I’ll be honest with you: packing for Ireland trips up more visitors than it should. It’s not that the climate is extreme. It’s that it changes its mind every twenty minutes. I’ve lived here my whole life and I still get caught out.

The good news? You don’t need to pack heavy. You just need to pack smart. This is the packing list I’d give a friend flying in for the first time.

Ireland’s Weather: The Only Thing You Need to Understand

Forget checking a 10-day forecast. Irish weather doesn’t work that way. You could get sun, rain, wind, and a rainbow all before lunch, any month of the year.

Average temperatures range from about 5-8C (41-46F) in winter to 15-20C (59-68F) in summer. It rarely gets properly cold or properly hot. What it does get is wet and windy, often sideways.

The secret that every Irish person knows? Layers. Not bulk, not heavy winter coats (unless you’re visiting December through February). Just smart, packable layers that you can add or strip depending on the hour.

Insider Tip: Ireland’s west coast (the Wild Atlantic Way) gets significantly more rain and wind than the east coast. If your trip includes Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, or Donegal, pack with the expectation that you’ll get rained on at least once a day.

Clothing: The Layering System That Works

This is the approach I use myself when I’m out filming on the road. Three layers, each with a job to do.

Base Layer: Moisture-Wicking

A merino wool or synthetic base layer keeps you warm without overheating. You’ll appreciate this on a breezy clifftop walk or a damp morning exploring Dublin. Pack 2-3 depending on your trip length.

Mid Layer: Warmth

A lightweight fleece is perfect for Ireland. It’s warm enough for cool evenings but not so bulky that you’re sweating on the bus. One is enough.

Outer Layer: Waterproof and Windproof

This is the most important item on the list. Don’t skimp here. You need a proper waterproof jacket, not a water-resistant one. Look for sealed seams and a hood that actually covers your head.

These are packable, affordable, and genuinely waterproof. I’ve worn mine through a full day of rain on the Aran Islands and it held up perfectly.

Patrick Tip: Skip the heavy winter coat unless you’re visiting November through February. A waterproof shell over a fleece handles most of the year. For winter trips, add a packable down jacket as an extra insulation layer.

Trousers and Bottoms

Jeans are fine for cities, but they’re miserable in the rain. They absorb water, take forever to dry, and get heavy. For day trips and any outdoor exploring, quick-dry hiking trousers are a game changer.

Pack 1-2 pairs of quick-dry trousers for active days and your regular clothes for city evenings.

Footwear: This Is Where Most People Get It Wrong

I can’t tell you how many visitors I see hobbling around the Cliffs of Moher in white trainers or ballet flats. Ireland’s paths and trails are wet, uneven, and often muddy.

For outdoor exploring: Waterproof hiking shoes are essential if you plan to walk any trails, visit cliff paths, or explore ruins. You don’t need heavy boots. Trail shoes with ankle support and waterproofing are ideal.

For cities: A comfortable pair of everyday shoes that you don’t mind getting a bit wet. Dublin, Cork, and Belfast involve a lot of walking on cobbles and uneven pavements.

Two pairs total is enough. Hiking shoes for day trips, comfy shoes for evenings. Leave the heels and sandals at home unless you have a specific event.

Travel Accessories: The Non-Negotiables

These are the items that make everything smoother. I’d genuinely call all of them essential.

Power Adapter (Type G)

Ireland uses the same three-pin plug as the UK (Type G). Your US/Canadian chargers won’t work without an adapter. This is the one thing I see visitors panic-buying at Dublin Airport for triple the price.

  • TESSAN Type G travel adapter (around $10-$15 for a 2-pack). The versions with USB ports built in are brilliant because you can charge your phone and laptop from one adapter.

Important: Ireland’s voltage is 230V (vs 120V in North America). Most modern phone chargers, laptops, and camera chargers are dual-voltage (check the small print on the charger itself), but hair dryers and straighteners usually aren’t. Don’t plug a US hair dryer into an Irish socket with just an adapter. You’ll blow it.

Portable Umbrella

Yes, you’ll need one. The hood on your jacket handles drizzle, but Ireland delivers proper downpours too. Get something compact and wind-resistant. Cheap umbrellas invert and die on the first gusty day.

Packing Cubes

Not glamorous, but they’re the difference between a tidy bag and a disaster by day three. Especially useful if you’re moving between hotels or B&Bs.

eSIM Card

If you’re coming from outside Europe, you’ll want mobile data for Google Maps, restaurant lookups, and keeping in touch. An eSIM from Airalo is the easiest option. Set it up before you leave home and you’ll have data the moment you land at Dublin Airport.

