Packing for weather and Sightseeing

We just returned from our Ireland trip. We found the most helpful piece of outer wear was a water proof & wind proof jacket. I used Frogg Toggs rainsuit. We never needed the full suit, but if we had gone out on water in any boat outside of a large ferry, the pants would have been mandatory during travel.

Layers since the weather may be variable. So a couple of short sleeve or sleeveless shirts, at least one long sleeve shirt or quarter zip, one or two shorts and one pair of long pants. Waterproof or water resistant shoes.

I have been to Ireland several times in May and August. It can be surprisingly chilly. I always have a light wool sweater, a fleece and definitely a good rain coat or rain suit. On no trip did I feel the need for shorts. Take layers and good waterproof shoes.

Thank you so much! When you say waterproof shoes -- do you mean like a hiking shoe? or like a teva sandal style?

We went to Ireland at about the same time as you 3 years ago. Check the 10 day weather report carefully a couple of days before you go to make any adjustments you need to with your layering. For our particular early June trip I could not imagine taking shorts, capris or sleeveless shirts. The forecast was for cool to chilly days and some showers. I liked a light fleece jacket and a wind/rain shell that could be added.

For waterproof shoes I think a pair of walking/running shoes with Gortex are best for rocky, wet surfaces and streets. Look on Zappos or go to your nearest REI for some excellent choices. Hiking boots are too much and Teva type sandals are too exposed and offer no warmth. I took thin gloves and bought a warmer hat once I got there. It was that chilly. It may be a dry heatwave this year. Check the weather conditions on the east and west coast cities just a few days before you travel and you’ll have a better idea. We packed layers in our 21” carryons for our trip and except for needing a warmer hat, it was all useful and good.

Well this just proves how variable the weather can be in Ireland. In my May 2018 visit I got sunburned, Inch Beach was packed and the stores were selling out of sunblock. As noted above, check the weather report before you leave.

I am in Ireland now and did not bring enough warm clothing. Yes to layers, absolutely rain jacket and add a scarf for neck. There can be a very cold wind which I did not account for. Also you may want to bring an ear covering as I have worn mine most days. I have a light down vest which has not been enough for me. Luckily I did bring a cashmere sweater that has been my life saver. Temps have been in mid fifties, fine with sun but most days we have lots of clouds.

We were just in Ireland the last 2 weeks in May. We were blessed with mostly partly cloudy skies and 52-70 degree weather. We did have a lot of rain our first day in Dublin and some showers in the early morning hours throughout the trip.

We loved our waterproof hiking shoes, mine were Oboz and my husbands were Clarks. In Dublin, they kept us completely dry and in hiking around Kilarney National Park, the rain puddles and consequent mud, were manageable. Layering is ideal, we found our light weight long sleeved crew neck shirts, fleece jackets, and lightweight waterproof raincoats to be perfect. We also wore turtlenecks a few times and I used a scarf. It is incredibly windy anywhere on the coast, we had beautiful weather for the Cliffs of Moher and it was still bone chilling. Umbrellas are fairly useless in most situations so definitely consider what hats to bring. We bought waterproof hats and waterproof pants from REI and luckily didn't need to use them. I also bought FULL length, hooded disposable ponchos from Amazon which we didn't need, but that sideways, driving rain, soaking our jeans, is what we were anticipating. We bought fantastic hiking socks from REI and never had sore feet. We each brought a short sleeved shirt but didn't wear them. I would say sandals are a definite "no"

Of course, check the 10 day forecast, but our experience was much less rainy than the prediction.
We were in the same general areas. It is as wonderful as you are dreaming, have a wonderful time!