Packing for Ireland! Before you take my advice, let me inform you that I traveled to Ireland in late March. March is between the end of the rainy season and beginning of the drier season, so there is a lot of variety in weather! No matter the time of year, though, prepare for: rain showers, wind and rapidly changing weather!
Essential Items: Don't leave without them
- Rain jacket
- In the drier season (summer: June, July, August), you will likely only need a lightweight rain jacket
- In the wetter season (winter: December, January, February), you will need a thick and insulated rain jacket
- Waterproof Shoes
- Beanie, scarf, gloves
- Even if you are visiting during the sumertime in Ireland, it’s a good idea to pack at least one of each of these. The high in the warmest months are usually in the 60’s and the lows in the 50’s. At night, with wind gusts, you never know how cold it may feel. Be prepared!
- Fleece-Lined Leggings
- These may not be essential in the summer, but I recommend packing them for all other months. With the combination of wind, mild temperatures and intermittent rain, fleece-lined leggings can be your saving grace! These can be purchased for a reasonable price on Amazon and can make a world of difference in your comfort level when exploring Ireland
- Moisture-wicking Socks
- As mentioned before, it rains a lot, and wet feet are the worst. Get moisture-wicking socks to help keep your feet dry and warm!
- Umbrella
- An umbrella is useful when walking around, site-seeing in the cities. However, know that the wind can be OUTRAGEOUS, especially along the Wild Atlantic Way and the west coast of Ireland. Leave the umbrella here; your rain jacket will be your best friend
Other Clothing Items for 7 Days in Ireland
Layers are key! Be sure to have some kind of waterproof outer layer with warm layers inside. The weather can warm up if the sun comes out, so be prepared for any type of weather! Here are a few more items I packed with the above-mentioned essential items!
- 2 pairs of jeans- one black, one blue
- 2 black leggings (used as under layers or as main layer)
- 3 sweaters
- 2 sets of PJs
- Thermal shirt for under-layer
P.S. Don’t forget your outlet converter! Click here for a packing guide for all international travel to add to your list of items for Ireland!
Luggage
We stayed in a mix of hotels, AirBnBs and single rooms in bed and breakfasts’. There are a lot of cobblestones in Ireland. So, with the wide variety of housing and potential for pulling a suitcase over cobblestones, I chose to travel with my Osprey 55L hiking backpack for easier navigation with stairs and rough terrain. It also fit more compactly into the hatch of our rental car!
Packing for Ireland Recap!
Packing for Ireland is pretty straight forward compared to some countries. Expect it to be chilly, windy with a splash of showers and you’ll be prepared! Use layers for those times when the sun pops out and the wind dies down and it feels amazing! Below I have linked several items I recommend and use personally. I used a 3-in-1 Marmot jacket that was great for staying warm in the wind and rain. I found it on sale on Backcountry.com, but it is not currently available. Keep an eye out! My waterproof boot of choice were Keen boots that were comfy and and warm. I’ve had them for years and don’t currently see them, so I’ve linked similar ones! Now, get to packing and enjoy your trip to Ireland!
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