Leaving tomorrow (Ireland) - do I need shorts?
 

I've been checking the worldwide weather sites and it appears that daytime temperatures in Ireland (Galway, Shannon, Dublin) have been mostly in the 60's lately. Is it likely to warm up over the next couple of weeks? I'm struggling with what to pack for clothing. (Yes, layers, I know!) I get cold easily - should I take a fairly warm jacket? I don't have Gortex shoes/boots. I'm planning on taking a pair of hiking shoes and a pair of sandals as my only shoes. Do I need a pair of shorts? I've never yet taken an umbrella to Europe, but it looks like I'll need one in Ireland. We'll be in Galway, Dublin, Kilkenny, Kinsale, and Killarney. Any suggestions for packing for this time of year are welcome!

We were there last month. I wish I had taken more short-sleeve shirts. It was nice during the day, and a sweater/windbreaker at night. Take an umbrella (everybody uses one) and some shorts for the day. Leave the winter coat at home. Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes - I can't overstress this. Have a great trip!! ((b))

In Ireland daytime temps higher than the high 60's are rare even in the summer. I would not bother with shorts - nor with any sort of havy coat. You will run into basically 50's/60's weather - so a windbreaker and a couple of light sweaters would be good.

I would also not bother with sandals - use a decent pair of walking shoes instead - sandals are not great in the rain - even the misty variety you get in Ireland on many days.

Ireland is COLD in the summer! You'll have no need for shorts, believe me. Sweaters, jacket, yes. Sandals, even my beloved flip-flops, no. If you have light cashmere sweaters to pair with jeans, those always work well -with a jacket to throw over them for good measure. (good pub-wearing outfits!)

My dear if your legs are worth showing off wear shorts and be laughed at for wearing shorts in arctic conditions, if your legs should be kept under wraps, please be considerate and wear trousers.

Ha! Ha! most amusing-and so true! I've never been to Ireland of a summer that I DIDN'T freeze even WITH my cotton and cashmere sweaters and jacket-I do not take cold well, so if you also don't, keep that in mind while packing! Also, don't forget the right music for Ireland-Van Morrison, of course- the remaster of his 87 CD "Poetic Champions Compose" - the BEST.

WOW, too funny. I just returned less than a month ago. We were there 22-31 May, and there were a few days I could have worn shorts as it was in the high 60's/mid 70's with the sun shining and little wind. It rained only one late PM/evening. Maybe it was the luck of the Irish (I'm Irish after dark). ((a))

3 trips to Ireland in May, the first & last we had great weather. The middle trip we had lots of rain. I distinctly remember on my first trip, we were in Lahinch and it was in the mid-70's. One of the locals commented that it was "blistering" outside. ((a))

I would take a pair of shorts. There were people in bathing suits and swimming in Kilkee and one of the beaches along the Dingle Peninsula.

There, you now have enough information to make your own intelligent decision. I would also recommend ditching the sandals and bring a good walking shoes along with your hiking shoes. ((b))