We are visiting Ireland in mid September and I am wondering if I should only bring long sleeve tops or would short sleeve with a jacket be ok? I was planning to bring a couple of light weight sweaters and/or light weight long sleeve tops. Shouid I just bring short sleeves and my jacket or both sleeve length? We live in Florida in the U.S. and we still have temperatures in the 80's at that time so I really need advice.

I'd bring both just in case - who knows what the weather will actually do - but I'd pack more long sleeves than short. The average high in September in Shannon is 63, which would be chilly for me (I'm from Tennessee). Definitely bring a rain jacket.

http://www.wunderground.com/NORMS/Di...&Units=english

definitely long sleeves. It will likely be cool, w/ mild/warm-ish as a best case scenario. Especially if you are spending time on the coast - long sleeves, a fleece, gloves, scarf etc.

It may not be "cold" - but even moderately cool will be humid so feel colder.

We were there in September last year and it rained a lot -- also windy and cool. Just be prepared with a good rain jacket, umbrella and waterproof shoes.

Bring both, and try to pack clothes that work in layers. You may need only a t-shirt during the day, but want something warmer during the evenings. I'd rather pack a good variety of clothes than trust any statistics and focus on a certain type of weather.
But gloves are a bit too much in September.
Rain/wind repellent jacket w/ hood and shoes are a "must". An umbrella often is of little use when wind drives the rain from all sides into your face.
If you should find yourself in need to stock up any type of clothing (more as in an "emergency" than as in making a fashion statement) you will find inexpensive stuff also in smaller towns at stores like Dunnes.

true, gloves may be a bit much in Sept for some. But the OP is from Florida and likely not used to 50º - 55ºF and sideways rain in Sept. I've stood on the coast in July and my hands were so cold my knuckles were blue. And been in a t-shirt two days later and perfectly OK.

gloves take no room in the luggage . . . .

In case of emergency, overwhelmingly the best value clothing store in Ireland is Penneys (trading as Primark in Northern Ireland).

About 40 of them around the Republic. Worrying the bejayzus out of Dunnes, and no connection with the similarly-named US chain.

Cothing you can layer. And I'd bring a wool sweater, not a lightweight cotton, which I did one year in May and froze until I got to a store and bought a woolen Irish sweater.

I should have written wool or cashmere, which is lightweight and warm. A cashmere cardigan would work well and not take much space.

Thanks for everyones ideas! Janisj, I had not even thought of gloves! I will be getting some to take for sure since my hands get cold easily. I have a waterproof jacket but it is not hooded, do you think I need to bring a hooded one also or would "disposable" hooded rain parkas be ok? THANKS ALL!

I'd get one with a hood, myself. I've used the cheap rain ponchos at football games and the like, and they're not all that great there. I can't imagine they'd be really effective at blocking Irish wind and rain.

<<do you think I need to bring a hooded one also>>

Yes. Reread Cowboy's first post.

I always pack a lightweight knit stocking cap and matching gloves. Have used them many times. West coast of Ireland can be cold and windy. When in Bavaria we had snow in early September so the hat and gloves came in handy then too.

My sister always wears gloves no matter the weather. Calls them her "cootie catchers". (I just rely on Purell and luck)

Irishface: My husband laughs at me because my hands and feet always seem to get cold as soon as it get before 60. I have some light weight glove I will make sure to bring. I am trying to convince my husband he needs to bring more water proof shoes than his Asics and a hooded jacket. I guess the testosterone in him thinks he will be ok. I appreciate the names of some good stores to look out for when he does get cold. (lol). We are traveling to the west and southwest so I think all of you know best. Keep the advice coming! becky

On an August trip to Ireland I lived two weeks in my cotton turtleneck, wool sweater, jeans, goretex hooded raincoat and waterproof hiking shoes. Don't get me wrong we had a wonderful trip and frankly the nature of the weather is part of the fabulous ambience of Ireland (who would want to be in dark cozy pub on a sunny hot day?) but much of what is great is outside too (Celtic ruins, beautiful sea vistas) and you will enjoy it all a lot more if you are properly dressed.