23+ Ireland Packing List Items You Need in 2026
Knowing what to pack for Ireland can be tricky owing to the Emerald Isle’s unpredictable weather patterns and year-round cool weather. That’s why I’ve created this comprehensive Ireland packing list with everything you’ll be happy to have with you on your next Irish getaway!
Ireland is one of my favorite places in the world with its vast landscapes, rugged coastlines, castles, traditional folk music, and wonderful people.
There’s nowhere else in the world that quite compares to Ireland’s unique culture and hospitable nature.
If you’re in the middle of planning a trip to Ireland, you’ve probably heard by now that the weather isn’t always on your side (to say the least). It’s not uncommon to experience all four seasons in a single day, so not having the right gear can really put a damper on your trip.
You can use the table of contents below to navigate to each section with ease, and learn about items you may not have thought to include before!
What to Pack for Ireland: The Necessities
When planning any trip, it’s important to remember to pack the basics. For me, lists are extremely helpful in ensuring nothing is missed or forgotten, so here’s my personal packing list for when I travel!
If you’re wondering “what should I pack for Ireland?” or, more specifically, “what should I pack for 7 days in Ireland?“… you’re in luck!
This list has been designed to accommodate a one-week trip. You may need to adjust your list based on how long you will be traveling, and if your accommodations will have a washer and dryer available.

Toiletries
- Reusable travel-sized shampoo and conditioner bottles
- Mini toothpaste and toothbrush set
- Hairbrush
- Hair straightener
- Deodorant
- Small bottle of perfume or cologne (under 3.4 ounces)
- Small bottle of lotion (under 3.4 ounces)
- Makeup and a small bottle of makeup remover (wipes also work)
- Q-tips
- Sunscreen
- Travel-sized package of tissues (trust me, you’ll want these for cold days)
- Hand sanitizer
- Disposable razor
- Feminine hygiene products
- Tweezers
- Contact lenses and solution
- Bandaids (a whole first aid kit is actually a good idea)
- Dramamine (for the plane if you get motion sickness)
- Any necessary medications or vitamins

Clothing
- A light or heavy jacket (depends on the season)
- 2-3 long sleeves
- 2-3 short sleeves
- 1 dress shirt
- 1 sweater or zip-up fleece
- 1-2 dresses
- 1-2 pairs of comfortable leggings
- 1-2 pairs of comfortable jeans or pants
- 1 pair of pajamas
- 1 sports bra
- 1-2 regular bras
- 8 pairs of underwear
- 8 pairs of socks
- 1 bathing suit (check to see if your accommodation has a pool or spa!)
- 2 pairs of shoes; 1 nice pair for going out and 1 walking/hiking pair
* Keep in mind that there are some clothes you’ll be fine to re-wear, but there are others you’ll want to have a new pair of every day. Also, think about the last time you were on a plane and how you felt getting off of it… usually, the first thing I do when I get to my accommodation is take a shower then change into clean clothes!
Always pack an extra pair of clothes just for flying, that way you don’t end up wearing clothes you were uncomfortable in for several hours during your trip.

Accessories
- Belt
- Handbag or travel purse
- Backpack
- Ties
- Hat and gloves
- Scarf (warm or stylish, or both!)
- Umbrella (depends on destination)
- Jewelry*
* I highly suggest always leaving sentimental valuables safe at home, but some nice earrings that you’ll wear all week, or a watch that you won’t take off can help you feel stylish while traveling.
Just keep in mind, there are dishonest people out there willing to take your belongings even if “you put them down for just a second”. Stylish travel is cool and fun, but maybe choose to bring the fake diamond earrings over the real ones when traveling!

