What to pack for your trip to Ireland in 2024

17.07.2024 - 16:30 / lonelyplanet.com

Jul 17, 2024 • 3 min read

Deciding what to wear in Ireland can be a minefield. With a changeable climate and a consistently unreliable weather forecast, keeping within your baggage weight limit can be a real challenge.

Ireland doesn’t suffer from most extreme weather events, but with its unpredictability comes a dilemma when wondering how to pack light. This summer, for instance, has been unseasonably cold and grey. Like much of northern Europe this year, we haven't really had a summer at all, and our summer clothes remain tucked away at the back of our closets...for now (we live in hope).

You can rely on a spot of rain during your visit, possibly even in bucketfuls. May, June and September usually have more sunshine, while February is the coldest month, but tracking the weather forecast doesn’t always help as it can change so quickly on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Choosing smart, versatile layers will make your visit that much easier. Whether you’re bringing carry-on luggage or checking a bag, this Ireland packing list will help you out.

An umbrella. It may be raining a lot of the time, but it’s windy too, meaning it can break, or you get the notorious ‘sideways rain’ which no umbrella can save you from. Save your space for something more useful, like your rain jacket or poncho.

Day-to-day, most people dress in smart-casual, think something fairly comfortable with a bit of European polish. You’ll be fine wearing a fitted pair of trusty jeans most of the time, pairing with a comfortable top during the day and swapping out for a blouse or shirt at night. 

In Dublin, there is a huge range of style when but it leans more towards the casual yet edgy and expressive (think Berlin, Copenhagen or London) while in more rural areas, it’s not uncommon for women to be extremely glamorous in heels and cocktail dresses on a ‘big night out’, no matter the weather. Similarly, men are more inclined to wear button-down shirts on a night out in rural areas, while in cities you’ll see more experimentation and variety. However, it does depend on where you go; an upmarket restaurant or cocktail bar will naturally be more dressed, but if you're just having a few pints listening to traditional music, a cozy jumper and jeans are perfect. But if you're short on space in your bag, anything minimal and pared down that can be dressed up with accessories (scarf, jewelry etc.) will see you through any occasion.

Ultimately, fashion in Ireland is very relaxed so if in doubt, just wear whatever you feel most comfortable in.

This article was first published Jun 25, 2019 and updated Jul 17, 2024.

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