Are You Confused About What To Pack for Ireland?

The dilemma: what to pack for Ireland.

You’ve heard about the fickle weather.

People say you can get 4 seasons in 1 day.

This is so true.

So what in the world are you supposed to pack in your bag without over packing?

And what other things do you need — adapter plug, smartphone, hair dryer, what kind of suitcase/bag?

Well, you’ve come to the right place because I’ve got the perfect packing list for your Irish adventure.

 

But first the climate in Ireland…

The Irish love to chat about the weather, but they’ll go out and live their lives no matter what the weather is.

Ireland has a temperate climate so temperatures rarely go above 20C (that’s 68F).

The high temperatures in April and May will typically be in the 10-15C (50-60F) range and in September — which can be a wonderful month to visit — it may be just a wee bit warmer in the 12-18C(54-64F) range.

Winter will only see daytime highs between 4-6C (39-43F) with the occasional drop to 0C or below (32F).

It does snow, but rarely except up on the mountain tops.

And yes, it does rain.

Now it doesn’t rain every day all day.

But it will rain at some point during your trip.

Sometimes it rains all day.

And sometimes it rains for a while and then the sun comes out then it rains again.

Be prepared.

Also it can be very windy in Ireland especially along the coast where you are sure to be spending some time.

So…

 

What to wear

This is the hardest piece of the “what to pack for Ireland puzzle” so let’s get it out of the way.

First I want to preface this by saying it will depend when you are going.

As you read above, winter will be colder.

But since less folks visit at this time, I’m going to stick with the spring, summer and early autumn packing list as there are only slight variations during this time.

The first thing I’m going to note is that the best way to think about packing for Ireland is to think in layers.

Think about what clothing you have that you can layer on top of each other and then peel off each layer as it warms up.

Make sure that bottom layer still looks fine to wear without something over it.

Okay, now we’re ready to dive into some basics that need to be in your bag for Ireland.

And just a note — I’m looking at a 2 week trip to Ireland.

 

Rain jacket

This is an absolute must as you pack for Ireland.

You will wear it so please take this with you.

I like the Venture Jacket from The North Face.

It’s lightweight, packs well and it keeps you dry.

It’s available for both women and men.

And it comes in a variety of fun colors so you can let your personality shine through in the grey, misty Irish weather. 🙂

 

Rain pants

These are not an absolute must, but if you are going to spend a lot of time in the outdoors visiting sites and/or taking some long walks or hikes, then I highly recommend taking a pair of these with you.

I’m a fan of the Marmot Precip pants.

Again, these are available for both women and men.

But black seems to be the only color. Boo!

 

Fleece pullover or a sweater

Depending on exactly when you make your trip to Ireland you’ll want to take some kind of fleece pullover or a sweater.

In colder months, take a heavier sweater — or buy a beautiful Irish one!

In summer, you may be able to get by with something a little lighter weight.

My personal preference is to take a fleece pullover because I tend to spend more time in the outdoors.

I find it to be stylish enough to wear out to dinner at a pub or casual restaurant, yet warm enough to keep me happy.

The North Face Glacier 1/4 Zip is my favorite micro fleece.

It’s fitted so keep me warms and looks smart — not sloppy.

And it comes in a rainbow of colors!

 

Long sleeve tops

My suggestion is to take 4-5 long sleeve tops that can be layered.

If you’re going to spend any time being active in the outdoors, be sure that at least 1 of these is a wicking layer.

Beyond that, just be practical.

Make sure tops mix and match with your pants and with each other.

You may want 1 of these tops to be slightly heavier and warmer and 1 to be a bit lighter so that you can layer them on top of each other and so you can dress according to the fickle Irish weather.

Variety is good.

 

Short sleeve tops

I recommend taking 3-4 short sleeve tops in summer but I might keep it closer to 3 in spring and autumn.

Also, are you someone who gets cold easily? Or do you run a bit warm?

Take this into consideration as well when it comes to what to pack for Ireland.

Just like the long sleeve tops, be sure these mix and match with your bottom layers and with the long sleeve tops — and that you have some that are a bit heavier and some that are a bit lighter weight.

I also suggest taking a wicking short sleeve top if you plan to be hiking, biking or running.

 

Jeans and pants

I have traveled without jeans and simply taken pants that can go from the trail to the pub.

However, I do think 1 pair of jeans is a good idea as long as you keep in mind that denim doesn’t pack as easily and is heavier.

