Are you wondering what to wear in Ireland? This guide tells you what you should pack for Ireland whatever season you are visiting and no matter whether you are visiting Dublin, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick or further afield this is the best Ireland packing list for you.
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Ireland Dress Code Rules
Like most European countries, Ireland doesn’t have strict dress code rules. However if you plan on visiting some of Ireland’s more famous churches such as the cathedral at Knock you may want a more conservative outfit with you that covers your knees and shoulders.
Also you don’t truly experience Ireland if you just visit Dublin and cities. Instead we recommend getting out into the countryside so be sure to have some appropriate outfits for hiking and being outdoors.
And finally, there are some higher end restaurants in Dublin and castle hotels in Ireland where people will dress up for dinner. If you plan on visiting these we would advise having one smart casual outfit with you.
What to wear in Ireland in Summer (June, July and August)
Ireland in Summer is classified as June, July and August and has fairly moderate weather. Typically July is the hottest of the summer months and on average you are likely to experience temperatures between 13°C and 18°C (55°F-64°F).
It is also worth remembering that you can get rain in Ireland no matter then month you visit so it is worth having a compact travel umbrella with you and a pack away waterproof even in Summer.
Generally speaking we recommend putting the below on your packing list:
Maxi Dresses and Maxi Skirts.
Because of the combination of moderate weather and a local fashion styles steering away from short dresses and skirts we recommend packing a mix of maxi or midi dresses and skirts. These are great for cities like Dublin.
Loose Trousers
We tend to avoid jeans in summer as it can be warm. Instead we recomend loose trousers and linen trousers.
Blouse
A loose blouse is another good pick for visiting religious sites and for evenings across Ireland. Personally I like plain white linen shirts as they are very easy to use as part of a capsule wardrobe but floral blouses are another of my summer staples.
T Shirts
T Shirts are a great base for Ireland no matter what season you are visiting. For Summer I like to pack a short sleeve t-shirts and style-wise, I tend to stick to a plain or lightly patterned t-shirt instead of neon, graphic or slogan tees as they work better in a capsule wardrobe.
Layers
Ireland summers are notoriously changeable so we recommend packing a couple of top layers like a hoodie, smarter sweater and waterfall cardigan for evenings.
Also if you plan on heading out into the countryside and doing some hikes such as those around the cliffs of moher we like to pack a fleece. These are warm and insulating in cold weather but are also pack away into back packs when not being used and dry quickly if you get caught in the rain.
Click here to shop layers for Ireland
Waterproof Jacket
You can get rain in Ireland in any season. For summer we recommend packing a light weight packaway waterproof jacket.
If you are visiting during a cold snap you may want a light puffer jacket with you also.
Pashmina
I never travel anywhere in Europe without a pashmina. These are perfect for chilly mornings and evenings, and are great for making outfits more modest especially when visiting religious sites.
PJs or Nightie, Underwear and Socks
Goes without saying.
Swimwear (optional)
Only required if you are staying in a hotel with a pool or you have a beach on your itinerary.
Sunglasses
It is bright during the summer months in Ireland so don’t leave the sunglasses at home.
What to wear in Ireland in Winter (December, January and February)
Ireland in Winter (December, Jnaury and February) is actually warmer than you might expect with average temperatures between 4°C and 8°C (39°F-47°F). However Ireland is pretty wet in Winter with December and January being the wettest months of the year so waterproof gear is a must for thsi time of year.
So what should you pack to cope with the Winter in Ireland?
Layers
Layers are your best friend in Ireland in Winter. We back a good mix of items from casual hoodies for daytimes to merino wool sweaters for restaurants with a dress code. Though unless you go during a very cold snap you won’t likely need thermals.
Hat, Scarf and Gloves
Winter accessories are a great way to finish your Winter look. I recommend taking gloves that allow you to use your phone while still wearing them as this will stop faffing in the cold.
You may also want to a pair of earmuffs for a particular cold snap.
Jeans / Trousers
Jeans are a great choice for Winter in Ireland as they are thicker than other trousers. We also recommend picking fleece lined jeans for extra warmth.
But you will also want some trousers that are more comfortable for walking in, especially for walking in the countryside in the rain. My go tos are walking trousers.
