Shoes or boots recommendations

I think it depends on what you are going to be doing. If you are just doing general touring and no hiking to me you'll be fine with regular walking or athletic shoes. Definitely for the cities you won't need waterproof boots. If you are going somewhere like the Aran Islands or even Giant's Causeway you'll want shoes that have fairly good traction.

Although I’ve never been to Ireland I can recommend Allbirds. I just bought a pair (recommended by my sil) for a trip to Italy this fall (we will be doing lots of walking) and we may get into the rain season. They also have an insole that can be removed easily for washing. Last but not least they are semi cute and comfy.

I love love love my Oboz Low-Leather walking shoes. YMMV, but for me, they are perfect. Slightly wider in front but fits a narrow heel, a higher arch (great for those who suffer from Planters Fasciitis), and super comfortable and supportive. I took a pair on my 30 day Germany trip and wound up wearing them every day. I left my other pair behind, because these were so wonderful to walk in.

I just bought another pair and love them just as much. :)

I visited in October and I definitely appreciated having waterproof boots (a heeled but comfy knee boot by Merrell) for walking around the city in frequent drizzle if not outright rain. Who wants to be waiting for shoes to dry in a hotel room? Invest in a high quality raincoat too, something you'll use a lifetime.

I second the recommendation for Allbirds. I would suggest the "mizzle" style since its waterproof.

I was really happy to have waterproof shoes in Ireland in May. My Gortex Clark Wave Walk shoes are my go-to these days.

Keens. Swear by the brand. Have 8 different pairs. Newport, Targhee, lace ups, slip ons. Expensive, durable and cured plantar fasciitis that I had endured for years.

Boots are specialized shoes. You don’t need boots unless you are carrying loads or traversing sketchy terrain. If you are just waking trails, comfortable and dependable shoes are more than adequate. I prefer Altra for the extreme cushioning, zero
Drop, and super wide toe box. Watch some video clips of the most experienced folks hiking the Mont Blanc circuit or the Camino. Not many are wearing boots. Waterproof. Are you fording streams or just waking in dew. I prefer waterproof socks because they extend higher than boot tops and can be quickly changed. Just me.

I would definitely recommend waterproof shoes! I brought Oboz (but not the leather) and my husband brought Clarks. I was open to many brands but those fit me the best and were very light weight. When we landed in Dublin, it was POURING down rain. It kept us in our hotel for a couple hours, but when we headed out, it was still sprinkling and there were massive puddles everywhere. In some areas of the trip, where you are cutting through fields, and on gravel roads and gravel parking lots, it is nice to hop out of the car and not worry about it. Our socks were never wet! As someone else stated, soaking wet shoes are not fun. I would recommend a rain hat of some sort, and FULL length ponchos. Umbrellas are worthless in some of these windy locations, and soaking wet hair and pants are not fun either. I also brought a small pair of black Clarks comfort shoes for when we were eating at our nicer dinners.

A good waterproof shoe would be a very good idea. You should look for a shoe that has a waterproof, breathable membrane. I like Oboz - I have two pairs in different styles (Bozeman leather lowcut and Sawtooth lowcut, both are waterproof). But the arch on Oboz are very specific and vary between styles. If shopping for Oboz be aware that their styles come in water resistant and waterproof versions. You'll notice a price difference. The waterproof use their "bdry" waterproof membrane. I also just got a pair of Arc'teryx which I like very much. They're a bouldering shoe and have a much slimmer profile, making them look more like a sneaker than a hiking shoe. Whatever you do, shop early and wear the shoes around for several days before you leave. The last thing you want to do is get blisters.

I’m partial to Merrel Moabs. I have tried other similar like Keen, while they are also, good, I always seem to take the Merrels. Good all purpose shoe, comfy for all day walking and easier hikes. Also, get a good set of insoles like Superfeet, they can see pricey but are worth it.

I always travel with waterproof walking shoes. I only travel with two pairs of shoes (walking shoes for daytime and a pair of sandals or slip-on for evenings) so I don’t want to worry about wet shoes. I love my Clark’s Wave Andes in black, casual look but not as sneaker looking as some. My husband loved his Merrell Moab waterproof hiking shoe. I’ve never felt the need for boots. And remember, you’ll probably wear your heaviest shoe on the plane.