Wondering what to pack for a trip to Ireland? First things first, expect to encounter all four seasons in one day. “The cliché holds true,” says Cathrine Burke, co-owner of the luxury boutique hotel Breac House. “One moment you could be basking in southern sunshine in Kinsale, and the next dodging raindrops just 30 minutes north in Cork city.”
Ireland’s geographic location means warm, moist air from the Atlantic collides with polar air from the north, often resulting in days that the Irish Meteorological Service, Met Éireann, describe as cloudy, humid weather with rain, followed by brighter, colder weather with showers. The rain and rainbows are part of Ireland’s charm—but they also mean travelers need to pack wisely, prioritizing versatile, weather-ready layers.
After traveling to Ireland several times, I’ve learned a thing or two about what you actually need to have in your suitcase. For even more insider tips, I asked locals for their top recommendations on what to wear and what to leave at home. Below, I’ve compiled the ultimate guide on what to pack for a seamless trip to Ireland, one of the world’s most enchanting places to visit.
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Luggage
Travel light to navigate Ireland’s cobbled streets and Dublin city transit with agility. Opt for a standard carry-on, and keep contents organized with packing cubes to minimize suitcase chaos. We recommend chic suitcases and travel accessories from SteamLine Luggage, an Irish brand known its vintage-style pieces that look right at home in the country’s castles and historic boutique hotels. Ireland is also a treasure trove of excellent artisan goods, many made with linen and wool, so consider bringing a foldable duffel bag in your carry-on to fill with extra souvenirs on your way home.
Waterproof outerwear
Ireland’s rainfall produces exceptional produce and some of the world’s best dairy products. “We’re very favored by nature,” says Darina Allen, founder of Ballymalloe Cookery School, where visitors learn traditional Irish cooking techniques and wander the cooking garden grounds. That means outdoor adventures in Ireland call for a waterproof jacket or raincoat, ideally one that folds up into its own pouch so you can pack the wet item away when warming up with a pint in the pub. We love the pieces from Rains, a brand that combines Swedish functional design with contemporary fashion for a rain coat that won’t cramp your style.
Trench coats
A water-repellent trench coat never goes out of style, and will look right at home on urban travels through Dublin or Galway. “Trench coats always have a nice [effect],” says Banks. The longer length protects your entire look from getting damp and the style often looks nicer than a rain jacket as an evening layer for a nice dinner. They’re the ultimate shoulder-season outerwear item thanks to their versatility, effortlessly taking you through temperature changes.
Essential layers
If you’re going to spend time being active outdoors, you’ll want to be able to regulate your temperature with items you can easily take on or off. Start with a lightweight tee, then layer on a button-down flannel, and add a wool cardigan if the temperature requires. This sequence will keep you warm and dry traveling through windy coastal towns, and allow you to shed the layers when you head inside to a cozy pub.
Ireland is also famous for the wool Aran jumper (known to Americans as an Aran sweater). “Wool itself is water-repellent,” says Banks. “That’s where the Aran jumper came from. They were knitted for seamen by their wives.” Burke recommends picking up locally made wool knitwear from Donegal’s Moss & Cable. Even still, wool can be itchy, so packing a long-sleeve shirt or a T-shirt to wear underneath is the key to staying comfortable.
Comfortable walking shoes
“People love to walk [in Ireland],” says Banks. “My in-laws can easily get 20,000 steps in a day.” To live as the locals do, you’ll want sturdy, waterproof shoes. Banks called out the Nike Gore-Tex trail shoes and Tretorn sneakers for their comfort, support, and durability on various terrains. For evenings out, comfortable yet stylish sneakers or flats are ideal. “You can leave the heels at home,” Banks says. Ireland has uneven terrain, from cobblestone streets to rugged hiking trails, often wet with rain or mud. Stick with a versatile pair of comfortable, waterproof walking shoes instead.
Rain boots
When it comes to navigating Ireland’s puddles, bogs, and muddy conditions, Wellies are a staple. “You will see a lot of Wellie-ware,” says Banks. For added comfort, she recommends fur-lined, lower-cut Wellies from Tretorn. If you’re shopping ahead of your next big trip, try looking for ankle-high Wellies with added support.
Blundstone
Classics #587 boots
Leggings and cropped pants
“You know, athletic leisure is really big now in Ireland too,” says Banks. Comfortable and functional leggings are useful on active adventures like hiking, walking, cycling, golfing, or horse riding, or paired with an oversized Aran sweater and some simple sneakers for a day of urban exploring. Want something a little more structured? “Jeans are super acceptable and seen everywhere,” says Banks. Go for a cropped style or cuff them so your hems doesn’t get soggy.
Swimwear
Ireland isn’t really known for its pools or beaches, but it is developing quite the international appeal for wild swimming—that is, cold water swimming in lakes, rivers, and along shorelines. While I was foraging seaside with Kinsale Food Tours, I watched in awe as Irish locals jumped in for cold-water laps in the secluded bay. (The Complete Book of Wild Swimming in Ireland by Maureen McCoy and Paul McCambridge will teach you all you need to know.) If a cold water dunk sounds intimidating, an insulated swim suit may help.
Day bags
When venturing out for the day, Banks suggests bringing a bag to hold a water bottle, a rain jacket, and an extra layer. “But leave the umbrella at home—nobody uses umbrellas,” she adds. A good day bag should be large enough to have room for a few purchases, and include zippers for keeping your wallet close to you and secure. A water-repellent exterior is an added bonus, and sling straps can keep you hands-free. If you need to hold more, a tote bag is roomy enough to carry extra essentials you might need while traveling with kids.
Travel accessories and gear
As for things to pack in your day bag? “I strongly recommend the McKenna Guide for an insider’s guide to seeing the best of Ireland,” says Burke. She also recommends leaving your phone in your bag and going old school with a street map, especially in Dublin. “It’s really key to understand the different quarters that are driven by the different historical periods in the city.”