What to Pack for a Trip to Ireland?

Highlights and Must-Pack Items for Visting the Emerald Isle

Ireland is a hugely popular tourist destination – attracting visitors from both sides of the Atlantic. People head to the Emerald Isle for the beautiful landscape and scenery. While there you will be captivated by the wonderful culture and history. You can enjoy a Guinness or a shot of Irish Malt while you are there.

More than 10 million people visit Ireland each year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

This guide covers the must-see attractions, and what to pack ahead of your visit. This is part of a series of packing guides here at Luggage Review. Don’t forget to check or selection of the best hard shell suitcases and carry-on luggage reviews for the best value cases!

Key Tourist Attractions In Ireland

Giant’s Causeway (World Heritage Site)

A million people head to the Giant’s Causeway in the North of Ireland each year to check out its natural beauty. More than 40,000 interlocking Basalt columns give this landmark its distinctive and other worldly look. Many of the columns feature a hexagonal shape.

Named the fourth most natural wonder in the UK in a poll, the Causeway sits on the Causeway Coast in County Antrim. The name ‘Giant’s Causeway’ comes from the legend that Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill built the Causeway so he could meet with rival Scottish giant Benandonner.

Giants Causeway

Newgrange (World Heritage Site):

Newgrange is a prehistoric monument located in County Meath. The Newgrange passage grave originated during the New Stone Age Period (approximately 3200 BC). While it’s not clear exactly what the monument was built for, it is presumed to be for religious purposes. The entrance to Newgrange is aligned perfectly with the rising sun on the Winter Solstice, where you’ll see sunlight flood the inner chamber through the roof box.

Skellig Michael (World Heritage Site):

If you’re heading to Ireland in the summer months, you can take a boat trip out to Skellig Michael, a twin-pinnacled crag in County Kerry. The island rose around 360 million years alongside the smaller and inaccessible Little Skellig. It is best known for the monastery which was founded on the island between the 6th and 8th centuries.

Cliffs of Moher:

The famous cliffs are visited by a million people each year. At points the cliffs rise as high as 214 metres, displaying the magnificent strata and greenery that makes up the rugged coastline. The cliffs stretch for eight kilometres, and you can take a walk along the trail for the perfect Cliffs of Moher experience. These cliffs are Irelands most visited natural attraction and when visiting, you can see why.

The Rock of Cashel:

This is the most visited heritage site in Ireland, featuring a group of medieval buildings that include the High Cross, the Romanesque chapel, a 15th century castle, a gothic cathedral and a 12th century round tower. Queen Elizabeth II visited the Rock by helicopter during her 2011 tour of Ireland. Tourists can enjoy audio-visual shows and exhibitions.

Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone:

One of Ireland’s best-known castles and home to perhaps Ireland’s best-known attractions – the Blarney Stone. This famous stone is said to endow eloquence to those who kiss it. The castle was built more than 600 years ago by Irish chieftain Cormac McCarthy.

Irish History

What to Pack for a Trip to Ireland?

Like any country, there are defined seasons in Ireland. Based on what time of year you travel; you will need different clothing and accessories. However, listed below are some of the items that could come in handy at whatever time of year you travel.

Waterproof Coat: It can be wise to prepare for rain when travelling to Ireland at any time of year. A light, waterproof jacket can be ideal in the summer, especially one you can pack away quickly and easily. In the winter you will need a thick coat, and along with it, scarves, hats, and gloves.

The Right Footwear: Trainers or sneakers can be ideal for a trip to Ireland as you will tend to do a fair bit of walking. Trainers can be ideal as you will get wet at times, and these will dry quickly. With many of the famous landmarks on rockier terrains, a pair of hiking boots can be a useful addition to your bag, especially if you are following some of the famed trails.

Jumpers: Something about Ireland just shouts jumpers. These can be versatile in that they keep you warm and can be worn when you go out to eat. There’s nothing better than sitting in an Irish pub close to the roaring fire, snug in your favourite jumper.

Ireland Travel Guide: If you’re planning on a trip to Ireland, ensure to buy a travel guide. These will give you the lowdown on all of the most famous landmarks, when is the best time to visit, how to get there and more. You will also find information on some of the lesser-known sites that won’t be so populated by tourists.

Ireland has it all – vibrant cities, history, stunning landscapes and friendly people. Make sure you are prepared with a smile, alongside your waterproof clothing!

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