This week is the anniversary of our epic family trip to Ireland. You can review my notes recap that's full of helpful tips based in experience here. Come back tomorrow for my itinerary review of what to do in Ireland. But first things first: let's get you packed for Ireland in the summer.
We chose the summer for our Ireland trip (versus spring or fall) because summer offers the best chance of weather that's not freezing or incessantly rainy. The weather did stay warm-ish (jacket-crisp at night), but we had daily rain of all different kinds from soft mists to sunny showers to gusty downpours. Rain gear is non-negotiable. You need an fully waterproof jacket with hood, an umbrella (yes, both), and shoes that can handle water.
In general, I found the standard of dress for almost everything was very casual, jeans and sneakers. I didn’t encounter many places with anyone dressed up to "go out," so don’t waste suitcase space on your club outfits (save the space to bring home woolly sweaters and whiskey!).
What I packed that I wore:
Jeans: the casual vibe was very denim-centric; I actually ending up buying two inexpensive pairs of cropped jeans in Dublin (one blue denim, one cream) because I had packed long flares, which soaked up all the rainwater on the street (ew)
Red linen wide leg crops: wear red for striking photos, especially against all the green and gray! Mine are long-gone Target, but you can check eBay for them.
Slip skirt: I love this skirt so much I have it in three colors and almost never travel without it; it mixes beautifully with sweaters and tops, sandals or sneakers, packs down to nothing, and travels with versatility from street markets to Mass
These elevated tees that won’t lose their shape; I have them in three colors
My trusty thin cotton undershirts to extend wear for my sweaters and other tops
Lightweight cotton sweaters: I brought the striped one above (secondhand) and this one that I love from Quince
Red wool cardigan: I found this great sweater secondhand. I like it for trips because you can wear it backwards to get another look. It runs very loose (I took xxs).
Convertible leather belt bag: I have this very small, very minimalist leather one, but I also love this version that's a little roomier, wipeable, in tons of colors with a perfect shape
Rain jacket: I got my Helly Hansen rain trench secondhand, but here's a similar one; I loved that this brand's jackets are truly waterproof
Waterproof sneakers: essential for Ireland; I chose sneakers because of my feet issues, love for extensive walking, and the summer season, but a good waterproof boot would also work
I also used every single one of my usual travel favorites on this trip
What I packed that I didn’t wear:
A dress
Black pants
Denim jacket (I wore my rain jacket instead)
Any shoes that weren’t waterproof
What I wished I had packed:
Cropped/ankle length jeans (my flares soaked up all the rainwater on the street)
An even fuller length rain jacket to cover my upper legs
A better umbrella (I forgot my usual travel umbrella, and the cheaper one I bought there was killed by the wind)
A cute cap—everyone had one and looked adorable, especially with rain-bedraggled hair (and I still regret not buying such a cap as a souvenir!)
Remember to sketch your potential packing list and then sketch all the outfits you can make with those pieces. I make packing sketches for our trips, and I always end up taking several things out of my bags when I realize how little I need to make lots of great combinations. Bonus: your packing sketch will be a sweet souvenir.
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