Ireland is a country rich in history and folklore. Known as the “Emerald Isle” it is on the top of most people’s list of places they want to visit. The island is full of beautiful, green countryside surrounded by sharp, rocky coastline. It is a land of extremes, especially when you look at the weather. The temperatures are considered to be on the moderate side most of the year, but you never know when a torrential rainstorm is likely to occur. Even during summer, while the high temperatures may get to around 70 or 75 degrees, the nights are quite chilly. If you have never been to Ireland before, you are likely to overlook certain items that should be added to your suitcase. To help you make the most of your vacation, we have put together this list of 10 essential items that should be on your packing list for Ireland.
1. Rainboots
At the top of your packing list should be a good pair of rainboots. While the weather in Ireland tends to be quite moderate, when it rains it pours. A good pair of rainboots paired with thick warm socks will keep your feet toasty and dry. Find a pair that offers good traction for those hikes along the rocky shores.
2. Waterproof camera
A waterproof camera is ideal for preserving pictures of your Irish adventure. Don’t get caught by a sudden squall that ruins not only the film in your camera but the camera itself. A waterproof camera is also a good investment if you spend any time on a loch or on the ocean. Thankfully, these are inexpensive and easy to find.
3. Rain jacket and windproof jacket
A rain jacket and windproof jacket are necessary even if you plan on traveling to Ireland in the summer. While the days are fairly warm, the nights get chilly. A good quality jacket that is water and wind resistant is also handy when you are exploring the coast. Large gusts of wind coming off the ocean are not only cold but they can leave you drenched. No vacation is fun if you are wet, cold and uncomfortable.
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4. Balaclava
Never heard of a balaclava before? Don’t worry, it is probably not what you think. A balaclava is, quite simply, a scarf that needs no wrapping or clasp to keep it in place. They are like a ski mask except that the whole face is left uncovered while the balaclava keeps the head and neck warm. Or you can find a half balaclava that only goes around the neck. Very useful in Ireland no matter the season.
Ireland Tour Guide
Diana M
Hi there! I am Diana :) My passion in life (next to my loved ones) is travelling and meeting new people, showing others the beauty of the world, art in various forms. My private guided day tours are experiences that are unique and are a great way to do an interesting activity without being overwhelmed. You get to do something only few other travellers would get to do and a chance to gain a local perspective. As your guide, I want to open you the door to Ireland's untouched beauty, from scenic cliffs to fairytale like forests and would point out many details you wouldn’t uncover on your own. You might also like to do an activity which can be difficult without local knowledge, like hiking or horse riding, - I am here to help and guide you. I’ll handle all the planning and the driving on the left hand side of the road, so all you have to do is sit back, relax, and soak in the beautiful sights and compelling stories. Ireland won’t leave you untouched and I will be delighted to be your guide and ‘local expert’ here. Hope to see you on one of my trips to the heart and soul of our beautiful country!
Tours by Diana
5. Travel adaptor
A travel adaptor is an essential item that many folks don’t consider. Outlets in America and Europe are very different. But in Ireland, they are unique, as well. To keep your devices charged and ready to go, grab a travel adaptor and check to make sure it is compatible with Irish outlets. These adaptors are quite small so they won’t take up much room in your suitcase.
6. Small flashlight
A small flashlight is one thing that most of us would never think to pack for a vacation, but it can be a very handy item to have in many situations. One big reason to visit Ireland is the chance to tour or stay in, one of the many castles in the country. But those castles are very dimly lit at night. A small flashlight would come in handy when you are trying to find your way to the restroom and back, or just to keep the ghosts at bay. Plus, you never know when a huge storm will roll in and take out the power.
7. Woolen socks
Keep your feet toasty and warm with a few good pairs of woolen socks. Even in the peak of summer, Irish nights get quite chilly. And if you happen to be staying in a renovated castle, they can be very drafty. A couple of thick pairs of woolen socks will keep you warm and comfortable, no matter what the weather is like. They are also ideal when worn under your rainboots when you are exploring the Emerald Isle.
8. Chapstick
Something as simple as a tube of chapstick is often overlooked on your packing list. But having one handy can prevent chapped, or cracked, lips, which makes any vacation uncomfortable. If you are visiting the coast of Ireland it can be quite breezy and leave your lips dry. By making sure you have some chapstick with you, this won’t be a problem. Dry, cracked lips can certainly ruin the mood if you are taking a romantic trip to the Emerald Isle.
9. Warm gloves
We covered woolen socks and rainboots to keep your feet toasty warm and dry. Now add a pair of warm gloves to your suitcase. These will be very handy if you are traveling to Ireland during the fall or winter months. The weather is known to be cold and wet for most of the year. The ideal pair of gloves would be water resistant on the outside and lined with fleece or wool on the inside.
10. Warm Pajamas
A comfy pair of warm pajamas can make all the difference in getting a good night’s sleep. Even in the summer, the nights in Ireland get pretty chilly. Make sure you, and those traveling with you, are cozy at bedtime. Some hotels, or castles, can be very drafty and they don’t always have extra blankets available for their guests.
Be prepared for anything
In the excitement of packing to go on vacation, it is really easy to forget essential items. Even when we make a list, there is always something we forget. Many times we can buy what we need when we get there, but in some countries, what we need is not for sale. Hopefully, this list will help you so that you will be prepared for anything that comes up during your trip to Ireland.
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