On my next trip to Ireland, I will/won't pack...

Pack clothing that can be layered, including a water-proof outer garment, and water-resistant shoes would be a plus. Uhm, basically any month.

I went at the end of June in 2011 on a Rick Steves tour of Ireland. I packed two pairs of shoes, one pair of sneakers ( needed two pairs of shoes as one pair got soaked in the rain and had to let it dry out). Layer is important. Light weight long sleeve tops, a hoodie, a blazer and a waterproof jacket with a hood kept me warm and comfortable. And if it did get warm, I could drop the blazer or hoodie. I also took two pairs of jeans ( normally I only take one pair or none if I am going to Italy). I know I am a girl but the rule above still applies. Layer, waterproof jacket with hood, jeans, sneakers, casual clothes, no matter what month you go from May to September and for all over Ireland. You do not need a tie or sport jacket. More casual attire. Have a great time.

I would not bring my swim suit, shorts, or sandals. Both recent trips I brought these items and did not use them. I wore Merrill casual shoes when I needed a shoe for warmer weather and my light hiking shoes/boots the rest of the time. I would pack my small travel pillow, woolen slippers, 2 pairs of jeans and a travel curling iron. I know some people recommend not bringing jeans because they take too long to wash and dry, but I felt more comfortable in the jeans I did bring than in the travel pants I brought. I'm willing to pay to have the jeans cleaned at a local laundry. Also, would bring my hooded Irish raincoat. Love it and used it often! (Our trips were in June and July.)
Barbara

I'm going with a tour in August, so Thank you Scott for asking the question. What about gloves? Warm scarves (wind factor)?

How did you keep your camera dry?

Any reason to take binoculars?

I did bring a scarf and I think girls should bring a scarf. I bring one when I go away to France and glad I had one in Ireland. But I did not see any guys wear a scarf. And I don't think gloves are necessary. It did not get that cold, just chilly. Binoculars if light weight would be nice to have but not if you don't have one, not a deal breaker.

Last June-July I did bring a pair of gloves that I wore once. I wore a light scarf on the plane, but purchased a heavier one in Ireland. While I'm not a big fan of spending my time looking and buying things I did not bring with me, I feel that in Ireland gloves, scarves, wool socks, and hooded sweatshirts are available almost everywhere and make great souvenirs.

As far as keeping my camera dry, I kept my camera in a small Vera Bradley pouch, however I was not as successful at keeping my lens completely dry when it rained. I wiped the lens frequently but still ended up with a few photos that had rain spots on them. Most of my photos from Ireland are fantastic so a few with rain spots. . .
Barbara

...long sleeved shirts. I just got back from a Rick Steves Ireland trip which began June 6. It was hot as heck. I was expecting much cooler, wetter weather and had 3 short sleeve Tees and 3 long sleeve Tees. I did not wear the long sleeve shirts at all. I did wear my waterproof/wind proof jacket at times (and had it with me at all times). I also had a cardigan with me and wore it off and on but again, always had it with me. For me it was better to layer the short sleeved Tee and cardie rather than wear a long sleeved shirt.

I would pack more sunscreen! I got sunburned in Dingle walking out to the lighthouse.

We had little rain so I never wore my waterproof shoes.

Definitely pack a scarf or 2 for women.

One of the cardigans was wool which was totally not needed.

From a guy perspective, my brother says prepare for humidity outdoors and stuffy indoor venues. He is pretty hot-natured and the lack of air movement drove him crazy.

Have fun! Your weather will probably be completely different from mine!

Will bring anytime of the year, a smile because I know I'll have a lovely time. Gorgeous country to explore and enjoy.

Maybe doesn't apply to everyone, but a bike mini multi-tool needs to go in the checked luggage. On bike trips in many places in the USA and Europe, the multi-tool was never questioned until we were LEAVING Shannon at the end of our trip. Ireland doesn't allow any "tools" to be carried on to planes, and although the most a terrorist could do with a mini bike tool is maybe loosen an allen-head screw on the tray table, or poke a fellow passenger in the eye (an elbow would do just as well if you were so inclined), security wouldn't let me take it onboard. I had just enough time before departure to scrounge up a box, pack my tool, and check it for the flight home. Many things might qualify as a "tool," so if in doubt, don't have it in your carry-on or on your person.

Hi Friends - leaving July 9 for our first trip to Ireland! I am panicking a bit about how to pack - current forecasts for July are stating highs of low to mid 60s? Is that right? So scrap shorts entirely, then?

Jenn: pack one or two pair of shorts ... Weather can change in Ireland on a dime - good or bad. When packing for Ireland this time a year you need to pack a little of everything - you will become an expert of layer on layer off. Be sure to pack a good pair of walking shoes & a waterproof jacket - the lightweight type. I once ran into an American couple on the strand in Salthill in July had only packed woolens and were miserable because they packed for weather they had looked up before their trip. Good luck and enjoy your trip to Erie. I'll be heading there soon ....

Thanks Clare! I got myself a nice, lightweight rain jacket with hood and will definitely plan to pack a couple pairs of shorts. I also have a couple of pairs of cargo pants (capri length) which I think I will mostly live in. I only have 2 long sleeve shirts so hopefully those will serve me well; I'm usually hot so never layer but I will definitely heed that advice on this trip.

Jenn: I too being on the warm blooded side - take after my American Da, ( my Mam is from County Clare) however, I've been chilled a time or two - and have perfected the layers. I hope the good weather they are having holds out for your trip ... And mine! Family reunion in August.

Ursula

Here now. Bit of sun , mostly cloud. Rain forecast for next three four days. We were absolutely blasted by wind on the HILLS OF Tara visit today, so a windbreaker /rain jacket is great idea.

Thanks to all who replied.

Good suggestions. Two questions: Is the scarf for warmth or 'fashion'? And would an umbrella be a good idea? We are going mid to late August.

One more question. Do you think we should bring a lightweight wind/rain pants for August.

We were there last year mid-August. Three young adult daughters wore scarves for fashion. Two of us had umbrellas in addition to light waterproof jackets and used them frequently. I wore lightweight crop length slacks which worked well because they dried quickly and stayed above the puddles. The girls who wore jeans were often wet for awhile.

Pat, you are more likely to encounter "soft weather" - misting, drizzling, sprinkling - than a long downpour that would require rain pants. I wouldn't bother with them.

my last trip to Ireland and northern Ireland took place in the month of October, and cheaper hotel prices were offset by the discovery that a lot of tourist sites seem to close Oct 1. I had several long sleeved T shirts, a lite weight fleece jacket, a fleece vest, and a fleece muffler......in several pics I seem to be wearing all of the clothes I brought including the muffler tied around my head to combat the wind and the damp

Thanks doric8. What do you mean by fleece muffler? Are you talking about a scarf?

yes........a winter scarf that was a fleece strip about 6 inches wide.....