After traveling to Ireland, not once, but twice, I think one of the most important lessons I learned was that no matter how prepared you think that you are, there's always going to be something that you wish you had packed! As someone who prides herself on packing light and efficiently, I was sure I had thought of everything. But Ireland, with its unpredictable weather and unique experiences, humbled me. If you're planning a trip to the Emerald Isle, here's what I wish I had packed and what you shouldn't forget!
What I Wish I Had Packed for my Trip to Ireland
I'm very conscious of my packing and I try to always take a carry on and a personal item, regardless of the length of the trip. It's kind of become "my thing". But honestly, part of it is, it allows me more time on vacation and less time at the airport! I spend less time in line checking bags. Less time worrying that my bag is going to make it on my flight. Less time waiting for my bag at customs, which, I must say, can take HOURS when you are traveling internationally!
Less time waiting on my luggage allows me more time to spend on vacation. Plus, let's be honest, there are plenty of items you pack in a bigger checked back just because you can amIright?
With that in mind, my trip to Ireland was 15 days long. We did have access to a washing machine at an Airbnb about 10 days into our trip. I used everything that I packed but I think I could have been a more mindful packer, so I made a list of what I wish I had packed and hope that it helps you as you prepare for your trip to the Emerald Isle!
1. Multiple Waterproof Jackets
The weather in Ireland is famously unpredictable. You might start your day with sunshine, but by the afternoon be dodging rain showers. Ireland is also a notoriously mild climate too, so a heavier jacket is never a bad idea. I had packed a waterproof jacket, that was reversible, but after looking back at pictures it looks like all I wore the entire trip was this one coat!
Pro tip: Pack a coat that you like, it's going to be in every picture!
I knew I wanted to pack a jacket that was bold because it stands out in pictures {stay away from dark green, black and navy}, and I thought I was doing so good with a red coat. I would have liked a little variety. I wish I would have brought my very lightweight and easy to pack Cotopaxi down jacket. It would have taken up barely any space and would have been a good alternative to wear when I got tired of my other coat.
And to be clear, I packed a lightweight rain jacket and never once used it. It was too light, even on those few days it got up in the 70's. So maybe two easy to pack warm jackets in a bold color that are waterproof would have been what I'd tell someone who was packing before a trip to Ireland. Most of your activities are going to be outdoors exploring castles, hiking cliffs and wandering around those quaint towns, so be prepared!
Most of what we did was outdoors, and Ireland can be chilly, even in the summer. When that wind picks up on the coast it can cut through you like a knife. I had packed light layers, thinking I could just layer up as needed, but I kept reaching for that extra layer I never packed!
A good fleece lined legging would have been perfect for those brisk evenings or those early morning hikes in the countryside. Heck, even for those beach days because it was still pretty darn cold when those cool Irish winds started to blow! I had regular weight leggings, but boy do I wish I had those fleece lined ones for some extra warmth.
3. Long Johns
I wear my wool long johns under just about everything! I'm always cold so I like a good base layer. Initially I had them packed and then I unpacked them after looking at the weather report. But, Ireland's weather will always take you by surprise! Even if you don't think you need them, pack them, you just never know!
4. An Extra Layer or Two
Ireland can be chilly, even in the summer months. I knew this going in, but I didn't fully grasp the need for a good set of layers, especially the warmest layers! I had packed light layers, thinking I could just throw on a sweater when needed, but I found myself constantly reaching for that extra layer I didn't pack.
These are my favorite light layered long-sleeve shirts. I packed two with me on this trip. They wash well and don't smell because of the material they are made from.
Before I left for Ireland, I found two classic Irish Aran sweaters. They are beautiful grey sweaters and they are thick! I figured if it's good for the Irish, it's good for me, so I packed one of them. I wish I hadn't! It took up so much room in my suitcase. A good fleece or light sweater would have been perfect for those brisk evenings in Galway or early morning hikes in the countryside. Even if you’re traveling in warmer months, be sure to bring a few cozy layers that you can easily add or remove as needed. You’ll thank yourself when the cool Irish winds start blowing.
This is kind of niche, I fully get that, but this is one of those things that we didn't anticipate. My husband wears glasses and after our last trip to Africa, he replaced most of his t-shirts with wool shirts. They are fantastic for travel, but not great if your glasses get wet and you need to wipe them!
It can also be sunny and you need sunglasses but rainy at the same time! Some coats will have a little corner of microfiber {mostly ski jackets to wipe off ski goggles}, but not all, so tuck in one of these. It will take up zero space. You'll thank me later!
6. Clothes for Going to the Pubs
We underestimated the draw of the pub culture. We aren't big drinkers at home, and we usually like to be in our comfy pants at home by 8! But I do love live music! And being able to spend time in the pubs in Ireland is more like being invited into someone's living room rather than into a rowdy bar.
Ireland is casual by nature, but I didn't pack any real casual clothes for going out. I had a lot of hiking gear, and layers for all of our adventures, not so many outfits for just feeling comfortable in a bar. And I'm not meaning a full on "going out" outfit. I mean, a nice casual shirt that I could wear with any of the pants I had packed.
I'm always cold {as noted in number 2 and 3}, so I was always surprised at how warm I got in the pubs. Most will have a fire roaring and are small spaces with a lot of bodies, so it's ok to pack a more casual lightweight top that won't take up much room.
One thing I didn't realize before my trip was that several areas in Ireland have introduced a ban on disposable coffee cups. Sustainability is a big focus in many parts of the country, and several cafes in places like Killarney and Dublin have adopted this eco-friendly measure. Coffee culture is so different in a lot of European cultures, but this Seattle girls habit of a to go cup dies hard!
You can purchase a reusable cup for a two euro deposit, which I ended up doing, but sometimes this isn't an option. My husband isn't a coffee drinker, so he isn't the kind who wants to sit with me in a café while I'm sipping my coffee and he's ready to head out to start our adventures.
A reusable coffee cup would have been incredibly handy, especially during early morning road trips or when wandering around the cities. If you're a coffee lover, pack a lightweight, insulated travel cup so you can enjoy your coffee on the go without creating more waste! It doesn't need to be massive, there is no such thing as a venti size that I found at any of the coffee shops!
Don't miss the perfect 15-day self driving itinerary so you can see all of Ireland on your own!Part 1: Northern Ireland and the Antrim CoastPart 2: Exploring the Wild Atlantic WayPart 3: Heading to the South of Ireland
Ireland is a magical destination, and even though I think I packed well, there are still several items I wish I had through to bring along. If you're planning a trip to Ireland, take these tips from my experience. With the right packing strategy, you can focus on soaking in the beauty of Ireland's landscapes, historic sites and vibrant culture without worrying about the weather or missing an essential item! Happy travels friends!
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