Personal Items
- Cell phone and charger
- Passport and passport holder
- Wallet
- Keys (only if you need to!)
Now that you’ve got the basics, we can start talking about the items specific to Ireland that will make your trip go a whole lot smoother.
This list has been designed based on my and others’ personal experiences in Ireland, and what we wish we had and didn’t have with us. I hope it helps!
Essential Items to Bring to Ireland
Ireland is known for its unpredictable weather, so it’s important to be prepared. Certain items are life-savers when it’s cold, wet, and rainy. Going in the summer? Doesn’t matter. Assume you’ll have at least one rainy day during your trip where these items will come in handy.
If you’re wondering what to pack for Ireland in August, you can expect warmer temperatures averaging in the 60s and 70s.
Feel free to bring along one or two pairs of shorts and a few warmer weather outfits. But, don’t completely omit the cooler weather clothes or you may end up buying some Aran wool sweaters to keep you warm (not that this is a bad thing!)
Your Ireland packing list should include these next twenty-two items, but continue reading to learn about a few items that shouldn’t come with you to Ireland!
1. Windproof Travel Umbrella

We made the mistake of purchasing a €5 umbrella from the airport when we landed in Shannon. On the second day of our trip, the umbrella got ripped through our hands and shredded into pieces.
Do not skimp on a good umbrella when traveling to Ireland. This is one of the most important items on this list since it’s rainy and windy many days over the course of the year.
You can find these for around $25 on Amazon (I like this one and have brought it to Ireland before), and at several retail stores including Eddie Bauer, Kohls, Home Depot, etc., but don’t forget to include this on your Ireland packing list.
2. Waterproof Phone Case

Keeping your phone in your backpack, purse, or pocket may suffice during a light drizzle, but not in an Irish rain.
It’s not uncommon for the skies to open up in a torrential downpour for hours at a time, so having a handy waterproof phone case that keeps your phone safe and dry is well worth the small investment (and peace of mind!)
3. A Dry Bag

Dry bags are used in both the military and by avid hikers/outdoors lovers! They’re a great way to protect all of your personal belongings from getting wet.
It also allows you to organize your day pack by having your phone, wallet, keys, and passport all in one place. You can get one on Amazon here, or you can find them at most outdoor centers.
If you’re looking for a good-quality one, check out the ones that include a reverse vacuum. They’ll only allow air to be pushed out through a filter, but the filter won’t allow any air to come back in.
This keeps them very small and easily collapsible so they don’t take up a lot of room in your bag.
4. Light Rain Jacket

This one is pretty self-explanatory, but you wouldn’t believe the number of people that travel to the Emerald Isle without it! A warm coat will only keep you warm when it’s dry, so it’s essential to have a waterproof outer layer.
Raincoats, ponchos, even just an outer shell will do, but don’t leave home without a waterproof layer to keep you dry. This is one item that should be high on your Ireland packing list.
5. Moisture-Wicking Socks

These can be found at your local Wal-Mart, outdoor store, or on Amazon, but these are simply the best!
These socks allow your feet to breathe and stand up to any moisture that gets through your boots (trust me, even waterproof boots don’t always hold up in Ireland).
They’ll help keep your feet dry and warm, which is a game-changer when you’re out exploring all day.
Unfortunately, when it comes to these types of socks, what you spend is what you get. If you see a pair of wool socks for $3-5, chances are they won’t keep your feet dry or warm.
From our experiences, $15 for one pair is normal for a high-quality pair that will last you a few years!
6. A Good Camera (with a waterproof case!)

This might be your phone, in which case you should already have a waterproof case or sleeve for it to live in. But if you plan on bringing a fancy camera (I sometimes bring along my Nikon D3400), you should have a plan for if it starts raining.
You can find affordable rain covers for your camera from between $15-$40 on the low end, but some can get much more expensive.
If you’re looking to be able to set up your tripod in the rain without worry, I would highly suggest getting a cover for your trip.
They save you the worry of ruining your device and also allow you to capture some incredible rainy day photos. In Ireland, some of the most beautiful days are rainy days!
So, by now I’m sure you’re wondering if it’s ever sunny in Ireland. Well, of course! These next items are the key to ensuring your trip to Ireland is both relaxing and exciting!
7. Ireland Power Adapter

In the U.S., our outlets carry 120 volts and 60 hertz of power, but in the U.K. and Ireland, the outlets carry 240 volts and 50 hertz of power.
This means many U.S. appliances won’t work in the U.K or Ireland, and in fact, are serious fire hazards. A power adapter is essential for any trip outside of your home country to ensure your appliances can be safely used.
These adapters can be found on Amazon, or at your local electronics store.
8. Portable Power Bank

