Stephanie’s Note: We’ve been traveling to Ireland for over ten years and I use this list literally, every single time we go. It hasn’t changed that much over time, but I always update it with after our latest trip. Most recent version updated July 22, 2019.
When going to Ireland for the first time, I wasn’t exactly sure what to pack.
And apparently I wasn’t that good at it, because upon arrival I realized that I forgot my toothbrush (and it was my honeymoon–sorry for that stinky breath, Joe!) I bought one as soon as I could. Since then, I have become a master packer. I am pretty sure I could pack us up and be ready to go in under an hour.
Outlined below is the Ultimate Ireland Packing List. I actually pull it out every time we are packing for a trip to Ireland (or anywhere else for that matter).
I should mention however that an Ireland packing list is personal. Everyone has different needs. Use this one as a guide and write-in any additions that are important to you.
A couple of quick packing tips:
- “Pack half as much and take twice the money.” Ha! If you think you need to bring more stuff, you very well may, but most people don’t.
- You probably won’t even need to take everything on this list.
- If you forget something, you can buy it in Ireland most of the time. It is always fun to run into a store and act like a local anyway.
- Don’t buy new if you don’t really need it—See something on here you would like but don’t already have? Improvise.
- Even if you are packing for more than one week, you won’t need any more than this. Drop off laundry at a launderette in town and pick it up clean and folded at the end of the day.
- Travel light. It makes things easier in the long run.
My Favorites
You may notice I’ve got a few links on some of the items. These are some of my favorite things that I personally use for our trips to Ireland. You can find out why I love them on my Resources Page.
Please know building and keeping the trust of my readers is invaluable to me. I only link to items that I truly use—no one has (or will ever) pay me to put a link on my site. Some links are affiliate links in which I get a small commission if you purchase through it (the cost is exactly the same to you).
So if you do find something you like for your trip and purchase it through me, Thank You! Your help goes a long way in supporting the work of Infinite Ireland. Ok, get packing and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy your trip!
The Packing List
Clothing:
3 pants
5 shirts
2 undershirts or camis
2 sweaters or fleece
8 pairs of underwear
3 bras
8 pairs of socks
1 pajamas
1 belt
1 hat
Travel scarf
1 pair of gloves if traveling in shoulder/winter season
1 walking shoes (women) (men)
Hiking shoes (women) (men)
1 waterproof jacket (women) (men)
Toiletries:
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Floss
Wash cloth
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body wash/soap
Travel Size Containers (for said, Shampoo, Conditioner & Body Wash)
Deodorant
Razor
Shaving cream
Hair brush
Hair ties
Hair products (e.g. Gel, Hairspray)
Make-up
Chap stick
Tissues
Hand sanitizer
Baby wipes for every day messes
Disinfectant for airplane surfaces
Earplugs
Sunscreen
First Aid Supplies & Other Toiletries:
Band Aids/disinfectant
Pain reliever (Tylenol/Advil)
Imodium/Pepto-Bismol
Motion sickness medication
Vitamins
Vitamin C drops
Feminine hygiene products
Glasses/contact lenses/solution
Safety pins
Fingernail clippers
Q-tips
Tweezers
Prescription medications in original bottles with labels
Travel Gear
1 Medium Size Suitcase
Daypack/Backpack or Purse
Luggage Tags
Collapsable duffle/Dirty laundry bag/extra souvenir bag
Packing Cubes
Extra plastic bags: Quart & Gallon
Adapters
Travel Documents/Money:
Plane tickets
Passport
Copy of passport in separate safe location from original
Driver’s license
Health insurance information
Travel insurance information
Wallet
100 euros cash
Credit/debit cards
Credit/debit cards contact info in separate location from original
“Keeping You Organized” Ireland Binder:
Ireland Itinerary
Directions
Accommodation reservations
Car rental reservation information
Pre-booked experiences confirmation numbers
OSI Ireland Map
Travel journal/notebook
Pens
Receipt/brochure/scrapbook items folder
US & Irish emergency numbers
Business cards/contact info
Addresses for postcards home
Electronics:
Phone
Phone charger
Adapter
Camera, charger and Memory card (if separate from phone)
Alarm clock (if not using cell phon/iPad)
E-reader/Notebook & charger
Random Bits:
Travel Books/Guides
Snacks
Empty Refillable Water Bottle
Airplane Entertainment
Walking Sticks
Small flashlight
Umbrella
Sunglasses
Music for the Car
Cutlery for Picnics
Extra Space!
