I’m an American who lived in Ireland for a year. Everyone who visited me used this packing list — and thanked me later.

• To stay comfortable, I recommend packing a durable raincoat, warm layers, and good sneakers.
• It’s also important to prioritize a functional bag that’s big enough to fit your essentials.

I recommend packing a durable raincoat.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must.

I always pack a pair of hiking shoes for trekking and walking, plus a casual sneaker for exploring cities and small towns. If I’m heading there in the winter, my third choice would be a pair of boots (most likely my Doc Martens), but in the summer, I’ll opt for my Teva or Birkenstock sandals.

In addition to shoes, make sure to throw in some socks that will keep your feet dry and warm.

It’s important to prioritize a functional bag.

Whether you’re hiking or pub hopping, you’ll want a practical bag to take with you in Ireland. When walking through cities and small towns, it’s nice to have all your essentials in one place without being weighed down by a large bag.

That’s why I don’t go anywhere without my Cotopaxi Kapai hip pack, which is the perfect size for my wallet, sunglasses, portable charger, and phone.

It may sound strange, but bring a bathing suit.

Ireland, albeit not tropical and sunny, is an island, and you’d be remiss to not go for a swim while visiting. Many Irish people go swimming year-round, and I always brought my visitors to the beach for a local experience.

From the famous Forty Foot in Dublin to Inch Beach in Kerry, there are plenty of great natural swimming spots around the country.

Plus, a swimsuit takes up very little space in your bag, so in my opinion, there’s no excuse not to bring it.

Don’t forget an adapter for charging electronics.

Ireland’s outlets are designed for UK plug types, which are different from American, European, or Australian outlets. And if Ireland isn’t the only destination you’re visiting in Europe, having a multi-country plug adapter comes in handy.

I bought a Tessan adapter from Amazon, and I’ve been able to use it in every country I’ve visited.

This story was originally published on January 14, 2026, and most recently updated on June 26, 2026.