Power banks are a great way to keep your phone charged throughout your busy days, especially if you plan on using your phone as your primary camera.
Taking pictures uses up a lot of battery, in addition to using your phone for maps, calling and texting, and social media.
If you plan on keeping your friends and family up-to-date throughout your trip, a power bank will allow you extended time with your phone to do just that.
9. Passport Holder

Passports are difficult to apply for and take weeks to obtain, so it’s important to keep them safe and in good condition!
Passport holders come in many different variations, but for extra security, I suggest getting one with RFID protection.
This means if someone tries to steal your passport or information from your credit cards using a special device, they’ll have a more difficult time doing so.
10. Ireland Travel Guide

Travel guides are a great way to give you some insight into both popular and off-the-beaten-path activities in a new destination!
They’re also very helpful in helping you get an idea of how far of a distance different things you may want to do are from each other.
A travel guide can also give you ideas for different tours, pricing, recommended Ireland road trip itineraries or day trip ideas, and even coupons for museums and other paid entrance fees.
11. Travel Backpack

Having the right backpack is your key to a successful Ireland trip! With so much to see and do in a day, you’ll want to be well prepared for a day full of adventures outside of your accommodation.
Osprey is my personal favorite for both day packs and overnight backpacking trips, but L.L. Bean, Eddie Bauer, and The North Face have great options as well.
For Ireland, you’ll want a good day pack that can carry the basics (i.e. phone, wallet, keys, water, snacks, map, and camera) but isn’t too bulky or heavy.
To find the right balance for you, it’s best to go to a store and get fitted for your proper day pack size.
12. Hiking Shoes

Between the wet, and often muddy, terrain, and constant rolling hills, good footwear is essential for any trip to Ireland. Preferably, you should bring something with ankle support that is at least water-resistant (waterproof is preferable).
L.L. Bean, REI, and Cabelas have a good selection. For the best price, I highly suggest trying on several pairs in the stores, taking a picture of the name and item number, then buying it online from home.
You’ll often receive coupons for signing up your email and can get much better deals from other retailers selling name-brand footwear!
13. Fleece-lined Pants

These were an absolute lifesaver when I was in Ireland. Even in May, the wind is cold and if it weren’t for my fleece-lined leggings, I would have been very chilly. Don’t skip these on your Ireland packing list!
You can find cheap pairs at any department store, or temperature-grade pairs online and at outdoor centers.
14. Warm Hat & Gloves

Yes, even in summer, you should pack a warm hat and gloves.
They’re good to have when going out at night and for popular destinations like the Cliffs of Moher and Killarney National Park where you’ll be unprotected from the weather.
If you are interested in visiting the Cliffs of Moher on your next trip to Ireland (I highly suggest it), consider booking one of these top-rated Cliffs of Moher tours from Dublin or one of these BEST Tours from Galway to Cliffs of Moher!
15. Swimsuit

Just as a general rule of thumb, you should never travel without a bathing suit. You never know when you might find a beautiful hot spring or natural swimming pool!
You should also check your accommodation to see if they have any pools, hot tubs, or saunas available for use. Ireland may not be known for infinity pools, but if you’re staying at a chain hotel, there’s a good chance it will have a hot tub, pool, or sauna available to you.
16. Sunglasses

Believe it or not, sunglasses will come in handy in Ireland. With the weather being so unpredictable, it’s common to see people change outfits 2 or 3 times in a single day! Sunglasses are the perfect accessory to any outfit, but also protect your eyes from the sun.
Yes, even when it’s cloudy, the sun’s UV rays are still poking through the clouds and can put a strain on your eyes. A good pair of UV-blocking sunglasses should accompany you throughout your day, sunny or not.
17. Reusable Water Bottle

Not only are these great for flying in general, but they are particularly important in Ireland and the UK. The water is safe to drink in almost all tourist areas, so you’ll be cutting down on your single-use plastic waste, saving money, and be able to keep your drinks at the temperature you want.
Coming in all shapes and sizes, it’s important to find a bottle that works best for you! Personally, I drink a lot of water, so I have a 20oz reusable bottle that I bring everywhere with me. This is definitely on the larger end, but bottles typically range from twelve ounces to a gallon.
Great for traveling, some bottles come with built-in filters! While these may be unnecessary for Ireland, they certainly will come in handy in many countries and airports.
18. Binoculars

