What to wear in Ireland is a question with so many different answers it requires an online article to explore the subject properly. So we’ve written one for you. 

There are a lot of factors to consider when getting dressed in this country, the weather being the main one. The unpredictable and often changeable climate can range from mild and rainy to chilly and windy, even within the same day, It’s essential to check the forecast before heading out and dress accordingly. You should also consider where you are going, your activities, and how much time you will spend on the elements. You need to consider your appearance too. You’ll want to feel comfortable and confident in how you look. You’ll want to feel comfortable and confident in how you look. 

What do Irish People Wear?

Irish people, like people anywhere, wear various clothing depending on the occasion, weather, personal style, and cultural influences, Ireland is far from the fashion capital of the world, but we do like to look good, in our casual way.

Ireland is far from the fashion capital of the world, but we do like to look good, in our own casual way. The only places you might encounter dress codes are fine dining restaurants and in some of the city pubs or nightclubs.

A popular item of casual clothing among Irish women is the 4th Arq Fleece, worn with jeans or leggings for a comfortable and cozy look. These fleece tops come in a range of beautiful colors, they are lightweight but warm, and they look so good. (We are in no way affiliated with 4th Arq, the fleeces are just lovely!)

In Ireland, we rely on lightweight layers to regulate our temperature. A base layer of jeans/leggings and a top/t-shirt, mid layers of shirts, hoodies, cardigans, or jumpers, and top layers of coats and jackets with added gloves, scarves, and hats.

All of these extra layers can be donned or doffed as required, depending on the weather.

If you’re holidaying in Ireland, you may be planning to experience the nightlife, either dinner and drinks, a night on the town, or a traditional Irish music session over a few pints in a pub.

For some fashion inspiration, why not have a look at some Irish fashion influencers on Instagram or TikTok? The wonderful Louise Cooney puts together the most beautiful casual outfits, or you can check out Niamh Doherty for a mix of stylish, cute, and glamorous looks. Or have a look at what Rob Kenny is wearing for some masculine style ideas.

There are plenty of online Irish fashion influencers so finding inspiration shouldn’t be a problem.

Irish Weather

As I write this on a cold morning in March, I am sitting in front of a roaring fire. Mother Nature is brewing up a storm outside. It has been raining heavily all morning, and the wind is making a lot of noise outside.

Yesterday, however, was beautifully bright, dry, and sunny, but so cold. The day before yesterday, we had lots of snow (which was lovely). The day before that was bright and windy with occasional heavy showers of hailstones and rain. And who knows what tomorrow will bring!

So what do you pack for your trip to Ireland? What would you have worn over these past four days? As Ireland is an island surrounded by all kinds of weather, we never know which weather type is going to be blown in on us.

And as much as Met Éireann, our national weather service, tries its best, the Irish weather just can’t be reliably predicted, so if you are looking at a long-term forecast in anticipation of your holiday to our island, look away now. It is, most likely, completely inaccurate. Some good advice when planning what to wear – just plan for rain, and remove layers as necessary.

Regardless of the season, the weather changes quickly in Ireland so if you are planning on visiting our outdoor attractions you will need an umbrella, a rain jacket, and sensible waterproof shoes/boots.

Spring

At the time of writing, it is spring in Ireland. And as already described above, the weather is insane. This kind of weather requires thick leggings or tights with heavy skirts or dresses, heavy jeans or trousers, and warm wool jumpers, or heavy shirts, with waterproof jackets or coats. The temperatures can soar in March and April, and people may find themselves stripping down to that base layer of jeans/leggings and top/t-shirt. However, temperatures have also been known to plummet, so on the other hand those little additions of hats, scarves, and gloves can come in handy!

A lot of tourists visit Ireland in March for our annual inebriation celebration, Saint Patrick’s Day.

This day will most likely involve standing outside, watching the huge Saint Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin, or one of the smaller parades around the country.

The hugely popular drinking culture in Ireland on our national drinking day is an outside activity for most too, because the pubs are always jam-packed on the 17th! As it is mid-March, the day will most likely be warm then cold, dry then wet, sometimes clear, and occasionally windy, so dress accordingly!

Holidaying in Ireland includes a lot of sightseeing. Most of the sightseeing in Ireland is outdoors and involves a lot of walking so in terms of footwear, sturdy, comfortable, and waterproof boots are a good idea.

