Packing for Best of Ireland Tour

The key is do you have a waterproof rain jacket? I think either the puffer or fleece will both work for dry weather; depending on what is most comfortable. Layers for sure. An umbrella is sort of a hassle and not that workable. It's a great tour. Enjoy!

Agree that either jacket would be fine, and a waterproof jacket is much more useful than an umbrella because of wind.

Do you have a rain jacket?

When I took this tour last year (late May), I took a lightweight fleece jacket and a rain jacket (lightweight, no lining). I mostly wore just the rain jacket, but occasionally needed the fleece underneath.

Agreeing with the advice for a hooded, 100% waterproof rain jacket. If it's windy the umbrella is a challenge and in cities it's cumbersome. You might be able to get away with a fleece or light puffer vest for extra warmth under it (or alone), wearing both on the plane to save space.
I take a lightweight merino or cashmere sweater as well.

Agree with all of the above. A tip I read on the Forum is to use a (waterproof, if you can find one) ball cap to keep the hood of your rain jacket from falling in your face.

I don't care for fleece because it's quite un-windproof. Dealing with water is a must.

Not sure I'd pack based on current weather reports, as they're pretty much only accurate maybe a day ahead. Ireland can have every season in one day, even in summer. Definitely a light waterproof outer layer with a hood is going to be your friend. If the wind is up the umbrella will be 100% useless, save your packing space on that one. Since you're from Sonoma, think of what San Fran can be like in the middle of summer (which is, not at all like summer weather). For myself, I'd focus on thin layers that fit under your waterproof coat as you may be peeling them on and off through the day. And definitely bring two pairs of shoes (if they get wet, they may not dry overnight) and socks that dry quickly overnight.

Loved this tour! 50 shades of green or more. I ended up buying a pair of gloves to wear the second day of the trip. So you might think about packing a pair of gloves and for sure a scarf. I had taken long sleeve blouses to wear under my light raincoat but had to purchased a long sleeve sweatshirt to go over blouses and under raincoat. I looked at the weather before we went and packed accordingly but I was still cold most of the time. The Guinness Tour in Dublin is great! We are thinking of taking the My Way Ireland tour next year because we loved Ireland so much. We will take warmer clothes (more layers) if we do.

Thanks to everyone who has responded. Here is my takeaway:

1. Waterproof raincoat is essential.
2. Two pairs of shoes needed when the first one gets wet.
3. Quick drying socks (I always have those. We wash clothes every other night in the hotel room.)
4. will check weather just before leaving to get a better idea of what's expected.
5. Hat, gloves, scarf all needed.

It doesn't sound like I need a puffer jacket. I'm hoping a fleece under my raincoat will be sufficient.

Thanks to all for your suggestions. If you have any others, I'm all ears.

Tony

Thanks for asking this question, Tony. We are doing the tour this summer too - and I've been having the same debate about whether I should bring a puffer jacket. But it sounds like just the raincoat and fleece hoodie should be enough.

Hey, was I was there when it became windy, rainy and cold. You may well need a fleece and a waterproof jacket. I didn't have the fleece and had to buy one to keep warm. Us folks from the Pacific Northwest know the value of fleece jackets..

Just got back from the Heart of Ireland tour (followed by Heart of Scotland). I took my fleece, puffer, and raincoat. I think I only wore the puffer (plus the others) once, at the Cliffs of Moher. Some of the places you will go may tend to be cooler (we didn't go north of Dublin), but keep in mind that places like Cliffs of Moher and Giant's Causeway, where you're most exposed to the elements, aren't long stops. So if need be you can just suck it up and be a little cold for an hour, or spend extra time in the gift shop. Or buy a nice extra layer as a souvenir if you have to.

Here is my takeaway:
Two pairs of shoes needed when the first one gets wet.
It doesn't sound like I need a puffer jacket. I'm hoping a fleece under my raincoat will be sufficient.

If wetness is the only concern, a single pair of lightweight Gore-tex trail shoes could suffice.

Puffer I believe is overkill for temperatures in the 50F-60F range. Light fleece vest or a merino base layer should suffice, as at those temperatures it's the wind that makes it feel chilly, and a rain shell also serves as a windbreaker in dry weather.

Base layer is the key. I always travel with my Patagonia long sleeve tee, Winter, Summer or Fall.

Its lightweight, easy to pack, easy to wash and dry and for me has proved a great investment.