Packing Tips for Ladies for May 19-June 5 trip to Ireland

I'm going in June for 3 weeks and I'm planning to take about 1/2 of what you've listed. IMO I think you could take less and be fine. Keep an eye on the 10 day forecast as you get closer and adjust your wardrobe accordingly. Another observation is that I wouldn't take a sweatshirt under any circumstances. To me they are just a bulky, thick thing to absorb water. I prefer fleece for layering and warmth, it seems to shed water for awhile too and dry quickly.

To me, you are taking too much. Do you plan to sink wash? Are your Tee shirts all cotton or do they have some poly so they dry quicker?

I would only take 1 rain jacket - whichever one is waterproofier, lol.

To me sweatshirts are too bulky to take. I usually take a cardigan either cotton or cashmere depending on the season. For Ireland, I would probably decide at the last minute what the weather looked like and take one sweater or one sweatshirt. Wearing a sweater under your rain/wind layer may keep you as warm as you need to be.

You've got 5 pr of bottoms, I would cut that back to 3. Wear 1 and pack 2, probably would wear jeans on the plane, take a pr black pants and the capris if it's forecast to be warm. Not sure about the weather proof pants, though. Are they thick? Are you doing long hikes?

You've got 8? tops? Plus 2 sweaters? I would probably cut your Tees back to 5 + the longsleeve blouse. I would leave the blouse out if it needs ironing.

If it turns hot, and the time I went to Ireland in June it was really hot, surprisingly, you may not need all the heavier stuff.

I just did a trial pack on Friday for a 3.5 week trip to France, leaving next week. I've chucked out my long sleeve shirt and one of my tees as my bag was too heavy. I've got 3 pr pants, 5 tees and 2 cardies (wear one, pack one). I figure with the 5 tees and 1 cardie that is 5 outfits, so X 2 = 10 outfits with one pr of pants, so actually 30 outfits total, which is more than I really need for my time frame.

Have you looked at how many outfits your pieces will make up? Leave out any item that does not go with everything else.

Ha ha, Pam, I think we were typing at the same time!

Too much. One jacket is enough. I would not bother with sandals at all either. Like the other posts, I am not a sweatshirt type of person either. I would bring a cardigan in a colour that goes with everything. You want to make sure that you have layers.

I would do 4-5 t-shirts and 1-2 cardigans, I would not bother with slacks either. I would just do jeans and yoga pants/leggings.

Great advice, all! Thank you so much. My husband always complains that I pack too much and I am trying to improve. We'll have 3 people in a rental car, so limited space for luggage.

The black waterproof pants are Eddie Bauer pants that I got on sale recently. They are long, but fold up and button into capris so are versatile. They are water proof, breathable, and offer wicking. And so easy to roll up and pack. I am hoping they are everything advertised.

I will definitely cut out the sweat shirt and some other things.

Thanks for advice!

Mona...we are sharing a brain this morning! Poor you, lol!

Judy, I also suggest a trial pack. That is so revealing to me. Then, I unpack, leave what I can in the suitcase or stage nearby. Have you worn the capris yet? I do like EB stuff (have nearly worn their Travex connect wallet out...) but I would make sure they are comfortable for a long day. Of course, I live where it is in NO WAY capri weather yet, hahaha.

I have my clothes spread out and will trial pack, as suggested. I will wear the EB slacks to make certain they are comfortable. May wear them on a rainy day to check on weatherproof status! LOL This will be the lightest packing ever!!!

Thanks everybody!

Are your sweaters cashmere or alpaca? Those fibers are warm without bulk.
I agree with the others: 1 rain jacket, 2 sweaters, 3 T-shirts, 1 jeans, 1 weatherproof packable convertible black pants, 1 other slacks, 1 long white blouse, Merrells, and a pair of indoor/outdoor slippers something like these
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/acorn-quilted-ballerina-slippers-boiled-wool-for-women~p~5983u/reviews/40181219~packable-slippers/
And don't forget underpants, bras, socks, and a nightgown or pajamas!

Do you have a scarf? For me, a scarf around the neck cuts the chill and wind. I took a coral one last year to Ireland and Scotland and it seems to figure in most of our pictures. We went in late June/early July and hit some chilly, windy wet weather. But, we were still able to stay comfortable and healthy for 3 weeks with just a carry-on. I also do a daily plot of outfit combinations for the whole trip and then adjust it according to weather.

