The Best Jackets for Ireland: My Carry-On Friendly Jacket System

My friend always jokes with me about my love for jackets. My style is pretty basic: jeans and a T-shirt, but I love a good jacket. If I could, I’d bring my entire collection to Ireland with me.

Unfortunately, as someone who travels carry-on only, that’s not exactly practical.

After 11 trips to Ireland, I’ve finally figured out my jacket system. Instead of packing a suitcase full of coats, I bring a few lightweight layers that work together for everything from rainy hikes and windy days on the coast to chilly evenings exploring Dublin.

You’ll see plenty of advice from Irish people saying they just wear a hoodie, and honestly, that can work. But if you’re spending all day outside, hiking, or caught in sideways rain on the coast, you’ll be glad you brought a proper waterproof jacket.

So whether you’re visiting Ireland in summer or heading over during the colder months, here are the jackets I recommend and how to use them in a system that keeps you warm and dry!

Katie standing on a cliff overlooking the White Cliffs of Ashleam on Achill Island in Ireland.

Table of Contents

Best Jacket System for May – September

Your jacket system will differ slightly depending on when you’re visiting Ireland.

If you’re visiting from May to September you’ll be there either in the shoulder months of May and September or in the summer months of June through August.

Here’s what I recommend for your jacket system:

A merino wool long sleeve or t-shirt depending on the temperature. I recommend bringing one of each.
A lightweight fleece or sweater to wear underneath the rain jacket if it’s colder out or worn on its own.

An optional puffer just in case it gets colder out. You may not need it, but it’s good to have.
A waterproof rain jacket to function as your outer layer

Katie sitting on a rock overlooking the colorful houses in Galway, Ireland.

Katie in front of Plassey Shipwreck on the Aran Islands wearing a bright red jacket.

Best Jacket System for October – April

If you’re visiting from October to April, you’ll experience the cold and wet winter months. However, October and April are still considered the shoulder season, so you’ll still get some warmer days.

A couple of merino long-sleeve base layers.
A lightweight fleece or sweater, just like in the warmer months.
A lightweight puffer, which becomes a must-pack and can be worn underneath your waterproof jacket.
A waterproof rain jacket, which remains your outer layer.
An optional wool overcoat for the depths of winter

Now that you have a good idea of the system, let’s build yours from the inside layer out.

Throughout the post, I’ll provide recommendations based on the features I look for, even though I haven’t personally tested every one.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a tiny bit of income if you decide to make a purchase or booking. Please read my disclaimer for more information.

Katie wearing a long puffer jacket on a walking path in Northern Ireland on a stormy day.

Your Base Layer

When you’re packing for Ireland, layers are key! It’s commonly joked that you can experience all four seasons in one day! And I have.

For instance, I was fogged in on Achill Island for days while the southern coast of Ireland was in a heat wave! As soon as I left the iIsland I entered the heatwave and started peeling off my layers!

As your base layer, consider a merino long-sleeve base layer and a t-shirt. They’re great at wicking away sweat and dry super fast.

On a trip to Scotland, I made the mistake of wearing a 100% cotton t-shirt, which I thought was correct, but I sweat a lot. After a day of climbing the steep hills and staircases in Edinburgh, I was drenched in sweat and much colder than I should have been because the damp fabric just stayed against my skin until I could change.

You can wear your base layer underneath your fleece or cardigan while it’s sunny out. Then keep your rain or puffer jacket in your day bag to pull out as needed.

Katie in front of Wild Atlantic Way sign in County Donegal, Ireland. How much does a trip to Ireland cost.

Lightweight Fleece or Sweater

After your base layer, you’ll need a lightweight fleece or sweater which can be worn alone or underneath your puffer or rain jacket.

My Top Picks for a Fleece Layer

Simple Zip Up Fleece: This is a super-simple Irish essential. It looks cute on its own, would be great as a layering piece, and could be worn on hikes! I love a multi-functional clothing item, especially if you’re trying to pack light! Purchase your zip-up fleece here.

Sporty Columbia: If you want something a bit more sporty from a brand known to make quality gear, get this Columbia fleece! It’s very similar to the REI braned one that I have, but it’s more affordable. Purchase your Columbia fleece here.
Button Up Cardigan: If you’re traveling in the summer or aren’t planning many outdoor activities, a ,cute button-up cardigan is perfect! Plus it won’t take up much space in your suitcase! Purchase your cute cardigan here.

Katie in front of Bankers Pub in Dublin, Ireland.

Katie in front of a red building in Galway, Ireland.

Lightweight Puffer Jacket

Up next, consider packing a lightweight puffer jacket. A puffer is your insulation layer. It doesn’t replace your rain jacket; it gives you warmth underneath it when temperatures drop. It can also be worn alone when it’s dry but chilly.

I always travel with the packable puffer from Uniqlo because it packs down super small so even if I don’t need it, it doesn’t take up a ton of space in my carry-on!

