Ultimate Ireland Packing Checklist: What to Bring and Why, Before you go to Ireland

Traveling internationally requires planning, especially when you want to balance comfort, mobility, and productivity. Over the years, I’ve learned that packing smart isn’t just about clothing it’s about preparing for every aspect of your trip, including medical needs, accessibility, technology, and even small comforts from home.

For my trip to Ireland, I wanted to ensure I could explore, blog, and enjoy my time with my best friend and my sons, without worrying about missing essential items. I also wanted to anticipate things that might not be readily available in Ireland. Some items like specialty cleaning products or certain personal care items can be more expensive or unavailable overseas, especially outside major cities.

Kilkenny Castle is one of the reasons for the packing.

Packing for Ireland or any international trip can feel overwhelming. Ireland’s weather is unpredictable, conditions vary from city streets to countryside trails, and if you’re traveling with disabilities, medical needs, or work goals (like blogging or promoting your books), then you need a packing strategy that works for your body, your plans, and your comfort.

This ultimate Ireland packing list brings together expert recommendations from travelers and packing guides with everything I personally brought from clothing to medical gear, electronics to extra comforts from home. With this list, you’ll be prepared for rainy days, long flights, outdoor exploring, and meaningful travel experiences.

How This Ireland Packing Checklist Helps You Travel Prepared

1. Clothing, Comfort and Weather Readiness

Ireland’s weather can change multiple times in a day you might experience sun, wind, rain, and chill all within a few hours. Layering is key.

Clothing Essentials

• Long‑ and short‑sleeved tops (mix for layering)

• Pants/jeans and/or lightweight trousers

• Sweaters or fleeces

• Waterproof jacket (essential Ireland gets rain!)

• Hoodie or warm layer

• Pajamas

• Underwear (bring extra)

• Bras/sports bra

• Socks (including moisture‑wicking for walking)

• Hat, scarf, gloves (season dependent)

• Optional: dressier outfit for nicer dinners or events

Why: Layering lets you adapt to Ireland’s changing weather and keep comfortable whether you’re city‑walking Dublin or heading out to the countryside.

2. Shoes, Walk and Explore

Shoes to Pack

• Comfortable waterproof walking shoes or sneakers

• Optional waterproof boots or hiking shoes (if exploring countryside)

• Optional flats or nicer shoes for evenings out

Why: Ireland’s touristic sites often involve walking on cobblestones and uneven terrain; waterproof and comfortable footwear prevents sore feet and helps you stay on the move.

3. Toiletries, Daily Needs (Carry‑On + Checked)

Even if your hotel provides basic toiletries, bring your preferred brands and any items you cannot live without.

Toiletries Checklist

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss

• Shampoo + conditioner (travel sizes for carry‑on; full sizes in checked bag)

• Body soap or body wash

• Deodorant

• Moisturizer, sunscreen

• Razor/shaving gel

• Hairbrush/comb, hair ties

• Makeup and makeup remover

• Feminine hygiene products

• Contact lenses + solution/glasses

• Lip balm/chapstick

• Hand sanitizer

• Baby/disinfectant wipes for surfaces

• Small first aid supplies (bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers)

Why: Toiletries are personal, and it’s better to travel with your own than hunt for unfamiliar brands abroad.

4. Travel Documents & Essentials

You need these at your fingertips in a travel pouch, organizer, or carry‑on bag.

Documents Checklist

• Passport (valid 6+ months from travel date)

• Printed and digital copies of passport

• Flight confirmations/boarding passes

• Travel insurance info

• Hotel reservations and addresses

• Emergency contacts

• Printed medication list

• Driver’s license + International Driving Permit (if renting a car)

• Credit/debit cards + cash (Euros)

Why: Organized documents mean no panic at the airport or abroad. Always keep digital backups too, in case something is lost or stolen.

5. Electronics, Stay Connected and Productive

For trips where you want to blog, post, work, or record, these items make life easier:

• Phone + charger

• Universal/adaptors (Ireland uses Type G plugs)

• Tablet (Samsung with keyboard case, as I used)

• Tablet tripod/stand

• Portable battery bank

• Ray‑Ban Wayfarer recording glasses (hands‑free video recording)

• Extra charging cables

• Laptop (optional based on needs)

• E‑reader or Kindle for reading

• Headphones/earbuds

Why: Being able to work, journal, record, or relax with a movie/podcast makes travel days and downtime better. Make sure you download your airplane-friendly apps and movies ahead of time.

6. Medical & Accessibility Gear

Travelers with health issues or mobility challenges need intentional packing. But there are some common over-the-counter and first aid kits that everyone should pack.

