Hi. I am doing the Ireland (June 14) and Scotland (June 30) tours back to back. Hoping to manage with a carryon suitcase and a small tote. Is one pair of waterproof shoes enough? I will also have a pair of very comfortable sandals.
I was also going to bring a waterproof jacket and thin puffy vest but no sweater or fleece top. There is just no room! Suggestions?
I just spent three weeks in Scotland with one pair of waterproof low boots (Keens). I had a fleece shirt and thin raincoat to go over t-shirts. Took clothes for 10 days, with laundry mid-trip by a B&B operator. Was never cold or wet, although the weather was extraordinarily nice. It easily fit in a carry-on bag. I took a small backpack for dashboard GPS, one change of clothes for lost luggage, snacks, raincoat. I usually gate check even carry-on bags rather than struggle for space in the overheads, now that many airline charge for a checked bag. The compact luggage is more for the walks to lodging, going up stairs, etc.
Half dozen trips to Ireland and one to Scotland and I did just fine with one pair of waterproof Merrills plus another something, like my Keen Rose sandals. I would reconsider and take a light fleece or wool sweater, though. I have been chilly in Ireland in August. Maybe a fleece instead of the vest?
Been to Scotland and Ireland several times and never had waterproof shoes. Just good sturdy walking shoes. One pair should be enough. A good rain jacket and hat are advised, as it does rain a fair amount of the time.
It doesn't sound like you'll be doing much hiking in muddy or boggy territory so one pair of waterproof shoes should be fine. If it's a really wet day you might pack a spare pair of socks in your day bag just in case and buy a newspaper that night to crumple up and put inside your shoes to dry. And as others mentioned, I think a light sweater (like cashmere or merino) or a light fleece is probably better than a vest.
I would take the vest, the waterproof jacket and a sweater. I wasn’t sure if I’d understood this correctly as taking no sweater at all seems absolutely crazy to me! Summer weather dressing in this part of the world involves a sweater more often than not.
One pair of waterproof shoes is enough. They shouldn’t get wet inside so can worn day after day.
Regarding Scotland- I was there for about 2 weeks in 2019. While we had gloriously sunny weather much of the time, it was also chilly part of each day and some days and locations were downright cold.- especially evenings. I took sandals but it was too cold to wear them. So if you take another pair of shoes, I suggest a pair of sneakers that you’ve scotchguarded since you’re visiting Ireland beforehand.
Also, I suggest a thin fleece, cashmere cardigan, or Marino sweater too. Layering was very helpful there so you can take less bulky items.
