Ireland is a beautiful and scenic country to visit. The epic coastal views, colorful small towns and sheep grazing in roadside fields make for a charming and idyllic trip. Although Ireland has so much to offer, stereotypical “great weather” isn’t one of those things. However, if you pack correctly, the weather is just part of the charm of Ireland. Keep reading for what to wear in Ireland and a packing guide for your trip!
Weather in Ireland
Year round, the weather in Ireland can be described as consistently wet. The temperatures, usually, never go to the extremes and many days out of the year you’ll find clouds and rain.
Summer and Spring in Ireland
The summer months in Ireland, June-August, offer the warmest temperatures and the least amount of rain. However, on a week-long trip it will likely still rain at least a few times while you’re in Ireland.
Although the summer temperatures are warmer than other times of year, the highest temperatures you’re likely to encounter are in low-60s. So definitely still bring warm clothes and layers!
Similarly, the springtime (April-May) offers slightly lower temperatures, but is much drier than the winter.
Fall and Winter in Ireland
In the fall and winter months, rain is also common and temperatures hover in the 40s-mid-50s. Although winter offers fewer daylight hours, it’s not necessarily a horrible time to visit as there will be fewer tourists and no sub-zero temperatures. If the wind and rain aren’t deal breakers for you, then you’ll find more affordable prices in the winter months.
September and October are good months to consider visiting Ireland in order to beat the summer crowds, but still get slightly more daylight than in the winter months.
December and January are the wettest months with the fewest hours of daylight. The sun rises after 8am and sets not long after 4pm.
No matter what time of year you visit, a raincoat (or at least an umbrella) will be very important. Waterproof shoes are also a great option, especially if you plan to do any hiking.
What to Wear for in Ireland, One Week Packing List
- 3-4 pairs of long pants/jeans
- Leggings are a great option for those who prefer them, thermal leggings are great in the winter months.
- 8 tops (mix of long and short sleeve)
- 4-5 sweaters for layering
- 1-2 thermal layers (if you’re traveling in the winter or tend to get very cold)
- 1-2 dresses (optional)
- Jacket
- A light jacket in the summer, for example a jean jacket, and a waterproof puffer in the winter.
- 8 pairs of warm socks
- 2-3 pairs of warm pajamas
- 1 pair of waterproof shoes/boots
- 1 pair of sneakers
- WINTER: hat, scarf and gloves
Pants and Jeans
Pants and jeans are my go-to when in Ireland. Usually, I opt for jeans as they’re comfy and also match most of my tops. Jeans, a t-shirt and a sweater are more or less my “Ireland uniform” any time of year.
If you’re a leggings girl, a pair of black leggings and a sweater is always a great option!
While in the summer you can probably get away with some lightweight or linen pants, in the cooler months you’ll definitely want jeans and real trousers.
An alternative to pants, and another one of my go-tos, is a skirt with a pair of tights. In the winter, make sure the tights are thick!
Pants + Jeans:
Dresses
I’m a dress girl and as long as it’s not too cold and windy they are my favorite outfits. In the summer in Ireland, a few long-sleeve dresses and/or dresses you can pair with sweaters are great options.
In my experience, I’ve never needed super dressy outfits for Ireland – with the exception of nice dinners you have planned or high-teas. For events like these, I would pack dresses that can easily be dressed up or down, depending on the jewelry and shoes you choose. This way, you can wear them more than once.
Dresses:
Sweaters
Sweaters are an essential part of most Irish outfits year round, so definitely pack at least a few. Even if it’s sunny, there can be wind and the weather can suddenly turn rainy, so it’s a good idea to have a sweater on hand.
While you’re in Ireland, you’ll also be presented with ample opportunity to purchase Irish wool sweaters. You’ll find these sweaters in shops in most towns, and they make a great souvenir for yourself or gifts for family and friends!
Sweaters:
Jackets
No matter the time of year, you’ll definitely want a waterproof jacket for Ireland. If you really dislike waterproof coats, or don’t have room in your suitcase, then at least bring a small travel umbrella.
In addition to a waterproof jacket or an umbrella, in the spring/summer I recommend a lightweight jacket for non-rainy days. This could be anything from a jean jacket to a fleece.
In the fall and winter, you’ll definitely want a warmer jacket. A puffer is a great option to keep you warm and they fold up easily in a suitcase.
Jackets:
Shoes
Sneakers are my daily shoes in Ireland. I love cute white sneakers, but depending on the time of year they may get very muddy.
If you’re planning to do a lot of hiking/walking, then waterproof hiking boots are necessary. In the fall/winter, I pack my Timberland boots for this purpose. I find that they match most outfits (I even wear them with dresses/skirts) and they’re very practical.
Shoes:
Accessories
When thinking about what to wear in Ireland in the colder months, you’ll want to pack a hat, a scarf and a pair of gloves. Even though it doesn’t get freezing cold in Ireland, the rain, wind and dampness make it feel quite cold.
If you like to have comfy clothes for relaxing at your hotel/AirBnb, I also recommend packing a couple warm and comfortable lounge sets.
Year round, make sure you have some good socks. Be sure to bring a few extra pairs, just in case they get wet while you’re out and about.
Accessories:
Extras
For day trips and excursions, you’ll want a good bag or backpack – bonus points if it’s waterproof. A small purse to bring to dinner and on walks around town is also a great item to pack. For when the sun decides to make an appearance, you’ll also want a pair of sunglasses.
Don’t forget to bring a portable phone charger as well as adaptors to plug in your electronics.
I hope you found this guide to what to wear in Ireland and what to pack for a year round trip to be helpful! If you have any questions, or anything to add to this post, let me know in the comments.
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♡Kate
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Hi! Your comments have been very helpful while considering what to wear in Ireland in October. Thank you!