Packing List for a One-Week Trip to Ireland

Planning a one-week trip to Ireland is exciting, but if you’re not careful, packing can become overwhelming. Ireland’s weather is famously unpredictable—you can experience sunshine, rain, and wind all in the same day—so having the right essentials will make your journey far more enjoyable.

As someone who has traveled around Ireland multiple times, from exploring Dublin’s city streets to hiking the Cliffs of Moher and road-tripping along the Wild Atlantic Way, I’ve learned that a smart packing list is your best travel companion. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you’ll need for a week-long stay, backed by practical experience and expert recommendations.

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Why a Packing List Matters in Ireland

Ireland’s average temperatures range from 4°C–8°C (39°F–46°F) in winter and 15°C–20°C (59°F–68°F) in summer (Met Éireann, Ireland’s National Meteorological Service). Rainfall is common year-round, and coastal winds can make conditions feel cooler. A good packing strategy ensures you’re comfortable, prepared for spontaneous adventures, and not weighed down by unnecessary items.

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1. Clothing Essentials

The key to packing for Ireland is layering. You’ll want clothes that can be easily added or removed depending on the weather.

Must-Haves

• Waterproof Jacket: Ireland gets an average of 150–225 rainy days per year (Met Éireann), so a rainproof, breathable jacket is essential.
• Base Layers: Thermal tops (especially in winter) or light cotton in summer.
• Mid-Layer: Fleece or wool sweater to retain warmth.
• Jeans & Trousers: Two pairs should suffice—one casual, one durable for outdoor excursions.
• Comfortable Walking Shoes/Boots: Waterproof is best. I once wore non-waterproof sneakers on a Galway trip and regretted it when a sudden downpour left me with soaked feet all day.
• Smart Casual Outfit: For pubs, restaurants, or a night out in Dublin.
• Socks & Underwear: Pack for a week plus one extra set (wool socks in cooler months).

Seasonal Additions

• Winter: Scarf, gloves, hat, thermal socks.
• Summer: Light rain jacket, T-shirts, sun hat (yes, it does get sunny sometimes).

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2. Travel Gear & Accessories

Bags & Luggage

• Carry-On or Medium Suitcase: A one-week trip doesn’t require massive luggage. Rolling bags work well for cities, while backpacks are easier for countryside tours.
• Daypack: Essential for day trips, hikes, or city exploring. Look for one with a rain cover.

Essentials

• Travel Umbrella: Compact and wind-resistant.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Ireland’s tap water is safe and high-quality.
• Power Adapter: Ireland uses Type G plugs (UK standard)—don’t forget this!
• Portable Charger: Rural areas can be sparse with outlets, and long travel days drain phones quickly.

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3. Toiletries & Health Items

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner (travel-size).
• Medications (carry in original containers).
• Moisturizer & lip balm (wind and heating dry out skin fast).
• Sunscreen (UV rays can still be strong in summer).
• Small first-aid kit (band-aids, painkillers, motion sickness tablets for winding rural roads).

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4. Tech & Navigation

• Smartphone with Offline Maps: Google Maps offline has saved me more than once in areas like Connemara with patchy service.
• Camera or Smartphone Gimbal: Ireland’s landscapes are stunning—don’t rely only on your phone if photography matters to you.
• Transport Apps: Download TFI (Transport for Ireland) for buses/trains and Irish Rail for schedules.

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5. Documents & Money

• Passport & Copies: Keep a digital and paper copy separate from the original.
• Travel Insurance: Particularly important in winter when weather can disrupt flights.
• Credit/Debit Cards: Ireland is very card-friendly, but small towns may prefer cash.
• Driver’s License (if renting a car): Remember Ireland drives on the left-hand side.

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6. Optional But Helpful Items

• Guidebook or Kindle: For offline info on history and culture.
• Notebook/Journal: Perfect for capturing travel memories.
• Hand Warmers: Great if you’re hiking or attending outdoor events in winter.
• Packing Cubes: Keep luggage organized (I started using these a few years ago and will never travel without them again).

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Sample One-Week Packing List (At a Glance)

Category	Items
Clothing	1 waterproof jacket, 2 base layers, 2 sweaters, 2 trousers, 1 smart casual outfit, 7+ socks/underwear, 1 pair waterproof shoes
Accessories	Umbrella, scarf/hat/gloves (seasonal), daypack, reusable bottle
Toiletries	Toothbrush, toothpaste, moisturizer, sunscreen, medications, small first-aid kit
Tech	Smartphone, charger, power bank, adapter, camera
Documents/Money	Passport, insurance, cards/cash, driver’s license (if needed)
Extras	Travel guide, packing cubes, hand warmers, journal

FAQs

Q: Do I need hiking boots for Ireland?
If you plan to hike the Burren, Wicklow, or coastal trails, yes—waterproof hiking boots are best. For city trips, sturdy walking shoes are enough.

Q: How formal should I dress in Ireland?
Ireland is casual overall, but pubs and restaurants in cities like Dublin or Cork often expect smart casual attire.

Q: Should I bring an umbrella or just rely on a rain jacket?
Both are useful—umbrellas are great in light rain, but jackets are more reliable in windy coastal regions.

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Final Thoughts

Packing for Ireland is about versatility and preparation. A one-week trip doesn’t require overpacking, but it does require smart choices—especially with Ireland’s quick-changing weather. From my own experience, I’ve found that waterproof layers, comfortable shoes, and a compact daypack make the biggest difference.

With the right packing list, you’ll be ready to enjoy everything Ireland has to offer—whether it’s sipping Guinness in a cozy Galway pub, road-tripping the Ring of Kerry, or exploring Dublin’s cultural gems.

👉 Have you traveled to Ireland before? What’s the one thing you packed that saved your trip? Share your thoughts or ask questions in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!