Rainboots for Ireland/Scotland?
 

I am going to be in Ireland/Scotland for 2 weeks May 5-18th. Do you think I need to bring rainboots or will normal suede (UGG style) boots work? Also, a raincoat or regular coat? Please let me know.

Boots in May are absolute overkill. You are likely to see quite a bit of mist or drizzle - but all you need are sturdy walking shoes - unless you wil be doing alot of hiking - then you need hiking boots.

As for a coat - it's MAY, not December - a winter coat would be ridiculous. A raincoat - or jacket if you want. If you feel the cold (or are from a tropical climate) you may want to bring a sweater to layer underneath if you get a chilly night.

Depends what you want to do. Bring a waterproof jacket if you expect to spend a lot of time outdoors. If hiking is your thing you probably have lightweight waterproofs anyway. Unless you are very sensitive to cold weather, a full length coat won't be worth the space (or the weight) in your suitcase and will be impractical for any kind of serious walking.

A lightweight windproof jacket will be much more useful. At this time of year the wind can make it feel 10 to 20 degrees colder than it really is.

Ordinary walking shoes or boots will do.

I would not take UGGS, If I had room I would take my wellies but they take up so much space so would op for a waterproof walking boot. I have been drenched in May and June. The bottoms of my pants have been ruined from the mud hiking around Newgrange. I have a lightweight rain jacket and always pack those dollar ponchos because my umbrellas have never stood up to the Irish wind. I layer. We are going in Sept this year so am hoping for a bit more sunshine.

I'd love my wellies but not at all practical as they take up too much room. No Uggs. For May you could opt for a pair of those mesh (uppers) type shoes that have a good rubber sole. They dry easily and take up less room than many waterproof boots. Your foot may get wet but so what? I think they even make a waterproof sock if it bothers you. It'll really depend on how much walking you plan to do. For long or serious hikes, definitely go with the waterproof walking boot/shoe. For general traipsing around the turf, the mesh types should be okay. I've not had a problem with them. Merrel and Ecco have some good choices as does Lands End and even Sketchers.

Definitely bring a lightweight raincoat of breathable/waterproof fabric (Gore-tex is great!). Having visited well over 30 times, I always layer as the day can change from lovely sunshine to sun showers to pouring within hours. I live with my cotton polo shirts (cuz it also can be very warm and "close" with fleece zip-up jacket overlayed with my raincoat. Fortunately, I am able to leave a pair of French rain shoes over there, which are fabulous, but my folks only travel with their comfortable walking shoes. Just spray them well before traveling with a good waterproofing conditioner.