Ireland packing list for families
Ireland is wonderfully green for a reason, and families who pack for showers enjoy it the most. This list focuses on the wind-ready, waterproof basics that make cliff walks and castle days easy with kids.
Photo by Sean Kuriyan on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Ireland
- You drive on the left in Ireland, and many country roads are narrow and lined with stone walls. I book an automatic and keep daily drives short so there's time for sheep crossings and castle stops.
- Rain usually comes in quick bursts, so a good hooded rain jacket beats an umbrella, especially on windy spots like the Cliffs of Moher.
- If you cross into Northern Ireland for the Giant's Causeway, the currency switches to pounds. Cards work almost everywhere, but a few pounds in cash helps at small cafes.
Ireland
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Carry-on8
Clothing5
Shoes2
Beach & pool1
Little ones6
Health & toiletries3
Documents & tech5
City neutrals
Navy, cream, camel, olive
For the grown-ups
- A trench or chore jacket
- White sneakers
- One dinner outfit that packs flat
For the kids
- Cozy knits that layer
- Navy or olive leggings and joggers
- A raincoat with a hood
For photos
- Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
- Overcast days flatter everyone
Ireland weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 47°F 8°C | Cold and damp with short days and frequent rain; little snow | |
| February | 48°F 9°C | Cold and damp with short days and frequent rain; little snow | |
| March | 51°F 11°C | Cool with showers and bright spells, fields turning green | St. Patrick's Day parades on March 17 Lambs in the fields and spring wildflowers |
| April | 54°F 12°C | Cool with showers and bright spells, fields turning green | Lambs in the fields and spring wildflowers |
| May | 59°F 15°C | Cool with showers and bright spells, fields turning green | Lambs in the fields and spring wildflowers Puffins nesting on coastal islands like the Skelligs |
| June | 64°F 18°C | Mild with long daylight; still pack a rain layer | Puffins nesting on coastal islands like the Skelligs |
| July | 67°F 19°C | Mild with long daylight; still pack a rain layer | Puffins nesting on coastal islands like the Skelligs Galway International Arts Festival |
| August | 66°F 19°C | Mild with long daylight; still pack a rain layer | |
| September | 63°F 17°C | Cool and breezy, wetter and windier on the west coast | |
| October | 57°F 14°C | Cool and breezy, wetter and windier on the west coast | Halloween festivities, a holiday with Irish roots |
| November | 51°F 11°C | Cool and breezy, wetter and windier on the west coast | |
| December | 48°F 9°C | Cold and damp with short days and frequent rain; little snow |
Ireland with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Ireland with kids?
The best time is May–Sep. Mild with long daylight; still pack a rain layer
What's the weather like in Ireland?
Typical daytime highs range from about 47°F (8°C) in January to about 67°F (19°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Ireland?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Ireland?
Type G, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Ireland with kids?
You drive on the left in Ireland, and many country roads are narrow and lined with stone walls. I book an automatic and keep daily drives short so there's time for sheep crossings and castle stops.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.