Ireland in December blends rich culture with brisk air and misty skies. You’ll find charming villages lit for the holidays, windswept cliffs, and traditional pubs with fires blazing. But weather changes fast, so smart packing is key to comfort and flexibility.
The Irish winter is rarely freezing but often wet, so bring waterproof everything and plan to layer. Whether you’re walking through Dublin, road-tripping to Galway, or enjoying a pint in Cork, warmth and dryness are essential.
📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Ireland in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
- Average highs: 8°C / 46°F
- Average lows: 2°C / 36°F
- Frequent rain, moderate wind, low sunlight
- Sunset around 4:15 PM
What to Pack for Ireland in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Waterproof suitcase or cover – 🧳 Don’t risk soggy clothes.
- Daypack – 🎒 Lightweight but rain-resistant.
- Packing cubes – 📦 Group by climate/region.
- Shoe bag – 👟 Store muddy boots away from clothes.
- Dry bag/pouch – 💧 Protect electronics on rainy days.
- Toiletry kit – 🪥 Includes space for moisturizing products.
- Laundry bag – 🧺 To separate damp layers.
👗 Clothes
- Waterproof parka or raincoat – 🧥 Top item for Ireland in winter.
- Wool or fleece sweaters – 🧶 Ideal mid-layer under jackets.
- Thermal tops (2–3) – ❄️ Keeps your core warm and dry.
- Long-sleeve tees (3–4) – 👕 Great base layer.
- Jeans or weatherproof trousers (2–3) – 👖 Tough and wind-ready.
- Wool socks (5–7) – 🧦 Key for warmth in damp weather.
- Gloves, scarf, and beanie – 🧤🧣🧢 Irish wind isn’t kind.
- Fleece-lined leggings – 🧤 Great under dresses or as loungewear.
- Pajamas – 💤 Warm ones for cold, rural stays.
- Undergarments (7+) – 👙 Quick-dry recommended.
💆 Skincare
- Hydrating cleanser – 🧼 Gentle on cold-weather skin.
- Deep moisturizer – 🧴 Locks in hydration.
- Lip balm – 💋 Irish wind = dry lips.
- SPF – 🌤️ Needed for rare sunny days.
- Eye cream – 👁️ For early nights and tired travel eyes.
💄 Makeup
- Tinted moisturizer or BB cream – 🧴 Keeps skin looking fresh.
- Waterproof mascara – 💧 Rain-proof your lashes.
- Bold lipstick – 💄 Adds life to grey days.
- Concealer – 🔍 Ideal for wind-reddened skin.
💇 Hair Care
- Frizz-control shampoo – 🧴 Helps with humidity.
- Dry shampoo – 🌬️ Refresh your hair between washings.
- Hair ties & clips – 🌀 Keep it neat on windy walks.
- Brush – 💇 Travel-size preferred.
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Waterproof boots – 👢 Number one footwear choice.
- Casual walking shoes – 👟 For city days without rain.
- Dressier flats – 👠 For pubs or dinners.
- Umbrella – ☔ Sturdy and windproof!
- Crossbody bag – 👜 Zipped and rain-resistant.
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport – 🛂 Required for entry.
- Travel insurance – 🏥 Protect against delays or illness.
- EU eSIM or SIM card – 📲 Affordable local data.
- Credit/debit cards – 💳 Widely accepted in cities.
- Printouts – 🖨️ For reservations, just in case.
🚑 First Aid
- Bandages – 🩹 Wet feet = blisters.
- Ibuprofen or paracetamol – 💊 For aches or colds.
- Cold & flu tablets – 🤧 Weather changes hit hard.
- Sanitizer – 🧴 Always needed in rural spots.
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Toothbrush + toothpaste – 🪥 Classic combo.
- Deodorant – 🌸 Bring travel-size for your bag.
- Tissues – 🤧 Great for cold air and sneezes.
- Razor – 🪒 If needed.
- Feminine products – 🩸 Bring your own brand.
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone + charger – 📱 Non-negotiable.
- Power bank – 🔋 For countryside travel days.
- UK adapter – 🔌 Ireland uses Type G plugs.
- Offline maps – 🗺️ Useful in rural zones.
🎧 Entertainment
- Kindle or book – 📚 For pub corners and down time.
- Journal – 📓 Record your Irish experience.
- Music or podcasts – 🎧 Road trip ready.
🎁 Extras
- Reusable bottle – 💧 Fill up at hostels and cafés.
- Snacks – 🍫 Handy on scenic drives.
- Mini detergent – 🧼 For re-wearing essentials.
- Shopping tote – 🛍️ Great for markets & souvenirs.
🌍 Travel Tips
- Always carry an umbrella – ☔ Even if it looks sunny.
- Check road conditions – 🚗 For countryside travel.
- Layer daily – 🧥 Mornings and nights get brisk fast.
🛂 Visa Tips
- Non-EU travelers – 🛂 Check Irish visa policy.
- Print return ticket proof – 🎫 May be required on arrival.
⭐ Must-Haves
- Raincoat – 🌧️ It’s Ireland, after all.
- Waterproof boots – 👢 Crucial for walking and hiking.
- Wool sweaters – 🧶 Stylish and warming.
- Passport & insurance – 🛂🏥 Travel basics.
👍 Good-to-Have
- Thermal mug – ☕ Hot tea on the go.
- Binoculars – 🔭 Great for coastlines or wildlife.
- Plug adapter – 🔌 Don’t forget UK Type G.
