Packing Essentials for Irish Weather

I moved to Ireland from the States almost 10 years ago, and one of the hardest elements to adjust to was the Irish weather. Don’t get me wrong, an immense amount of beauty is the result of this weather, but not many people anticipate the incessant rain, oppressive grey sky or the phrase that I only learned after moving here, “The Cold Damp.”  

Now, I realize there are many other parts of the world with far more dramatic weather patterns and climates that are incredibly difficult to live in. And I’m not saying that it’s difficult to live in Irish weather, but I wish I had just a clue before I moved abroad, only to better prepare myself. And given that Ireland is one of the most sought-after travel spots by Americans, I think it’s worth giving those who haven’t been here some quick, helpful tips on what to bring, and why they’re useful. But let’s start with the weather itself.

The Rain

From the middle of September to the middle of April, you can expect a lot of rain. And even in those summer months, don’t hold your breath thinking you’ll be hitting a dry spell. Yes, there have been gorgeous summers here, and yes, there have been mild winters. But to be on the safe side, it’s best to assume the worst…I mean the wet.

The Grey Sky

Ok this one is actually the harder element to reckon with for me. Most days during the winter, the sky is grey. Dull, grey. It’s a blanket of threat…the rain is coming. I won’t lie, it can be challenging mentally. We biologically need sunlight, so going days, weeks, (and especially this last winter) months of grey sky, it can really test your resolve. Why is this important to know? Well, because you could genuinely have this type of cloud-cover for your entire holiday, and it’s a reminder to do two things: 1) get out and explore it anyway…it’s Ireland! You’re getting a proper authentic view of what it’s like here (weather wise), and 2) when those clouds part and the sun does show itself? It’s is BRILLIANT. Soak it up pal, it ain't gonna last! You’ll see everyone out making the most of it. And if the weather is just too grim to tolerate, tuck into a little pub or cafe and sit in the corner for some conversation with locals or, if you're lucky, some live music. It’s great craic!

The Cold Damp

If you’re unlucky and get caught in a heavy shower, of course you can just go back to your hotel or hostel or relatives house and change. But in my experience putting on dry clothes after a downpour isn’t a guarantee to warming up. That chill, it gets in your bones.  You can also feel that chill from spending time in older buildings or homes. And in Cork, well Cork was built on marshland. In fact, the Irish word for Cork is Corcaigh, which literally translates to English as ‘marsh’. Our house is 200 years old, and thanks to the previous owners' renovations and the invention of radiators, we can heat it well. But man, once the seasons change and if we don’t adjust our timings correctly, we’ll be wearing scarves and hats indoors until we get it right. 

So, what should you pack?

Let’s cut to the chase and go straight to the essentials. 

Shoes - I highly suggest bringing water resistant shoes that are also good for walking. Yes, they can be ugly and oftentimes expensive. But if you’re coming here for a limited time and want to pack as much into your trip as you can, it’s worth the expense to get a pair of shoes to do both jobs. A pair of wellies (rain boots) are great for the rain but poor for comfort, so your feet will be dry but your knees and back will be miserable. A pair of Nikes will get you from A to B but you’ll be soaked and again, miserable. Do yourself a favour and travel with a hybrid. 

A Waterproof Jacket - I only recently bought a proper rain jacket…after nine and a half years of living here. You guys, it’s worth it. But here’s my advice - buy a thin waterproof and wind resistant outer jacket that you can wear over tons of layers. I was tempted to buy a bulky winter waterproof jacket which I’m sure would do the job, and many would argue to just buy both. If you have the means, go for it. But for traveling, having a light waterproof jacket means you’re prepared for any weather. And the chances of you having multiple weather patterns in one day are high. So have something you can put over your layers that is both light enough to keep you dry when the temp isn’t too cold but it’s still wet, or, if it’s baltic and pissing down rain, will go over your cosy jumper (sweater/sweatshirt). Speaking of jumpers…

Midlayers and Underlayers - Ok, hear me out. For the ladies, don’t bother bringing a ton of lacy tops or fancy blouses, especially if you’re coming between September and April. Of course bring one or two if you’re planning a nice meal out. But for everyone, I would suggest you bring plenty of comfortable t-shirts or long sleeves for your underlayer, and focus on expressing your fashion sensibilities on the midlayer, or the jumper/cardigan/sweater. The chances of you wearing one layer, even indoors, are low, especially if you’re visiting older landmark sites, like pubs, churches, or even visiting family. Sure those places will have the heat on, but if you’re not used to Irish weather, it can take a long time to heat up. Better to de-layer than feel freezing for most of the night. And if you really want to warm up, I highly recommend getting yourself an Aran (woolly) jumper which you can find in any woollen mill shop. Not only will those suckers keep you toasty all day long, but it'll be something to bring home with you that will last forever.

Umbrellas vs Hats vs Hoods - Doesn’t matter, just have something. That being said, umbrellas can at times be problematic. Remember, what often comes with rain is wind, and let me tell you, I've been let down by a good few umbrellas in my ten years. Please don't waste your money on the cheap umbrellas you find in the tourists shops. They will snap like twigs with any gust of wind that comes your way. You're better off having a larger, soccer-mom, industrial, tent-like umbrella that will keep you covered. Or scrap it altogether and just have a hooded rain coat.  

So are the side walks cluttered with umbrellas? Nah. Do all Irish locals wear rain coats? Nope! Do I currently own a pair of hybrid waterproof/comfortable shoes? I most certainly do not. I think that’s because I’m becoming more and more Irish by the day. You see the irony of all this is that most Irish people just get on with it, soaked or not. I think it’s in their DNA to tolerate getting drenched in the rain. I’ll often see kids waiting for their bus to school without a jacket, rain boots or umbrella. “They’re just kids, they want to look cool and fit in with their friends,” I hear you say. Fair point, but no, because they’re standing next to 5 other people, all ages, waiting for their bus and sponging up the rain as well. But you, dear traveler, should enjoy your holiday to the fullest. Don’t worry about fitting in. Be comfortable. Because no matter how hard you try to fit in, I hate to break it to you, they’ll still know you’re a tourist. You will thank me when you finish a fun-filled day walking around towns like Dingle or Kinsale, or the heart-stopping Cliffs of Moher, as you sit down for your pint or cup of tea or plate of chips, listening to some amazing trad music…with dry feet.