Coat
A coat is absolutely a necessity during Winter in Ireland no matter whether you are in cities like Dublin, heading to Wicklow or Limerick.
We recommend something warm like a down parka. However we also recommend picking a coat that has some water resistance or waterproof coating to cope with the rainy days in Ireland.
Hiking Socks
For me there is nothing worse than cold feet so you will want hiking socks with you for out of trails and in the outdoors.
We also recommend merino wool socks for thinner socks that are still insulating.
Dress and Tights
If you want to wear a dress for smarter evenings out we recommend slecting a warmer jumper / sweater style dress and pairing it with thick tights.
Shoes with Good Sole
We talk about shoes more in the best shoes for Ireland later in this post, however it is worth pointing out here that is is essential to have shoes with a good sole for Winter in Ireland due to cold, snow and ice are being likely weather during the season.
What to wear to Ireland in Spring and Fall (March, April and May and September, October and November)
The shoulder seasons in Ireland are one of the best times to visit for both crowds and weather. Depending on the month you are traveling in will depend on whether your list should lean more towards the summer or the winter packing list.
Generally speaking however, for March and November I would consider packing more layers as they are closer to Winter. And for April, May, September and October I would add more summer wear but still have layers with me.
I recommend adding the below to the Shoulder season packing lists
Hoodie / Sweater / Jumper / Poncho
You will definitely want top layers with you during this period. For May and September you can probably get away with a lighter weight hoodie. However for the Winter adjacent months you will want thicker and more layers with you.
For November you may also want a heavy weight coat.
Sunglasses
Great no matter the month you visit Ireland.
Pashmina
Again this is perfect as an additional layer for cooler periods and is great for making outfits more modest.
Best Shoes for Ireland
Sneakers
My number one shoe for Ireland at any time of year is a sneaker. Sneakers cope well with the historic centres where you will find uneven surfaces and cobblestone strets.
However we recommend having looking for some waterproof sneakers due to the amount of rain you get in Ireland year round. My favorite waterproof sneaker is the Ecco Soft Seven.
Ankle Boots (Winter)
For Winter and part of the shoulder seasons we recommend having some waterproof leather ankle boots with you. We recommend flat boots over thin heels as they cope better on historic streets.
Sandals (summer)
And if you are traveling in summer we recommend packing sandals. If you plan to do a lot of hiking in countryside then you will want hiking sandals. My favorite are Teva. However for cities we recommend packing dressier sandals that are good for restaurants with a smart casual dress codes.
What to Pack for Ireland – non clothing
As well as clothing you may be wondering what to pack for Ireland that isn’t clothes. Well we recommend adding the below to your Ireland Packing List no matter the season:
- Crossbody Bag – unfortunately any tourist site attracts pickpockets and Ireland is no different, especially in the big cities like Dublin and Galway. A crossbody bag with lots of zips is the best way to protect your belongings.
- Backpack – for storing items on your day trips.
- Travel adaptor – an essential for international visitors.
- Power Pack / battery packs
- Sun screen
- Compact Umbrella – an essential year round. My favorite type is made by Repel.
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Travel First Aid Kit
- Blister plasters
- Toiletries – for our essential toiletries packing list click here. However toiletries should be easy to buy in Ireland if you want to big them on arrival.
- Lipbalm – absolutely an essential in Winter to protect your lips from cracking in the cold.
- Moisturiser – needed to protect your skin from drying out in the cold weather.
FAQs about What to wear in Ireland
CAn I wear jeans in Ireland?
Jeans are a great pick for Ireland and work even in restaurants and pubs. Personally I don’t wear them while hiking as they are uncomfortale when wet however they are a great pick for cities.
What to wear on St Patricks Day in Ireland?
St Patricks Day is obviously a big day in Ireland. And if you are visiting Ireland, or more specifically Dublin on St Patricks DAy it is worth having some green on your packing list.
Can I wear leggings in Ireland?
Yes you can wear leggings in Ireland. In Winter these are a great additional layer for when you are spending lots of time outside in the cold.
Do you have any questions about packing for Ireland? Drop us a comment below and we get back to you as soon as we can.