WHAT TO PACK FOR A TRIP TO IRELAND, ACCORDING TO LOCALS
Putting together an Ireland packing list means preparing for the unpredictable. “The old cliché of four seasons in one day in Ireland is true,” says Cathrine Burke, co-owner of the modern luxury boutique hotel Breac House in Dunfanaghy. Navigating this beautiful yet capricious weather requires a thoughtful approach. So I sought out professional packing tips from experts like Burke, and Sara Banks—founder of Dublin-based SteamLine Luggage and 20-year Ireland resident. (Her collection of vintage-inspired luggage and bags would look right at home inside Irish castles and historic boutique hotels.)
So what are Ireland packing list essentials? Given Ireland’s diverse climate, you'll want to pack practical pieces that can stand up to chilly and damp conditions. But don’t forget to think of style; look to the season for inspiration. “Clothing very much reflects the colors and textures of the landscape coupled with the need to be practical for outdoor activities and the lifestyle of a coastal community,” says Burke. And Banks reminds us to not overpack: “Bring less, because you'll want to pick up stuff when you're there.” These expert tips, coupled with staple items to round out a versatile wardrobe, will prepare you to stay comfortable in whatever season the Emerald Isle throws your way.
Ireland packing list essentials:
- Luggage
- Day bags
- Waterproof outerwear
- A trench coat
- Clothing staples
- Layering pieces
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Rain boots
- Leggings and cropped pants
- Travel accessories and gear
Luggage
Travel light to navigate Ireland’s cobbled streets or Dublin city transit with agility. Opt for a standard carry-on, and keep contents organized with packing cubes to minimize suitcase chaos and account for extra room for items you may purchase. Ireland is a treasure trove of excellent artisan goods, like Irish linen and wool, so consider bringing a foldable duffel bag in your carry-on to fill with extra souvenirs and check on your way home. Burke recommends Dublin boutiques: “Stable of Ireland for apparel and the Irish Design Shop for a beautifully curated selection of Irish gifts.”
Day bags
When venturing out for the day, “bring a bag for a water bottle, a rain jacket, and an extra layer,” says Banks, “but leave the umbrella at home—nobody uses umbrellas.” A good day bag should be large enough to have room for a few purchases, and include zippers for keeping your wallet close to you and secure. A water-repellent exterior is an added bonus, and slings keep you hands-free. If you need to hold more, a tote bag is roomy enough to carry extra essentials you might need if you’re traveling with kids.
Waterproof outerwear
Ireland's weather is notoriously unpredictable. “The weather is mild and is constantly changing which means even if it's raining, it's not for very long,” Burke says. So pack a waterproof jacket or raincoat, ideally one that folds up into its own pouch so you don’t have to hold the wet item on your arm or wrap it around your waist when not in use. Banks loves the Rains brand, which combines Swedish functional design with contemporary style. “I bought one and it's changed my life because it's so cute and stylish.”
Trench coat
A water-repellent trench coat never goes out of style, and will look right at home on urban travels through Dublin or Galway. “Trench coats always have a nice moment,” says Banks. The longer length protects your entire look from getting damp and can work as an evening layer for a nice dinner much better than a rain jacket. Trench coats are the ultimate shoulder-season outerwear item because of their versatility, and ideal for temperature changes between southern and Northern Ireland.
Clothing staples
If you’re traveling during Ireland’s peak visitation months—the spring, summer, or even into fall— “you will experience all seasons in one day,” says Banks. Start your outfit with a lightweight tee, then layer on a button-down long-sleeve. Finish with a wool cardigan if the temperature requires, then add a raincoat or trench coat. This sequence will keep you warm and dry traveling through windy coastal towns, and allow you to shed the layers when you head inside to a cozy pub.
Layering pieces
If you’re going to spend time being active outdoors, you’ll want to be able to regulate your temperature with items you can easily take on or off. A vest allows for better temperature regulation than donning a sleeved sweater. Cardigans, shirt-jackets, or overshirts with a bit of extra room for movement are invaluable as a layering item. Ireland is famous for the wool Aran jumper (to Americans—Aran sweater). “Wool itself is water-repellent,” Banks says, “that's where the Aran jumper came from. They were knit for seamen by their wives.” Despite its water-resistant properties, wool can be itchy, so wearing a long-sleeve shirt or T-shirt underneath is the key to staying comfortable in wool. Burke recommends picking up locally-made wool knitwear from Donegal’s Moss & Cable.
Comfortable walking shoes
“People love to walk [in Ireland],” says Banks. “My in-laws can easily get 20,000 steps in a day.” To live as the locals do, you'll want sturdy, waterproof shoes. Banks called out the Nike Gore-Tex trail shoes and Tretorn sneakers for their comfort, support, and durability on various terrains. For evenings out, comfortable yet stylish sneakers or flats are ideal. “You can leave the heels at home,” Banks says. Ireland has uneven terrain, from cobblestone streets to rugged hiking trails, that are often wet with rain or mud. Stick with a versatile pair of comfortable, waterproof walking shoes instead.
Rain boots
When it comes to navigating Ireland’s puddles, bogs, and muddy conditions, wellies are a staple. “You will see a lot of welly-ware,” says Banks. For added comfort, she recommends fur-lined, lower-cut wellies from Tretorn. “They're just the low ones that I can wear whenever it's raining out.” Especially if you're planning to pack them, look for shorter ankle-high wellies with added support.
Leggings and cropped pants
“You know, athletic leisure is really big now in Ireland, too,” says Banks. The comfortable and functional aspect of leggings will be useful in Ireland where your day could have you on active adventures like hiking, walking, cycling, golfing, or horse riding. But even if you’re not moving a lot, leggings paired with an oversized Aran sweater and some simple sneakers make a great day outfit for urban exploring. “Jeans are super acceptable and seen everywhere,” says Banks. Go for a crop style, or cuff your jeans, so your pant hem doesn’t get soggy.
Travel accessories and gear
Equip your day bag with a few staples for urban and rural exploring and you’ll be ready for anything. Burke says, “I strongly recommend the McKenna Guide,” for an insider’s guide to seeing the best of Ireland. She also recommends leaving your phone in your bag and going old school, suggesting “a street map [for Dublin], it's really key to understand the different quarters that are driven by the different historical periods in the city.”
To protect your tech without worrying about the weather, a waterproof phone case or water-repellent screen protector goes a long way. Tuck in a dry pair of socks in your bag if you’re trekking outdoors all day.
Personalized audio tours are abundant, even in smaller towns and museums, which Burke suggests packing audio jack headphones for. And as much as Ireland gets a rainy reputation, “you would be surprised how many people think that rain means no sun,” she says, so pack sunscreen. You might like to throw in binoculars for wildlife spotting and a notebook for jotting down your observations, too.
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