So in summary, for the spring months you need your warm base layer, which may end up being your only layer, so make sure it looks good on you. Then another layer to keep you nice and snug if it’s a little chilly, which you can take off and tie around your waist or over your shoulders if you need to, and a waterproof coat or jacket, because you absolutely will get caught in the rain. 

The months of April and May can be especially deceptive and are known for their warm weather and bright clear skies with sudden unexpected heavy showers of rain and hailstones. Waterproof jackets and umbrellas are a must in these months. A nice breathable cotton t-shirt and layering it with a cute jacket that can be removed when the sun comes out will keep you airy, warm, and dry. 

Summer

Irish summers sound delightful with their sunny and warm days, perfect for enjoying outdoor activities and soaking up the natural beauty of the Emerald Isle. Usually, early summer will see a heatwave in Ireland, which means temperatures in the high twenties Celsius, or around 80 Fahrenheit. Not that hot compared to some other countries, but hot for us!

Shorts and T-shirts, sandals, dresses, light trousers, and skirts are perfect for this hotter weather, it does get chilly again in the evenings, so lightweight cardigans, sweaters, and jackets are a good idea. Canvas shoes like Converse are good for touring outdoors if you are sure it won’t rain, but waterproof sneakers might be best if you are unsure. Ballet flats are great if you need a dressier option for warmer days or evenings.

Summer is the best time to visit Ireland. You can pack a little lighter, and everything looks so much better in the sunshine! We would advise anyone traveling to Ireland to bring some warmer layers too, in case you arrive during a rainy period of summer. Tights and leggings won’t take up too much room in your suitcase but they may prove useful on a chillier summer day. Wide-leg trousers or chinos made from linen or cotton are also perfect for Irish summer weather, paired with a light t-shirt or vest top, and layered with a light jacket or sweater.

Autumn

The Irish fall can be a mild season but will have strong winds and a lot of rain.

It doesn’t get too cold, but it does get to that lovely temperature where chunky wool sweaters and cardigans are needed. The days are getting shorter, and nighttime temperatures may call for a cute hat and scarf too.

The country looks glorious in the autumn season, with varying shades of gold, orange, and red leaves mixed with green fields and hills, bringing us breathtaking scenery. Autumn is the perfect season for hikes and walking tours in Ireland. It’s not too hot, it’s not too cold, and the country is at its most beautiful.  

Autumn is the perfect season to show off that Aran knitwear too, if you have some or are planning on buying some in its mother country.

Aran sweaters, or jumpers as we call them here, originate from the beautiful Aran Islands located just off the coast of Galway. The Aran Jumper was originally knit to keep the islanders warm and dry in their farming and fishing work. It has become popular all around the world over the years.

The wool sweater is a wonderful wardrobe addition for the colder weather, as it is water-repellent and breathable. The high volume of air in the wool makes it an excellent insulator, which protects the wearer from both the cold and the heat, although we wouldn’t recommend wearing one on a hot summer day. 

For this cooler season, your tops should be warm and a little thicker to keep out the chill. Light sweaters and hoodies made from breathable, but still cozy, fabric.

A chunky cardigan is a comfy option that’s perfect for layering between a long-sleeved top and a rain jacket on a misty day of tourist activity like visiting caves, castles, or lakes. Don’t forget those waterproof boots too, warm ankle boots or calf-length boots are a good look for the autumn and can be so cute when paired with a dress and tights.

Winter

Winter in Ireland is rarely too cold. That’s spring’s job! But there can be a chill in the air, and it’s quite a miserable, wet, and windy season. If you are visiting Ireland in winter you will need a lot of bad-weather protection.

A good warm waterproof coat and a strong umbrella – but if it’s too windy maybe just use your hood – that umbrella could end up anywhere if the wind catches it! Your coat should be long enough so that your legs don’t get wet – the wind can blow the rain completely sideways sometimes and you can end up with your legs completely soaked. Unless, of course, you have waterproof trousers too. 

Scarves, gloves, and hats are a must for winter, the rain and wind will get everywhere otherwise. Wear a nice warm wool sweater or cardigan to keep you cozy, with jeans or thick leggings, and warm sturdy waterproof boots.

Whether you are on a city break visiting the festive Christmas markets, or you are traversing the wilds of the mountains and lakes, waterproof boots and warm layers are non-negotiable.

We hope we haven’t scared you off.

The weather is a bit mad, but the people are lovely, and the incessant rain just makes our little country all the more green and glorious. Just remember layers, layers, layers. And don’t worry if you forget your umbrella, you can DEFINITELY buy one here!