Rain gear for Ireland & Scotland?

A lightweight rain jacket is a must. You can use a windbreaker if it's water repellent. I have a Nike running jacket with a hood that I use. It cost about $40 and seems to work as well as some of the more expensive Northface, REI stuff in that it keeps me dry.

It won't be that cold but it will more than likely be wet. Layering is the key.

You may not see rain, but I really wouldn't bet on it. Even a nice day is likely to be punctuated with a downpour. My advice, never get more than arms length from your rain shell - even if it doesn't look like you will need it.

I agree that you'll want a "water repellant" or "waterproof" jacket or poncho (and not just "water resistant," as that often means it lets water in at the seams.) and preferably one with a hood. I wore a baseball cap under the hood to keep the drizzle out of my face/my glasses. The key is keeping yourself dry and keeping your hands free for map reading, taking pictures, etc.

We just returned from Scotland and had very little rain. However, this has not been the norm on our other visits to the British Isles.

You need a waterproof rain jacket with hood so you can keep touring if the weather gods do decide to deliver a deluge. LL Bean and LandsEnd both sell the kind that stuff into their own pocket and they don't weigh a lot. You don't need Goretex unless you are back-packing.

Avoid jackets with linings---if it does the deluge thing, the rain will get inside and soak the lining. That happened to us in the Lakes District.

A waterproof jacket of some sort is a must. Unless you are very lucky, you will have rain sometime during your trip. A windbreaker is fine as long as it is waterproof (not water resistant) and has a hood. It is likely to be windy, so make sure the hood is one that won't blow off. If your hood blows off, you will not stay dry. If you have to hold it on with your hand, water will run down your sleeves. I have a Northface jacket that I love because the hood is adjustable and will not come off in gale-force winds. It also doesn't obstruct my view. I'm sure there are other brands that work just as well and may be cheaper.

You will not regret taking a hooded jacket with you. We had hot sunny days and rainfall in July in Scotland. Even when it was not raining I was glad to have a hooded jacket for some of the high winds in areas. There is no bad weather in Scotland or Ireland just improper clothing.

Just to add a quick note to all the other responses: In addition to a jacket being waterproof with a hood (which I definitely think you should take), you might want to seriously consider getting one that is breathable as well. If you'll be doing any amount of walking outside, having a jacket that will keep you dry inside and out will greatly improve your comfort. No sense keeping the rain out if you're just sweating yourself wet on the inside. A jacket that is waterproof, windproof and breatheable can get pricey, but it's a fantastic investment. They are also generally very lightweight and you can find ones that packdown into their own little stuff sack. Check out REI or similar outdoor retailers for a good selection of styles and price ranges.

I went in April: it snowed and flooded; I went in May & June: It rained; wear a scarf or hat that won't blow off: I went in September & October: It rained in Wales, but I had gorgeous weather until October when it poured. Take technical gortex and fleece layer jacket and you'll be fine. A nice Cardigan or windbreaker for nice days. Your windbreaker over a fleece would probably work for August. When in doubt you'll be in the land of sweaters you can buy everywhere.

Thanks for all the great responses. You've all confirmed that YES we need rain jackets. I've scoped out LL Bean and Lands End and will probably pick something up from one of those sites...and ones WITH a hood!

Try BassPro for a cheap gore-tex pac lite hooded jacket. Also REI has sales occasionaly.

We used the Lands End packable rain jackets in Ireland two years ago - they were great with a lightweight fleece under for warmth when needed. The hood has a brim like a ball cap and adjusts to stay on. Very reasonable price also - under $30.

My wife and I both have "Mac-in-a-Sac" jackets (bought in Britain) which are light, small, and have evnts in the back. Found them great - also consider a small collapsible umbrella.