I pretty much recommend bringing binoculars everywhere you travel. Between the wildlife and vast landscapes, binoculars (also referred to as “binos” by many) give you the ability to see far away in very good detail.
There are several great stores and brands to buy them, but the best way to ensure you’re getting a good pair is by the price. Yes, unfortunately, this is one item where the price truly does matter. You get what you pay for!
They start at about $10, but the most expensive binoculars reach up to over $9,000. Yes, you read that right. This item is taken very seriously amongst dedicated travelers, photographers, videographers, wildlife experts, and others.
Anything below $50 usually won’t get you the greatest visibility, but it depends on your personal preference.
I got my pair from an outdoor store in Maine, and they cost about $150. They can be refocused easily for different people and give great visibility for very long distances.
This was perfect for what we needed them for, but if you’re only looking to slightly improve your current vision, a $50 or under pair will do just fine.
19. Jet Lag Relief Pills

For me, these come on every trip I go on. As I got older, motion sickness became unavoidable on long-haul flights, so now I take these with me and boy do they help!
Jet lag relief pills can be found at your local drug store or pharmacy and cost no more than ibuprofen tablets. They work best when you take one about 30 minutes prior to taking off or landing, and fit easily in your purse, backpack, or carry-on.
Also, if you plan on renting a car in Ireland, keep in mind the country is filled with windy roads and rolling hills. Even if you’re someone who doesn’t normally get motion sick, it’s not a bad idea to keep these on hand.
20. Packing Cubes

This is one item that should be at the top of your Ireland packing list! Packing cubes are one of my all-time favorite travel accessories. They work perfectly for keeping your luggage organized, creating a space for your souvenirs from Ireland, and separating your dirty laundry from your clean clothes.
You’ll find the best prices online, and they come in several colors for both men and women. Most sets come with (2) large bags, (2) medium bags, and (2) small bags. The best part is they are machine washable!
So, at the end of your trip when you return from Ireland with your dirty laundry, you can throw everything right into the washing machine. Just don’t forget to remove your souvenirs!
21. Hanging Toiletry Bag

The very last thing you want to happen on any trip is for your toothbrush to hit the ground of some gross hotel bathroom floor, your shampoo bottle to open up all over your other items, or for your tweezers to be lost at the bottom of everything.
A hanging toiletry bag is the best way to keep everything organized. With a bunch of individual compartments, it’s easy to keep track of where everything is, while also relieving unnecessary pressure from your toothpaste and shampoo bottles.
You can hang the bag on the back of a door, a towel rack, or anywhere with a hook, making it easy to keep up off the floor (a must for people traveling with small children!)
22. Currency

Many people won’t get currency prior to landing at their destination due to sheer convenience.
Airports offer many currency exchange booths located at both the main entrance and throughout several terminals, depending on the size of the airport. But, in reality, this can lead to losing a lot of money from poor exchange rates.
In Ireland, they use the Euro which is very easy to get ahead of time. Many banks keep euros on hand or can have them ready to be picked up within three business days.
It’s easy to check out your local bank’s exchange rates so you have some currency on hand before arriving. Many banks also offer free usage of foreign ATMs, so you can withdraw from your U.S. bank account into euros with no fee.
Additionally, cash is really good to have on hand. If you’re anything like me, you’ll fall in love with Irish music and want to buy all of the local CDs when you go out to the pubs.
Tipping isn’t customary in Ireland, but it’s normal to round the bill up to the nearest dollar so it’s useful to have some small bills on you.
23. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is very important to have on hand when booking any trip abroad. It can save you thousands of dollars on medical bills, delayed baggage, cancellation fees, and much much more!
A lot of travelers use World Nomads which we have heard is a great option, but have never personally used. We typically use SafetyWing since we find the rates to be very affordable and the coverage is very good.
↪️ Pro Tip: Seriously, for a 3-week trip to Central Asia and the Middle East we only paid $83! And that covered pandemic insurance, as well…
Do yourself a favor and book your SafetyWing Travel Medical Insurance Here!
Keep in mind that if you do plan to purchase travel insurance, you’ll find huge differences in rates depending on the type of coverage you’re looking for. If you want coverage that allows “cancel for any reason”, expect to pay the big bucks.
You’ll also need to purchase insurance within 2 weeks of booking your trip to allow for certain coverages. So, before booking your trip, do some research on the current travel conditions and what type of coverage you will need.
What NOT To Wear in Ireland
Here are just a few items that you should definitely not wear in Ireland or include on your Ireland packing list.
Heels