Write Your Additions:
- _______________________________________________
- _______________________________________________
- _______________________________________________
- _______________________________________________
Ireland Pre-trip To Do List
In the Weeks Before You Leave:
Check passport does not expire within the next six months
Check credit/debit card expiration dates
Call credit card/banks & set travel notification to Ireland
Check out what hospitals are covered by health insurance and understand claim process
Decide if travel insurance is right for you
Decide if you want you want to purchase euros before you arrive or grab them when you get to Ireland
Hold your snail mail
Set autoresponder on your email(s)
Pay all bills due while gone
Re-confirm reservations with bed and breakfast owners/indicate time of arrival/ask for correct address or driving directions
Utilize Google Street View of airport exits and accommodations. Look at landmarks, signs, and traffic patterns
Leave itinerary, contact information with loved one at home
The Day Before You Leave:
Clean-out wallet (no need to take everything)
Charge all electronics
Clean out fridge
Wash the dishes
Take out the trash
Pack food for airport and plane
Check-in for flights online
Double/Triple Check in the Moments Before You Leave:
Turn down thermostat
Unplug electrical items
Passport
Plane Tickets
Driver’s License
Phone
Camera
Accommodation & Experiences Reservations
Car Rental Information
Map
That’s it! The Ultimate Ireland Packing List. Now for all my favorite things to pack–check out my Resources page for why I pack the things I do!
My mom and I will be leaving for Ireland in a week. We will be staying in Dungarvan for a week and plan on doing day trips from there. I was in Ireland 3 years ago with a friend and we drove the whole island in 4.5 days. Yes, a little crazy, but also a lot of fun. Any ideas of can’t miss places? I was thinking of doing the Beara Peninusla, since I’ve done the Dingle. Any thoughts? Also, I’ve been to Rock of Cashel and Kilkenny. Appreciate any insight to what I shouldn’t miss.
If you and your mom like restaurants and shopping, I can definitely recommend Cork and Kinsale. Cork is somewhat of a mini-Dublin–river running through the center of town, lots of restaurants and pubs, decent shopping. I was there for a night in April and wish I’d stayed a second night. Kinsale also has good shopping and restaurants, including one that many consider as good as any in Ireland, Fishy Fishy. I went to Kinsale about 10 years ago but didn’t get to Fishy Fishy. I’ve heard good things though from people I trust.
If the Titanic is of any interest, Cobh has an attraction there about the ship since Cobh was the last port of call before it sank. If you would consider touring a whiskey distillery, check out the Jameson Experience in Midleton.
None of these trips would be more than 90 minutes from Dungarvan and Midleton should be less than an hour. For mountain scenery, you could go to the Wicklows to the northeast but that’s closer to a 2-hour trip.
We like scenery and cute shops. I’d say up to 3 hours in one direction is good for us, as we often take day trips here in Michigan and are gone from morning to after dinner. She wants to see pretty scenery and really has no agenda. I like ruins and scenery. Thanks for your suggestions. I’ll take them all.
My wife and I are planning on a trip to the Emerald Isle next June/July 2017. This list is pretty awesome, however, I don’t like pants. I much prefer Cargo shorts. I don’t get that cold, and I prefer the temps in the 60’s. Can I wear shorts during this time, or is the weather just so weird that pants are almost required?
We just returned from our trip and had beautiful weather. Temos were anywhere from 65-80. My husband also prefers shorts and wore them the majority of the trip with no problem. At night it can cool down though. The weather is definitely up and down though so be prepared for any/all types. I would at least pack a couple pairs of pants to be on the safe side. Enjoy!
Hi, I just stumbled onto this site. The info given is fantastic! I am about to embark on a short, five-day trip to Northern Ireland. 2.5 days in Belfast, one day taking a Giant’s Causeway Tour and one day (with an overnight) in Derry. I have been watching weather forecasts and unfortunately it seems it will rain, rain, rain during my time in Northern Ireland.
I read somewhere that a trench coat is a good thing to bring for the rain. What do you think? I already am bringing a medium heavy fleece and a rain jacket with hood (plus an umbrella, of course). Will a trench coat look out of place in September?
