Planning a trip to Ireland in August? You’re likely wondering what to pack for sunshine, showers, and everything in between. With changeable weather and busy tourist spots, preparing can feel a little overwhelming.
The good news is that August is one of the best months to visit. With long daylight hours, warm temperatures, and a mix of bright days and light rain, you can experience Ireland at its vibrant summer best — as I’ve learned firsthand over many Augusts.
In this guide, I’ll share exactly what to pack for Ireland in August, including clothing, toiletries, and essentials to make sure you’re ready for whatever the Irish weather throws your way.
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What to Pack for Ireland in August
Many people visiting Ireland in August expect consistent summer sunshine, but the reality can be a little different. In my experience, the weather tends to be mild and pleasant, with the occasional surprise shower.
Temperatures typically range from 13–18°C (55–64°F), and while you can enjoy warm, bright days, you’ll also want to be ready for sudden shifts in weather. Even in summer, rain can roll in with little warning.
The secret to packing well for August in Ireland? Flexibility. Opt for lightweight layers that are easy to add or remove, and always include a reliable raincoat.
With that in mind, let’s dive into my clothing and footwear recommendations to help you stay comfortable no matter what the Irish skies have planned.
What clothes to pack for Ireland in August
Clothing Essentials
Even though it is summer, layers and a mix of lightweight and warm clothing is the way to pack for August in Ireland.
When my family and I spent 10 days in Ireland during August a few years ago, we packed jeans, short-sleeved t-shirts, but made sure to have one or two lightweight, long-sleeved fleece tops with us for days when the temperatures dropped due to rain.
It was only when we moved from County Wexford to County Wicklow that the layers were needed with drizzle and cooler temperatures.
Two or three pairs of jeans or hiking trousers are advisable, especially if you are coming from a country that is typically warmer than Ireland. You could pack a pair of shorts, or even a skirt or two for the ladies, but you may not need them.
Jeans/leggings – Given Ireland’s unpredictable weather, some jeans or leggings are a good idea. Jeans are a staple of the wardrobe of Ireland and can be dressed down during the day or dressed up with a nice top and a pair of shoes for evenings.
T-shirts/tops – You could get away with only packing short-sleeved t-shirts or tops, so long as you’ve got something else to throw on over them. One or two fancier tops for evening wear are advisable if you are planning on a few nice dinners.
Fleece tops – Ideal for layering up, pack one or two fleece tops. They are lightweight, versatile and can keep you warm on cooler days or in the evenings. I always pack 2 per person so we can rotate them.
Technical pants – For the outdoor enthusiasts among you, some technical pants or hiking trousers are ideal for hiking and walking in the Irish countryside or mountains.
Shorts/skirts – Yes, you may get some nice days to wear them, it is summer after all. I just wouldn’t pack more than one or two per person.
Dresses – Ladies, you can pack both daytime and evening dresses if you want. Evening dresses are only really needed for dinner in a fancy restaurant or if you want to feel smarter. Pair them with some black flats or sandals.
Sandals – A pair of sandals are a good idea for warmer, drier days, especially ones designed for walking or hiking such as Teva or Keen sandals.
Cardigan – If you are going to be out and about in the evenings and it is dry, a cardigan will go a long way in keeping the summer evening chills off.
Evening shirt and chinos – For the men in your travel party, a pair of chinos and an evening shirt should be packed if you are planning a nice dinner somewhere or a hotel rooftop bar.
Loafers – Pair the chinos and evening shirt with loafers for a smarter evening look.
Flip flops – Handy for visiting the hotel swimming pool, spa or for wearing around your accommodation.
Swimwear – If your accommodation or hotel has a pool or spa, remember to pack your swim gear, or if you fancy braving the Irish Sea or Atlantic Ocean from one of the beaches in Ireland.
I highly recommend you invest in a good set of packing cubes to keep yourself organized and reduce space in your luggage. I always use them and have color-coordinated ones for each member of the family.
Waterproof Clothing and Equipment
Now, while you might be expecting it to be dry and warm in August, Ireland can, and does, experience rain throughout the country during this summer month.
This is why I always recommend that travelers to Ireland pack at least a waterproof jacket or raincoat with a hood. Going for a good quality one is essential too, such as one with breathable material like Gore-Tex, so you aren’t sweating if it is warm rain.
Waterproof footwear is also crucial for those who will be doing more than exploring Dublin in three days. As soon as you start venturing out of the cities, exploring castles or even hiking to find the best waterfalls in Ireland, then a pair of waterproof shoes or hiking boots is a good idea.