Heels are one thing that should definitely be left off your Ireland packing list. Pretty much everywhere you go, you’re going to find cobble-stoned streets and cow patties (if you’re not sure what those are, it’s piles of cow manure).
Instead, I would opt for a low-cut pair of good walking shoes that will also match the majority of your outfits. Mix style with comfort!
Revealing Clothing

The vast majority of people who live in Ireland are Catholic, so clothes that reveal too much skin are frowned upon in many areas. When visiting, we also found that anyone who wore revealing clothing to an Irish pub stood out like a sore thumb!
Jeans and sweaters are the most comfortable and stylish way to fit in in Ireland.
You’ll also find several places to buy traditional Aran wool sweaters that we highly suggest taking advantage of. They make the perfect layer under any jacket and are very stylish, as well.
Stereotypical Icons

Contrary to popular belief, the Irish do not walk around with shamrock headbands and lime green shirts. If you do this, you will look ridiculous (though you’ll give the locals some good laughs!)
Same as anywhere with a strong Irish heritage, shamrocks and leprechauns really only make an appearance on St. Patrick’s Day. Avoid wearing bright green clothing, shamrock glasses, and drinking out of a leprechaun cup if you want to fit in and look less like a tourist.
Tourist Giveaways

Fanny Packs
Otherwise known as “money belts”, these tourist favorites are the perfect way to help you not fit in in Ireland. They also make you a big target for pickpocketers in the major cities of Dublin, Cork, and Galway.
Instead of using fanny packs, opt for a more discrete way to carry your money such as a wallet that can fit in your front pocket or by keeping it deep inside your day pack.
Baseball Cap
Most Europeans don’t wear baseball hats, so you’ll be quickly labeled as a Westerner if you start roaming the streets in Dublin with jeans, a t-shirt, and a baseball hat.
To fit in in Ireland, buy a scally cap! They are most commonly seen in the more rural towns and villages of Ireland.
Visors
The same goes for visors. Remember those baseball hats that have the top piece removed? Yup, those are visors.
Avoid including those on your Ireland packing list if you want to fit in.
Giant maps
Nothing gives you away as a tourist more than a giant folding map that clearly labels you as “lost in a foreign country.”
Use your phone for directions by downloading offline Google Maps and screenshotting directions whenever you get wifi.
Ireland Packing List Winter

↪️ Pro Tip: spend your nights listening to the local bands playing traditional Irish folk music and enjoy a few pints while you watch the cold winds blow on the Irish countryside. It’s truly the coziest place to be!
If you’re heading to Ireland for the holiday season, there’s no denying that you are going to need to dress warm… very warm.
In the winter, temperatures in Ireland range in the high 30s to low 40s (Fahrenheit) with heavy winds and the chance for sleet, hail, rain, and even snow at times. Owing to the island’s location surrounded by the Atlantic, snow occurs on rare occasions, but it is still possible.
Winter in Ireland is excessively cozy with beautiful lights in all of the cities and roaring fires in many of the pubs.
Ireland: November – February
- Winter Jacket (be sure it’s actually rated for cold weather)
- Hat
- Gloves or Mittens
- Warm Scarf
- Fleece-lined pants or leggings
- Jeans
- Long Sleeves
- Sweaters
- Tights (good for putting under jeans or leggings)
- Wool Socks
- Winter Hiking Boots
- Thermal Underwear
- Sleepwear
Ireland Packing List Spring

