What to Wear in Dublin | How to Pack for your Irish Travels

Sep 12, 2021
6 min read

Updated: Sep 15, 2021

When travelling it can be a daunting thing trying to figure out what to wear at your destinations, especially if that destination has a completely different climate to your own.

In Ireland the seasons tend to mesh into one, not giving too much indication of where one season ends and the next starts. In Dublin, particularly, there is certain ways of dressing that work, and certain ways that don't. In this blog post I am going to help you explore those options. As you are reading this, I would have been in Dublin now for over a month, and my grasp on what to wear and knowledge of what's practical and what I could have left behind is much greater than before.

Dublin city, like many works hubs, holds an array of fashion choices, and while Ireland lends its hand to good fashion and alternative looks, the general choices in the city are casual-comfortable with a polished finish. The city is trendy, and its locals that rush past you in the morning are sporting comfy looks that are well put together.

Important to Have:

Like anywhere, you have to pack for the environment. And what you bring has to depend on the activities you will be doing on your trip. In the city of Dublin you will find yourself doing a lot of walking, as all the major sights are in close vicinity of each other. And so with this being said, you will need comfortable walking shoes and lightweight rain jackets. One good thing to remember about Ireland is that it rains a lot, and sporadically! Even if the weather app shows no rain, trust me, there will be at least one drizzle that day - so a rain coat on hand and practical shoes on your feet is a great idea.

With the raincoat you want to get a lightweight option that can easily fold small to make it easy to fit into a handbag or tote. Also, I have found the best thing is to just keep your rain jacket in your everyday bag so its always by you, and only pulling it out when you need it. Because the rain is so unpredictable, you won't have to wear the rain jacket all day, so it's good to have something that can easily be stuffed back into your bag.

When it comes to shoes, again it is all about your activities. When sightseeing and walking around the best option is a light shoe that is comfortable. When going out to a pub for a drink and doing less walking, then the most common shoe is a boot. In Ireland boots like Doc Martens or black ankle boots are loved, and having a rain/mud proof shoe is never a bad idea! When it comes to everyday walking shoes, I recommend athletic trainers or sneakers. I have been walking around in my Nike Sneakers which have been great for shorter walks, but when I switched to my lightweight trainers for the longer walks and busier days, my feet and I were so much happier!

Here are a few options of shoes and rain jackets I love that will make you feel prepared and like a local on your trip. Simply click on the links and you can find all the items I purchased / love from Amazon UK.

This Light Rain Jacket is perfect as it folds up into its own front zipper and is machine washable. This jacket comes in a few colours and is perfect for on-the-go days when you can easily pull it on and off.

https://amzn.to/2WN9gil

This raincoat is more on the pricier side, but I just love all the patterns and colourways! It is a great option as it is still lightweight and foldable, but makes for a fashionable item in the process.

https://amzn.to/2YbkX2G

Although I am more of a sneaker girl - I have to admit that having a light trainer is the BEST thing for traveling. I would recommend a darker colour shoe, as then any dirt won't show up.

https://amzn.to/38yWGWn

This shoe is another comfy walking shoe option. You don't even have to buy a branded trainer, as long as it is a pair you have walked in before, is lightweight (great for lighter suitcases) and is a darker shade, then you are good to go!

https://amzn.to/38zy004

A dark boot like this Steve Madden one is perfect for a dressier look here in Dublin. A leather/pleather boot will always be better than a suede when it comes to this rainy destination!

https://amzn.to/3gXjyDE

Now that your shoes and jackets are out of the way, we still need to touch on clothing and outfits. I must admit, it took me a while to figure out the best things to wear on a day out in Dublin. In the city the locals are very diverse, serving darker, alternative looks, along with sharper, polished looks for work. There are no obvious styles/aesthetics within Dublin, and so a sense of self expression and wearing whatever you want is wildly accepted! To stay on the theme of traveling and practicality, here is a list of the best items to pack and wear within this rainy country:

Bottoms - When it comes to pants, darker jeans/trousers are your best go to. You want to pack at least two pairs of dark jeans of different styles to give you some good options. My best styles of bottoms that I packed were my mom jeans, pleather trouser (for a dressier look) and a dark blue crop mom jean.

Here is a great basic pair of dark Levi jeans that can be used for multiple outfits and are interchangeable as the days go by.

https://amzn.to/3jESURw

Tops - The best tops for traveling would have to be basic items that are versatile and go with many looks. When it comes to tops, commonly in the city of Dublin a T-Shirt or tighter top is opted for as most of the time a jacket or jumper is worn over due to the colder weather.

A basic top like this is great to pack as it is light in weight, and can be used for multiple outfits. Just make sure you have a warm jersey or jacket to throw over!

https://amzn.to/3jHxh35

Jumpers/Jackets - Besides having a practical rain jacket handy, it is important to pack a handful of warm jumpers and jackets. An item I have been seeing everywhere within Ireland is a trusty leather jacket/coat. These items can transition an outfit from day to night and give warmth as well as a fashionable look.

You can never go wrong with a leather Biker jacket, especially in Ireland! This jacket is perfect to keep your outfits looking polished but still keep it easy and effortless.

https://amzn.to/3njFCMN

Packing Lists:

For your convenience I have put together general packing lists according to the seasons in Dublin!

CLOTHES FOR SPRING:

Two short sleeve tops
Two long sleeve tops
Two additional tops
One pair of black jeans
One pair of dressier/fancier trosuers
One additional bottom (ie, skirt or other pants)
One dress
One rain jacket
Two warm layers (ie jumper, hoodie, puffer)
Thermals (to layer underneath)
One pair of boots
One or Two pairs of comfy walking shoes/Sneakers

CLOTHES FOR SUMMER:

Three short sleeve and/or sleeveless tops
Two long sleeve tops
One pair of comfy dark jeans
One pair of dressier/fancier trousers
Two dresses (that can be summery or layered for colder days) +One skirt if you want
Stockings (to go under dresses)
One light rain jacket
One other jacket (puffer or coat)
Two Jumpers or Hoodies
One pair of boots
One or Two pairs of comfy walking shoes/sneakers

CLOTHES FOR AUTUMN/FALL:

Two short sleeve tops
Four long sleeve tops
One pair of blue jeans
One pair of black jeans
Two dresses
Stockings to layer under dresses
One rain or winter jacket
One warm layer (ie hoodie or jumper)
Thermals
Beanie + scarf
One pair of boots
One or Two pairs of comfy walking shoes/sneakers

CLOTHES FOR WINTER:

Four long sleeve tops
Three long sleeve sweaters
One pair of blue jeans
One pair of dressier pants
One additional bottom (skirt with stockings under or comfy trousers)
One long sleeve dress
Two winter jackets
One warm layer (ie puffer or hoodie)
Thermals
Two Beanies
One Scarf

Inspirational Mood Boards:

Here I have put together a few mood boards of outfits and pieces that I myself wore or saw on the Irish streets. Keep in mind, I am not only taking into account fashionability, but also practicality and am giving the best advice for your travels to Ireland.