Michele, good question and I was wondering the same thing. I will look at your packing list too. But I was wondering one thing...we live in southern California and I live in 2 types of shoes all year: white leather Nikes (walking shoes or tennis shoes); and sandals! That's it...I have one pair of black uncomfortable dressy shoes that I never wear unless somebody twists my arm.

Do I need to buy new shoes for Ireland? somewhere I read that you can't wear jeans and white Nikes in Ireland. Is that really true?!

I read that you can't wear white Nikes in Italy, and when we got to Italy I noticed that's silly, most tourists are wearing exactly that, except to dinner, where we put on our more dressy looking but still comfortable sandals.

But Italy was hot in the summer. Ireland might be rainy and cooler...what shoes to bring? Will they arrest us for wearing white Nikes for day-time touring? What about for dinner, or for going to a pub in the evening, do I need to buy new shoes?

Thanks, Michele!

Melissa,

Dude broke me up with the advice about not looking like a chubby Q-Tip!  Some pubs in Dublin or other cities will not allow tourists into them at night wearing white sneakers. But other than that there is no problem with them. I don't think you will have a lot of opportunities for sandals (unless you get a heat wave). Don't even think about taking any shoes that hurt you feet.

I suggest you invest in a pair of very comfortable black walking shoes (goes with everything). They don't need to look dorky. Easy Spirit, SAS, etc. have some nice looking shoes that are comfortable. I also suggest you buy them well before your trip to be sure they are comfortable. Break them in a bit before your trip.

Michele