The first time we visited Ireland was in the spring, May specifically. We found it to be absolutely beautiful with the weather being mostly rainy (only a small downside in our book… Ireland is quite beautiful in the rain!) and the temperatures being perfect for cozy sweaters and charming pubs with roaring fires.
In the springtime in Ireland, you’ll get to meet more locals since most tourists haven’t arrived yet from school break.
We always love to connect with the locals when we travel, so if you do too, we highly recommend traveling to Ireland at this time!
You’ll still need plenty of warm layers, but you’ll occasionally be rewarded with the warm days averaging around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
For the most part, temperatures will be in the 50s, but it’s relatively easy to dress warmly for it.
Ireland: March – May
- Short Sleeves
- Long Sleeves
- Sweaters
- Light zip-ups
- Sweatshirts
- One pair of shorts (just in case)
- Long Pants
- Jeans
- Sweater dress with Tights
- Tennis Shoes
- Rain Boots
- Rain Coat
- Water-wicking socks
- Sleepwear
↪️Pro Tip: If you haven’t noticed by now, you’re going to end up including many of the same items on your Ireland packing list, regardless of which season you decide to visit in.
Ireland is colder than most Western European countries year-round, so it’s a good idea to always have lots of warm layers with you.
Ireland Packing List Summer

If you’re traveling here in the summer, you’ll be in luck when putting together your Ireland packing list! Cool comfortable weather with a lower likelihood of rain (I said lower, not nonexistent) and more sunny days are likely to fill your vacation.
However, please keep in mind that Ireland is still colder than most other locations in Europe. Just because it’s part of Europe, doesn’t mean you’ll find the same weather as you would on the French Riviera or in the Portuguese Algarve.
You won’t need many pairs of shorts and t-shirts, but just a couple to pair with your long pants and long sleeves.
Always come prepared with cold-weather clothes when visiting Ireland, even if you plan on traveling there in the middle of August!
Ireland: June – August
- A couple pairs of shorts
- A couple t-shirts
- Long sleeves
- Long Pants
- Jeans
- Skirts
- Dresses with Tights
- Sandals
- Tennis Shoes
- Sweaters
- Rain Jacket
- Sleepwear
Ireland Packing List Fall

Ireland is absolutely beautiful in the fall! The scenery reminds me a little bit of New England with the bright foliage contrasting the deep blue Atlantic Ocean.
You can find windy roads along the coastline like the one shown above for miles and be surrounded by red, green, and orange-colored shrubbery all around you.
Ireland is a bit warmer than New England in the fall with temperatures ranging in the high 40s to low 50s (Fahrenheit) and a higher chance of rain and high winds.
If you do plan on creating your Ireland packing list to be suitable for fall, be sure to include lots and lots of warm layers.
Ireland: September -November
- Winter Coat (if you’re from somewhere cold, you won’t need this. But, if you’re used to warm weather, pack a warm coat!)
- Warm rain boots
- Fleece pullover
- Warm zip-up
- Long Pants
- Jeans
- Tights
- Sweaters
- Sweater Dress
- Long Sleeves
- Short Sleeves
- Sleepwear
Ireland Golf Packing List

We aren’t big golfers, but my brother visited Ireland and spent an entire day golfing at the popular Old Head Golf Links (shown above) and absolutely loved it!
If you enjoy golfing, whether it be for leisure or sport, then you surely need to test out the courses in Ireland!
The folks here dress nice. Business casual is the norm on the golf courses, so make sure you come prepared as it is a pretty upscale course.
You won’t find much different in most of Ireland, as golf courses are typically high-class places in general.
- Rain Gear (jacket & boots)
- Water-wicking socks
- Camera (or your phone, but you’ll definitely want to take pictures)
- Sunblock
- Golf Clubs and Caddy
- Make a Reservation (many golf courses require advanced bookings!)
- Business casual outfit
- Warm Layer
- Thin Layers
- Day Bag with Snacks
- Water
Keep in mind that Ireland is home to some of the most incredible golf courses in the entire world.
Many of them can be quite challenging, so you’ll want to be prepared to spend between a half and full day on the course.
Bring plenty of layers in case you get hot or cold or feel like you’re dressed in too tight of clothing, plan on eating a light lunch on the course if you’re doing all 18 holes, and be prepared to possibly have zero cell phone service for several hours of the day.
Ireland Packing Tips

