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17 Top Dublin Packing List Items for 2023 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

what to pack for dublin
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Dublin is a lively and bustling city with jovial locals, historical sites, and dozens of cool pubs. Situated on the coast of Ireland, you’ll also have access to the sea. There always seems to be something happening in Dublin – whether it’s a new art exhibition, a series of concerts, or a sports event.

The city is also very walkable, lending its parks, churches, seafront, historical sites, and restaurants highly accessible. But if you’ve had enough of the city life, you won’t have to go far to reach some of Dublin’s extraordinary walking routes that boast trails along the Wicklow mountains and coastline. Below, you’ll find a list of our go-to items to include when packing for a trip to Dublin this year.

See our product selection criteria and guidelines here.

What to Pack for Dublin – 17 Essentials

  • 1. Packable Rain Jacket

    I think it’s safe to say that Ireland is widely known for its regular rainfall (though this isn’t always the case!). The country can’t have all that lush, green landscape without it. Even in the middle of summer, I would at least bring a lightweight, packable rain jacket like this one – just in case. It’s not uncommon to have the weather go from being sunny to raining for an hour, then back to sun all in an afternoon.

    Packable Rain Jacket

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Packing Cubes

    Living out of your suitcase can quickly become messy if you aren’t making a conscious effort to organize. These packing cubes have been life-changing for me when I’m on the road. I can precisely organize my clothes however I want, and it makes everything easily accessible when I’m looking for something in particular. These ones are great because they also come in different-sized cubes.

    Packing Cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    This is a big one for any traveler who will be connecting to public Wi-Fi (hello, all of us). Airports, hotels, cafes – they all put our devices at risk when we connect to a public domain. A Virtual Private Network like this one will not only protect you and your computer from cyber insecurities, but it also allows you to essentially hide your location in case you want to finish that Netflix series that isn’t available when in Ireland.

    Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    View NordVPN.com Options ➜

  • 4. Day Pack

    Dublin is a city just waiting to be explored, and the best way to do that is to bring a day pack to store your water, a rain jacket, snacks, and anything else you think you might need when out and about. I’m never without one when walking around a new city.

    Day Pack

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Universal Power Adapter

    Ireland uses the same type of outlet plug as the rest of the United Kingdom (though the Republic of Ireland is no longer part of the UK!). They run on a standard voltage of 230 V and utilize the type G prong. This particular power adaptor is compact and has every different plug type you’ll need for your travels. If you’d like to charge your phone and use other electronics while in Ireland, we’d suggest grabbing this one before your trip!

    Power Adaptor

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Good Walking Shoes

    Dublin is a super walkable city, and you’ll need a good pair of shoes to do all of your exploring. You’ll find Dublin is a mix of uneven cobblestones, modern sidewalks, and grassy parks, so pick a pair of shoes that are sturdy like these ones. Your feet will thank you later!

    Good Walking Shoes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    When in Dublin, there’s a good chance that you’ll experience at least a little bit of rain. I also found that because the city is on the coast, it can get pretty windy, too. This umbrella is super nice with its sturdy build to prevent collapse during a blustery storm, so you’ll be protected from both the rain and the wind. It’s a win-win.

    Windproof Travel Umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Warm Hat

    Fall, winter, and spring can bring chilly and even freezing temperatures to Dublin. If you’re traveling during one of these seasons, I would absolutely bring a warm hat. Even when I have come in the summer before, the evenings can still get a little cool, so a warm hat is never a bad idea. Plus, it’ll hardly take up any space in your suitcase, so why not?

    Warm hat

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Neck Wallet

    Ireland is a very safe country, and in general, so is Dublin. However, pickpocketing is still an issue particularly if you find yourself amongst a large crowd in the city center or at a busy pub. The HERO neck wallet is a super discrete way of protecting your valuables. You can simply store your cash, cards, or passport in its zipped compartments, slip it around your neck and under your shirt, and never feel your items are at risk of being stolen.

    Neck Wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Waterproof Phone Case

    Anytime that I’m going to a country where I can expect a fair amount of rain or plan to do water activities, I’ll swap out my usual phone case for a waterproof one. It only took my phone falling into a deep puddle one time to never make that mistake again.

    Universa Waterproof

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Lightweight Tripod

    Dublin is super photogenic, and if you’re into photography, a good-quality camera and tripod are a must. This one is pretty lightweight and packs down into a manageable size. You can fit it into a smaller day pack when exploring the city, and it won’t take up too much space in your suitcase when you’re doing your overall packing.

