What to wear in Ireland

Irish weather is not extreme. It is frequent. Temperatures rarely go far below freezing or above the low twenties, but rain, wind and sunshine can all visit in a single afternoon. The whole art of dressing for Ireland is layers plus a waterproof shell, whatever the month.

A proper waterproof jacket

Not “shower-resistant”: properly waterproof, with a hood. This is the single most important thing you pack, in every month of the year.

Layers you can add and shed

A base layer, a warm mid-layer (fleece or wool) and the shell. Irish temperatures swing with the wind, not the calendar.

Waterproof footwear

Sturdy shoes or boots that can handle wet grass, cobbles and cliff paths. White trainers will live a hard life here.

A warm hat and gloves

Essential October to April on the coasts, where the Atlantic wind does what it wants. Small, light, constantly used.

One smarter outfit

Ireland dresses relaxed, but a decent shirt or dress covers nice restaurants and Sunday lunch. You will rarely need formal wear.

Swim gear (the brave)

Sea swimming is a year-round Irish passion, and summer dips off the piers are common. Just expect the water to be bracing, even in August.