Medical Essentials

• All medications in original bottles

• Extra supply (in case of delays)

• Refrigerated insulin carrier with freezer sleeves

• CPAP machine + hoses + filter + extension cord

• A list of your medical conditions and medicines

• Doctor’s note for controlled meds (if necessary)

• Compression socks for flights

• small first aid kit (bandaids, tweazer..etc)

Mobility Devices

• Rollator or wheelchair (as needed)

• Carry case for mobility device

• Comfortable supports (braces, pads)

Over-the-Counter Quick Medicine Checklist

• Anti-diarrheal (e.g., loperamide/Imodium)

• Antacids (Tums, calcium carbonate)

• Mild laxative or stool softener

• Oral rehydration salts or electrolyte packets

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

• Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin)

• Antihistamines (e.g., Claritin, loratadine, or Benadryl/diphenhydramine)

• Decongestant (if prone to sinus pressure)

• Eye drops for dry or irritated eyes

• Nasal saline spray

• Cold & flu medicine (day and night formulas)

• Cough drops or cough suppressant

• Saline nasal spray

• Motion sickness medicine (e.g., meclizine or dimenhydrinate)

• Ginger chews (optional)

Vision & Eye Care

• Glasses + backup pair

• Contact lenses + solution

• Eye drops

Why: Since you are away from your primary care and you don't know what is available in other countries, take some of the basics. Some people have stomach/intestinal issues with certain foods and liquids. Others find they have an allergic reaction to plants or insect bites.

7. Comfort & Extras From Home

Because Irish stores may charge more for everyday items, especially outside big cities:

Comfort Items to Pack

• Large bottle of shampoo/soap you prefer

• Dawn dish soap + laundry soap sheets

• Rubber gloves + cleaning supplies (for self‑clean farmhouse stays)

• Ziplock bags (various sizes)

• Packing cubes + vacuum/space bags

• Compression socks, cozy socks, sweaters

• Travel pillow and blanket/scarf for flights

Why: Some everyday comforts are worth bringing to avoid cost or unavailability abroad.

8. Author/Work Trip Items (My Extras)

If you’re traveling with a creative or professional mission (like I was):

• Promotional cards and postcards

• Books for sale or display

• Website/social media business cards

• Writing notebook or travel journal

• Extra SD cards or storage for photos

• Portable printer (optional)

Why: If travel is also a professional opportunity, packing materials to support that helps you work on the road.

9. Bags and Organization Tools

Keep your luggage organized and efficient.

Bag Checklist

• Medium‑size suitcase or checked bag

• Carry‑on backpack/tote

• Day pack for sightseeing

• Packing cubes

• Luggage tags

• Money belt or secure travel wallet

• Reusable water bottle

• Umbrella or compact rain poncho

Why: Separating gear keeps you organized, finds things faster, and helps with security checks.

10. Weather & Activity‑Specific Gear

Ireland weather can change quickly — be ready for rain, cool breezes, and outdoor fun.

Activity Items

• Waterproof rain jacket

• Quick‑dry towel

• Hat or cap for sun/rain

• Hiking socks and gear (optional)

• Swimsuit (if your accommodation has a spa/hot tub)

Why: Cover all base weather conditions for comfort and flexibility in your itinerary.

11. Last‑Minute & On‑The‑Go Items

Keep a small checklist near your door to finalize before departure:

• Passport + wallet + phone + charger

• Snacks for travel day

• Refill prescriptions

• Download offline maps and documents

• Check weather for destination again

• Charge all electronic devices

Checking off my bucket list, one selfie at a time.

Final Thoughts: I’m Packed and Ready!

As a Type A planner, I have to admit, I probably drove my kids and best friend a little crazy with my lists, check-ins, and “extra-safety” packing. My mental checklist ran nonstop: did we have every prescription, every cold-and-flu remedy, every backup pair of glasses? Did we remember the insulin cooler, the rollator case, the extension cords, and the European plugs?

My kids laid-back by nature thought I overpacked. They laughed at some of the medications I brought, like the Flonase, the stomach meds, and the extra cold-and-flu remedies. But when stomach issues, sniffles, and muscle aches popped up during the trip, the extra planning proved invaluable. Some of the items they rolled their eyes at ended up being lifesavers.

The biggest lesson? Being prepared reduced stress for everyone. I knew that no matter what challenges popped up delays, weather, or aches and sniffles we had what we needed to keep moving and enjoy the trip. Preparation gave me freedom. Freedom to rest when I needed to. Freedom to explore when I could. Freedom to fully enjoy Ireland in a way that worked for me.

And yes, once the suitcases were finally packed, sleep was hard to come by. That anxious excitement hit. Tomorrow was the day. Ireland was waiting.

Adventure isn’t just about where you go it’s about how you prepare your mind, body, and heart to enjoy every moment.

Explore More: Get Off the Couch and Create Your Own Adventure

You don’t need an international plane ticket to explore. Adventure starts when you decide to go.

Here are a few simple ways to get moving, no matter where you live:

• Take a one-day road trip to a town you’ve never explored nearby

• Visit a local museum, historic home, or heritage site

• Walk a nature trail, botanical garden, or lakeside path

• Spend a night at a nearby bed-and-breakfast or small-town hotel

• Attend a local festival, farmers market, or seasonal event

• Take a train or bus to the next city over and explore without a plan

Adventure doesn’t have to be big or expensive. It just has to be intentional. Start small. Step outside. See what’s around you.