And denim does not dry quickly.

My suggestion is to wear your jeans on the plane and to not wear them on days that are really rainy.

Take your favorite pair of jeans as long as they don’t look like your dog got hold of them.

For pants, I recommend taking 1 or 2 other pairs of pants that will preferably dry quickly.

I have a fabulous pair of pants called the Low Rise Dipper Pant from Athleta that I love.

Sadly they don’t make these any more.

Boo Athleta! I love love love these pants.

But I will suggest — per many any other female travelers — the Halle pant from Prana.

I’m going to get a pair of these for my upcoming trip, but based on what all these ladies say, these pants are awesome.

Guys will be able to find something similar.

Companies like Patagonia, The North Face or stores like REI will have something to fit your body, your style and your budget.

Do not take shorts as you won’t need them — unless you’re a runner. And only take running shorts in summer. It just doesn’t get that warm.

A couple of notes here.

Ladies, you don’t really need to take a dress or skirt unless you plan on going to some sort of special event that requires it. A nice pair of pants will be fine for a more upscale restaurant.

Also for the ladies, you may want to include a pair of leggings as these can be used under lighter weight pants if it’s cold, or can be used for your time on the trail or on a bike.

 

The little things

I’ll leave your “intimate” wear up to you, but know that these things are easy to wash out in the bathroom sink of your room.

Just take a wee bit of liquid laundry soap with you so you can wash out your underthings every few days.

No need to take 2 weeks worth of skivvies.

Pack 3-4 good pairs of socks as you will be doing some walking regardless of your activity level.

Certainly take an extra pair if you plan on tackling some trails.

And be sure these socks mesh well with your favorite pair of walking shoes.

 

Fleece jacket

In cooler times, you may want to add a fleece jacket to put under your rain jacket to keep warm.

This is an optional item, for sure.

I tend to be a bit of a freeze bug so I take one with me.

My jacket — a fabulous Mountain Hardwear one which I’ve had for years — has some wind resistant technology to it so it does help to block the wind as well.

Sadly, I don’t think they make this one any more.

 

What to put on your feet (so you stay dry and warm)

What to pack for Ireland to keep your feet happy?

Well, I’ve had a few bouts of plantar fasciitis so I have specific brands of shoes that work well for me in dealing with this issue.

So I’m a firm believer in choosing footwear that works for you.

However, I will offer up some advice on shoes.

First, you will want some kind of waterproof shoe especially if you plan to be outside a lot – walking around historic sites, hiking some trails, wandering around towns.

It’s going to be wet.

So invest in a good pair of sneakers or lightweight hiking shoes that have something like Gore-tex.

And get them a couple of months in advance so you can actually try them out to ensure that they make your feet happy — not miserable.

I’m a fan of Topo Athletic Hydroventure trail sneakers and Altra Lone Peak trail sneakers with waterproof technology.

But you do what’s best for you.

You’ll also want to pack a pair of comfortable shoes that you can wear out for dinner to a slightly nicer spot.

I loooovvve Oofos slip-on shoes.

These shoes (which also come in flip flops, sandals and clog styles) are what I call “pillows for my feet.”

I live in the flip flops in summer.

These slip-on shoes are lightweight but not going to be good for when it rains.

But they’re so comfy.

Outside of that, you don’t really need sandals.

I typically take 2 pairs of sneakers and the Oofos slip ons.

Wear those waterproof shoes as much as you need to if it’s wet.

Really, the Irish understand the need for dry feet.

 

Accessories to pack for Ireland

I suggest taking a cold weather hat no matter the season.

Even in summer if you get up on a hill or along the sea it just may be cool enough that you’ll want it or, at the least, a baseball cap.

I also take lightweight gloves.

Again, you know yourself best.

And remember, you can always buy it there if you really need it.

A scarf is a great idea for ladies as it’s a great way to dress up a casual knit top and to keep warm.

This may sound counter-intuitive, but do take sunglasses and a wee bit of sunscreen.

It does get sunny in Ireland. It’s not all overcast skies and rain. So be prepared.

I typically have my sunglasses with me and I fill a very small travel bottle with a bit of sunscreen — just in case.

Lastly, take a damn umbrella.

It’s Ireland and it will rain.

I love the ShedRain Mini Umbrella.

I have used this on my last 2 trips to Ireland and the UK and at home around town.

It works fab, packs up small and is light.