My Top Picks for a Puffer Jacket

The Uniqlo Puffer: This jacket is lightweight and warm! While not waterproof, it is water-resistant just in case you get caught in some rain without your rain jacket. It also comes in a variety of colors! Purchase your Uniqlo Puffer here.
Mountain Hardwear Puffer: This is the one I used to pack all of the time until I outgrew it! I loved how the paneling was angled inward. Purchase your Mountain Hardwear puffer here

Long, Hooded Puffer Jacket: I love that this puffer jacket has a hood and is a bit longer while still being super packable! It’s perfect for windy days at the Cliffs of Moher! Purchase your hooded puffer here.

Katie walking up the hill in Howth with the lighthouse in the distance. What to wear in Ireland

Katie standing on a white sand beach on a sunny day wearing a red jacket.

The Most Important Jacket: A Waterproof Rain Jacket

If there’s one jacket I would absolutely prioritize for a trip to Ireland, it’s a waterproof rain jacket.

I’ve tried quite a few over the years. My personal favorite was a bright yellow one that I got at Costco because it popped in photos and kept me dry! Unfortunately, it no longer fits, and I can’t find the link to it anywhere.

Don’t worry, I have some other great options!

What to Look for in a Rain Jacket for Ireland

There are a few key features to look for in a rain jacket when deciding which one to buy for your trip to Ireland.

A hood. Umbrellas are pretty useless in Ireland once the wind picks up, so I always recommend a hooded jacket.
Waterproof, not just water-resistant. Water-resistant is fine for light rain, but if you’re caught in a proper Irish downpour, you’ll want a waterproof jacket.

Lightweight and packable. Your rain jacket should be easy to throw into your day bag when the sun comes out.
It covers your butt. I recently bought a cropped rain jacket from a store in Dublin. And I love it. I’ve worn it on hikes and out to dinner because it is super stylish and super functional. But it doesn’t cover my butt, and I realized when I was wearing it on a rainy hike in Glendalough that it rides up a bit with my backpack! While I still love the jacket, I’m actually not recommending it here. Instead, pick a longer rain coat because it will keep the top portion of your pants dry until you can get inside!

Katie standing in front of the Upper Lake in Glendalough on a rainy day wearing all black.

My Top Picks for a Rain Jacket

Trench Rain Jacket: This is a stunning trench rain jacket that I got along with the cropped jacket from Rains in Dublin. In addition to being absolutely gorgeous, it’s waterproof and wind-resistant. I bought my usual size, which leaves enough room for layers underneath. Purchase your trench rain coat here.

Yellow Rain Jacket: If you want a pop of color in your photos while staying nice and dry, consider a yellow rain jacket. This one is super similar to the one I got at Costco years ago. I love the stripes on the inside! Purchase your yellow rain jacket here.
Mac in a Sac Rain Jacket: If you just want a super simple rain jacket that holds up really well, is budget-friendly, and packs down super small, get a Mac in a Sac rain jacket. They also come in a wide variety of colors so you can still get that fun pop! Purchase your Mac in a Sac rain jacket here.

Katie in front of Fanad Head Lighthouse wearing a bright yellow rain jacket.

Katie standing at overlook in Glendalough National Park, Ireland

Optional Wool Overcoat

If you’re visiting Ireland in the winter months, consider bringing a wool overcoat. This isn’t part of my core jacket system, but I found it super necessary when I visited Dublin at Christmas time.

Ireland gets dark very early and stays pretty cold in the winter. I highly recommend a wool overcoat to keep you extra warm. I know it’s not super carry-on friendly, but just wear it on the plane and you’ll be good!

My Top Picks for an Overcoat

Classic Trench Peacoat: You really can’t go wrong with a classic peacoat. It’s a gorgeous coat, is perfect as a top layer, and will keep you super warm and stylish. Purchase your trench coat here.
Plaid Trench Coat: I love this one! It’s a bit shorter, but I love the plaid pattern on the jacket! So cute! Purchase your plaid trench coat here.

Katie wearing a long wool coat in a Dublin hotel hallway.

Katie wearing a camel pea coat in Dublin, Ireland.

After 11 trips to Ireland, I’ve learned that packing for Irish weather isn’t about bringing more clothes. It’s about bringing the right layers.

A waterproof rain jacket, lightweight puffer, and versatile fleece or sweater will cover most situations, while a few good base layers give you even more flexibility. Add a wool coat if you’re visiting in the depths of winter, and you’re set.

The beauty of this system is that you can adjust it throughout the day without having to carry your entire closet across the Atlantic. And trust me, you’ll be grateful for it when you’re lugging your suitcase along the cobblestone streets to and from the train station!

If you’re still figuring out what to pack for Ireland, check out my complete Ireland packing list for every season. I’ll walk you through the clothing, shoes, and travel essentials I recommend bringing so you’re prepared without overpacking.

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