Whether you’re checking out the local pubs or hiking through gorgeous greenery, find out what to pack for a trip to Ireland, and how the Pack-It System can organize your bag and ensure an easy, seamless travel experience.
Ireland has it all: adventure, castles, city life, and gorgeous farms—to name just a few highlights. The country is famous for its lively pubs (where the Guinness and Harp Lager flow freely), it's buskers (street musicians), its oh-so-green scenery, and its friendly and charming people. If you spend enough time in the countryside, you're sure to see a rainbow after a storm—and perhaps even a leprechaun and a pot of gold. The best time to visit this beautiful land is in the spring or fall, so you can catch the middle ground of its often-fickle weather. That said, peak season runs June through mid-September, and accommodation is at a premium during these months. Learn what you’ll need to pack to be prepared for the elements, no matter in which season or time of year you plan your trip.
1. Pick the Right Bag for Your Trip
Given the weather in Ireland, weatherproof and water repellant bags are a top priority. Beyond that, consider your mode of transportation when traveling around Ireland as well as your planned activities. Here are a few ideas that make the perfect packable luggage for your Ireland trip.
● Migrate Duffel: Made from 900D heavy-duty TPU and with a water repellent coating that was developed by harvesting windshield plastics from landfills in Asia, this duffel is perfect for hauling any gear you need. The duffel works well for road trips, but convertible backpack straps offer great additional functionality.
● Tarmac International Carry-On: Designed for international airline sizing guidelines for luggage, this carry-on features Bi-Tech™ Armor fabrics that maximize resistance to the elements and abrasion.
● Wayfinder 30L Backpack: There are no shortage of gorgeous hikes in Ireland and this daypack features a side water bottle pocket as well as ergonomically shaped shoulder straps, an adjustable sternum strap, tuck away hip belts, and padded back panel—all promising a comfortable bag for anything from hiking to exploring cities.
2. Pack Layers for You and Your Gear
Depending on the time of year that you travel and where you are in the country, Ireland’s temperatures can dip to brisk and even downright chilly, so be prepared. Bring an array of lightweight t-shirts, a few long-sleeve shirts, and one heavier jacket or sweatshirt for when you need to bundle up. Wear one on top of the other, and you can always peel off a layer or two if you get too warm. Expert tip: Avoid wearing cotton as it does not dry quickly.
Also, a raincoat might become the most popular piece of clothing in your suitcase. That’s because it can rain quite often in Ireland, even if only for a few minutes. Even if it’s not technically rainy season, make sure that you’re prepared for an afternoon shower by packing a portable umbrella, , which will fit in your bag or purse without taking up too much space. A raincover for your backpack or gear is a must, or a poncho is a good option that can cover you and a small backpack.
Pro tip: Keep wet clothes and gear separate from the rest of your items with wet-dry packing cubes.
3. Bring Waterproof Walking Shoes
If you can bring only one pair of shoes with you on your trip, it should be a sturdy pair of sneakers. Whether you're climbing up Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone, sightseeing at the Cliffs of Moher, or strolling through the streets of Dublin, you can see a lot by foot in Ireland. Bring a Pack-It Shoe Sac to separate your sneakers from the rest of your clothes in your suitcase—after all, they’re sure to have a lot of dirt on them before the trip’s end!
4. Use a Packing System for Ultimate Organization
When you’re packing your gear—a full Ireland packing checklist is below—using packing cubes ensures you can easily organize your bag and also re-pack whenever you move regions. And you should be moving around! Ireland has a lot to see, and a packing cube starter set offers a flawless way to pack your main clothing items, such as t-shirts, pants, jackets, skirts, and more.
Use a lightweight toiletry kit to hold your essentials, and a few small packing sacs for things like electronic cords, makeup, and odds and ends.
5. Prepare for Every Scenario With Travel Essentials
Electrical outlets in Ireland are different from the ones in North America, so a power adapter will help you charge your phone, camera, e-reader, tablet, laptop, hair tools, alarm clock, and more. Toss a USB Universal Travel Adapter Pro in your bag to power up almost any gadget.
Shopping is also a must when you’re walking the streets of Dublin, but you’ll find that the cashier won’t likely offer you a plastic bag for your purchase. In 2002, Ireland passed a plastic bag tax in an effort to reduce the amount of plastic waste that was floating around the city. Now, nearly all customers use cloth bags for typical items, like groceries, and clothes. Throw this packable daypack in your suitcase so you'll have a place for all those souvenirs that you want to buy.
Packing List for Ireland
Clothing
Hiking pants
Jeans or shorts
Dress (for women)
Layerable long-sleeved shirts (no matter the season)
Sweaters or fleece jacket
Quality rain jacket
Pajamas/sleepwear
Undergarments
Footwear
Sturdy athletic shoes or hiking boots
Wool hiking socks
Gear and Extras
Daypack for exploring cities
Travel pillow
Travel blanket
Poncho
Water bottle
Sunglasses
Moleskin (if hiking)
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo and conditioner in a 3-1-1- bag
Prescriptions
Electronics
Lightweight laptop (optional)
Camera
Smartphone
E-reader
Chargers
Travel Adapter
Paperwork
Passport necessary visas
Driver’s license
Credit and debit cards
Cash
Guidebook or hiking maps
Once you’ve made your packing checklist , use the Pack-It System to stay organized and travel better on your Ireland adventure
Related Links (from Eagle Creek blog):
How to Pack for a Rainy Travel Season (And Stay Dry!)
