Packing List for Ireland and Scotland

Ireland and Scotland have been on my bucket list for a long time and to spend two weeks exploring both countries was a dream. The challenge was packing for varying weather, activities, and lots of photos in one checked bag and a personal item. In the end I was actually surprised by how much I was able to bring and still had things I didn’t wear.

Side note: I think a one-week trip, or even two weeks if you know you’ll have access to laundry facilities, with just a carry-on is very doable if you don’t mind repeating outfits.

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When we went: late June to early July. Coming from summer in the southeastern US, the weather was a pleasant break from the heat. It was generally between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit and only rained for two days while we were in Scotland. Europe was also experiencing a heat wave at the time, usually temperatures in Dublin don’t go above 60. Weather in these countries is pretty stable throughout the year, but the ‘feels like’ can range widely depending on elevation, wind, and cloud cover. So it is best to be prepared for a lot of climactic contingencies. I always start with the basics – great denim and lots of layers.

I started adding to my sweater collection last fall in anticipation of our trip. I love this cropped fisherman sweater from Quince. Point Sur denim by J. Crew is my favorite for the fit and quality, I lived in this high-waisted dark wash pair. I also packed a few bralettes, leggings, basic tees, skirts, and a comfy dress. Everywhere you look in Ireland is GREEN and gorgeous. Warm colors or light neutrals will stand out best in photos.

A great tip I got from another blogger was to bring a few different jacket/outerwear options, since that is what you will see more in photos than what is underneath. You should definitely pack a hooded rain jacket and this is a fun way to add color. A waxed cotton jacket, sometimes called a field or barn jacket depending on the style, is classic and great for unpredictable weather. Mine is from J Crew, but there a ton of thrift-able options out there. I also brought a Patagonia better sweater quarter-zip but only wore it on the plane because the weather was so warm.

Last but not least – shoes and accessories. After some (read: literal hours) debating, I packed four pairs of shoes – white sneakers, rain boots, black Chelsea boots, and hiking boots. Summer is the driest season in Ireland. Unless you really want them for photos, the rain boots added a lot of bulk and weight to my bag and I only wore them once. These white sneakers – the best $10 I have ever spent. I have had these for years and wear them everywhere. You can wash them with bleach and keep on going. The leather boots were great for some light hikes we did, are waterproof and not too heavy. They also aren’t so utilitarian that they look out of place walking around a city.

Walking to the Cliffs of Moher | Ireland – Cliffs of Moher

I also had a couple light scarves, my go-to cross-body bag, leather backpack, and Longchamp tote. This mini backpack from Madewell is also available with monogramming, which is super cute!

Full Packing List for Two Weeks in Ireland and Scotland:
(and yes, all of this fit on my person, in my personal item, or in my checked bag, with room for souvenirs)