I'll be traveling in Ireland, then flying to Edinburgh via Aer Lingus. I've read that they are very picky about carryon items, stating that the bag can be no larger than 22/16/8". I've been looking at luggage, and many pieces state they are that size or smaller, but when I actually measure them, they don't count wheels or front pockets. Do I trust the name brand luggage companies or should I go by actual measurements? And I think I'm allowed a small purse also. I'd love to hear from anyone who has flown Aer Lingus recently.

Aer Lingus usually isn't as anal about this as Ryanair, sizewise and re. the "one piece carry on only" policy. Though I would not bet my life on it.
Actual measurements count, incl. wheels.
If in doubt, just pre-book one bag to check in and pay € 15 to have piece of mind.

I have never seen or heard of Aer Lingus going to town on luggage sizes, and I travel regularly with them, and participate in Irish forums where such things, if they happened, would be likely to be mentioned.

I flew Dub to Edi in Sept and had no problem with my 22 inch suitcase as carry on. I asked about it and they said no problem but coming back to Dub we were on a smaller plane and they made me pay 25 pounds to check it. So make sure the return flight is a bigger plane. I would have pre-paid on their site with euro had I know. We were not happy. The insurance I bought for that flight was useless also. Three of us were going and my one friend had a heart attack three days before. Because I bought the ticket through the European site the insurance was invalid. Live and learn. On a positive note we laughed to ourselves sitting next to Ryan Airs gate. They were charging 40 pounds at the gate for over sized luggage so it could have been worse.

I travel with Aerlingus from Dublin to London every week. They can be very strick on cabin luggage if the flight is very busy or full. Aerlingus is one of the airlines that has taken to charging for everything on domestic and short haul flights, including even one piece of checked luggage. As a result most passengers carry on all their luggage which can lead to the over head compartments becoming full very quickly.

So, you should only have problems if the flight is very busy or full and yes you are allowed one piece of cabin baggage and one purse, laptop bag etc. If the flight is full you will be asked to put your bag into a measuring unit at the gate. If it has any difficulty fitting i have seen them take the bags and check them in at the gate.

When we first flew on Aer Lingus in 2006, we checked the size restrictions, which were much smaller than say, American Airlines. We looked all over for a carry-on that size, but eventually bought something even smaller. Its an Eagle Creek that you can put on your shoulder.

When we actually flew, people had much larger carry-ons. I would say they were larger than the website said was allowed. However, I would imagine that might have to do with how many people are on the plane and the capacity of the overhead bins. I would not risk a larger bag than allowed.

With that said, though, we learned a great lesson with the smaller carry-on and I would encourage you to do the same.

Travelling light gives such freedom. You are not lugging all over the place stuff that you will not use. We take less and wash our clothes while we travel. Its easier to get in the overhead bin and easier to get around.I will never bring a big carryon with wheels again. Its just not necessary.

We also bought a small Eagle Creek duffle that folds up into nothing. When we come home, we put our souvenirs in the carryon and our dirty laundry in the duffle to check in, if necessary, for our international journey home.

Happy travels.