You’ve probably heard about the Irish weather, especially if you’re planning a trip to Ireland. Four seasons in a day? Can’t be true, right?
Since I’m Irish, I can confirm… it is.
Not always, but it’s definitely difficult to plan for.
The thing about packing for Ireland is that you’re not usually packing for extremes. More like packing for variety. The weather can shift pretty quickly, even over the course of one day.
What starts out as a dry sunny morning could end up a blustery drizzling afternoon.
But don’t let that put you off! You’ll absolutely LOVE Ireland, no matter what the weather.
In this guide, I’m going through exactly what to pack for a trip to Ireland so you’re not bringing your entire wardrobe including the kitchen sink.
Psst! If you’re trying to plan a trip to Ireland, here are some helpful blog posts:
- 21 Magical Things To Do In Dublin in Winter
- Day Trip To Cliffs Of Moher From Dublin (A Local’s Guide)
- Don’t Make These Big Mistakes! What NOT To Do in Dublin Ireland
- Ireland 6 Day Itinerary: How To Road Trip Through Ireland
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Packing for Ireland: The Basics
Pack Layers
Layers is key when it comes to packing for Ireland.
I always recommend bringing clothes you can add or peel off during the day rather than relying on one heavy layer. A t-shirt, a long-sleeved top, a light jumper, and a waterproof jacket will usually serve you far better than anything too bulky.
Especially if you’re planning a day trip from one side of the country to the other.
Read also: How To Plan An Easy Day Trip From Dublin To Belfast
Choose practical shoes
Shoes matter in Ireland.
If you’re planning to do a lot of walking, and chances are you will, comfortable shoes are a must. You’ll likely come across uneven footpaths, cobbled streets, countryside ‘boreens’, or just a lot more walking than you planned.
So when it comes to shoes, comfort wins. And if they’re at least a bit waterproof, even better.
Bring waterproofs, not just warm clothes
This is where a lot of people get it wrong.
Packing warm clothes is one thing, but for Ireland, waterproof matters just as much, if not more. It doesn’t have to be freezing for the weather to catch you out. A mild day can still turn wet and windy pretty quickly.
A lightweight waterproof jacket is one of the handiest things you can bring. An umbrella can help too, though on windy days it may not last long.
Don’t overpack
I’ve been living abroad for 10 years now, and travel back and forth to Ireland a few times a year. And while it’s taken me almost all of these 10 years to figure it out… well let’s just say, you probably don’t need as much as you think you do.
I was forever bringing stuff back that I’d never worn on my trip.
Unless you’ve got a special occasion planned, most trips to Ireland are pretty casual. You’re far better off packing practical clothes you’ll actually wear than filling your suitcase with those ‘just in case’ outfits that never leave the bag.
That said, if you have the luggage real estate and you’re not going to be hauling it around everyday, feel free to fill up with layers.
Need to book a trip?
These are my go-to sites for booking trips:
What To Pack For Ireland: The Essentials
Now that I’ve covered the basics, let’s get into what to actually pack for Ireland.
Clothing
As I said earlier, it’s all about the layers when it comes to visiting Ireland.
Tops
For most times of the year, a few t-shirts, a couple of long-sleeved tops, and one or two light fleece jumpers will usually cover most situations nicely. Even in summer, it’s worth having something warmer to throw on, especially in the evenings or if you’re heading somewhere coastal.
Cardigans, bulkier jumpers, and lightweight knitwear are all handy too.
If you plan on visiting in winter, I would definitely recommend a good pair of merino wool thermals – especially if you tend to feel the cold (like me).
The main thing is having options you can layer up or strip back depending on what the day decides to do.
Bottoms
Jeans, leggings, and casual travel trousers all work well for me when I travel home to Ireland. You’ll probably end up doing a bit more walking than you expect, so I’d make sure to keep them comfy.
If your trip to Ireland includes a bit of hiking, you might want to consider some outer rain trousers (you know the ones you can just slip on over your other trousers). They take up barely any space in your suitcase.
If you’re visiting in summer, you can absolutely pack skirts or dresses too. Just bear in mind that a breezy day in Ireland can make things a little more exciting than planned, so it’s worth thinking practically.
