Planning a trip to Ireland in December? Keep scrolling to get my full Ireland packing list!
This Ireland packing list for December was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Planning a winter trip to Ireland? I’m going to walk you through exactly what to pack based on my own December trip, because let me tell you, I stressed about this for WEEKS before I left.
As a family travel blogger from Seattle, I thought I knew cold and rainy weather. But Ireland in winter? That’s a whole different level, especially when you want your photos to look like you stepped straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie.
Here’s everything I packed (and what I wish I’d done differently).
Why Winter in Ireland is Magical
Before we get into the packing list, can we talk about how gorgeous Ireland is during winter? The Christmas markets, the cozy pubs, the festive atmosphere…it’s absolutely worth the extra layers.
Plus, winter crowds are way smaller than summer, hotel prices drop, and honestly? The moody weather makes everything look more dramatic in photos.
If you’re still planning your trip, grab my free 5-day email course on how to plan a trip to Ireland like a pro. It covers everything from itineraries to booking tips, and it’s saved my readers hundreds of dollars.
Coats: The Most Important Decision You’ll Make
I brought two coats, and honestly, that was the right call.
First, I packed a red waterproof parka because Ireland’s weather is unpredictable. Wind, rain, drizzle…you need something that can handle it all. This ended up being my go-to coat for most of the trip.
Second, I brought a faux wool plaid coat that wasn’t weather-resistant at all, but looked incredible in photos. I wore it on dry days when I knew we’d be taking pictures around Dublin and at the Christmas markets.
Here’s the thing about winter travel in Ireland: you’re going to be wearing a coat in almost every photo, so pick something you actually like looking at.
Clothing: Wool is Your Best Friend
I’m obsessed with wool clothing for travel. You can wear it multiple times without it getting smelly, and it keeps you warm even when it’s damp.
For my Ireland trip, I packed:
- 2 pairs of merino wool leggings (I could alternate them throughout the trip)
- A handful of merino wool t-shirts for layering
- Wool socks (absolute game-changer)
- Wool underwear
- A wool base layer for pajamas
- Wool layering tops
I also threw in 2 pairs of jeans as an alternative to leggings. Usually I pack dresses for trips, but Ireland in winter is way too cold for that. I’m so glad I skipped dresses entirely.
The star of my wardrobe? Four festive Christmas sweaters. I figured I could wear each one twice since I had clean base layers underneath. I already owned a couple, but I found some cute ones on Amazon specifically for this trip.
Pro tip: Woolx makes incredible merino wool gear. You can get quality pieces that last forever. Use this link to get $20 off your first Woolx order.
Footwear: Waterproof is Non-Negotiable
Last time I was in Ireland (during spring), I brought my Vessi waterproof sneakers and they worked perfectly. Use this link to save $20 on Vessi shoes.
This time, I wanted something that looked more polished for photos and could handle the colder temps.
I packed two pairs of waterproof boots:
My Vionic black ankle boots are a bit bulky, so I wore them on the plane to save suitcase space. Vionic boots are amazing for arch support, which you need when you’re walking 20,000 steps a day exploring Dublin.
Then I packed my brown Vionic ankle boots so I could switch things up. I added memory foam inserts to make them extra comfy for all that walking.
Both pairs kept my feet completely dry, even when we were walking through puddles and rain. If you’re staying in Dublin hotels, you’ll be doing a ton of walking, so comfortable, waterproof boots are essential.
Accessories That Made All the Difference
The right accessories can make or break your winter Ireland trip. Here’s what I brought:
Hats: I packed three different options. A cute knit Santa hat for festive photos, a classic white beanie, and a beret that screamed “I’m on a European adventure.”
Purse: Since both my coats were red, I grabbed this green crossbody bag to add some festive contrast to my outfits.
Gloves: I brought basic touchscreen gloves, though honestly, I barely used them. But if you’re planning to be outside for extended periods (like at outdoor Christmas markets), you’ll want them.