The Irish countryside can get muddy when it rains, especially around historical sites without pavements. Ask me how I know!
Whatever your preferred travel style, many cities and attractions involve walking both outdoors and indoors, so make sure your footwear is comfortable.
Don’t forget a waterproof backpack cover if you’ll be carrying a day pack for excursions. Quick-dry fabrics throughout your wardrobe will make your trip more comfortable.
Packing for Ireland in August – Essentials
Now that your clothing packing list for Ireland in August is complete, let’s move on to other things to bring to Ireland in August. These include the travel basics, as well as any electronic items and gadgets that will come in handy during your trip.
Travel essentials
Passports – You need to ensure your passport is in date and for certain countries, that it is valid for 6 months from the time of your visit. Find more information here.
Visas – Visitors from certain countries require a visa to enter Ireland. Click this link to find out if you need a visa to enter Ireland.
Travel Insurance – Do not travel to Ireland without travel insurance. Even if you think you don’t need it, you never know when an accident or flight cancellation might occur, and it is much better to have peace of mind than a headache of worry.
Travel document holder – A travel document holder or wallet is great for keeping passports, visas, and all your hotel and tour bookings in one place.
Credit/Debit cards – Make sure you have a valid credit card with sufficient credit available to cover your excess on your car insurance if you are hiring a car and deciding not to take out Super Collision Damage Waiver with the car hire company. Some will not accept third-party SCDW policies and will still look to cover the excess on a credit card. Your credit card will also be handy for those souvenir purchases. And remember your debit card for taking money out of an ATM.
Driving license and IDP – Don’t forget your driving license and International Driving Permit (if required by the car hire company). Each car hire company has different requirements regarding IDP’s. Those from the US, Canada, EU, the UK, and Australia generally do not need an IDP but check before you go to Ireland whether you need one or not.
Guide book – If you plan to be spontaneous, or have decided not to plan your entire itinerary, then an Ireland travel guide book will be a useful addition. I recommend the Lonely Planet Guide Book for Ireland. I have used Lonely Planet for years and have their 13th edition for Ireland and still refer to it for our trips.
Day Pack – As already mentioned, a waterproof day pack is another good thing to remember for your Ireland packing list for August. A waterproof one will ensure the personal items you carry with you remain dry, even if you get caught in a passing shower. The Outlander Lightweight Travel Daypack is an ideal day pack for Ireland.
Travel Towel – While not essential, it is a good idea to take a travel towel with you. Sometimes you just need a little bit more help than the towels provided by your hotel or accommodation. Or it can be left in the trunk of your hire car for days when you might want to visit a beach or if you get caught out in the rain.
Travel Pillow – For flights, bus trips, train journeys, and long car rides, a travel pillow will make it more comfortable for travellers.
Reusable tote – Ireland has long given up giving out plastic bags for purchases. Nowadays, retailers provide paper bags. However, if you are shopping on a rainy day in Ireland, paper bags may disintegrate. So, to avoid this happening, take a reusable tote bag with you to pop your purchases into.
Electrical items and gadgets
When it comes to what to pack when traveling to Ireland in August, the next things to consider are your gadgets and electrical items. The following are suggestions.
Universal travel adapter – You cannot travel to Ireland without a universal travel adapter. Ensure you choose one that will accommodate your plugs and one that has some USB ports.
Read this article to discover what type of power plug they have in Ireland.
Portable phone charger – If you plan on using your phone to take all your photos, ensure you have a portable phone charger with you, just in case your battery starts to run low. The best portable power bank on the market comes from Anker. These are our power banks of choice, and they have never let us down.
Camera batteries/memory cards – If you are bringing a separate camera with you to capture your pictures of Ireland, then ensure you pack enough batteries, chargers and memory cards for your camera. You don’t want to run out of power or memory just as you find the perfect spot to capture a sunset over the Slieve League cliffs or a beautiful scene from the Rock of Cashel!
Reusable water bottle – Pack a collapsible water bottle to refill when you can. These are far more eco-friendly than buying water bottles everywhere you go. And yes, tap water is safe to drink in Ireland.
Kindle Paperwhite – Instead of carrying around heavy physical books, opt for a Kindle Paperwhite instead. We never travel anywhere without ours and you can even get digital versions of some guidebooks for Kindle.
What to pack for Ireland in August – Toiletries
Once you’ve packed your clothes, travel gear, and electronics for Ireland in August, it’s time to turn your attention to toiletries. This part of your list might not be the most exciting, but it’s just as important for a smooth trip.
