Planning a trip to Ireland in July? Then you are probably wondering what to pack for Ireland in July. Well, I’ve got you covered. With my local’s knowledge of Ireland in July, you will learn exactly what you need on your packing list for Ireland in July.
If you are going to be visiting Ireland in July, then you’ve picked one of the most popular times to visit Ireland. July falls right in the middle of summer and offers some of the longest days of the year. But it is also peak tourist season.
The days are long, warm, and generally dry, with average daytime temperatures around 19˚C/66F and plenty of sunshine. Ireland can even experience a mini-heatwave during July, although it’s best not to count on it!
Rain is always possible, but July is typically one of the drier months. If it does rain, it’s often just a passing shower rather than a heavy downpour, so packing a lightweight raincoat is still a good idea.
That said, my most recent experience of July was 10 rainy days out of 12! You’ve been warned.
When preparing for your visit to the Emerald Isle, knowing exactly what to pack for a trip to Ireland in July is essential. This is a month when you can enjoy sunshine but still experience occasional rain, so a few packing tips can really help.
So, let me help you with that with my guide on what to bring to Ireland in July, including clothes, travel essentials, toiletries, and more!
Ready to take the stress out of packing for your forthcoming visit to the Emerald Isle?
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What to Pack for Ireland in July
While many travelers to Ireland expect typical summer weather in July, that is not always the case in my experience.
Generally, Ireland’s July weather is mild but unpredictable, with average temperatures between 12-19°C (54-66°F). Days are typically pleasant, but sudden rain showers are common even in summer.
The key to being prepared for July in Ireland is to be prepared for rain while hoping it doesn’t occur. Ireland’s July weather requires versatile clothing options that can handle shifting conditions throughout the day.
Layers, lightweight clothing and at least one raincoat are the name of the game here.
Bearing this in mind, let’s take a look at my recommendations for clothing and footwear for visiting Ireland in July.
What clothes to pack for Ireland in July
Clothing Essentials
Having a good mix of lightweight and warm layers is my preferred way to pack for July in Ireland.
When my son and I visited a few years ago, we brought 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.
By all means, pack a pair of shorts, or even a skirt or two for the ladies, but 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.
T-shirts/tops – You can probably 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.
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.
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.
Sandals – A pair of sandals is a good idea for warmer, drier days, especially ones designed for walking or hiking, such as Teva or Keen sandals.
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.
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.
And to keep yourself organized and to reduce the space in your luggage, I highly recommend you invest in a good set of packing cubes. I swear by 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 July, Ireland can and does experience rain throughout the country during this summer month.
It is for this reason that 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 crucial for those who will be doing more than exploring Dublin in 3 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 set of waterproof shoes or hiking boots is a good idea.
The Irish countryside can get muddy when it rains, especially around historical Irish sites that don’t have pavements to walk on.
Whatever your preferred travel style, many cities and attractions involve walking both outdoors and indoors, so make sure your footwear is comfortable. And remember to break in new shoes before you travel.
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 July – Essentials
Now that your clothing packing list for Ireland in July is complete, let’s move on to other things to bring to Ireland in July. 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 up-to-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.
Learn more about Driving in Ireland as a Tourist here.
Guidebook – If you plan to be spontaneous or have decided not to plan your entire itinerary, then an Ireland travel guidebook will be a useful addition. I recommend the Lonely Planet Guidebook 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 July. 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 July, 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 July – Toiletries
When it comes to things to pack for Ireland in July, once you’ve sorted your clothing, travel essentials, and electronics, it’s time to think about your toiletries.
There are two important points to keep in mind.
Firstly, if you’re travelling with hand luggage only, make sure all your liquids and creams comply with the size and weight restrictions. Wherever possible, use travel-sized bottles to help save valuable space in your bag.
Secondly, while most hotels provide basic amenities, having your personal items makes your trip more enjoyable.
You can easily purchase toiletries in pharmacies, beauty stores, and supermarkets throughout Ireland. If you run out of anything or forget something, you’ll have no problem finding what you need. Just pack enough for the first few days of your trip and top up as necessary.
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
Also, don’t forget to pack any specific pain medication you might need, along with any regular prescription medication you take. It’s wise to bring more than you think you’ll need, just in case of unexpected delays or emergencies.
In Ireland, most prescription medications can only be purchased from a pharmacy if you have a doctor’s prescription. It’s a good idea to bring a copy of your latest prescription from your doctor, just in case you require medical attention while you’re there. This way, local doctors can quickly see what has been prescribed for you.
Be aware that there are restrictions on the number of painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen you can buy over the counter in a single transaction.
And no, they generally won’t split purchases between you and your travel companion if they realize you’re together — as my husband and I discovered last year! The same rules apply to allergy medications like antihistamines too.
Finally, keep in mind that bathrooms in guesthouses and traditional B&Bs can sometimes be small, with limited space for large toiletry bags.
A hanging toiletry bag is a great solution to save space and keep your toiletries and medications organized.
Things not to forget when packing for visiting Ireland in July
Sunscreen – Despite its rainy reputation, Ireland can have sunny days in July. So, yes, you’ll need sunscreen even in Ireland. The sun can be surprisingly strong in July, 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 July 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 are sticking to city exploring, or you plan to discover the Emerald Isle on a road-trip, this handy guide to what to pack for July in Ireland will have all angles covered, no matter what Ireland throws at you.
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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.
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