gracie0569

We're visiting Ireland for the first time in early June. We want to blend in with the locals. Can anyone suggest a good link for fashion do's/dont's or provide tips? As for the weather -- too cold for shorts? I've heard jeans make one stand out as a tourist - true or not?

gablues

We wear jeans here...will not make you stand out as a tourist, but shorts might though I have found it rare to get a day warm enough (West coast) to even consider putting on shorts or even a sleeveless shirt.

T-shirts, hoodies or caps with a a college or professional sports team emblem seem to make people stand out as tourists.White tennis tend to stick out as well.

flanneruk

Jeans aren't a terribly good idea for visitors in Ireland though. Or anywhere else you're likely to be out a lot and where it's likely to rain without warning at any time. Mr Levi didn't invent those ghastly, heavy, uncomfortable trousers for wear in a civilised climate: they were designed to withstand rough use in uninhabitable, arid, prairies.

Irish people generally have better things to do with their time than walk round gawping (and are culturally habituated and sensible enough to regard being a bit damp as just part of life's rich pattern anyway), so jeans aren't too bad an idea for many of them. But if you're from somewhere with a less benign climate and try walking around in Ireland you'll rapidly see why jeans are best left back home. If you don't, try wearing them once on a typical pleasantly soft Irish morning - then get yourself instantly to the nearest Penney's (no relation) for something cheap and comfortable.

Otherwise wanting "to blend in with the locals" is pointless. However many Irish ancestors you might have, you'll look, sound and behave unmistakably foreign. And no-one will give a damn.

Tony2phones

(Hi ga, Hope you are keeping well.)

Yes sat here in my Jeans (as usual everyday wear)and Hoodie watching the clouds pass by.

The point of packing for Ireland or anywhere with what they call a Temperate Climate is layers. a good pair of outdoor Shoes (decent soles)and just be comfortable.

What you wear says who you are to an extent but no body cares.

Wearing my Guinness "T" shirt as well so that must make me a tourist??

Padraig

I'm also wearing jeans today; it's pretty standard attire in Ireland. I very rarely wear shorts; our climate is such that they are not often a good idea.

As flanner suggests, you're unlikely to blend in anyway. And we won't give a damn.

gracie0569

Thank you
Will it be too warm for tall boots in June?
We're from Florida, so we're used to shorts and sandals

gablues

gracie0569...have worn knee high boots during the summer months here, as well as sandals. It really is what you are comfortable with and how much room you have in your suitcase. Coming here from Florida the boots will not be too warm for you!

(hi tony..as much of a tourist as me with my 'Atlanta Braves' t-shirt)

Tourismireland

You would do well to pack sunglasses, wellingtons, high heels and a rain jacket. That way you're covered for whatever the weather throws at you.

crckwc1

----and a windproof umbrella

Padraig

Is that the entire packing list? Could be interesting.

chartley

Plaid is always acceptable in celtic countries, I understand.

Pray4Peace

As a 70 year old woman from the California Mojave Desert visiting Ireland for the first time in June, I will surely be tagged as a tourist by anyone who happens to care. For instance, anything I bring for rain protection will be brand spanking new. We have drought.

What I am most concerned about is not being an "ugly American" or insulting the sensibilities of the Irish. I am healthy and hike often enough to wear shorts here, but I promise not to there. What is good for wearing at a two week course at the University in Cork, please? If not jeans, what sort of slacks? Polyester wouldn't wrinkle but it is so darn matronly.

Appreciate any hints and hope you will visit us too.

nytraveler

You are unlikely to get what Floridians would consider weather for shorts and sandals (esp unless you like muddy feet).

However, Ireland, due to the effect of the gulf stream, doesn't even get really cold in winter, never mind in summer. Temps are moderate all year (that is warm winters and cool summers compared to most other places) but moisture is almost ever present (mist, drizzle, showers - intermittent or day long and even some days of real rain). What you don't get are the tropical deluges (where you can;t see the other side of the street) that many places in the US get in summer when it's very hot.

I would plan for mild weather with things to layer (but nothing very heavy and no boots) but do have a sturdy folding umbrella and a tissue weight hooded rain jacket - which is plenty for most "wet" days.

flpab

I know the someone will come along and say this is an old thread but you searched and it came up so will offer advice. I love the pants from Eddie Bauer. Lands End also has some lighter weight pants. I imagine you will have laundry facilities so you don't have to take a lot. I layer my clothes and peel off or on. I always take a rain jacket and fleece. Never have much luck with the umbrella's but do take a small totes. Smart wool socks are my favorite and wear them in all seasons. http://www.sierratradingpost.com/ has great deals and buy all my smart wool socks there. Jack Wolfskin is my favorite for rain jackets. They have so many pockets that I don't need a purse.

Your course intrigues me, that has to be interesting. I always wanted to take a cooking class here, http://www.cookingisfun.ie/ not far from Cork.

Have a great trip.

janisj

Yes -- really old thread but >>What to wear in Ireland (June trip)<<

A waterproof and layers -- simple as that.