Scarf: Here’s a fun tip: I specifically didn’t pack a scarf because I wanted to buy one while shopping in Ireland. Supporting local shops and getting a souvenir? Win-win.
The Travel Essentials You Don’t Want to Forget
Beyond clothing, here are the random items that saved my trip:
Medicine: Pack Mucinex or your preferred cold medicine. Ireland doesn’t sell Mucinex anywhere, and I learned this the hard way on a previous trip when I had walking pneumonia. This time I came prepared.
For Amazing Photos: I brought this magnetic phone tripod that’s about the size of a credit card. Game-changer for getting photos without bothering strangers.
Even better? Consider booking a Flytographer session (save $20 with my link!). Having a professional photographer capture you and your travel buddies against Ireland’s stunning backdrop is worth every penny. Your Instagram will thank you.
For the Flight: I never do red-eye flights without my sleep mask, Bose noise-canceling headphones, and Kindle Paperwhite.
Skincare: The winter air in Ireland is crazy dry. I used this snail mucus moisturizer every morning and night, and my skin felt so much better than it normally does during winter travel.
Where to Stay in Ireland
If you’re basing yourself in Dublin (which I highly recommend), there are some fantastic hotel options. The Marker Hotel is stunning and modern, while The Shelbourne is classic luxury right on St. Stephen’s Green.
For something more boutique, check out The Westbury or The Merrion. All of these put you right in the heart of Dublin’s best neighborhoods.
Winter Activities Worth Packing For
Make sure your packing list accounts for the activities you want to do. Some of my favorites included:
- Christmas Lights Festive Bus Tour with Afternoon Tea (dress cute, you’ll want photos)
- Day trips to the Cliffs of Moher (wear your waterproof gear)
- Guinness Storehouse tours (indoor, so you can look fancy)
- Traditional Irish music pub crawls (wear your fun Christmas sweater)
I have a whole 9-day Ireland itinerary for December if you want the full breakdown of what to do.
What I Wish I’d Done Differently
Looking back, I could have gotten away with just one pair of jeans instead of two. And honestly, if I hadn’t wanted my plaid coat specifically for photos, I would’ve been totally fine with just the waterproof parka.
I also ended up buying three wool sweaters while I was IN Ireland (including one at the airport on my way home because I couldn’t resist). So you could probably pack 2-3 sweaters max and just plan to shop while you’re there.
I never used my gloves, though I can see how people who are more sensitive to cold would want them, especially for outdoor activities.
My Final Packing List Summary
Here’s what I’d pack if I were doing it again:
Outerwear:
- One really good waterproof coat
- One cute coat for photos (optional)
Clothing:
- 2 pairs wool leggings
- 1-2 pairs jeans
- 3-4 festive sweaters (you’ll probably buy more)
- Multiple wool base layers
- Wool socks, underwear, and pajamas
Footwear:
- 2 pairs waterproof boots
Accessories:
- 2-3 hats
- Gloves (just in case)
- Crossbody purse
Essentials:
- Cold medicine
- Phone tripod or book a Flytographer
- Sleep mask and headphones
- Moisturizer
More Ireland Resources
As a family travel expert who’s been to Ireland multiple times, I’ve written a ton of helpful guides:
- How to plan a budget-friendly photo shoot in Dublin
- 13 important Ireland travel tips for first-timers
- Christmas-themed 9-day Ireland itinerary
And don’t forget to sign up for my free Ireland planning email course. It walks you through every step of planning an amazing Irish adventure.
Ireland in winter is absolutely magical. Yes, you need to pack smart and layer like crazy. But the cozy pubs, the festive atmosphere, and those moody, dramatic photos? Totally worth it.
Looking for more Ireland travel resources? Check out Christmas-Themed 9-Day Ireland Itinerary for December, How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Photo Shoot in Dublin, Ireland, and 13 Important Ireland Travel Tips for First-Timers!