    Lightweight Tripod

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. Travel Water Bottle

    I love this water bottle specifically for its ability to compress down into a smaller size when you aren’t using it. It makes it so convenient to pack around even in a smaller purse. When you’re ready to fill it up, just pull the bottle open to expand it, and clip it to the side of your bag. I never travel without it!

    Travel Water Bottle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 13. Portable Charger

    Whenever you’re exploring a new city, you’ll be using a lot of your phone battery for things like Google Maps and Uber. I never travel without a portable charger in order to eliminate the risk of my phone dying when I really need it. This easily slips into a purse or backpack, and you’ll be glad you had it.

    Portable Charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 14. Rain Boots

    Dublin does get a fair amount of rain, but it shouldn’t stop you from getting out and exploring! If you have a good pair of rain boots, like these ones, you won’t have to worry about any puddles or slick cobblestones. I like these ones also because they look great with a pair of jeans.

    Rain Boots

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 15. Small Handbag

    If you plan to go out to the pubs and bars at night, or even just out to dinner, then you’ll definitely want a small handbag like this one. I like this particular one because of its wrist strap. It makes it convenient to bring along with you, but you aren’t actually having to hold it the whole night. It’s the perfect size to bring your essentials.

    Small Handbag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 16. Sunglasses

    Despite the bouts of rain that you may encounter, you’ll likely also see some sun! I was most recently in Dublin in March, and we had more sunny days than rainy days. I was pretty grateful that I managed to pack my sunglasses… just in case. It made the St. Paddy’s Day parade that much more enjoyable.

    Sunglasses

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 17. Travel Insurance for Dublin

    Travelinsurance.com is a great site to find trustworthy health insurance plans when traveling internationally. You can just never anticipate when you might get sick or sustain an injury. Especially if you plan on doing any adventurous activities during your trip, I’d highly recommend getting at least some basic coverage. We use TravelInsurance.com to compare policies from top companies to find the best one for our family and travel plans.

    travelinsurance.com

    Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com ➜

What to Wear in Dublin

Dublin is a cool blend of a modern city with Medieval historical sites, cozy pubs, and a lively nightlife. It tends to be quite rainy and cool in the fall, winter, and spring, but you can expect to see a lot more sun in the summer. So depending on what time of year you go, you’ll want some warmer layers, an umbrella, some good (waterproof) walking shoes, or just some fashionable rain boots.

Because of its bustling nightlife, I would also pack some “going out” clothes if you are into that. Dublin has a mix of pubs and clubs, so if you want to go out and dance, dress accordingly! If you’d rather hunker down in a cozy pub on a rainy night, then comfortable, casual clothes will suffice.

What Women Should Wear in Dublin - (Click to expand)

Below is a sample women’s clothing list.(All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

I think it is best to come prepared with outfits that will withstand poor weather, make you feel comfortable in a pub, and allow you to dress up if you want to go out. I always have some good jeans, leggings, and sweaters for those casual nights out (or in!). But with Dublin’s busy nightlife, you may also want to pack a couple of outfits that will support going out to drink or dance, if that is something you are into.

What Men Should Wear in Dublin - (Click to expand)

Below is a sample men’s clothing list.(All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Dublin is a pretty cool and casual city, so having basic clothing items like a denim jacket, jeans, sweaters, and a warm hat will suit any guy well when exploring the city. If you’re interested in the nightlife or even just going to a nicer restaurant, packing a dressier button-down shirt would be great to have as well.

Dressing for the Seasons for Dublin

SPRING – March, April, May

Dublin has a temperate, maritime climate that doesn’t see a lot of rapid change in weather throughout the year. March will still bring drizzly rain showers, so don’t forget your rain jacket if visiting during this time. You’ll see temperatures rise in April and May, so you’ll want to pack a lighter cardigan, jeans, and maybe even some sandals.

You’ll see average temperatures approaching 50 degrees Fahrenheit in March, but progressing to the 60s by May.

SUMMER – June, July, August

Summer in Dublin is pleasantly warm and not extreme in anyway. You’ll typically find the warmest and driest days during these months, though you may still see an occasional drizzly day. Pack your sunglasses, T-shirts, and a sweater for the evening. This is also the most comfortable time of the year to be wearing a “going out” dress in the evenings.

You’ll pretty much see temperatures hover around the mid 60s to mid 70s degrees Fahrenheit throughout the summer months. Nighttime temps can drop to the low 50s.

FALL – September, October, November

September is still quite warm, but as October and November come, you’ll see more cloudy skies and lower temperatures. You might want your wool socks and warm hat by the time October hits, but I’d still have a T-shirt and light sweater for the days that tend to be a little warmer.

