“May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields.”
-excerpt from an irish blessing
Are you wondering what to put on your Ireland packing list? With such changeable weather, it can be tricky to pack for Ireland. You basically have to be prepared for anything- rain, sun, wind, and mist…sometimes all at the same time!
The high temperature during springtime in Ireland is usually between 50-60 degrees F/ 10-15 degrees C. There are plenty of daylight hours, but it can get chilly at night.
When packing for Ireland, consider your travel plans. What you wear depends on what you plan to do in Ireland. If you plan on just hitting the major cities then you probably won’t need hiking boots. Whereas if you plan on visiting the countryside, you’ll want to be prepared for dirt roads and trails.
When I visited Ireland in April, we did a mix of both city and country, so I’ve come up with this Ireland packing list with both in mind. With some key items, like a raincoat and good shoes, you should be good to go!
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Travel Essentials to Pack for Ireland
Don’t forget these essential things when packing for Ireland. Everything else on this Ireland packing list can be purchased once you get there, but you won’t get far without these important items:
- Passport
- Visa (if needed)
- Driver’s license (if renting a car)
- Debit and/or credit cards (preferably without foreign transaction fees)- many businesses use tap-to-pay machines
- Cell phone– for emergencies, GPS, and taking photos
- Prescription medications
Clothing to Pack for Ireland in Spring
I believe the key to packing for Ireland is layers. When I visited Ireland for the first time, I found that I used a combination of the same 3-4 layers. The most important things to pack for Ireland are pieces that will keep you a) warm and b) dry.
The main four layers I was happy to have were:
- A long-sleeved thermal base layer
- A wind-resistant fleece jacket– to keep the wind out and your body heat in
- A packable puffer– doesn’t take up much room in a suitcase, but makes all the difference when it’s cold
- A thigh-length raincoat or waterproof coat– perhaps the most important piece of clothing on a packing list for Ireland
Note: The photos below feature female examples, but the items mentioned are recommended for all genders.
*I purchased this in “Slate Green” and loved it. The Charly Parka was waterproof and light enough to layer under.
Other tops that are handy to pack for Ireland are:
- Basic T-shirts
- Cozy sweaters
- A nice top for a fancier dinner
Ireland leans on the casual side of fashion, especially in the more rural areas. If you’re wondering what to wear in Ireland, you’ll most likely be okay with several of the pant/bottom options below.
Pants to pack for Ireland:
- Jeans or utility pants
- Hiking joggers or leggings
- Waterproof pants as an extra layer on top
*These were great for walking behind waterfalls in Iceland as well!
Footwear to Pack for Ireland in Spring
When packing shoes for Ireland, comfort is more important than style. You want something you can wear while walking all day. (There’s no need to wear stilettos on the streets of Dublin, since it would be tricky to walk on cobblestones.)
I packed two pairs of shoes for my trip to Ireland in spring: sneakers and rain boots. Both pairs were waterproof, and I ended up wearing my sneakers most often.
Shoes to pack for Ireland:
- Sneakers/ Tennis shoes
- Hiking boots and/or
- Rain boots
*Not only does my mom wear Merrell Moab hiking boots, but so do I. They’re good for all ages!
Accessories to Pack for Ireland
Considering Ireland’s reputation for rain, I did not expect my sunglasses to be one of the most important accessories I’d wear, but I was so glad I packed them. Again, best be prepared for anything as far as Irish weather is concerned.
- Sunglasses
- Wool socks
- Scarf
- Hat and gloves
Toiletries to Pack for Ireland
This part of the list is unique to each person, but in general you’ll want to pack these for Ireland.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Soap/ body wash
- Deodorant/ anti-persperant
- Face Wash/ skincare products
- Razor and shaving cream
- Comb/ brush and hair products
- Makeup/ makeup remover
- Reusable travel containers
- Wash cloth– not all Irish hotels or bed & breakfasts provide them
- Small first aid kit
- Tide sink packs laundry detergent– perfect for hand-washing
- Hand sanitizer– for when you hold a two-day-old lamb and it falls asleep in your arms…but it pees on you (true story)
Travel Gear to Pack for Ireland
These items should be on your Ireland packing list, no matter what time of year. I found them all quite useful to have.
- Reusable, collapsible water bottle– tap water is generally safe to drink and saves money/plastic use
- Packable tote bag– for gas station snacks, dirty clothes, and just all-around useful
- Waterproof backpack cover– keeps your stuff dry and frees up your hands (instead of an umbrella)
Gadgets to Pack for Ireland
If you’re traveling to Ireland from North America, you’ll most likely need some gadgets to keep your electronics charged.
- Travel adapter– Ireland uses a Type G outlet
- External charger– keep your phone charged for all the photos you’ll be taking
- Waterproof phone case– don’t let the weather keep you from taking said photos
- Charging cord (to connect to your rental car)
I hope this post has helped you figure out what to pack for Ireland, especially if you’re visiting during springtime. The adage about Irish weather is true: there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing. Do what you can to make yourself comfortable in the elements and you’ll have a fantastic time in Ireland.
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