Ireland is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, if not the world. Its green mountains and steep cliffs invite you to go on hikes and just enjoy the gorgeous landscapes or take a stroll through the old alleys of Galway or Dublin. With all those opportunities for outdoor activities it is important to be prepared for the unpredictable Irish weather. Sadly, this includes a lot of rain and chilly temperatures. Even during the summer month.
To save you from unpleasant surprises I gathered a few must bring items to pack for your Ireland trip during spring, summer or fall. I won’t include the obvious essentials (e.g underwear, socks) or full outfits. So, let’s get started:
Good raincoat
Did I mention that it rains pretty much every day in Ireland? A good rain coat, preferably with a hood will keep you dry. If you have the choice, opt for a light one with a slightly loose or even adjustable fit. That way you can layer it over a thick sweater or several layers if it gets chilly. Due to the constant windiness, an umbrella is not an option. You would have a hard time trying to hang on to it.
Pro tip: Rain coats don’t have to be ugly. Stores like Zara sell fashionable options (designed for festival fans) at a reasonable price. Still unsure how to style them? Head to Pinterest for inspiration.
Cozy Sweater or Hoodie
Another annoying aspect of the Irish weather are the chilly temperatures, even during the summer month. Although July is the hottest month, the average temperature is 15°C or 60°F, according to google. You better pack at least one cozy sweater or hoodie to layer when outdoors. If you can’t spare any space in your luggage (cozy sweaters can be pretty bulky), just bring it/wear it on the plane.
Benefits of the chilly climate are the gigantic variety of real sheep wool sweaters offered in pretty much any clothing store in Ireland.
Scarf
One of the most versatile items to bring on any trip is a scarf. You probably already heard of its many possible usages, the most obvious being, you guessed it, as a scarf.
The right scarf can also double as a blanket. Maybe the number of comforters and throw blankets at your B&B are still not keeping you warm or the plane is freezing. Some scarfs even have the size of a blanket.
Furthermore, some like to use scarfs as headwraps, skirts, dresses or as an emergency towl. Be creative!
Comfortable shoes with sturdy profile
Whether you plan on hiking or just walking around Dublin or Galway, the right pair of shoes is key. Even if sneakers usually aren’t your thing, you might want to consider making an exception. Not only will you be much more comfortable in sturdy shoes when walking for longer periods of time, you also will be much safer. Old cities have old alleys with slippery stone walkways and most hiking trails lead over slippery rock and muddy paths. I suffered my fair share of tiny cuts and ungraceful falls, because I thought hiking in ballerina flats was a good idea. So be smart: Wear sneakers, running shoes or hiking boots. And please don’t forget to bring blister patches! You can thank me later ;).
Hiking or Workout Pants
I would recommend bringing at least one pair of hiking or just thick workout pants. Even if you don’t plan on exercising or hiking. Most sightseeing points in Ireland are not kind to fancy clothes, so you might as well rock a sporty-chic look. I bet you own at least one cute pair of workout tights that you can dress up.
Layering
You probably already heard of the layering method to prepare for weather you can’t prepare for. Maybe it already seemed obvious to you, if not, Ireland might be a great opportunity to try it. You don’t want to freeze to death when outside, nor do you want to drown in sweat whilst sitting in a cute pub, do you? I prepared two pinterest boards with inspiration for you: “In love with Ireland” and “Outfit Inspiration for Ireland travel”
Some more beautiful pictures of Ireland:
Are you traveling to Ireland soon? Did I miss an essential? Let me know in the comments what you think!
Photo Credit: All clothing pictures are from pexels
All Ireland photos are mine.