I'm traveling to Ireland with my husband and kids (8 and 5) for the first two weeks of August. We'll be flying into Dublin and then traveling around the south/west area. I'm confused about the weather and what to pack. I've read that the beaches are beautiful and bring beachwear along but I've also heard it is cool and rainy year round. Should I bring any shorts or swimsuits or do I stick to long pants and sweatshirts?

We went in August last year and I wore shorts for one day in a three week trip. The rest of the time I was in long pants with a short sleeved shirt and light sweater (and rainjacket!). At least for us last year, they didn't have much of what I would consider a summer.

You are much more likely to spend a lot more time in long pants and sweaters than in swimwear or shorts. But suits/shorts take next to no space in your luggage - so take them. Then you are covered for heat wave or "more normal". Just don't forget the fleece/sweaters/warm socks/waterproof

My daughter is in Ireland staying with her fiance's family. FWIW, she told me the prediction is for rain for the next 6 weeks. But I don't know whether long-range forecasting is any better there than it is here!

Here's what I pack for Europe:

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=1440268

It's designed for shoulder season. You may be able to go a little lighter but still be ready for rain, wind and some cold weather.

The water is too cold for swimming and the beach is too cold to sit in a swimsuit. You may - but not likely - get a day warm enough for shorts. The temp in Ireland rarely hits 70 - so you really need spring type clothing - not summer.

On the day of our flight I ran to the mall and picked up closed toed shoes, a raincoat, and long pants. Thank goodness I did! It was very chilly. We were there in late July. Absolutely bring a rain coat. If you don't worry about cold legs, capris will be okay, but bring closed toed shoes as well. We never would have needed shorts. We were never hot.

I agree with the previous posters- August will not be warm in Ireland. There may be a few nice days, but that doesn't mean 75 degree heat. I would stick with long pants, a couple t-shirts, long sleeved shirts and some sweaters for layering. Good luck!

Are you staying at hotels with pools? Then take the bathing suits. There are many pools and places to take the kids indoors where they can get their summer fun. On the off chance you run into a brief Irish heat wave (ha ha) you will be prepared. As janisj suggested bathing suits take up no room. Bring the pants and sweatshirts too.