If you’re flying with hand luggage only, be sure to follow airline rules for liquids — all bottles should be 100ml or under and fit into a clear resealable bag. Travel-sized toiletries are your best friend here and will help you make the most of your space.
While you’ll find basic items like shampoo and soap in most hotels, having your own favourites can make your stay more comfortable. And don’t stress if you forget something — pharmacies and supermarkets are widely available, so you can easily restock while you’re here. Just bring what you need to get started and pick up anything else once you arrive.
Remember to include these essential items to get started:
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Body wash
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash
- Deodorant
- Razor (check airline rules if you’re carrying it in hand luggage)
- Shaving gel
- Hairbrush
- Hair ties
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen and after-sun
- Women’s sanitary products
Don’t forget to pack any prescription medication you take regularly, as well as any pain relief you rely on. It’s always a smart idea to bring a little extra, just in case your return is delayed or you run into unexpected issues.
In Ireland, pharmacies generally won’t dispense prescription medication without a valid prescription from a doctor. To be safe, carry a copy of your current prescription with you — it can be helpful if you need medical care during your trip, as it gives local doctors a clear record of what you’re taking.
It’s also worth noting that over-the-counter medications like paracetamol, ibuprofen, and antihistamines are sold in limited quantities. And yes — they often won’t let two people buy double the allowance in one go (something my husband and I learned the hard way!).
Lastly, space can be tight in B&B bathrooms, so a compact hanging toiletry bag will help you stay organised without cluttering up the sink.
Things not to forget when packing for visiting Ireland in August
Sunscreen – Despite its rainy reputation, Ireland can have sunny days in August. So, yes, you’ll need sunscreen even in Ireland. The sun can be surprisingly strong in August, especially during outdoor activities. Choose at least SPF 30 and consider a lip balm with sun protection too.
Sunglasses – Thanks to the bright sun during summer, don’t forget to pack your sunglasses. Ok, so you might not need them on dull or rainy days, but on days that the sun makes an appearance, you’ll regret not packing them!
Sleep Eye Mask – Daylight in Ireland in August lasts for between 16 and 17 hours, so if you want a lie-in or an early night, unless you can be sure of blackout blinds, bring a sleep mask.
Ear Plugs – Alongside the sleep mask, if you are a light sleeper and are staying in a city, bring a set of earplugs to ensure a good night’s sleep. I always use Mighty Earplugs when I am traveling.
Whether you’re planning to wander through lively cities or hit the open road on an Irish road trip, this packing guide for Ireland in August covers everything you’ll need. No matter what the weather brings, you’ll be ready for it all.
Before you go, you might also find these articles helpful:
- Visiting Ireland in August
- Visiting Ireland in July
- A Quick Guide to Ireland in Summer
- Is Ireland Expensive?
- The Best Time to Visit Ireland
- The Best Reasons to Visit Ireland
- Your Complete Guide to Getting Around Ireland
- Essential Ireland Travel Tips
- What to Wear in Ireland
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Other Tips for Ireland
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET AROUND IRELAND?
If you are in a city, use the local public transportation system, especially in the Irish capital. Here is my guide to getting around Dublin.
If you’re going between cities or to smaller towns, you can usually take the train (I buy my tickets through Eurail or RailEurope).
In rural areas, train stations are rarer so you might want to rent a car, which is easy in Ireland (I use Rentalcars or Discovercars).
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR IRELAND?
It depends. If your travel insurance already covers you in Ireland, then you’re all set. If not, head for VisitorsCoverage for everything travel.
WILL MY PHONE WORK IN IRELAND? WHAT ABOUT MY CHARGER?
You can use your roaming plan in Ireland. If you don’t have one, you can do one of several things (just make sure you have an unlocked phone).
You can order a SIM card before you get to Ireland.
You can buy a SIM card from a shop in Ireland.
You can buy an e-SIM.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR IRELAND?
Here are a few essentials you should NOT leave home without:
Comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be on your feet a lot, and… cobblestones and mud.
Plugs are different in Ireland. So pack a universal travel adapter.
An anti-theft purse (this is the bag I use).
A good rain jacket (for summer) or coat (for winter) because rain is frequent in Ireland. It isn’t called the Emerald Isle for nothing!
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO BOOK A PLACE TO STAY IN IRELAND?
I use booking.com for my own travels around Ireland. Listings are extensive, including apartments, and cancellation policies generous.
