Knowing what to wear in Ireland in summer will make or break your entire trip, seriously.
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Because we’re talking about summer, your first guess is probably to wear shorts and tank tops. It is summer, after all. However, I can assure you that if you pack for a hot summer, you will freeze on the blustery Emerald Isle.
As a US-Wisconsin native who lived in Ireland for several years, I learned the hard way that the ultimate Ireland summer packing list does not include bikinis or Daisy Dukes. Instead, it’s built of warm layers.
Whether you need to know what to wear in Ireland in June, what to wear in Ireland in July or what to wear in Ireland in August, you’ll find exactly what to pack for summer in Ireland here.
What should I pack for a trip to Ireland in summer?
1. Lightweight Waterproof And Windproof Jacket
As you probably already know, it rains a lot in Ireland. A weatherproof jacket with a hood is an Ireland packing list must-have. (I think this raincoat looks great in travel photos.)
Similarly, error toward the warm side of the clothing spectrum when you’re packing. Ireland is chilly and very windy year-round. Consider bringing a raincoat that is lined for extra warmth.
2. Waterproof Walking Shoes (Skip The Rain Boots)
Likewise, you’ll likely be walking a ton during your trip to the Emerald Isle. This means you’ll need comfortable walking shoes.
Like the rain coat, it’s important to take Ireland’s weather into consideration when packing your shoes. So, waterproof walking shoes will be a game-changing addition to your Irish summer experience.
However, don’t be fooled by the people who tell you that rain boots are essential. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need rain boots for Ireland. Locals do not where rain boots (locally known as “wellies”), and boots will just take up too much of your precious suitcase space.
The rain in Ireland is usually more like a mist than a downpour, so you won’t have to walk through deep puddles or thick mud anyway.
Instead, I always recommend my favorite waterproof walking shoes for travel: Teva Verra sandals. You can walk in them for miles, and they are completely waterproof.
Also, unlike other waterproof walking shoe brands and styles, these sandals have a completely smooth, soft sole — no uncomfortable textures or bumps.
And, they still look great in photos.
For more of the best women’s travel shoes, click here.
3. Full-Length Pants
Next, when it comes to knowing what to wear in Ireland in summer under your jacket, you’ll want full-length pants.
Do not wear shorts in Ireland unless the weather forecast predicts temperatures over 80 degrees, which is extremely rare. While some locals may be wearing shorts, you will be too cold for shorts, even in the summer.
Instead, opt for jeans, slacks or other full-length pants.
4. Layers
Furthermore, you’ll also want to dress in layers in Ireland in summer. Think T-shirts, sweaters or sweatshirts, and a jacket.
Layers will allow you to easily adjust to the changing Irish weather.
If you’re hiking, you may get too warm for sleeves. But, you never know when the weather will change to windy rain — especially near cliffs. Also, even if you’re able to go jacket-less midday, you’ll probably want at least a sweater by evening.
5. Sunglasses
By now, you understand that Ireland is notorious for its wet and chilly weather. However, sometimes you catch the luck of the Irish and see sunshine on your trip.
In this hopeful scenario, you’ll definitely want to wear sunglasses in Ireland in summer.
As you can imagine, much of Ireland is too windy to wear a hat. You don’t want to lose your favorite baseball cap off the Cliffs of Moher or while peeking through the windows of Dunluce Castle. Instead, wear sunglasses.
I’m a repeat prescription sunglasses (and glasses) customer of Zenni Optical. As the company’s slogan reads, the glasses are “trendy, not spendy.”
These Zenni tortoise rectangle sunglasses are my favorite pair of sunglasses I have ever owned, and they cost less than $10 USD.
6. Small Backpack
Moreover, because you’ll probably be outside of your hotel room most of the time, a small backpack will allow you to keep everything you need for the day on hand, such as your camera, portable charger, water bottle, wallet and whatever else you may need.
My favorite small backpack to travel with is this Fjallraven Kanken backpack. This backpack comes in a ton of colors, looks great in photos (I recommend the red backpack to contrast the green colors of Ireland), is extremely lightweight and can easily be packed inside your suitcase.
7. Outlet Adapter
Lastly, did you know that not all countries use the same shape outlet? If you’re traveling with electronics, don’t forget to bring an outlet adapter.
So, maybe you don’t wear an adapter, but without this Type G outlet adapter, you will not be able to charge any of your electronics while in Ireland. You can buy an afforable Type G adapter on Amazon
Or, if you regularly travel internationally you can buy this universal outlet adapter.
Pro tip: if you bring a power strip (like this travel-friendly retractable power strip), you can save money by buying only one outlet adapter and plugging the power strip into the adapter to charge multiple devices.
Do people wear shorts in Ireland?
People rarely wear shorts in Ireland. It is usually too cold to wear shorts in Ireland, even in the summertime.
As previously mentioned, it is not recommended to wear shorts in Ireland. Even if the weather forecast predict warm weather, Ireland is usually way too windy for shorts.
Do yourself a favor and skip packing shorts for Ireland. Pack full-length pants instead.
Do people in Ireland wear jeans?
Yes, people in Ireland wear jeans. However, they usually pair their jeans with a nicer top to dress up the jeans.
As you’ll read in the coming sections, matching jeans with a baggy old T-shirt and gym shoes (AKA American outfit staples) is surefire to prove you’re a tourist.
Instead, it’s better to pair your jeans with a fashionable top, jacket, and boots or Adidas in Ireland.
Are leggings okay in Ireland?
Yes, leggings are okay and culturally acceptable to wear in Ireland.
Even patterned leggings and pants are acceptable to wear in Ireland. In fact, if you pair your leggings with tall white socks and white sneakers, you may even fit in with the locals.
Do people dress up in Ireland?
Yes, people dress up in Ireland, especially in comparison to people in the United States.
Although people in Ireland definitely don’t dress formally on a daily basis, you can expect both Irish men and women to look a lot more stylish in their casual wear. When going out, people in Ireland dress up a lot more than in the US.
Basically, if you resort to wearing jeans, gym shoes and an old T-shirt, you will look like a tourist.
How do you dress like a local in Ireland?
To dress like a local in Ireland, opt for fashionable outfits that include nice jeans or pants, in-style shirts, sweaters and nice jackets.
If you’re hoping to wear a comfortable, more athletic outfit in Ireland, wear Adidas pants, white sneakers and a hoodie to fit in with the locals.
Again, avoid gym shoes and old T-shirts. Jeans and nicer T-shirts will do if you style them well.
What do people wear in Dublin in summer?
People wear full-length pants, nice tops and layers in Dublin in summer, just like much of Ireland.
Everything mentioned in this guide on what to wear in Ireland in summer is perfect for Dublin, too.
Have any more questions about what to wear in Ireland in June, July or August? Let me know in the reply section below or by sending me a message on Instagram.
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