Always pack warmer layers than you think you’ll need
Ireland continues to surprise us each time we visit and the weather, for some reason, is always a shock!
It’s always colder or rainier or drearier than we think it’s going to be, and we end up buying extra layers. Do yourself a favor and bring more warm layers than you think you’ll need.
Get some currency before you get to Ireland
Otherwise, you may end up getting stuck with poor exchange rates.
Avoid packing a suitcase for Ireland and instead just use a large backpack.
Of course, if you have a bad back or simply aren’t up for carrying all of your belongings everywhere then ignore this tip, but I completely ruined my wheely suitcase on the cobblestones in Ireland.
Bring lots of rain gear!
This includes rain boots, water-wicking socks and t-shirts, rain jackets, umbrellas, and everything in between. Ireland is known for its unpredictable weather, so be ready for wet, dreary, muddy days year-round.
Pack to fit in.
Women, this means sweaters, nice jeans, and comfortable walking shoes or rain boots. Men, this means slacks or nice pants, fitted t-shirts, and nice shoes.
I have a great minimalist packing list for females so you can see my step-by-step process on how I pack for longer trips.
Even though you’ll need lots of layers, try to pack light
As I have said before, Ireland is covered in uneven cobblestone streets that really do a job on wheely suitcases. Not to mention, outside of the main cities you’ll rarely find clean, paved roads. Instead, you’ll find dirt roads and cracked tar covered in cow manure.
If you’re able, only pack a backpack and put all of your toiletries and non-clothing items in a duffel bag. This way, you don’t ever have to put your bags on the ground.
What to Wear on a Plane to Ireland

