tchisu07

We will be traveling April 15-25, 2010 in Ireland and are wondering what type of clothing to bring. I see the averages are in the mid 40's. I am from Minnesota so I am use to really cold temps (and 40's will feel warm after this winter!). Would a thick zip up hoodie and puffer vest be sufficient for warmth during that time? I plan to pack light. Pair of jeans, long sleeve tees, zip hoodie, puffer vest, scarf, mittens, hat. Does anyone have any thing else I should add? This is my first time to Europe so not entirely sure what to expect. Thanks!

Cowboy1968

While no one can foresee the weather, and especially not in Ireland, I think you tend to overdo a bit.
Mittens, scarf, and puffer vest seem a bit too much.
Rather bring some wind- and rainproof gear/ jacket. Also some shoes that can deal with rain showers. Bring clothes you can wear in layers. Hoodie plus raingear is a good idea for a cool spell or walks along windy coasts, or for the evenings. But during the day, temps in the upper 60s or low 70s can happen as well.

bratsandbeer

We were in Ireland the last time in mid May. We did fine with our microfiber raincoat with a sweater for under it if we needed. We were along the coast at the Cliffs of Moher and I had to dig out the stocking caps from Bushmill Distillery that we purchased so we could have something on our heads - it was a cold wind.
I would advise taking a pair of leather gloves or thin knit gloves and a cap or hood of some kind.

sharona

You didn't say what you plan to do but if you are going to be walking about on the west coast I say definitely bring the scarf and gloves. The wind can be cold and the fog can put a chill in the air. We were there in June and I would have welcomed gloves. Dress in layers and a water resistant jacket should be sufficient.

jaja

Our first trip was in mid-April. Layers, layers, layers! We were more comfortable outdoors when we were active than in the B&Bs at night so bring your warm jammies. And bedsocks.

Cowboy1968

The OP asked about Ireland, not Iceland.

nytraveler

I think a lot depends on where you're from. (I've noticed some people who think places are very cold are from the deep south - and not used to temps much below 50 at worst.)

I've been to Ireland 4 times at various times of year - including March and it was never really cold - just chilly and damp at times - never as cold as NYC. The most important things are sturdy folding umbrella, 2 pairs of waterproof shoes (and be ready for mud in the countryside) and waterproof jacket. You can put layers under it - anything from a shirt to shirt and sweater, or even add a turtleneck, etc.

allisonm

We have been multiple times and I agree that for April you will need layers. The weather is very changeable in Ireland so there is really no predicting what you will get. We are also going in April. I will be packing a light waterproof (somewhat!) jacket and some sweater/shirt combinations, as well as a scarf and gloves. (Hats and mittens do not take up much space in luggage.) An umbrella is good for a "soft day," but if the wind is blowing, it can be useless.

adrienne

Rather than a puffer vest (I had to look this up as I had no idea what it was) I would bring a fleece vest to put under a jacket. Fleeces are warm and can be folded up much smaller than the vest you have in mind and can be easily carried in a day pack.

I would definitely bring gloves and a scarf - they don't take up much room and when your hands and feet are warm you feel warmer all over.

kfoster2047

Just to represent the other possibilities, I would add to throw in a few sleeveless tops - we had some sunny days in March where I was down to a tank top. If the weather is cold, then they are an extra layer of warmth.

patrickjkerr

If you are planning on driving or dont like glare (reflection of the sun on the wet ground/road)of the sun, sunny days although a rare species do exist in ireland, only joking, bring a pair of sunglasses with you. the glare can be a real pain driving in the morning.

tchisu07

Thank you everyone for the great suggestions - I totally would have forgot sunglasses! I'll add that to my list as we are driving. I'm going to have to find a rain jacket or something similar before leaving as well.

Thanks again everyone!

jaja

I got a hooded windbreaker, unlined, from L L Bean and it was a wonderful choice. It folds up into itself so doesn't require much room. It spent a good bit of time with the arms tied around my waist, but was handy for those quick showers.

panecott

Definitely layers and a hooded rain jacket. I'd also bring a lightweight scarf and unlined gloves. The dampness will get you more than the cold.

PAWS4U

We are going same day as you from Chicago. Thanks for asking the question!

GreenDragon

Yup, we were there in the third week of April. It got as high as 65-70 during the days, and as low as 40-45 at night. Misty every morning, rain occasionally, yellow gorse EVERYWHERE. I did fine with a shawl and a sweater - took off both at different times, had one or the other handy at all times. Definitely have an umbrella, but why bother bringing one? Buy one when you're there - a souvenier

sessa

I hope you don't mind if I jump on this thread since we are leaving for Ireland on Tuesday. The temps look really chilly right now, but I am hopeful we will have at least a few days of sun. I'm planning on bringing a waterproof jacket, waterproof shoes, 2 pairs of jeans, a few lightweight turtlenecks, one vest (not a puffer ), and two sweater/fleece things...plus gloves, hat, scarf, etc. I'm sure I'll throw in a few other tops, but I assume (and hope) pub attire is casual??

Interestingly, my mom said she found a windproof umbrella. I've never heard of such a thing, but she's bringing it so we'll see how it goes.

saige

If you pack layers and make sure the outer one is water repellent, you're good to go. Have a wonderful trip and post a travel report when you get home. It's always fun to read others impressions of Ireland. My tip: add a plastic shower cap to your camera bag so you can cover the body and still take photos in the rain or the sea spray.

sessa, pub attire is casual.

markrosy

I live over the Irish Sea from Dublin. There are only two extremities that you can exclude.

It will probably be above freezing and it probably be below 20oC. Budget for anything in between and add a good dose of rain. It's usually windy and so an umbrella is useless.

linda_logue_7

This is on a different note but Ireland related. Does anyone know if gas stations take credit cards?