September will still have days that reach the low 60s, but by the time November is here, you can expect highs of 50 degrees Fahrenheit with lows of 40 degrees.

WINTER – December, January, February

Though Dublin’s winters are nowhere near as extreme as some other areas of the world, it still has its fair share of cold and rainy weather. Snow is pretty unlikely in the city, so you’ll primarily be battling rain and wind with an occasional crisp, sunny day. Pack the flannels, insulated vests or winter coats, and any other warm base layers you might want.

Average temperatures throughout the winter months tend to be in the low to mid-40s.

Dressing appropriately for the activity– (Click to expand)
Going Clubbing/Dancing: A cute dress with some heels and a clutch is the perfect trio for a night out in Dublin. Guys can choose between going casual with a simple T-shirt, or getting a little dressier with a button-down.

Hitting the Pubs: I personally prefer the cozy atmosphere of a pub in Dublin. Most will have live music every night, and with a hardy meal and a glass of Guinness, you really can’t go wrong! Dress casually and comfortably to enjoy the evening with a good pair of jeans, boots, and a warm sweater.

What NOT to Bring to Dublin

  • 1.DON’T Bring Sun Dresses

    Dublin isn’t a beachy and balmy destination that reaches really hot temperatures in the summer. At most, it may approach 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. I think you’d still be far too cold in a light sun dress and would be better off in some jeans and a T-shirt.

  • 2.DON’T Bring Non-Supportive Shoes

    All of Europe is highly walkable, and Dublin is no different. Especially with Dublin’s uneven cobblestones, you’ll want some good, supportive shoes.

  • 3.DON’T Bring a Hair Dryer

    Every hotel today should have a hair dryer for you to use. Besides, if you bring your own, you may end up blowing a fuse (like I did one time!). I no longer bring mine also simply due to the fact that it takes up too much space in my luggage.

  • 4.DON’T Bring an EU Plug Adaptor

    Despite Ireland being a part of the EU, they still operate on the plug that the UK does. It’s completely different than the type you’ll see in the EU, so make sure your adapter can accommodate multiple plug types.

  • 5.DON’T Bring Hiking/Camping Gear

    Most people that come to Dublin don’t come to camp or hike. There’s not a big scene for it here, so I wouldn’t bother packing loads of gear if you’re coming just to the city.

  • 6.DON’T Bring a Swimsuit

    The city also isn’t known for a lot of water activities, or things such as saunas that you may find in Finland all year round. Unless you have planned a specific activity where you’ll need a swimsuit, I wouldn’t bother bringing it.

What NOT to Wear in Dublin – (Click to expand)

There are really not a lot of specific things that you just absolutely shouldn’t wear in Dublin, but again, I’d have to say any summer clothes that are meant for hot and tropical destinations won’t do you much good here!

FAQs about Traveling to Dublin

  • 1. Should you tip when in Dublin?

    Should you tip when in Dublin?

    If you receive really good service, it never hurts to leave a few extra coins on the table, however, the tipping culture is not like how it is in the United States. You’ll never be expected to leave a tip. A good general rule of thumb is to round up when paying the bill. Unlike in the United States, the service staff earns a living wage and does not rely on tips in order to make a living.

  • 2. How far is the Dublin airport from the city center?

    The airport is only about 10km from the city center, but depending on traffic it could take you anywhere from 20-25 minutes.

  • 3. Is Dublin expensive?

    Is Dublin expensive?

    You’ll definitely be paying more for food, drinks, and services here than in a smaller town in Ireland. However, I think Dublin is pretty reasonably priced compared to other larger cities such as London or Paris. You can save money by walking or taking public transportation. There are plenty of budget hotels and hostels and a large variety of cheap eats too! It’s definitely possible to visit Dublin on a budget.

  • 4. What currency does Dublin (and Ireland) use?

    The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro as it is a member of the EU.

  • 5. Is Dublin safe?

    Is Dublin safe?

    In general, yes. I have never felt unsafe in Dublin. You always want to practice good awareness, though, as pickpocketing is common, as it is in most crowded cities. Don’t walk alone late at night, don’t be distracted by your phone, be aware of your surroundings, and keep your valuables out of reach. These simple rules will help you stay safe in Dublin and in any big city.

  • 6. Do they drive on the left?

    Yes! So if you plan on renting a car, just mentally prepare for this as it will feel a bit strange at first.

  • 7. What is the best time of year to visit Dublin?

    I love summer in Dublin for its generally good weather, but I was also there in March for their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. It was a blast!