Packing for Ireland!

So, you’ve booked your Irish adventure! Before you zip up the suitcase (or sit on it trying), here’s your guide to what you should pack… and what you can happily leave behind.

Ireland is a place of stories, scenery, and the surprise rain showers. With the right preparation, you’ll be comfortable, dry, and ready to enjoy every song, story, and scenic stop along the way.

Dressing for Irish Weather

The golden rule for Ireland? Layers, layers, layers! Our weather likes to experience all four seasons in a single day… sometimes before lunch!

January - February

• Cold, crisp, and often damp. You might get some frost, ice or snow.

• Pack: a warm waterproof jacket, fleece or wool jumper, hat, scarf, gloves, and wool socks.

• Good news: fewer crowds, bright winter-sunshine days, cosy pub evenings.

• Sunrise is around 8:30am, sunset is around 4:30pm
  

March

• Still cool, but spring is waking up

• Pack: waterproof jacket, light layers, scarf, hat, sunglasses

• Sunrise is around 6:45am, sunset is around 6:30pm
  

April

• Famous for showers - lots of them!

• Pack: waterproof jacket, water-resistant shoes, layers you can peel off, and something warm in case you get caught in the rain and need to warm up after

• Don’t be fooled by sunshine, keep the rain gear handy, but still bring your sunglasses!

• Sunrise is around 6:30am, sunset is around 8:15pm
  

May

• One of Ireland’s loveliest months

• Pack: lighter jacket, jumpers, waterproof trainers

• Leave the woollies behind!

• Longer daylight hours = more exploring.

• Sunrise is around 5:30am, sunset is around 8:15pm
  

June – August

• Summer, Irish style: bring sunglasses, but don’t ditch the raincoat just yet!

• Pack: light layers, waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes

• Sunscreen and a cap are a must for our hot days.

• Sunrise in June is around 5am, sunset in June is around 10pm

• Sunrise in July is around 5:15am, sunset in July is around 9:45pm

• Sunrise in August is around 6am, sunset in August is around 9pm
  

September

• Mild, scenic, and slightly quieter - the return of ‘sweater weather’

• Pack: light jacket, layers, waterproof footwear

• A favourite month for many visitors

• Sunscreen and sunglasses are still a good shout here.

• Sunrise is around 7am, and sunset is around 7:45pm
  

October

• Cooler with dramatic autumn colours, and shortening days

• Pack: warmer layers, waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes. A wool hat is a good idea if you’re going to coastal or mountainous areas (which is likely when you’re on Tony’s bus)!

• Great for photos and storytelling weather.

• Sunrise is around 7:45am, and sunset is around 6:30pm
  

November - December

• Cold, cosy, and atmospheric

• Pack: warm waterproof coat, fleece or woollen jumper, hat, gloves, scarf, boots

• Shorter days, but plenty of charm (and trad sessions in cosy pubs!)

• Sunrise in Nov is around 7:50am, and sunset is around 4:30pm

• Sunrise in Dec is around 8:30am, and sunset is around 4:10pm
  

Footwear: Your Most Important Packing Decision

If there’s one thing we’ll beg you not to skimp on, it’s good walking shoes.

• Comfortable trainers or walking boots are essential

• Waterproof is strongly recommended

• Ensure that they are broken into before you travel; blisters suck joy from any adventure!

• You’ll be walking on cobblestones, forest paths, rural lanes, and the occasional muddy field; you don’t want to miss out on a hidden gem because of the wrong shoes 😉

Gadgets & Electrical Essentials

Plug Adapters

Ireland uses Type G plugs (the same as the UK).

• Visitors from the USA, Australia, and most of Europe will need an adapter

• A universal travel adapter is your best friend
  

Voltage

• Ireland runs on 230V

• Most phones, cameras, and laptops are dual voltage (check the fine print)

• Hairdryers and straighteners from abroad often don’t mix well with Irish sockets – hotel ones work just fine
  

Handy Tech Extras

• Portable power bank (long scenic days drain batteries!)

• Phone with good camera – you’ll use it a lot

• Offline maps or downloaded playlists for the road

Let's talk Luggage

Most travelers over pack. Almost everyone admits it by day two.

Typical Airline Allowances (Very General Guide)

• Carry-on: One small suitcase plus a personal item (backpack or handbag)

• Checked luggage: Usually one bag included, with size and weight limits varying by airline

• Airlines flying from the USA and Australia often have different rules depending on ticket type, so: 👉 Always check directly with your airline before packing
  

Our Honest Advice

• You don’t need a different outfit for every day

• Laundry is available

• Ireland has shops – excellent ones!

• If you forget something, you won’t be stranded in the wild Atlantic with no socks. We promise!

What You Can Safely Leave At Home

• Umbrellas (they don’t survive Irish wind)

• Heavy guidebooks (Tony, your driver-guide, has the history & stories covered!)

• Multiple pairs of fancy shoes

• Excessive toiletries (save space – buy here if needed)

A Few Extra Tips

• Day bag or backpack for daily excursions

• Reusable water bottle (the tap water in Ireland is excellent)

• Reusable Coffee cup – Wild Irish Tours does its best to be kind to the environment around us

• Pre-pack medications, and if you have a serious condition, ensure either a travel companion or your guide is aware and knows what to do in case of emergency.

• When travelling with children – we can provide booster seats for children aged 4-12 years of age (18-36kg). For babies up to 4 years of age (roughly 9-18kg), you must bring a forward-facing child seat with you. If you child is over 150cm in height, a booster won’t be needed. These are recommendations base on Irish HSE & RSA guidelines.

• Bring extra photocopies of visas, passport and driving licences.

A Final Thought

Ireland rewards travelers who pack smart, stay flexible, and embrace the unexpected. With comfortable shoes and a reliable waterproof layer, you’ll be ready for the road!

Once you’re on the bus with Tony, the stories, songs, and scenery will do the rest.

So get those bags packed, grab your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure through the historical heart of Ireland.

Slán, agus fáilte go hÉirinn! ☘️