10 STEPS TO PACKING FOR IRELAND

To help simplify the packing process, we’ve created this 10 step packing guide for a trip to Ireland. Make this your first stop
when planning your next trip. And don’t forget to download your free packing checklist!

I’m Going to Ireland and Have No Idea What to Pack!

Planning a trip to Ireland can be the dream of a lifetime until you realize you need to plan what to wear. Don’t stress! We’ve put together all the best tips from the entire blog so you can easily access everything in one easy location. Follow these tips for stress free packing for your dream trip:

STEP 1

Start by reading this guide on what to pack for Ireland, which is a five part guide offering general packing information for Ireland along with what to wear in spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

You can also now download our ultimate Ireland packing list. Not only can you print it, but you can customize and save it, too!

If you’re traveling between June-August, you’ll love this post on what to wear in Ireland in the summer or if you’re planning a road trip, check out these packing tips.

Ireland is known for its casual style, which makes it a perfect place for low-maintenance women who still like to be fashionable. Locals tend to favor dark colors, heavy and cozy fabrics, and comfort.

Create a capsule wardrobe that is an essential concept to understand in order to create a minimal yet highly functional (and fashionable) travel wardrobe. Read this packing ebook to help you create the perfect travel wardrobe for your trip.

If you feel extremely overwhelmed at the idea of packing light or have a complicated itinerary, review this packing course which shows you specific techniques to plan around limited clothing choices, varying climates, and other unexpected life situations.

If you’re traveling to other destinations in Europe in addition to Ireland, use the guidelines explained in this Europe Packing Guide.

STEP 2

Check weather.com’s extended forecast in advance and 3 days before you leave. Think about how many days you will be in warm vs cold weather.

If you have a 10 day trip to Ireland and will be spending 7 days in the cold and 3 days in warm weather, plan for 70% of your travel wardrobe to be for the cold and 30% to be for the heat.

If you are only spending a short amount of time in cold weather or if you’re unsure if you will encounter cold weather on your trip, pack only the essentials: two outerwear PLUS two additional items: long sleeve top and leggings.

Use this Ireland packing lists to find clothing ideas to dress appropriately for this destination then use the guidelines from TFG’s Signature Packing Lists to help you customize your travel wardrobe.

If you don’t see your destination listed, post a question on TFG’s Facebook Group.

STEP 3

Ireland has a fairly temperate climate, meaning that it stays mild throughout the year. Winter is not especially cold and summer never gets too hot. During the month of June, for instance, the temperature rarely goes above 70°F and could dip to 50°F.

Ireland is notoriously rainy; the temperature can vary greatly during the day depending on cloud cover.When traveling to a rainy and wet climate, a heavy duty waterproof jacket is essential for your packing list. Check out these great picks for the best rain jacket for Ireland or other rainy destinations our readers shared!

For tips on choosing clothing and shoes for trips with different types of weather, please read this packing guide.

STEP 4

I’ve created this easy three part guide on how to pack for cold weather to help you stay warm while packing light.

Knowing how to pack for cold weather travel can be quite daunting especially if you want to pack light. If you’re traveling in winter, bundle up!

There is one major difference between being at home in the winter and traveling when it’s cold: the amount of time you’ll spend outdoors. When you’re traveling, you’ll likely spend extended periods of time outdoors sightseeing. Don’t be unprepared. Consider layering lightweight clothing such as the ones featured in this winter packing list to minimize the need for bulky sweaters and coats.

Avoid bringing a thick heavy coat when possible and opt for a packable down jacket instead. Thermals are also key to keeping you warm without having to pack thick sweaters. Don’t skip these!

You can even wear leggings or tights under jeans or pants for extra warmth. If you’re not used to the climate, add additional layers until you feel warm. Don’t forget essential winter accessories like a scarf, hat, and gloves!

STEP 5

Picking the best shoes for travel to Ireland will be one of your biggest challenges so start by reading this 10 step guide to packing the best travel shoes for any trip.

Ireland is one of the most popular European destinations, and with a unique landscape and ever-changing weather in Ireland, it’s important to pack the right pair of shoes. Find out what are the best shoes for Ireland according to our readers!

My biggest piece of advice is to choose function over fashion. Really? Yes! The last thing you want is to allow pulsing, injured, or tired feet prevent you from enjoying the trip of a lifetime.

