PACKING FOR IRELAND
The first time I traveled to Ireland, I wasn’t exactly sure what to pack. Since then, I have become a master packer. I am pretty sure I could pack up and be ready to go in under an hour.
But first…let’s talk about the weather in Ireland.
It rains in Ireland, but long showers are quite rare. The mild climate makes every season suitable to visit Ireland.
In the spring, the average temperature is between 46 – 53°F. Towards the end of the season, the temperature often reaches 59°F, with April usually being a particularly pleasant month. Long sleeves and a light wind and waterproof jacket are perfect for this kind of weather.
The average temperature during the summer is between 60 – 68°F. Apart from short refreshing showers, this is Ireland’s driest season. Take a light raincoat but also sunglasses! Although the sun may not seem very bright, it is still important to use sunscreen. The hottest months, July and August, get about 18 hours of daylight, only turning dark after 11pm in the evening. Hence the well-known saying in Ireland, “make the most of your evening”.
In the fall, the temperature ranges between 57 – 64°F. September is considered a mild, moderate month. The season is characterized by beautiful autumn colors and slightly more frequent rainfall than in summer. The temperature will drop further at the end of the season, to below 50°F. Take a waterproof, padded jacket and long sleeves to stay warm and dry.
The average temperature during the winter ranges between 39 – 42°F. Occasionally, the temperature drops below freezing and apart from a few brief periods of cold, snow is rare. The rain can make it feel colder than it is, so a warm waterproof winter coat will keep you warm. The Irish themselves enjoy visiting cozy pubs (preferably with a crackling log fires) a little more frequently during the winter season.
If you are planning to visit Ireland soon, check www.met.ie for the latest weather forecast for the next 5-10 days.
THE GO-TO PACKING LIST
Outlined below is my Go-To Ireland Packing List. I actually pull it out every time we are packing for a trip to Ireland or Scotland (or anywhere else for that matter).
Choose layers that are easy to put on and take off when the temperature changes. Take a sweater (even in summer), waterproof clothing for all outdoor activities, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella. I should mention that this packing list is personal. Everyone has different needs. Use this one as a guide and write-in any additions that are important to you.
A couple of quick packing tips:
- “Pack half as much and take twice the money.” Seriously! If you think you need to bring more stuff, you very well may, but most people don’t.
- You probably won’t even need to take everything on this list.
- If you forget something, you can buy it in Ireland most of the time. It is always fun to run into a store and act like a local anyway.
- Don’t buy new if you don’t really need it—See something on here you would like but don’t already have? Improvise.
- Pack clothing items that you can layer.
- Travel light. It makes things easier in the long run.
My Favorites
You may notice I’ve attached a few links on some of the items. These are some of my favorite things that I personally use for trips to Ireland and Scotland and Iceland.
Please know that building and keeping your trust is invaluable to me. I only link to items that I truly use—no one has (or will ever) pay me to put a link on my site. Some links are Amazon affiliate links in which I get a small commission if you purchase through it (the cost is exactly the same to you).
So if you do find something you like for your trip and purchase it through me…Thank You! Ok, get packing and enjoy your trip to Ireland!
The Packing List For 5-8 Days
Clothing:
3 pants
5 shirts
2 undershirts or camis
2 sweaters or fleece
8 pairs of underwear
3 bras
8 pairs of socks (preferably wool)
1 pajamas
1 belt
1 hat
1 pair of gloves if traveling in winter season
1 pair walking shoes or boots
1 waterproof jacket (women)
Compact Umbrella
Travel purse or money belt
1 pair waterproof pants
1 warm hat
Swimsuit (if your hotel has a spa)
Toiletries:
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Floss
Wash cloth or make-up wipes
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body wash/soap
Travel Size Containers (for Shampoo, Conditioner & Body Wash)
Deodorant
Razor
Hair brush
Hair ties
Hair products (e.g. Gel, Hairspray)
Make-up
Sunscreen
Dual Voltage Travel Flat Iron
Face masks (pack several)
For the Plane: (Also, visit our Items to Pack in Your Carry-On blog)
Phone loaded with music and/or movies
Charging cords for phones, tablets, etc.
Earbuds
Eye mask
Neck pillow
Disinfectant for airplane surfaces
Reusable water bottle
Chapstick
Hand sanitizer and face masks
Taylored Tours is Your Ireland Specialist!
Reach out to me today, and let’s start planning your dream vacation to the Emerald Isle.