packing tips

We were in Ireland last summer, June 2024. So similar time of year as you’re planning.

We packed lightly, carryon only.
I was glad for my hooded raincoat (Columbia lightweight type) and also for a couple of lightweight tech fleece zip-ups. In addition to rain protection, the raincoat was an extra layer against cold winds. Generally it was cooler than I expected, and several days it seemed like we experienced at least three seasons in one day! Layers on, layers off.

I was also glad for waterproof hiking shoes. I didn’t wear them constantly but was glad for them a few times.

We took a detailed road map, but only opened it once or twice (we had good experiences with Google maps for driving directions). Not sure I would go without the map, though. Seems like a good idea to have a backup to technology.

I took one pair of shorts (optimistically), but never wore them, except for when all my other clothes were being washed at the laundromat. Long pants or capris were more practical for the weather.

1. Shorts
2. My nano puff vest.

You should plan for three seasons, sometimes in the same day, but check the forecast in the days leading up to your trip. I’ve been three times in “summer.” Last summer I bought and wore a wool beanie. I was able to layer my clothes and stay warm, but I could have used a light fleece or hoodie. In 2018, there was a heat wave and no rain for a month. The first time I went, I was meeting my mother who had been there a week. She asked me to bring her a pair of shorts because it was so warm. She never wore them because it cooled off by the time I got there. You just don’t know. And you really don’t know now.

If the weather forecast is “Dry,” that means it will only rain three times that day. It rarely rains hard or for very long; but, you will be glad for your rain coat.

I never use euros.

If you use your phone to navigate; choose the route on the main roads; sometimes the “Suggested” route includes a tiny back road or a trip through some farmer’s pasture.

“It rarely rains hard…..” unless it does for a number of days and the streams run fast and full as in last July 2023. You never know in Ireland. That’s when my husband got points for throwing in the rain pants.

We usually visit Ireland in May/early June but I would pack similarly. I take just long pants, a mix of long sleeve and short sleeve shirts, one fleece pullover, a thin uninsulated raincoat, and socks etc. I wear low waterproof boots (Keen, e.g.) and take a pair of Birks or Crocs for a break from the boots. Usually manage to arrange laundry a few times on a trip. For your time frame, I might add a pair of shorts (or maybe convertible pants). Everything fits in a small carry-on. At home, I wear jeans/boots/T-shirt every day,
so you might ignore this post.

I agree that a rain jacket is a must, and ideally also a waterproof hat.. I actually wore shorts most days in our July trip, but then I usually do if temps are above 55F. And legs dry quicker than trousers. ;o)

twiga44, I'm so glad you posted these questions. Everyone's answers are very helpful. Thanks everyone!
I keep adding to my England/Ireland packing list thinking June/July are going to be cold and rainy (by Arizona standards). It's grown past carry-on, so a few things will stay home.

Have a great trip!

To dpoweron:

Why don't you use Euros? I usually bring some for incidentals like a water, soda, coffee.
Are you using only credit cards for these or ?
T

Why don't you use Euros? I usually bring some for incidentals

Please forgive a response from someone else, but the only use I had for euros in Ireland was for the buses (EDIT: and my caddie at Ballybunion. That was a whole lot of euros.). I don't have a problem using a credit card for the kind of incidentals you're talking about.

ok jphbucks - I guess I'm still needing to keep some small bills and change in my pocket.

Next trip - Ireland in April, I'll try using the credit card more and less cash.

thank you,
T