Chico's stores have a line called Zenergy that has great travel pants. They are not the heavier "Traveller" line, but are mostly made of a nylon fabric that is breathable and washable. They are stylish, and coordinate with jackets, vests, and t-shirts in the same line. I've worn their capris in 100 degree weather in Italy and their long pants in 50 degree weather in Ireland. They can easily be washed in a hotel sink, and dry quickly. Since they're so light they pack well and make a great foundation for a travel wardrobe.

In Ireland, I recommend a hat or a hood. Some of the places we visited were very windy, and I appreciated having the hood of my waterproof windbreaker to keep my hair from flying in my face (and to keep my ears warm, since we were there in March). The weather can be quite changeable, but one waterproof jacket with a hood should be sufficient.

Go with your suitcase partially empty, so you have room to bring home some souvenirs!

I agree with everything Pam said. You are packing too much. I was in Ireland in April, so the weather was a little cooler than when you will be there. I packed, into my 30 litre back pack, two pairs of jeans, 3 long sleeve shirts, two short sleeve shirts, socks and underwear for a week, and something to sleep in. Onto the plane I wore another pair of jeans, and a long sleeve shirt, plus my gortex jacket with a zip out fleece lining. Everything else in my bag was accessories such as travel info, electronics, toiletries etc. My back pack had a zip off day bag that I put my camera gear in. I was staying mostly in hostels, and they always have laundry facilities so I just did laundry once a week. I only took the one good pair of walking shoes, also Merrell's, and I never wanted for anything else. Really, when you're travelling, you're going to shlump around in the same clothes most days, and nobody is going to notice. If you find yourself desperately in need of something then what better excuse to shop! Buy a sweater when you get there. The Eddie Bauer travex line is great, it's all I took when I went to Italy a year ago. It packs great, and you can wash it in the sink and hang it to dry and it will be wrinkle free and ready the next morning.

Both rain jackets have hoods and are easy to pack (Columbia and Merrell). I usually wear a cap under the hood to extend "drip line". I am also taking a warm hat that rolls up into a ball and doesn't take up much space. Can't stand wind/cold in my ears!
This winter I bought a pair of Chico zenergy's and have enjoyed them. Maybe I should replace a pair of jeans with them because they will dry easily. Good tip!
I am taking two light scarfs to change my daily "looks" and hope to buy a nice Irish scarf to keep my warm on my trip.

And, yes, I am taking pjs and underwear plus two facecloths. I have read facecloths are not always available in B&Bs. Am also taking lots of socks for my sneakers and Merrell's.
Everybody has been a great help! Thanks!

"Both rain jackets have hoods and are easy to pack"

OK, so this is part of what trips people up when they are trying to light pack. You really only need one jacket even if they are easy to pack and light. You will save a few ounces and some space...but it is more the idea that 2 rain jackets are not needed. You need one thing to keep you dry. The colors are probably great but pick the one that goes with ~everything~ in your suitcase.

Sorry, this really sounds lecture-y and it is not meant as that...just pointing out where you can save some weight and space!

You don't need "lots of" socks either. I usually take three pairs of wool socks, no matter how long the trip. They wash out in the sink and dry quickly. They never get smelly. Seriously. I have worn them for a week and they get dirty but never smell.

Hi Judy,

I'm still working on packing light (I get better with each trip!) and agree with what the other posters have advised. You won't regret trying to simplify your wardrobe.

Just wondering what style of Merrells you are all wearing as walking shoes. I have Merrell sandals but think I need something more substantial/warmer for Ireland.

This thread has been very helpful for me.
We are going from May 12 to 27 and doing a southern loop from Dublin to Shannon.
Plan to take a 21" carry on. I was thinking wearing jeans, long sleeve t shirt and raincoat on plane.
Will also bring 3 short and 2 long sleeve shirts and a cardigan.
One long slacks and one Capri length.
Underwear and socks for a week. Sneakers and another pair of shoes or sandals.
Hope to do laundry once. My aim is to bring the minimum.

I'm with Mona. I would take 1/2 of all the items you have listed. My first thought was why 2 rain jackets, and why two sweaters, and are you really going to need sandals in Ireland? Everything you take adds weight. I wouldn't take anything with me that I wasn't going to wear at least 3 times on a trip of that length.

To me, outerwear is like a tool. I wouldn't take two watches, two cell phones, two curling irons. Why would I want to take two sweaters (unless I needed to layer them) or two rain jackets?

I've found that having an extra pair of shoes isn't worth the weight to me, but that's clearly a personal decision, affected by planned activities, expected weather, etc. I do doubt the necessity of sandals in Ireland, though.