We do get the odd sunny day during the summer. I think I remember 3 days last July when the sun was blistering…. I jest! But if you’re planning a summer trip, there’s no harm in throwing in one pair of shorts.
Outerwear
A lightweight waterproof jacket is one of the best things you can pack for Ireland. I have this Regatta rain jacket in pink and green! It doesn’t necessarily rain every minute of every day, but when it does rain, you’ll be very glad you brought it.
In cooler months, you’ll also want a warmer coat or jacket. I tend to wear a thin puffer under my raincoat.
If you’re visiting in autumn or winter, I’d also suggest packing a hat and scarf.
Shoes
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, especially if you’re exploring towns and cities, visiting castles, wandering around little villages, or heading off on scenic walks.
I would definitely recommend bringing a pair of waterproof shoes or boots, especially if your trip includes the countryside, the coast, or anywhere with muddy paths and unpredictable puddles. I usually bring my hiking boots with me when I visit, as I don’t know when my sister will drag me out on a hike.
You can bring a smarter pair for evenings if you like, but for most trips, casual and comfortable is the way to go. I tend to just wear a pair of white trainers in the evenings.
Tech Stuff
You won’t need loads of tech for your trip to Ireland, but there are a few things that are definitely worth having.
Your phone, charger, and power bank are the obvious ones, especially if you use your phone for maps, bookings, train tickets, and looking up where to eat when you’re suddenly starving in a town you’ve never heard of before.
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Ireland uses Type G plugs and sockets, so if you’re coming from a country that doesn’t, you should bring a travel adapter. Actually I recommend owning a universal travel adaptor for all travel.
If you’re bringing a camera, Kindle, laptop, or tablet, make sure you’ve packed the right chargers for those as well. It sounds obvious, but this is exactly the sort of thing I forget (usually my watch charger).
Noise-cancelling headphones can also be handy for flights and any train or bus journeys.
Travel Documents
Not that exciting, but every bit as important are your travel documents.
- Make sure your passport has at least 6 months left before expiring. This is the general rule of thumb, however if you’re coming from other countries in Europe you may only need 3 months validity
- If you’re unsure whether or not you need a visa for Ireland, you can check here.
- It’s also worth having copies of your flight details, accommodation bookings, travel insurance, and any tour confirmations, whether that’s printed out or saved on your phone.
Can’t afford travel insurance? Then you can’t afford to travel! Check out my preferred travel insurance that doesn’t tend to break the bank.
- If you’re renting a car, don’t forget your driving licence and anything else the rental company requires. Just make sure you’re used to driving on narrow, winding roads – Irish roads aren’t for the feint-hearted.
Accessories
Ireland is generally considered safe, but as with anywhere really, there are some locations (usually the bigger cities) where petty crime and theft are an issue. A crossbody bag is really handy for sightseeing for keeping small bits and pieces, and of course those extra layers you’ll need.
If you prefer to use a backpack for this kind of stuff, I’d recommending bringing a money wallet you can wear under your clothing for safe keeping of cards and cash.
Here’s a few other accessories you might need to pack for Ireland:
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Umbrella
- Packing cubes – my favourite travel accessory for keeping my luggage organised!
Toiletries & Health Items
Toiletries are pretty straightforward, but it’s still worth thinking through what you’ll actually want with you in Ireland.
Pack your usual basics, along with any prescription medication you need. Oh and if you have to take multiple medications each day, these pill boxes are a lifesaver.
Pain relief, plasters, lip balm, moisturiser, and SPF sunscreen are all worth packing too. Ireland may not be famous for blazing sunshine, but you always need SPF.
If you’re prone to blisters, travel sickness, headaches, or allergies, it’s worth packing for those as well. I always prefer to have the brands I’m used to, rather than having to find stuff in a new country. But you’ll generally find pharmacists in Ireland really helpful if you did need to pick something up.
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As you can see, packing for Ireland really just comes down to being sensible. You don’t need to prepare for every possible weather event, but you do need to be ready for a bit of change.
A few layers, comfortable shoes, and something waterproof will cover you for most trips.
