Heading to Ireland for the first time and not sure what to pack? This is the ultimate packing list for first time visitors to Ireland.
Ireland is a relatively small island, so it’s easy to get from one end to the other and the weather varies slightly from place to place in terms of humidity, wind and temperature.
But there is one thing that’s probable: Rain showers. They are light, misty showers, much like I see here in New England.
If you want to make sure to be prepared and comfy for a trek from Dublin to Cork, Dingle to Galway, this packing checklist will make sure nothing important is forgotten. But first things to consider, the weather.
The Weather in Ireland
Heading to the Emerald Isle for the Spring or Summer? Springtime in Ireland begins in April with temps rising from low 50s to mid 60s by June. If you love cooler climates for travel, Ireland is the perfect destination since (on average) it never really gets above 66 degrees in the summer. In Ireland, everyone talks about the weather. Irish weather can be unpredictable, so expect anything!
Ireland possesses a marine west coast climate, which means no extremes of hot or cold weather. Ireland’s waters are also greatly influenced by the North Atlantic Drift, which keeps the sea temps mild. The island of Ireland is characterized by plentiful precipitation, elevated humidity and mild temperatures. Because the hills on the outer perimeter shield the inner valleys, Ireland rarely receives winds over 20 MPH, which makes it comfortable for everyday walking and hiking.
July and August, get about 18 hours of daylight and it gets dark only after 11pm!
July and August are the warmest months of the year in Ireland
The coldest months in Ireland are January and February
And if you hate snow, rest assured. Ireland rarely gets snow.
The average low temperatures will vary by season, but plan for cool evenings and nights (Mid-30s in the Winter and Spring, and upper 40s to 60s in the Summer months)
The ‘warm season’ in Ireland lasts from June 14 to September 12 with an average daily high temperature above 62°F.
The ‘cold season in Ireland’ lasts from November 15 to March 23 with an average daily high temperature below 50°F.
Source: weatherspark.com
What to wear
If you are going to Ireland in the late Winter to early Spring, you’ll want to layer up with warm fall clothing. The temps will vary throughout the day, so you can always remove a jacket or sweater vest if you need to. Here are the best layered Fall outfits I have found for inspo:
What to Pack
Super important items first:
- Passport, ID, cash (Euros), credit card (call your bank and let them know you are traveling). If coming from the States, let the merchant know that you have a swipe card if you’re not yet using a chip card. They use chip & pin cards in Ireland
- Take a photo of your passport ID and ID Card or Driver’s License with your phone on the off-chance you lose your I.D.s. Delete the photo when you get back and always LOCK your phone with a passcode.
- Cell Phone Service See about getting your cell phone service to International coverage if you don’t already have it. 4G service does have pre-paid sim cards. Check with your carrier before you go. International fees or roaming charges vary but can be very expensive. You can also connect via WiFi to email, text, upload photos to Instagram or Facebook. Public WiFi services in Ireland are available in many cafes, bars, restaurants and hotels. They are also available on most Irish long-distance Intercity trains, some commuter trains and buses. Some are free of charge, others require a credit card payment or a voucher. I have 4G service in USA, but Ireland and most of Europe is 3G roaming. (the Dark Orange on the map indicates 3G data coverage)
Examples of International Rates for AT&T:
International roaming rates for Ireland
Pay Per Use Data Rate
$0.002 per KB
Discount packages are available. For details visit
www.att.com/passport
Text and Instant Messages
Send: $0.50 per text message
Receive*
Picture and Video Messaging
Send: $1.30 per text message
Receive*
- Medical items – International shot record (if you have one), Medical ID card and any prescriptions you need to take. Make sure they are in the bottle with your name on it. Travelers Insurance is recommended if you don’t already have it.
- UK charger volt adapters (220-240 volts) to charge your cell phone, camera, laptop, etc. Don’t bring your own cords without these UK adapters
The electrical supply in Ireland is 230v 50hz. The plugs and sockets are different from the USA involving a three-pronged formation. Consider this for any hair dryers or curling iron, flat irons you have as well. If you forget them, they sell them at airports but they will cost more.
- Sweater (hoodie or cardigan)
- A Jacket. Preferably a jacket with a hoodie that’s waterproof. I found an awesome Eddie Bauer 365 jacket at my local thrift store for $15, and although it isn’t in a color I would choose (it’s Greenery, aka Kermit Green), it’s perfect for Ireland weather. If you get lucky enough to find one like this, grab it. They no longer make this style anymore but I have found one similar made by Charles River
. It gets a lot of good reviews, comes in a variety of colors and it’s under $50. See: Charles River Women’s New Englander Waterproof Rain Jacket
What other essentials should go on your Ireland packing list?
- Good quality, small umbrella to carry in a purse (Totes makes these adorable micro-mini umbrellas that can literally fit in a pocket)
- Messenger Bag or Backpack (carrying a shoulder bag for hours could get tiresome)
- Waterproof phone case
- Comfy walking shoes or tall comfy boots to keep your feet & legs warm if it’s Fall, Early Spring or Winter. Plan for wet weather! I don’t recommend suede, Italian leather, untreated leather or mesh shoes. If you wear Uggs or canvas shoes, treat them with a water repellant spray
- Clothing item suggestions: Sweaters, vests, a knit beanie, leggings, scarf. General rule of thumb: bring clothes that you can layer. It will be cool in the morning and warmer by the afternoon.
- Camera with adequate memory card
- Water bottle
- Inflatable neck pillow for the plane trip. Depending on where you’re coming from, the trip could be a long one.
- Travel size bottle or travel towelettes of Avon’s Skin So Soft, or an insect repellant you prefer – if you’re coming during Summer months, there are midges and they bite and it itches! I use Geranium essential oil for gnat bites. It clears up the itch immediately. TIP: Midges are apparently attracted to dark colors
- Small travel size first aid kit with Tums, Immodium and Cold Eeze lozenges
- If you plan to hike, bring sturdy, comfy shoes for the rocky terrain
- Warm, thick socks in the Fall, or socks that cover your ankles
(again, midges) - Antibacterial hand wipes or wet wipes. I don’t go anywhere without these in my purse.
Did I forget anything? Let me know in the comments below! 😉
Recommended Reads:
How to say ‘Hello’ or ‘Good Day’ in Gaelic? Dia duit! (pronounced: djiah gwich)
Enjoy your trip to Ireland!
