rain gear

If you plan to spend all day outside walking through tall grass, possibly. If not, no. As you likely already know, it rains frequently in Ireland (as it does it most of NW Europe), but the rain is usually light to moderate. Torrential downpours of the type that would necessitate rain pants are not common.

Thanks for the info !

Thanks !!!!

Suzanne - Rain pants are a 50/50 call. Our family was in Ireland end of May thru June 11. I took along my golf rain pants. They came in handy twice, Once at the Cliffs of Moher and one night in Dublin.

I went without rain pants for many years and then broke down and got some a few years ago and I now love them. Now, I do walk and am on all day hikes. I don't walk through tall grass and still find them wonderful. If you're mostly just touring, you'll probably be fine without them. If you plan to get in a hike or two then either bring a pair with you or pick up some of the cheap ones. I got some that scrunch down into little tiny bag and they cost about $15. Pam

We just returned from Ireland and our rain gear was the most valuable clothing we brought. It rained alot and having invested in rain gear allowed us to still enjoy our trip. We purchased three-quarter length, hooded, breathable rain coats from LL Bean. They had good zippers, Velcro tabs to seal the zippers, excellent pockets with zippers, tabs on the cuffs to seal out the rain, and drawstring hoods with a small visor built in. For our feet, we bought smart wool socks and waterproof Keens. Worth every penny and worn every day. Never mond the rain - we had a blast!

It is the trail model-I bought it last November to have for this fall-I don't think they make the color any more - wish I purchased the fleece as well - good luck with jacket hunting !!

Thanks-I bought the same coat in "emerald" green no less !!!! lots of wool socks and waterproof Merrells !!!! was the trip amazing ????? 52 days to go

@Linda & @Suzanne - Did ya'll get the Trail Model? If not, which one as I don't see it in Emerald Green. I have been looking at it for a while as it can be packed up in a bag but have just been putting it off as I need a new warmer coat for my November trip.....my favorite sustained a tear towards the bottom last year on my trip. It falls below the knees so keeps me very warm. I mended it but it bothers me....husband says he doesn't even notice it but he probably doesn't want me to spend the $$ which does make some sense as I have only worn it here in Dallas twice in 6 years, then once a year when I travel to Europe in Nov/Dec. It's down filled and dries within hours.....I think I have just talked myself into keeping it! Waterproof Merrells/Keene's and smart wool socks are the way to go!

Yep! Trail model. Jim and red and I had teal. Easy to find us in a crowd.

I wouldn't choose to pack rain pants. A good rainshell, with hood, that covers your butt, water proof shoes, and pants in a quick-drying fabric should be fine. I guess I'd also take socks that will dry quickly, either wool or synthetic - not cotton.

Suzanne, not trying to hijack your thread, but I wanted to know a bit more about the Trail model LLBean raincoat you all have. Absurd question, but is the fabric noisy? Is it sized generously enough that you can wear a sweater or a fleece vest underneath if it turns chilly or do you need to size up for that? Thanks!