Planning a trip to Ireland in November? You’re probably wondering what to pack for chilly days, misty mornings, and the odd rain shower. With autumn giving way to winter, November can be unpredictable, but with the right packing list, you’ll stay warm, dry, and ready for whatever the Irish weather brings.
Having spent many a November in Ireland when I was younger, I know how quickly the weather can shift from sunshine to showers. The key is packing smart, think cosy layers, waterproofs, and comfortable shoes that can handle damp streets or countryside walks.
In this guide, I’ll share exactly what to pack for Ireland in November, from clothing and footwear to must-have accessories, so you can enjoy Ireland’s cool, cosy side without worrying about the weather.
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What to Pack for Ireland in November
Many people visiting Ireland in November expect cold, dreary days, but the reality is often a pleasant surprise. While it’s definitely chillier than autumn’s earlier months, November still brings its share of crisp, bright days mixed with the occasional blustery rain shower. It’s the kind of weather that gives Ireland its moody, atmospheric charm.
Temperatures usually range from 5–11°C (41–52°F), so it’s cold but manageable with the right clothing. Mornings can start misty, afternoons may brighten with sunshine, and evenings call for something cosy and warm. Just remember, rain is always a possibility, so being prepared makes all the difference.
The secret to packing well for Ireland in November? Layers and more layers that are comfortable and practical. Pack warm, breathable clothing that can handle changing conditions, and don’t forget a reliable waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes.
So, let’s look at my clothing and footwear recommendations to help you stay comfortable and ready for whatever the Irish weather decides to do.
What clothes to pack for Ireland in November
Clothing Essentials
There is no getting away with it, November in Ireland is cold and can get quite wintery towards the end of the month.
Now, if you are visiting Ireland in November and are coming from a country that is typically warmer than Ireland (like me), then you are going to need a few pairs of jeans, warm trousers, or hiking trousers are advisable.
Jeans/leggings – Given Ireland’s changeable November weather, some jeans or warm leggings are essential. Jeans are a staple of the wardrobe in Ireland and can be dressed down during the day or dressed up with a nice top and a pair of shoes for evenings. If you feel the cold more than others, a set of base layer legs underneath will keep you toasty when outdoors exploring.
Long-sleeved tops – You’ll want to prioritize long-sleeved options for November. 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 a few fleece tops. They are lightweight, versatile and can keep you warm on cooler days or in the evenings. I always pack 2-3 per person so we can rotate them.
Medium-weight sweater – November evenings can get quite cold, so pack at least one medium-weight sweater or cardigan for layering. This is especially important for coastal areas and rural regions.
Technical pants – For the outdoor enthusiasts among you, some warm technical pants or hiking trousers are ideal for hiking and walking in the Irish countryside or mountains during the late autumn weather.
Dresses – Ladies, you may want to pack a dress or two if you want. Evening dresses are perfect for November events like the Jazz Festival or dining in a fancy restaurant. Make sure they are long dresses for warmth, and pair them with some black flats or ankle boots.
Comfortable walking shoes – Essential for November when you may be exploring on foot. Choose waterproof options as autumn rain is common.
Cardigan – If you are going to be out and about in the evenings, a cardigan will go a long way in keeping the cold November evening air off, even indoors in restaurants or a theatre.
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 attending one of November’s festival events.
Loafers or dress shoes – Pair the chinos and evening shirt with loafers or dress shoes for a smarter evening look during cultural events.
Light scarf – A lightweight scarf is perfect for November’s cold weather and adds a stylish touch to your autumn outfits.
Swimwear – If your accommodation or hotel has a pool or spa, remember to pack your swim gear, though you’re less likely to brave the Atlantic Ocean with temperatures around 12°C (54°F).
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
While November weather can be milder than other months, Ireland can and does experience rain throughout the country during this 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 overheating during any warmer November days, however rare they are.
Waterproof footwear is crucial for those who will be exploring beyond the main cities. You’ll want waterproof shoes or hiking boots for countryside adventures to keep your feet nice and dry during those rainy November days.
The Irish countryside can get muddy when it rains, especially around historical sites that don’t have pavements to walk on, so proper footwear is essential!
Whatever your preferred travel style, many cities and attractions involve walking both outdoors and indoors, so make sure your footwear is comfortable for the days you’ll be walking miles!
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 November – Essentials
Now that your clothing packing list for Ireland in November is sorted, let’s move on to the other essentials you’ll want to bring. These include travel basics, useful electronic items, and handy gadgets to make your late-autumn trip to Ireland as smooth and comfortable as possible.
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 November. 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 November, your gadgets and electrical items are the next things to consider. 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’s autumn beauty, 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 the golden light over the Cliffs of Moher or the last of the autumn colors around the Ring of Kerry!
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 November – Toiletries
Once you’ve packed your clothes, travel gear, and electronics for Ireland in November, it’s time to think about toiletries. It might not be the most exciting part of your list, but it’s just as important for a comfortable trip.
If you’re travelling with hand luggage only, remember that liquids must be 100ml or less and fit into a clear resealable bag. Travel-sized toiletries are perfect for saving space and staying within airline rules.
Most hotels provide basics like shampoo and soap, but bringing your own favourites can make chilly November evenings feel more relaxing. And if you forget anything, don’t worry, Ireland’s pharmacies and supermarkets make it easy to pick up what you need 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, along with any pain relief or remedies you rely on. It’s always smart to bring a little extra, just in case your return is delayed or unexpected issues arise.
Pharmacies in Ireland generally won’t dispense prescription medication without a valid doctor’s note, so it’s a good idea to carry a copy of your prescription. It can be really helpful if you need medical care while travelling, as it provides local doctors with a clear record of what you’re taking.
Also, keep in mind that over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol, ibuprofen, and antihistamines are sold in small quantities. And yes, they often won’t let two people buy double the allowance at once (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 November
Sunglasses – November can bring beautifully clear days with bright autumn light. Don’t forget to pack your sunglasses. You might not need them on cloudy or rainy days, but when the sun makes an appearance through the golden autumn light, you’ll regret not packing them! The sun at sunrise or sunset can also be harsh on your eyes when driving.
Light gloves – November evenings can get quite cool, especially in coastal areas. A pair of lightweight gloves can be very welcome during evening strolls or outdoor events.
Sleep Eye Mask – If you find it hard to sleep without total darkness, then you might want to bring a sleep eye mask to ensure you get that all-important sleep.
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.
Small umbrella – While you’ll have a waterproof jacket, a compact umbrella that fits in your day bag is practical for city explorations and sudden showers.
Whether you’re exploring Ireland’s lively cities, soaking up the cosy pub atmosphere, or taking a scenic road trip through misty landscapes, this packing guide for Ireland in November has you covered. Whatever the weather brings, you’ll be ready to enjoy every moment of your Irish adventure.
Before you go, you might be interested in these articles:
- Visiting Ireland in October
- Visiting Ireland in November
- A Quick Guide to Ireland in Fall
- A Quick Guide to Ireland in Winter
- 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.
