If you can’t decide what to wear in Ireland in April, this article (based on 33 years of living here) will save you stress.
Deciding what to pack for Ireland in April is often a bit of a head-scratcher, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.
However, worry not – it’s very straightforward once you know what April is like in Ireland.
Our Ireland packing list for July contains zero affiliate links – just advice that’ll come in handy!
Some quick need-to-knows about what to wear in Ireland in April
Before looking at what to wear in Ireland in April, it’s worth taking 10 seconds to get up-to-speed on what this month is like:
1. April is spring in Ireland
By April, we’re well into spring in Ireland, so expect temperatures to start climbing and for daylight hours to extend. It can still get a little bit chilly, with average lows of 4°C/39°F and average highs of 13°C/55°F. Mid-month, the sun rises at 06:23 and sets at 20:00, so there are plenty of daylight hours if you’re following one of the itineraries from our Irish road trip library.
2. Hope for the best and plan for the worst
While the weather in Ireland for the last few Aprils have been quite dry and sunny, it never hurts to be extra prepared (in case you’re unlucky and your trip coincides with a rainy spell). The best way to do this is to bring along lots of layers and waterproofs, so you can bundle up if it’s cold, cover up if it’s rainy, and remove things if it’s warm.
3. Where you’re from plays a big part
Where you live and are from can play a huge part in what you should bring. For those of us who are used to the depths of winter – April is pleasant! But, if you’re visiting Ireland from somewhere warmer, you might still find it a little on the cold side. If you’re not too sure where you fall on the scale, we’d say it’s good to squeeze in a couple of extra layers to be on the safe side.
4. We can get four seasons in a day
April might be the middle of spring, and it may have been dry and sunny the last couple of years, but it’s still possible for rain, sunshine, (and more rarely snow) in a single day. It can also feel quite warm when the sun is shining and there’s no wind. Again, that’s why we always recommend bringing layers for a trip to Ireland, as you can easily put them on and remove them according to the weather.
Ireland packing list for April
This is what I recommend you pack for Ireland in April:
- Warm, waterproof jacket
- Gloves, a hat and a scarf
- Long-sleeved tops
- Bottoms (jeans, trousers or leggings)
- Comfortable walking boots or shoes
- Evening footwear
- Socks and undergarments
- Sweaters, cardigans, pullovers or hoodies
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (just in case)
- Activity-related clothing (e.g. swimwear)
- Formalwear if you intend to dine in upscale restaurants
The list above gives you a quick insight into what to wear in Ireland in April and what to bring with you.
Below, you’ll find the type of plugs we use along with a mix of other essential items for your Ireland packing list for April.
1. The essentials
To start with, we suggest thinking about your non-negotiables (A.K.A your essentials). These are different for everyone, but check below for what we normally bring on a trip!
The first thing on every list should be a valid passport, so get that checked well in advance (and a VISA, depending on where you’re travelling from!).
Ireland has sockets with three rectangular prongs (G-type sockets), so make sure to pick up an adaptor if you need one.
If you have any prescription medication that you need, of course, don’t forget to bring it. OTC painkillers (e.g. paracetamol) can also come in handy.
A day bag is a must-have, especially in April when you’ll probably be spending entire days outside exploring.
2. The waterproofs
We talk about things to avoid in Ireland a fair bit on this website – one of the key points is not to assume the weather in Ireland in April will be grand.
While the last couple of years have been pretty sunny, looking further back, there is a chance of some rainy weather. In 2019 for example, Ireland was hit by Storm Hannah in April, which brought strong winds and above-average rainfall across the country.
So, leave some space in your bag for some waterproofs. A waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, and waterproof shoes are essential if you plan on doing some long hikes. A rain cover for your day pack might also be useful.
Otherwise, if you’re sticking to cities and towns, you can make do with a nice waterproof jacket, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella (which you can buy here).
3. The cold-beaters
April can still be relatively cold, especially if there’s a chilling wind and no sun. With average lows of 4°C/39°F, a nice winter coat, a light scarf, woolly socks, a hat, and gloves should be enough to keep the cold out.
If you don’t want to bring a bulky coat, we suggest layering up with a vest, jumper or hoodie, down-feather jacket, and a raincoat.
With warmer weather on the horizon, women may be able to get away with a light sundress or maxi skirt layered over some leggings or woolly tights.
4. The evening wear
Evenings in Ireland can range from a chill night at the local pub to a meal in a high-end restaurant.
Pubs and restaurants are generally quite casual, with men wearing jeans and a shirt or polo, and women wearing jeans paired with a top or light jumper.
However, if you’re planning on a fancy meal or hitting up an upmarket bar, then we recommend bringing along something a little more formal.
5. The activity-specific clothing
Many of the various attractions in Ireland don’t require any specialist gear.
The exception is if you plan on tackling one of the various hikes in Ireland.
If you do want to head into the great outdoors, it’s a good idea to pack some extra layers, as well as some quality waterproofs. You might be lucky with some spring sun, so we also suggest packing some sunglasses.
For days spent exploring cities and towns on foot, comfortable footwear is a life-saver.
FAQs about what to wear in Ireland in April
We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What Ireland packing list for April is the cheapest?’ to ‘Are pubs in April casual?’.
In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.
What should I wear in Ireland in April?
Packing for April in Ireland can be tricky. We get average lows of 4°C/39°F and average highs of 13°C/55°F, but this can vary. A mix of light and warm layers are key, as is a good waterproof outer-layer.
How do people dress in Dublin in April?
Dublin, like much of Ireland, is nice and casual (fine dining excluded). Depending on the weather, you’ll see people in jeans, trousers, skirts and mainly smart-casual wear.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.
Donna
Thursday 1st of February 2024
Are there ATM machines around? Can we bring cash? Not sure on how to deal with the change.
Keith O'Hara
Thursday 1st of February 2024
Hey Donna - yep, you'll find ATM machines all around Ireland. You can of course bring cash with you, also, if you like.
Kris
Sunday 7th of January 2024
As a Yank from Boston US, I see we’re most pretty casual all over. In Dublin Would nice jeans, with a sweater, scarf and boots be ok most everywhere?
Keith O'Hara
Monday 8th of January 2024
Hey Kris - Yep, that would be more than fine. Have a great trip!