What to Wear in Ireland

Plan your packing for your vacation in Ireland !

What to wear and what to pack for Ireland!

One of the worst things about traveling happens before you even leave the comfort of your own home. A word that can send shivers down spines and has led to tears at 1am. PACKING!!

Do you make a packing list?

To start with, make sure you have a valid passport!

Then, make a list of the essentials. Some stationary supplies have check lists with prompts to make sure you don’t forget anything even travel mints and tissues. These can be helpful for all including the non list makers in the house.

Packing for your trip to Ireland!

“What Ireland packing list covers every possible weather type?”

Dress for the weather - Layer up!

Any Irish travel plans should always include...

- a windproof, and waterproof jacket

- a pair of waterproof footwear, comfortable footwear

- and lot’s of wool socks!!

”How to dress for unpredictable weather?”

Lean into it, windy weather and all. Irish style is practical and we are masterful at layering clothing for all seasons in one day. In other words it can be a little tricky to pack light.

In general the advice is to pack for all seasons and bring plenty of layers. In cooler months, bring warmer clothing and outerwear. For the milder months, lots of light layers with a warm layer and a hooded rain coat comes in handy. Sometimes wearing a peaked cap can hold a hood up in place from being blown back again and again.

Consider when you will visit. Double-check the weather forecast before you come. It may not be reliable as the wind can shift directions, but add that to the knowledge of the season and average temperatures.

In Ireland we have the national weather service Met Éireann https://www.met.ie/

And ACCU weather is often a good resource https://www.accuweather.com/en/ie/dublin

" A land of rainbows! "

Many know Ireland to be green, lush and windswept, yet there can also be soft days. We do get a lot of rain, and with that a propensity for rainbows. Winter can bring northerly gales and Spring can come ‘in like a lamb and out a lion’ with storm names like ‘The Beast from the East’.

More recently occurring some time between May and September there can be uncommonly long heatwaves. It is also mentioned locally that school exam times and return to school days can happen during the best weather all summer!

Walking and Hiking...

There are many opportunities for walking!

Consider having comfortable shoes for year round visits. Waterproof boots for rain and snow. Ankle boots for spring and autumn. Cute comfortable summer sandals or ballet flats to dress up.

For a city break, pack comfortable shoes. Walking tours are a great way to get to know the hidden secret spaces of bigger places. Museums and parks can be great to explore when you have happy feet.

Some activities require very specific items. If you’re an avid hiker, then waterproofs, hiking shoes, and a comfortable backpack are a must. Many of these items are best brought over in luggage as they can be more costly to purchase in Ireland.

Warmer days...

Swimwear is a must for summer beach breaks, or a visit to the hotel Spa. Sea swims and watersports are a fun way to mark the changing tides on long summer days.

During the summer months a long-sleeved shirt offers some protection from bugs like the biting Midges. (They look similar to mosquitos but have shorter wings. They swarm at dawn or dusk, but luckily even if they bite they don’t have a needle-like projection to suck your blood like a mosquito.)

The Ireland Travel Packing List

Neck warmer, hat, scarf, gloves
Base layers - Long sleeved T-Shirts and shirts (Merino wool, long sleeved)
Comfortable pants/ trousers/ jeans or leggings (thicker in cooler weather)
Wool socks (2 pair per day)
Light warm jacket
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof shoes (with grip)
Smart over layer (shirt /blouse)
Warm over layer (a cashmere sweater)
Warmer underlayers for cooler months

Adaptor – Ireland uses Type G power plugs with a 230V supply voltage and a 50Hz frequency.
Electronics and accessories- Phone/ tablet/ laptop/ camera, headphones etc. with Chargers
Toiletries and Medicine
Day bag or small rucksack

Other Packing Items to consider:

Packing Cubes
Wash cloths and quick dry towels
Battery fast chargers
Luggage tracking tags
Clothes steamers
Reusable water bottle
Windproof umbrella
Journals

Some tips on what not to wear...

The many windy days can make wearing anything flowy a challenge. Consider wearing a pair of shorts or a skort under a flowy dress, or do a good Marilyn impression.
There may be some times you encounter a relatively conservative situation, if wearing sheer clothing, or really torn denim it could bring unwanted attention, or opinions.
Leggings can be considered by some to be best worn with a longer tunic top or sweater dress. Though fashions change.

Ireland and style...

Do you think about things like: being stylish and fashionable, and making sure you know the dress code when you travel to new places?

Comfort and casual clothing such as jeans and a shirt, or blouse, with an overlayer of a sweater, fleece, or cardigan can work in most situations.

Bring a few outfits and consider using the laundry facilities after day 3 or 4. Ask the concierge or a local for the nearest laundrette. There are opportunities to wash clothes throughout your trip, in every location. Your driver guide will also help out with suggestions for this.

Remember there will always be shopping to do here, with accessories, tweed hats, aran knits making good souvenirs and memorable items on your return. Some people pick up a cheaper pair of welly boots, sandals or flip flops, in the case of extremes, or to rest weary hiking feet.

Cities boast more trendy wear, with a combination of formal and casual clothes. Many people here try to look casual yet elegant in style, with a put together look. Think nice jeans and a blouse, dark colours are popular, but don't be sad if plain neutral tones aren't for you. Quick dress it up options include elegant scarves, a light blazer or sophisticated looking wrap. So think of adding a pop of colour, brooch or necklace too.

A dress code can be found at fine dining restaurants and in some more classy pubs and nightclubs. When going for a night out people make a bit more of an effort. Styles can range but generally a nice dress or pair of pants and a button-down shirt. Consider a simple dress that won't wrinkle, a good pair of comfortable, attractive shoes, and easy accessories. For men and boys a pair of trousers, button down shirt, and a jacket. If planning a fancy night out check if formal attire is required.

Further reading on Irish Fashion through the ages:

The EPIC Irish Emigrant Museum highlights Sybil Conolly, and 10 Irish fashion designers getting noticed abroad.

See the history of Irish Style in a century reviewed by the Irish Times:

1910s - Tara Brooch

1920s - The Shawl

1930s - The Aran Sweater

1940s - The Headscarf

1950s - Tweed Suit

1960s - The Mini Skirt

1970s - The Cape

1980s - The Frock

1990s - The Polo neck

2000s - The Racing Hat

Look out for the latest in high fashion on Ladies Day at the Races!

Punchestown on 3rd May, 2024
Leopardstown on 10th April, 2024
Galway on 1st August, 2024