I am also wondering about the food. Is there such thing as Irish cuisine? Are there a lot of ethnic restaurants around?
Lastly I would like a chance to listen to Irish music. Someone told me that the best places to go for Irish music are Catholic bars. Do you agree? Also, I am not a beer drinker. Do people drink hard cider in Ireland?
Thanks so much!
I think your rain coat with a hood would suffice and the fleece for dry/cooler days. You don’t want to overpack. Giants Causeway is amazing, you will surely enjoy it.
My husband is not a beer drinker either and enjoyed Bulmer’s cider at every pub we went to. As far as where to go for traditional music…we found our best bet was to just ask the locals! When we were at lunch or dinner we would ask where we should go that night for whatever we were looking for;we were never disappointed. Have fun!
Hi, Margie, thanks so much for your helpful reply to my questions. I agree with you that a rain jacket with a hood plus a fleece when needed will suffice. I’m glad you think Giant’s Causeway is worth it. I don’t think photos do it justice and I thought for a couple of days that I wouldn’t even bother to see it. Lastly, it’s good to know I’m not the only non-beer drinker out there :). It’s good to know there is even a hard cider brand in Ireland. Thanks again for your response! James
Oh, and “Irish cuisine” can typically be ham and cabbage, beef stew, colcocan and the traditional irish breakfast however, you will find a wide range of foods and restaurants to choose from. We ate very well!
Good to know. Thanks!
I don’t know about fleece (I don’t like the stuff) but I would say a heavy woollen sweater (jumper if you’re English) and a light waterproof shell with a hood would be plenty if you’re going in the next month or two. Wool can take light rain without getting wet so you can put off wearing your waterproof shell until it’s really raining heavily. Bulmer’s cider in Ireland is the same as Magner’s in the U.K. since you’ll be in Norn Iron I’m not sure what to look for. I’m sure there will be lots of local ciders just ask. I only drink cider as well although I do like Guinness. One time I tried a different cider in every pub I went to and enjoyed (almost) every one!
Just a reminder I’m the one who travels with carry on luggage only, so a trench coat would be just too much.
Stephanie,
Thank you for this list. I kept everything to a minimum and had enough for my eight wonderful days in Ireland. It worked for Dublin, Galway, hiking, castle visits, boat tours (thank goodness for waterproof shoes). I am keeping this list with my Ireland travel notes and (hopefully) use it again. I appreciate your guidance.
Going to Ireland first week in next June. Will I need any waterproof shoes?
Mary: All trips to the Emerald Isle should include waterproof shoes! :-) I’m headed there next week.
Cheers.
Yes. I am Derry right now. The weather is beautiful today. But last evening it started to rain hard. I was very glad I had waterproof shoes. The weather changes quickly in Ireland so it is best to be prepared.
I am loving your site and the replies to questions. We have a 7 day trip in Feb. fly in to Dublin renting a car and spending 6 nights in Adair, and the last night back in Dublin. There are 11 of us in our group the youngest is my 2yrd son. Any day trip suggestions from Adair?
Teresa: My two suggestions are Kenmare and Dingle. You can navigate the Ring of Kerry from Kenmare. I, however have found the Dingle peninsula to be more attractive…and not from a scenic perspective. Both are beautiful. I just fell in love with the town of Dingle. Certainly Dick Mack’s Pub is a standout, but there’s something about the residents of Dingle that made me feel at home there. I’ve visited twice and will likely go back again.
Cheers. Brian
Agree on going to the Dingle Peninsula. Dingle and the Ring of Kerry are similar in beauty, but I think the traffic along the Dingle Peninsula is a little less clogged. Dingle Town and Killarney are the anchors for the Peninsula and the Ring, respectively, and both can be fun, but Dingle Town is smaller and not dominated by chain hotels; Killarney is slightly larger, and you’ll find many of the chains. Like Brian, I favor Dingle Town. It has plenty of great restaurants and pubs (as does Killarney), and I like the personal touch of a smaller town.
I’ve seen it stated that Dingle has 2900 residents and 59 pubs. That’s a lot of choices for afternoon and evening entertainment! There’s always a good selection of lively music and entertaining Craic! ;-)