April in Ireland question

Many of us on the forum recommend a truly waterproof outer layer that can be worn over various layers depending on temperature.

I bought this longer jacket last year and it's been great. Packs down really small.
I did manage to catch it on sale.
https://www.outdoorresearch.com/us/collection/womens-aspire-trench-287622

Look for something with a waterproof membrane (like Goretex) and a hood. If it's windy an umbrella won't do you any good. Now's a good time to shop with all of the pre-Christmas sales occurring. Stores to consider include REI and LL Bean. Brands to consider include REI and LL Bean's own labels as well as Columbia, Marmot, Outdoor Research, North Face and Patagonia.

For rain, I look for a waterproof, windproof, breathable jacket. For years I used a Marmot Precip. I now have a Mountain Hardware. There are several good brands, and most are available at outdoor stores (REI, Columbia, etc) It really helps keep me warm in the wind.

The problem I see is that you may want to take one "does everything" coat. While my coat provides excellent coverage from the rain and does add some warmth, I do have to layer under it in cold weather. I also don't like wearing it all the time as a breathable raincoat still has that "raincoat feel and crinkly noise" that I don't find comfortable enough to wear all the time. I usually take 2 coats because we are hikers and I need to be able to stuff my raincoat in my pack. When we take a trip where hiking isn't an issue, I sometimes take my REI raincoat that provides close to the same protections but adds a warmth layer. (in a hard rain, I start to feel dampness) Due to the weight, I always wear my heaviest coat on the plane. It is 12 years old, and I don't remember the name of it. I just purchased a Pendleton raincoat that was similiar at Costco last month, but I have not really tested it out.

My last trip, I took a packable down coat with my rain jacket. That works great and neither one is heavy. Unfortunately, it requires taking 2 coats, but it is worth it to me. The down coat is light and "unbulky", and I can wear the raincoat right over it. If it is raining hard, buy an umbrella. (Or else bring a long raincoat or a poncho) I had no problem keeping the carry on weight below the 18 pounds Lufthansa requires, even with the raincoat in the suitcase.

https://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-rain-jackets

Can review and chose.

Since it will be cool weather and you will likely be wearing a coat or jacket much of the time, you might want a more comfortable and versatile jacket than a super lightweight one made for hiking. Something with a lining for comfort , such as this Eddie Bauer raincoat:

https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/20612683/womens-girl-on-the-go%26reg%3B-trench-coat?sp=1&color=Dk%20Charcoal%20Htr&size=L&sizeType=Regular&ch=pla&cm_mmc=GooglePLA-_-brand_PLA_B-_-Womens_-_Outerwear_-_Jackets-_-0067343123000060-_-135682641979&utm_medium=psrch_pla&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=PLA_B_Brand_Outerwear&utm_content=Womens_Outerwear_Jackets&utm_term=0067343123000060&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2qHnhMPC-wIVhjKtBh1NEQy6EAQYAiABEgKffPD_BwE

I have one, and although uninsulated it is warm enough for 50 degree weather over a long-sleeve merino base layer. For colder days I layer a cardigan or micro fleece over that.

I will be taking mine to Italy in February.

You knwo what we call those who scrimp on outerwear? Cold'n'wet. Shop carefully, buy a good, reputable brand, and field test it thoroughly before your trip so you know how it performs and how to drive the advanced features it may have like pit-zips, internal cinch, hideaway hood, slash pockets.

The weather in April can be notoriously fickle, ranging from gloriously sunny to all four seasons in one day, so as the others have said get a good quality goretex outer shell to wear over layers according to the prevailing conditions.
Same goes with your footwear, especially if you plan to do any hiking. A good pair of waterproof shoes or boots would be an equally good investment.

Someone here recommended this one and I have now worn it through rainy Scottish islands and rainy English days. I love the fact that it is longer (that’s why I got it). I have worn it over sweaters and my light down coat.
https://www.columbia.com/p/womens-weekend-adventure-long-shell-jacket-1989261.html?dwvar_1989261_color=010

I have the same Eddie Bauer jacket as Lola. I wanted something just a little longer to fully cover my Primaloft jacket when I need that much warmth, so I bought it in Tall (I'm 5'4" and am usually right on the edge between regular and petite). The sleeves are too long, but I can cuff them (maybe I'll eventually get them hemmed). Otherwise, I love it.