My Merrell's are the mesh slide type. They are waterproof and comfortable for me. I also purchased a cushion insert that provides more comfort. Merrell's aren't for everyone, but they work for me.

OK - following good advice, I'm down to two pairs of shoes (sneakers and mesh slide Merrell's). 4 pairs of socks (both shoes require different style sock). 4 pants, two sweaters, 5 tee shirts, one white blouse to wear under sweaters or tees or solo, two scarfs, underwear, pjs, etc. However, I'm sticking with two waterproof jackets. One is a bit warmer than the other. And I'm taking a baseball cap and a roll-up warm hat. The baseball cap is good under a hood when it rains as it extends the drip line and it will also help protect my face from the sun.

My husband and I may be able to share a suitcase!

Do most hotels in Ireland supply shampoo/conditioner/body lotion? Trying to share a toiletry kit with my hubby for 10 days in early May and need to minimize where possible (but we are definitely not sharing deodorant!). We are going on our first RS tour!

Judy, it sounds like you have whittled down really well! My only other advice is to keep a packing list with what you took, then write notes on it when you get back as to what worked, what didn't work and what you would do differently. Two small suitcases may be easier to handle than one larger one but YMMV.

I think most of the hotels I stayed in for the Best of Ireland had shampoo altho I take my own. (Here's where I will spend some of my weight and space - am sensitive to many shampoos/conditioners so travel with my own!). I don't remember lotion but there are plenty of stores so you can pick some up if needed.

Most places did have shampoo, conditioner and lotion... I guess it depends on whether you are picky on what you use. I always bring my own shampoo and conditioner as well as skin care and lotion.

You've gotten good advice above; I'll just emphasize, think LAYERS. I was in Ireland in this same time frame a few years back, and experienced everything from chilly, wet weather in the low 50s to a long stretch of warm, sunny days in the low 80s (I should add, locals kept emphasizing how rare that was). Layers were essential to keeping the wardrobe manageable.

I still don't think you need two rain jackets. Take a cardigan to put under the more lightweight of the two. That gives you three options in two pieces: Lightweight rain protection (jacket only), heavier rain protection (jacket+sweater), and warmth from the sweater alone. But it's your suitcase!

I love all of the advise given. I too am going to Ireland leaving the states May 19 - June 1st. Going to Ireland 6 days and Scotland 6 days. Is there any other advise about packing if you are going to be playing golf as well as sightseeing? I too am going to start putting clothes out to mix and match. Do you need any nicer clothes while in Scotland or Ireland?

What a great thread! I'd like to add a question: my trip involves 6 days in London (day trips, London itself, dinner/theatre out with friends who live there....) and 7 nights in Ireland (Dublin, Galway and south). Very different locations. Is London's climate similar enough to south/southwest Ireland's to pack the same items? We will be in London the last week of August and Ireland during the first week of September. I'm hoping to pack the same things and just add one dressier outfit for nights out in London. My goal is one carry-on and one day backpack. Also, can I get away with yoga pants, running shoes, tees, one light fleece and a raincoat or is that just too casual? Many thanks for your thoughts.

@jennifercreger... I found London to be more formal than ireland. I think you are still fine with you pants etc but just realize that you will for sure be the 'tourist' lol To me that is fine as that is what I am and I dress to be comfortable knowing that I will be waking a ton as opposed to if I were a local and just popping into shops.

The weather on the west coast of Ireland was noticeably cooler/wetter than Dublin/London

Have a great trip!

Years ago I sat next to an older couple on a plane who had been travelling around Europe. I remember they told me, "pack light your trip is not about impressing anyone and chances are you will not run into the same people every day." I took their advice to heart and a whole world of freedom opened up! Now I am that older person and I can very easily manage my luggage even if I have to hustle for a plan or train. Pack light, wear your clothes more than once and do not take something for "just in case." If you find you forgot something buy it there. Enjoy!

Such great advice from everyone! I'm going in September (second trip) and have whittled down my list considerably. The one thing I always try to remember is that Ireland isn't the back of beyond (well, mostly, but still) - if I need something, I can buy it. Heck, they even had a TJMaxx in Galway whaaaaat?! I got by last October with one scarf (which I bought in the Aran Islands) and one knitted headband for my ears, plus gloves. You can do laundry if needed. I say ditch the sweatshirt too - they take up a lot of room, as the other ladies mentioned. And when you go into Marks & Spencer for some good Irish tea to take home, pick up a small container of laundry soap to do any hand laundry needed, and leave it for the host of your B&B when you leave.

Happy traveling!