Packing for a trip to the Emerald Isle can be daunting. You may wonder what the weather will be like or if you should dress up or down. But never fear. You only have to keep a few key tips in mind to have a pack perfectly for your Ireland vacation.
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Plan for Unpredictable Weather
The weather in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland can be quite unpredictable. Generally, the Emerald Isle is temperate. Summers can be warm, and winters are usually pretty mild. But it’s not uncommon to experience all seasons in a single day! It might be freezing in the morning and warm and sunny in the afternoon.
On average, the Emerald Isle experiences 150-225 days of rain each year, depending on the location. This is why everything is so lush and green! But the rainfall isn’t typically heavy. The wettest months are December and January, and the driest months tend to be April and June.
The average temperature in winter on the Emerald Isle is 40° F. In the spring, temperatures vary from 45° F – 60° F. Expect summer temperatures to hover around 60° F. In the fall, temperatures return to 45° F – 60° F.
With this in mind, here are some things you can pack to help:
- Travel Umbrella – I own this umbrella and it goes everywhere with me! It’s great for rain but also for sun protection.
- Packable Rain Jacket (men/women) – definitely pack a light rain jacket no matter what season you are going to Ireland. If it’s cold, you can layer it over a heavier jacket.
- Disposable Rain Ponchos – if you know it’s going to rain, take your rain jacket. But if rain isn’t in the forecast, slip one of these in your bag, just in case.
- Waterproof Walking Shoes – it will rain, so make sure your footwear can handle some puddles! If your footwear isn’t waterproof, make sure you take extra shoes to have a pair to wear while the other dries out.
- Lightweight layers – short- & long-sleeve t-shirts, cardigans, sweaters, fleece pullover/jacket, packable down jacket, scarf, hat, and gloves (yes, even for trips in the summer!)
Pack Comfortable Clothes
In addition to weather, you also have to consider what activities you will be doing while you are in Ireland. Most likely you will be walking many miles a day. Think about what you will be comfortable wearing while outside for hours at a time, possibly hiking in rough terrain. You may also be sitting in a car or bus for long periods of time as you travel from place to place, so make sure you have comfortable clothing for that.
Spring, Summer & Fall
For most of the year, the laying items listed above will be sufficient. Wear comfortable jeans or any other type of pant you like with a layered short- or long-sleeve t-shirt and cardigan/sweater/fleece. Especially if you are going in the spring or fall, have a packable down jacket, gloves, hat, and scarf available.
You are likely to have a few evenings out on the town, so add at least one nice outfit and shoes to your Emerald Isle packing list. But don’t think you need to get really fancy. Dark-wash jeans paired with a nice shirt and shoes are always appropriate.
Winter
In the winter, you will want to prepare for colder temperatures. Bring a winterproof heavy coat. I highly recommend this Columbia 3-in-1 coat. A 3-in-1 coat is two pieces. It has an outer waterproof/windproof layer, and it also has a inner warm layer that is usually fleece, down, or a synthetic fabric that retains heat. You can wear each piece separately or combine them for the ultimate in winter warmth. I particularly like the fact that this coat is great with all kinds of attire as well. It’s casual enough for athletic clothes but is dressy enough to wear with business attire. (Here’s a similar style in men’s sizes.)
You may also want to bring some thermal layers. Merino wool is considered to be the best due to its warmth and odor resistance. Here are options for men and women. But some may find Merino wool a bit itchy. If you have sensitive skin, you may be better off choosing synthetic fabrics. Here are options for men and women. Another option is a base layer made of silk. While pricey, it’s the most comfortable and least bulky option. Here are options for men and women.
Another thing that must be on your winter Emerald Isle packing list is Merino wool socks. Merino wool socks are odor-resistant, wick away moister, and are temperature-regulating.
Full Packing List for the Emerald Isle
It is critical to pack light for trips to the Emerald Isle as you are likely to change hotels often. It’s a pain to haul a heavy suitcase around from place to place! Even if I plan to check my luggage, I only take a carry-on sized suitcase and a large backpack. It just makes it so much easier to navigate!
The following is a packing list for 8 nights in the Emerald Isle. I always plan to wear tops and dresses at least twice. And dark colored pants can literally be worn day after day with a bit of spot cleaning and a spray of Downy Wrinkle Releaser with odor control! I often wash tops, dresses, underwear and socks in the hotel sink or bathtub using the hotel provided soap or shampoo. Pack all of this according to Amanda’s Ultimate Carry-on Luggage Combo!
- Passport
- 2 pairs of dark-washed jeans and/or other pants
- 4 short- or long-sleeve tops
- 2 cardigans, sweaters, or fleece
- 1 dressier outfit with shoes
- Packable rain jacket
- Packable down jacket (spring & fall) or heavy coat (winter)
- 2 pairs waterproof shoes
- 4 sets underclothes & wool socks
- Scarf, hat, & gloves (year-round)
- 1 pajamas
- Sunglasses
- Umbrella
- 2-3 disposable rain ponchos
- Sunscreen
- Toiletry kit
- Medicine kit
- Electronics kit with international travel adapter & power banks
- 4 granola bars, 4 packs of trail mix, mints, & gum
- 2 mini-Kleenex packs and hand wipes/sanitizer
- Travel pillow
- Reusable water bottle
What’s on your packing list for the Emerald Isle?
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