The Ultimate Ireland Packing List

Ireland is a popular destination for travelers. However, packing for a trip to the Emerald Isle can be tricky due to its unpredictable weather.

Outlined below is the Ultimate Ireland Packing List — the best little list for everything to bring and do before your trip to Ireland. Use this as a guide and add or delete items according to your personal needs.

Clothing Essentials

Layer Up

Ireland’s weather is notoriously changeable. It’s not uncommon to experience sunshine, rain, and wind all in one day. Therefore, layering is key.

• Base Layer: Lightweight layers, including t-shirts (5) and undershirts/camis (3).
• Middle Layer: A warm fleece or sweater is perfect for those chilly days (2).
• Waterproof Jacket: A waterproof and windproof jacket is essential. Look for something lightweight and packable. REI’s rain jacket collection offers some great options.

Bottoms

• 3 Jeans or Long Trousers: Suitable for most of the year.
• Shorts: Ideal for summer trips.
• Waterproof Trousers: Necessary if hiking or spending extensive time outdoors.

Footwear

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Whether you’re exploring Dublin’s cobblestone streets or hiking the Cliffs of Moher, sturdy and comfortable shoes are a must.
• Hiking Boots: Essential if you plan to do any serious hiking or countryside exploring.

Undergarments

• 8 Pairs of underwear
• 3 Bras
• 8 Pairs of socks

Pajamas

Accessories

• Hat and Gloves: Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be brisk.
• Scarf: A versatile accessory that can keep you warm and add a touch of style.
• Sunglasses: The sun can be surprisingly strong, especially in coastal areas.
• Belt

Toiletries

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Washcloth
• Body wash/soap
• Face products
• Lotion
• Shaving items
• Deodorant
• Perfume/cologne
• Hairbrush, ties, and products (e.g., gel, hairspray)
• Feminine products
• Qtips/cotton rounds
• Makeup
• Chapstick/lip balm
• Nail tools
• Tissues
• Hand sanitizer
• Baby wipes for everyday messes
• Disinfectant for airplane surfaces
• Earplugs
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent

First Aid Supplies & Other Toiletries

• Band-Aids/disinfectant
• Pain reliever (Tylenol/Advil)
• Imodium/Pepto-Bismol
• Motion sickness medication
• Vitamins
• Vitamin C drops
• Glasses/contact lenses/solution
• Safety pins
• Tweezers
• Prescription medications in original bottles with labels

Travel Gear

• Medium Size Suitcase: For all your clothing.
• Backpack: A good daypack is essential for carrying your daily essentials. Look for something with multiple compartments and waterproof capabilities. The Osprey Daylite Plus is a solid choice.
• Packing Cubes: To help you organize your clothing in your luggage bag. Eagle Creek Packing Cubes are recommended for their durability.
• Luggage tags
• Collapsible Duffle/Dirty Laundry Bag/Extra Souvenir Bag
• Travel Adapter: Ireland uses the British-style plug with three rectangular prongs. Make sure to bring a travel adapter. The Ceptics European Plug Travel Adapter Set is highly recommended.
• Extra Plastic Bags: Quart & Gallon

Get Organized Binder

• Ireland itinerary
• Accommodation reservations
• Car rental reservation
• Dining and activity reservations
• Maps & directions
• Key attraction information
• Travel journal/notebook
• Pens
• Home & Ireland emergency numbers
• Receipt/brochure/scrapbook items folder
• Business cards/contact info
• Addresses to mail postcards

Travel Documents/Money

• Plane tickets
• Passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
• Identity Document (ID).
• Copies of Important Documents: Keep digital and physical copies of your passport, travel insurance, and itinerary.
• Driver’s license & IDP (if necessary)
• Health insurance information
• Travel insurance information
• Wallet (with change purse)
• 100 euros cash
• Credit/debit cards
• Credit/debit cards contact info in separate location from originals

Technology

• Smartphone & Charger: Ensure your smartphone is unlocked if you plan to use a local SIM card. Vodafone(prepaid SIM on arrival or eSIM) and Three offer reliable services.
• Portable Charger: With all the exploring you’ll be doing, a portable charger is a lifesaver. The Anker PowerCore is a popular choice.
• E-reader/Notebook & charger

Miscellaneous

• Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important. Bring a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste. The Hydro Flask is both durable and stylish.
• Snacks: Pack some snacks for those long travel days. Granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit are great options.
• Travel Books/Guides
• Airplane Entertainment
• Walking Sticks (if hiking)
• Small flashlight
• Umbrella
• Music for the car
• Cutlery for picnics
• Extra space!

Related reading: Essential Websites for Planning a Trip to Ireland

Ireland Pre-trip To Do List

In the Weeks Before You Leave

• Purchase travel health and trip insurance (within two weeks of the first trip purchase to get a Cancel for Any Reason policy).
• Check passport expiration date (valid for at least six months beyond your stay).
• Check credit/debit card expiration dates.
• Call credit card/banks & set travel notification to Ireland.
• Check out what hospitals are covered by your health insurance and understand the claim process.
• Get €100 from your bank (and no more—use ATM in Ireland).
• Get International Driving Permit (if necessary).
• Place a hold on your mail.
• Pay all bills due while gone.
• Set autoresponder on your email(s).
• Consider an international phone plan, local SIM card or unlimited WIFI hotspot for phone usage.
• Refill prescriptions.
• Re-confirm reservations with accommodation owners; indicate time of arrival; ask for correct address or driving directions.
• Utilize Google Street View of airport exits and accommodations. Look at landmarks, signs, and traffic patterns.
• Leave itinerary and contact information with a loved one at home.
• Make a copy of your passport & ID.
• Write down the toll-free international numbers for your banks/credit cards.
• Download the offline version of Google maps.
• Take pictures of electronic devices and keep their serial numbers somewhere safe.

The Day Before You Leave

• Clean out wallet (no need to take everything).
• Charge all electronics.
• Clean out fridge.
• Wash the dishes.
• Take out the trash.
• Water house plants.
• Pack snacks for the airport and plane.
• Download the airline app.
• Check-in for flights online.
• Weigh luggage.

Double/Triple Check in the Moments Before You Leave

• Passport
• ID
• Driver’s license & IDP (if necessary)
• Boarding pass(es)
• Phone & charger
• Turn down thermostat
• Unplug electrical items
• Reservation confirmations (accommodation, car rental, dining, activities)
• Car rental information
• Lock all doors and windows
• Close blinds/curtains
• Take pictures of your luggage

Final Packing Tips

1. “Pack half as much and take twice the money.” If you think you need to bring more, you very well may, but most people don’t.
2. You probably won’t even need to take everything on this list.
3. If you forget something, you can buy it in Ireland most of the time. It is always fun to run into a store and act like a local anyway.
4. Even if you are traveling for more than one week, you won’t need any more than this. Drop off laundry at a launderette in town to pick it up clean at the end of the day.

Final Tips

• Check the Weather: Before you leave, check the forecast for your destination. Websites like Met Éireann provide accurate weather updates.
• Be Prepared for Rain: Always have an umbrella or poncho handy. Even if it looks sunny, rain can come unexpectedly.
• Embrace the Culture: Pack an open mind and be ready to engage with the friendly locals. Learning a few phrases in Irish Gaelic can also be a delightful surprise for residents.

That’s it! The Ultimate Ireland Packing List. For a free printable version of this list, enter your email below. Happy packing!

Slán go fóill (goodbye for now)!