Depending on where you are flying from, you may have anywhere from 1 or 2 hours or upwards of 15+ hours on a plane headed to Ireland.
If you have a short flight, you can really wear whatever you prefer. If you’re landing late at night, why not throw on some comfortable pants and a loose t-shirt so you can head right to bed when you land?
Or, if you’re arriving in the morning after a quick flight, wear whatever you want to be in for the day. Of course, jeans are never the most comfortable option, but you’ll be able to deal with them for 1-2 hours if that is the outfit you chose for the day.
However, if you are going to be flying to Ireland for 4 hours or more, I would recommend wearing something a little bit more comfortable.
The temperature on planes is never consistent. One minute you could be wrapping all of your layers around you and the next you could be practically stripping everything off again (kind of similar to the weather you’ll experience in Ireland!)
So, here is what I would wear on a plane that is 4+ hours to Ireland:
- Comfortable, but breathable, pants
- Short socks and tennis shoes
- Loose t-shirt or tank top (depending on the season)
- Light fleece pullover or sweater
- Irish knit scarf (or another nice decorative scarf
As a little side note, I never include what I’m going to wear on the plane in my Ireland packing list.
These clothes always become smelly and dirty from touching the airport chairs and plane seats, so don’t include these clothes in your item counts!
FAQ
What Should I Wear for a Week in Ireland?
The packing lists I provided for each season in Ireland at the beginning of this post are great guides as to what you should wear for a week in Ireland.
Since much of the country experience rainy or cold weather, you will probably want to pack a variety of clothes that can be layered and are weather-resistant.
Some essentials to consider packing include sturdy rain boots or waterproof shoes, warm sweaters and coats, fleece-lined leggings, a waterproof jacket (or at least an umbrella), a beanie, and a scarf.
What Kind of Clothes Do They Wear in Ireland?
In Ireland, many of the locals used to wear traditional clothing called a “kilt” or a “tweed jacket.”
However, as this is not quite as common as it once was, most people today typically wear modern clothes except for at traditional festivals, concerts, and events.
If you are visiting any of the larger cities in Ireland, you will find that outfits ranging from casual jeans and t-shirts to semi-formal attire will be appropriate. The same goes for the rural countryside, with semi-formal attire making rare appearances.
Regardless of where you are going or what you plan to do, however, it is always a good idea to pack a few extra layers just in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.
What to Wear in Ireland in May?
If you’re visiting Ireland in May, then you should wear long pants (leggings, jeans, or cargo pants will do) and a semi-nice sweater or fleece pullover.
Paired with a rain jacket and some rain boots, this outfit will keep you warm and comfortable throughout the spring in Ireland!
When is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?
Though you’ll likely read elsewhere that the best months to visit Ireland are from June through August, we tend to disagree. Yes, this is when you’ll experience some of the nicer weather with temperatures averaging in the 60s (Fahrenheit) and slightly lower chances of rain.
But, the summer months of June through August are Ireland’s peak tourist season, as well… and, we all know what this means!
Tens of thousands of tourists from around the world flock to Ireland’s most popular landmarks, cities, and sights.
It’s also when airlines, train companies, accommodations, restaurants, and tour guides skyrocket their prices so they can make the majority of their annual income in just a few short months.
So, we pretty much always recommend traveling during the off-season in Europe. We found the best time to visit Ireland is in April and May and September through October.
You’ll find great deals on travel and accommodations, be able to capture some amazing photos without thousands of other tourists, and you’ll have the opportunity to chat more with the locals and gain a more authentic experience of life in Ireland.
Are Jeans Appropriate in Ireland?
In Ireland, you’re going to find a pretty big range of styles when it comes to clothing, even from the locals, and jeans for the most part are appropriate.
Depending on where you are, whether you’re in the more fashionable cities of Galway or Dublin, or if you’re in a rural village like Adare, you’re going to find vastly different outfit choices.
People in Ireland typically dress more modern than they used to. People in Ireland also dress relatively well, so yoga pants and ripped jeans are not typically allowed in most nice restaurants or nightclubs.
The local men typically wear high-quality, dark jeans or fitted pants with collared t-shirts or button-ups that are on the tighter side. You’ll also notice them wearing clean shoes that are occasionally made of leather or regular tennis shoes, and scally caps.
The local women wear mostly high-quality jeans and sweaters, with many of them being made of local wool or the coveted Aran island wool.
Rain boots, or boots in general, as well as decorative scarves, are very common on both males and females, as well.
If you’re wondering what to leave off of your Ireland packing list, consider avoiding packing athletic leggings (unless you plan on exercising in them), very distressed, or ripped jeans, low-cut tops, and revealing clothing.
It’s not uncommon to be rejected by restaurants and nightclubs if you aren’t dressed well enough, so keep this in mind when you’re putting together your Ireland packing list!
Are Leggings Acceptable in Ireland?
You won’t find many locals wearing leggings in Ireland, especially when they are out at the pubs, so while you can wear leggings in Ireland, don’t expect to fit in as well.
Leggings are commonly spotted on tourists so you won’t be alone in wearing them, just ensure that they are appropriate (i.e. not see-through).
In the summer months, refrain from wearing tight spandex shorts as these aren’t as widely accepted, even on tourists.
What Should I Pack for a 10 Day Trip to Ireland?
If you’re heading to Ireland for 8 days or more, you can use the packing list I’ve provided below!
** As a general rule of thumb, I always pack enough clothes for one week and then aim to book at least one accommodation in the middle of my trip with a washer and dryer. **
This way, I don’t have to carry around 2 weeks’ worth of clean clothes on my back, but that’s just me. If you don’t mind doing the heavy lifting, pack away! It also makes it easier since you only have to plan outfits for one week versus several.
Also, bear in mind that this Ireland packing list was created for the spring and summer seasons, so if you choose to visit during the winter holidays, you’ll want to follow the winter packing list for Ireland I created above.
➡ 3-4 T-Shirts
➡ 2 Long Sleeves
➡ 1-2 Sweaters or Fleece Pullovers
➡ 7 Pairs of Underwear
➡ 5-7 Pairs of Socks
➡ 2 Pairs of Leggings
➡ 2 Pairs of Jeans
➡ 1 Pair of Athletic Pants
➡ 1-2 Dresses or Rompers
➡ 1 Pair of Rain Boots
➡ 1 Pair of Sneakers or Tennis Shoes
Depending on how long your trip to Ireland is and when you plan to visit, your packing list is going to vary. Use this guide to help decide what is best for you to bring!
Now that you’ve read all about the things I bring on a trip to Ireland, it’s time to start packing! I hope you find my ultimate Ireland packing list useful and have a wonderful trip.