 

What to pack for Ireland: Electronics

Please do take your smartphone and be sure that you have an international plan to use what you need.

I have a post on using technology in Europe that will give you some basic advice.

If you’ll be driving, Waze is a fabulous app that works well for navigation.

You just need to ensure you have a data plan and take a charger to keep that phone charged as Waze will use up the battery quickly.

Since most of today’s electronics have internal voltage converters, you shouldn’t need one of those, but you will need the adapter plugs for Ireland which look like this:

And, whatever you do, do NOT forget a camera with enough memory and battery power.

Of course, you may use your smartphone for this and that’s fine.

But Ireland is gorgeous so you don’t want to miss taking a few snaps!

Be sure to have all chargers with you — phone, tablet, camera batteries.

What you don’t need: a hair dryer.

Most every B&B I’ve stayed in has one. Even simple B&B’s. Leave it at home.

 

The toiletry and medicine kit

So what to pack for Ireland in the way of personal care items and medicines?

Well, pharmacies aren’t that hard to find, so don’t pack it all.

I do believe this is also an individual choice made on your own health, but please, don’t take full bottles and the entire medicine chest for a 2 week trip.

You won’t need body soap as even some of the most basic B&B’s will provide this in your room.

Small bottles of your favorite shampoo and conditioner, your facial cleanser and a small tube of toothpaste will get you through.

You need less than you think so take as little as possible.

I take very little medicines as I know I can buy it if I need it.

So I pack some ibuprofen or aspirin, maybe an anti-diarrhea tablet, a few anti-acid tablets and usually 1 or 2 Benadryl tablets in case of an allergic reaction.

It’s not a bad idea to have a bandaid or 2.

And you may want to pack something for blisters like Compede if you plan on doing loads of walking.

Keep it small, basic and light.

And keep all this in a great toiletry bag — preferably one you can hang.

Because mine is 14 years old and still in fab shape, I can’t find it for sale to recommend it here.

Check Amazon or REI. Shop around a bit.

And make sure it’s not too big!!

 

Where does this all go?

Well, I’ll tell you where it does NOT go — is some big ass suitcase!

Use a small-ish bag, suitcase or backpack.

It doesn’t have to be carry-on size, but it shouldn’t be a whole lot bigger than that.

Remember: If you’re driving, you’ll want to get the smallest car possible, so you want to avoid large bags/suitcases.

You truly don’t need as much as you think.

And if you need it, you can buy it there.

You’re in Ireland, not in the middle of the Sahara!

Please remember that your B&B will most likely have stairs — no elevator.

If you can’t lift your bag, you have too much.

If your bag is bigger than you, then it’s too big.

Keep it simple.

And keep it all organized so you don’t lose or forget things.

I’m a HUGE fan of Eagle Creek packing cubes.

They are the best thing ever!

I swear by these and cannot comprehend why you wouldn’t use these amazing travel accessories.

These keep you organized as you travel and help you to NOT overpack.

 

A few final items to pack for Ireland

I strongly recommend taking a good guidebook with you.

I tend to like Lonely Planet’s guides as good, basic guides.

While Rick Steve’s guides are good at what they cover, he doesn’t get to some off the beaten path destinations.

I also pack a Swiss Army knife with me just in case.

It has scissors, a couple of knives, screwdrivers, corkscrew, bottle opener, etc.

If you’re not checking a bag, you won’t be able to take this.

But I’ve always used this when in Ireland for some reason or another — cutting a thread off a shirt, cutting some fruit or opening a bottle of wine.

If you are going to get out for some hikes, you’ll want to take a daypack.

I love my Osprey Skimmer 22 hydration daypack that is specifically designed for women.

They’ve updated this but you can still find this specific pack on Amazon.

Again, you do you.

If you’re an avid hiker, you probably have a great daypack that you love.

Lastly, do take a reusable water bottle so you don’t use all that plastic and create waste — because not all plastic gets recycled!

I’m a fan of the good ol’ Nalgene water bottles.

But again, you do you.

You may have a bottle you love — take it!

 

 

So…Are you less confused about what to pack for Ireland?

I hope this post has helped some.

I cannot stress to you enough to take what you need and not everything you want to take.

Leave fancy clothes at home.

Don’t take expensive or fancy jewelry.

Try not to take anything that is heavy.

And remember: if you didn’t pack it and you need it, you can buy it there.

Happy Irish Travels!

 

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