Plans for Ireland start at around $5 for 1GB. I’d recommend at least 3-5GB for a week-long trip if you’ll be using maps and uploading photos.

Daypack

A small, lightweight backpack (20-25 litres) for day trips is really useful. You’ll want somewhere to stash your rain jacket, umbrella, water bottle, and camera while you’re out exploring.

What to Wear in Ireland: A Quick Style Note

Irish people dress casually. You won’t look out of place in jeans, a jumper, and a rain jacket anywhere on the island. The only places with a dress code are high-end restaurants in Dublin, and even those are relaxed by international standards.

Stick to earthy, muted colours and you’ll blend right in. Dark greens, navy, grey, black, and brown are the local uniform for a reason: they don’t show the dirt from a muddy walk and they look grand for dinner afterwards.

Insider Tip: A lot of visitors ask about wearing green or orange in Ireland. Here’s the honest answer: in the Republic, nobody cares. Wear whatever you like. In parts of the north, green and orange carry political and religious associations (Catholic/nationalist and Protestant/unionist respectively). In practice, tourists wearing a green jumper in Belfast won’t cause any issues. But if you’re visiting during the July marching season, it’s sensible to keep colours neutral. For the vast majority of visitors, this won’t be something you need to worry about.

Seasonal Adjustments

The core packing list above works year-round, but here’s what to tweak based on when you’re visiting:

What NOT to Pack

Just as important as what you bring is what you leave behind. Don’t waste suitcase space on:

  • Bulky winter coats (unless visiting Dec-Feb). Your layering system is warmer and more flexible.
  • Cotton hoodies as your only warm layer. Cotton absorbs moisture and takes forever to dry. Synthetic or wool is the way to go.
  • More than two pairs of shoes. You really don’t need them.
  • A hair dryer. Every hotel and B&B in Ireland provides one. Save the space and the voltage worry.
  • An umbrella from the dollar store. It won’t survive. Invest in a wind-resistant one or buy nothing.

The Complete Checklist

Here’s your at-a-glance list to tick off before you zip up the bag:

Clothing:

  • 2-3 merino or synthetic base layer tops
  • 1 lightweight fleece or mid-layer
  • 1 waterproof rain jacket (non-negotiable)
  • 1-2 quick-dry hiking trousers
  • Regular clothes for city evenings
  • Light scarf (doubles as warmth and sun cover)

Footwear:

  • 1 pair waterproof hiking shoes (broken in!)
  • 1 pair comfortable city shoes

Accessories:

  • Type G power adapter with USB ports
  • Wind-resistant compact umbrella
  • Packing cubes
  • eSIM card (set up before departure)
  • Daypack (20-25L)
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunglasses (Ireland does get sunny, I promise)
  • Sunscreen (May-August especially)

FAQ

What should I pack for a trip to Ireland?

Focus on layered clothing: a moisture-wicking base layer, a warm fleece mid-layer, and a waterproof rain jacket. Add quick-dry trousers, waterproof hiking shoes, a Type G power adapter, and a wind-resistant umbrella. Ireland’s weather changes constantly, so versatile layers beat bulky single items.

What colours should you not wear in Ireland?

In the Republic of Ireland, wear whatever you like. Nobody will bat an eye. In parts of the north, green and orange carry political significance (Catholic/nationalist and Protestant/unionist respectively). For tourists, this is rarely an issue, but it’s worth being aware of during the July marching season in Belfast and Derry.

Do I need waterproof clothing in Ireland?

Yes. A waterproof rain jacket is the single most important thing on this list. Ireland averages 150-225 rain days per year depending on the region. Waterproof hiking shoes are also strongly recommended if you plan to visit any outdoor attractions, cliff walks, or hiking trails.

What is the best footwear for Ireland?

Waterproof hiking shoes like the Merrell Moab 3 are ideal for day trips and outdoor exploring. For city days, any comfortable walking shoe works. Avoid sandals, heels, and white trainers. You’ll be walking a lot, often on uneven or wet ground.

Is it warm enough for shorts in Ireland?

Some summer days (June-August) are warm enough for shorts, but temperatures rarely exceed 20C (68F). Most visitors are more comfortable in lightweight trousers. If you do pack shorts, bring them as extras, not as your primary bottoms.

Do I need a voltage converter for Ireland?

Most modern electronics (phone chargers, laptops, cameras) are dual-voltage and only need a Type G plug adapter. Check the label on your charger. If it says “100-240V,” you’re fine with just an adapter. Hair dryers and straighteners usually need a voltage converter, but it’s easier to skip them and use the one in your hotel.