If you are doing a walking (trekking) holiday, mid-height waterproof boots for walking and hut shoes (e.g. trainers) for dry footwear at your place of lodging and pub crawling.

In Ireland we always have a pair of dry socks in the day bag even if we are going to be in the city all day. They've come in handy several times. There is a reason Ireland is so lush and green.

What kind of footwear would you use in New Bern in a typical May?

New Bern:

https://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/new-bern/north-carolina/united-states/usnc0484

Avg. annual precipitation = 52.81 inches

Avg. May precipitation = 4.13 inches

Dublin:

http://www.met.ie/climate/dublinairport.asp

Avg. annual precipitation = 732.8mm = 28.85 inches

Avg. May precipitation = 54.8 mm = 2.16 inches

Shannon:

http://www.met.ie/climate/shannonairport.asp

Avg. annual precipitation = 926.7 mm = 36.48 inches

Avg. May precipitation = 59.5 mm = 2.34 inches

When I was in Ireland, I wore a pair of boat shoes (brown leather Bass brand). They were fine for me to handle even the hiking across cow pastures and a few hills. That is the only type of shoe I have ever worn on the 10 RS tours I have taken.

These shoes are made to get wet, have a nice non skid tread, and are super comfortable provided you have them properly broken in. They seem to dry quickly enough. They also look good enough to wear to fancier places for dinner with a nice pair of trousers.

I traveled for over 3 weeks with a good pair of Dunham's low top shoes and a pair of Dockers boat shoes. That included some light hiking, but no major trials away from the roads or towns. I did climb Skillig Michael and hike the Gap of Dunloe.

I wore the boat shoes while driving and for short walks and the Dunham shoes for everything else. Unless you're planning serious hikes, sturdy waterproof shoes should suffice.

Even in towns and cities, a day or night walking in the rain will make you appreciate having waterproof shoes.