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What to wear in Ireland?

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Old Oct 23rd, 2013, 10:53 AM
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What to wear in Ireland?

My trip to Ireland is in March 2014. I have been reading up on what to wear while in Ireland, and I have read several suggestions that said layers. My biggest question is... What is the proper dress for going out in Ireland? There are four of us (All 25 years old), and we are interested in spending some time going out to pubs and enjoying the night life. We are spending 3 nights in Dublin during the Saint Patricks day festival then heading to Galway. From there we will be heading to Killarney and Cork. Is there different dress codes according to where your at? Also, what is customary to wear on Saint Patricks day? I don't want to look like the idiot American decked out in green and shamrocks when locals aren't. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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Old Oct 23rd, 2013, 11:01 AM
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Holly,

I recently spent two weeks in Ireland. I spent time in Dublin, Galway, and Killarney. I went to pubs in all three cities. The dress was/is casual, casual, casual. Pubs in Ireland are very different from bars in the U.S. They are much warmer, and more welcoming. People go there more to gather, rather than to hook up, or drink as much as they can so they can do stupid things they don't remember the next day.
So, "dressing up" to go to pubs is not necessary, as it might be in the U.S., when you go out on a Saturday night.

I loved Galway. Check out the upstairs sessions at Crane Bar, if you want real, traditional music, in a place filled with people your age.

I hope this helps. You will love Ireland.
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Old Oct 23rd, 2013, 11:22 AM
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The only dress "code" I've encountered was on the QM2. Otherwise one always looks best in one's favorite things. Wear confidence, the rest will fall into place. And yes, casual. The rule, if one believes in such things, is better to underdress than overdress.
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Old Oct 23rd, 2013, 11:24 AM
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"Also, what is customary to wear on Saint Patricks day?"

Just like everywhere else in the British Isles, it is NOT customary to dress formally to go to Mass.

After church: "I don't want to look like the idiot American decked out in green and shamrocks when locals aren't". The Irish believe passionately in tolerance: so passionately, they'll kick the living daylights out of anyone who doesn't

If you want to reflect your nation's culture, no-one will give a stuff. FWIW, look at https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=du...w&ved=0CEEQsAQ

Nor will they care if you just want to behave and dress like a grownup.

Bear in mind the more absurd clothing on display may well be worn by visiting foreigners.
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Old Oct 23rd, 2013, 11:56 AM
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Ireland is very casual. When I used to travel there frequently (I dated a Dubliner for a bit), I wore jeans mostly and skirts here and there. Young women often dress up a bit for a night on the town, but it's certainly not required, and I doubt you'll get mocked for wearing green on Saint Patrick's Day. Honestly, just wear things that are warm and comfortable, and shoes you can walk in. The cobbles in certain parts of Ireland are far better with comfortable shoes.
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Old Oct 23rd, 2013, 12:11 PM
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Thanks for all the suggestions! I appreciate all your advice. Garyincary- I will check out the Crane Bar. It sounds great!
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Old Oct 23rd, 2013, 12:22 PM
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There are several Carrolls tacky gift shops in Dublin that you can buy all sorts of St Paddy's day hats and beads. Have fun, everyone does and enjoy. It will be a little cool so dress warm. At night the females do dress up a bit for clubbing.
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Old Oct 23rd, 2013, 12:31 PM
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jeans.

and if in doubt, your other pair of jeans.
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Old Oct 23rd, 2013, 12:58 PM
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Wear what you would wear at home to do the same type of activities.
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Old Oct 23rd, 2013, 01:04 PM
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Please - do not wander around wearing everything green, covered with shamrocks and silly hats and big buttons sayign Erin go bragh - r kiss me I'm Irish. (That is allowed only in NYC, Boston and similar - not Ireland).

(Nor should you dye your dog - or you rat fur coat green - I have seen both - or expect to get green beer or green bagels.)
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Old Oct 24th, 2013, 07:00 AM
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http://www.justtravelous.com/en/2013...s-ive-learned/

I love the green man guys here.
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Old Feb 25th, 2014, 08:20 PM
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Hey Holly! I am from Texas, my friend and I will be traveling the same time and same route! I was also curious t what to wear, when i google searched this popped up Maybe ill see you there! Have fun! I know we will !

[email protected] if you two want travel buddies
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Old Feb 26th, 2014, 07:10 AM
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Pubs are casual but if you are going to a club in a city to party, of course you can dress up! Really anything goes, the Irish are very laid back! You will have a great time at St Patricks Day just bring something warm if you are going to be watching the parade!
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Old Mar 2nd, 2014, 07:08 PM
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We will be there too from the 13-21! Email me at [email protected] if you want drinking buddies!
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Old Mar 3rd, 2014, 06:24 AM
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You see Tony, this is why I love this Forum. Reading the posts above, all these kids are going to have a blast in Ireland....they're already hooking up!......so please, lighten up!
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Old Mar 3rd, 2016, 09:07 AM
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Hey Holly217, makows24 and amberMarley! How was your trips? I was wonder if now that you went, could you offer the same feedback that you were asking? I am leaving for Ireland in two weeks and have just about the same questions.

About our trip - St. Patrick's day in Dublin followed by full coastal trip around Ireland including Belfast, Dingle, Galway, Kilarney and Cork.

Any info will be helpful. Thanks!
klo1813 is offline  
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