Bring no more than three pairs opting for shoes that match all your clothing. Pack one pair for sightseeing (walking), one pair of any special activities you have planned, and then a third pair to either dress up your outfits or one that’s appropriate for a change in weather.

These are the best shoes for sightseeing in the cold and these are the best shoes for sightseeing in the heat. Black ankle boots like these are the most recommended shoes for Europe countries when dealing with either cold or mixed weather.

Please read these posts for more Europe travel shoe inspiration:

Please note: ballet flats are a popular travel shoe option when you want a dressier look but they are NOT recommended for long hours on your feet sightseeing.

Choose one of these cute and comfortable walking shoes instead – they’re the options most recommended by our readers!

STEP 6

When considering what to wear when visiting Ireland, remember that the country is very trendy, combining formal and casual wear.The most important thing is to always look presentable and avoid anything too revealing.

In general, day-to-day European style is more dressy than American style. This DOES NOT mean business clothing. Think dressy top (or the type of top you’d wear to work) plus nice jeans (dark colors are always a good choice).

When it comes to jeans, a slim or skinny jean style is preferred to a bootcut. An ankle length pant is the perfect length; no longer, no shorter. If you’re not a pants person, black tights paired with skirts or dresses is perfectly acceptable.

Like anywhere, pack for the environment. Are you spending your time café crawling in the cities or getting lost in the wilderness? As with most destinations, practical sense applies. Leave the beachwear on the beach because it doesn’t translate well to streetwear in the city.

The same goes for gym wear; unless you’re actually headed to the gym, don’t dress in your gym attire.

There are many misconceptions about what should and shouldn’t be worn in Europe. To clarify a couple of the most common myths: you DON’T need to wear slacks or business clothing to sightsee and locals DO wear athletic shoes especially these – they just tend to wear them with a fashionable outfit.

STEP 7

One of the most important aspects about packing efficiently is using luggage organizers.

Watch this packing video to learn how to use packing cubes to maximize space and never check a bag again. These are the top 12 reasons why I prefer packing cubes to other organizers.

Start with luggage. If you don’t already own a suitcase, choose one wisely. Read these tips on how to pick a suitcase and consider one of these top brands. Make your life easy with our best suitcase recommendations.

There are times when backpacks are better than wheeled bags. If you’re going on an adventurous trip, learn how to choose the best travel backpack.

Use packing organizers. Do you want to know the ultimate tool to travel in a carryon? PACKING CUBES! They changed everything for me and thousands of other travelers. See my packing tutorial on how to use them! Trust me, they are a must!

Use tried and tested packing strategies. For a summary, read our top 75 packing tips.

I’ve recently taken on a few extreme packing challenges to show you that packing carry-on only is possible for any trip. If I can pack like an ultra-minimalist (with style of course) then you can pack more comfortably in a regular carry-on. Watch these packing videos to learn more:

Watch all my packing videos here!

STEP 8

The biggest mistake travelers make with toiletries is not considering how much product they actually use. There are five key steps when it comes to downsizing your toiletries properly for a trip:

Find combination items. You can find two-in-one shampoos and conditioners, body cleanser that can double as shave gel, a foldable brush with a mirror attached on the handle, and multi-use makeup products.

Purchase empty containers of various shapes and sizes and DO NOT default to choosing “travel size 100ml or 3oz” options. These are the best travel containers.

Stick to the basics. Simplify your skincare and pampering routine and bring a capsule makeup collection. It’s only temporary.

Replace liquid beauty products with solids. While solid toiletries may not help you downsize they will help you meet the carryon 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Choose the right toiletry bag. These are the best toiletry bags and these are the best hanging toiletry bags.

For useful tips such as downsizing toiletries and choosing the best travel makeup, read our Ultimate Guide to Packing Toiletries. It includes a free printable checklist!

STEP 9

Don’t forget about safety: Be cautious about where you stash your cash. The safest place for your passport is locked in your accommodation. Carry a photocopy or other ID when you’re sightseeing or are out at night.

Keep your valuables safe with these anti-theft products:

Read these tips on how to keep your passport safe when you travel!

STEP 10

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BONUS SECTION: TRAVEL TIPS

Aside from reading Wikitravel and travel blogs, we still believe in a good old-fashioned travel guide for maps, suggested itineraries, local history, basic language phrases, and other practicalities.

Your can download any of the below guides as ebooks or buy the print copies.

These are a few popular London guidebooks: