If you’re wondering what to wear in Ireland in March, the guide below (based on 33 years of living here) will save you time.
Deciding what to pack for Ireland can be a pain, especially if this is your first visit and you’re coming for St. Patrick’s Day!
However, it’s very straightforward once you know what March is like in Ireland.
Our Ireland packing list for March has no affiliate links – just good, solid advice.
Some quick need-to-knows about what to wear in Ireland in March
Before looking at what to wear in Ireland in March, it’s worth taking 10 seconds to get up-to-speed on what this month is like:
1. March is spring in Ireland
March marks the start of spring in Ireland. It’s still pretty cool, with average highs of 10°C/50°F and average lows of 4.4°C/39.92°F. Right at the start of the month, the sun rises at 07:12 and sets at 18:17, and by the end of the month, you can expect sunrise at 06:13 and sunset at 18:49. If you’re following one of the itineraries from our Irish road trip library, you’ll want to make good use of your mornings!
2. Hope for the best and plan for the worst
The weather in Ireland is famously unpredictable and March is no exception – just look back to March 2018 when Storm Emma blanketed most of the country with at least a foot of snow! The best preparation is to pack for any scenario by bringing lots of layers. In previous years, the country has seen a mixture of rainy, dry, and sunny weather, so plan for any situation.
3. Where you’re from plays a big part
Where you’re from will have a big impact on how you handle the weather. If you’re from somewhere that’s generally quite cold, you’ll probably fare better in cool spring temperatures than say someone from a tropical climate. So we’d recommend using our list as a general guide and adjusting accordingly. But if in doubt, packing more layers never hurt anyone!
4. We can get four seasons in a day
Even if you check and double-check the weather forecast, the weather in Ireland in March likes to keep you on your toes, so don’t be shocked if you experience rain, snow, and even sunshine on a single day (even in March!). That’s why we always recommend packing warm layers and some waterproofs to keep you warm and dry in case of bad weather. If it’s sunny, you can just take them off and put them in a backpack!
Ireland packing list for March
This is what I recommend you pack for Ireland in March:
- Warm waterproof jacket
- Gloves, hat and scarf
- Longsleeved t-shirts
- Pants (jeans, trousers, or leggings)
- Walking boots/shoes
- Footwear for evening time
- Socks and underwear
- Sweatshirts, cardigans, jumpers or hoodies
- Sunglasses and suncream (just in case)
- Activity-specific gear (e.g. swimwear)
- Formalwear if you plan on fine-dining
The list above gives you a quick insight into what to wear in Ireland in March 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 March.
1. The essentials
We recommend starting off by packing your essential items. That way, you’ll know how much room you’ll have left over after your non-negotiables. These will be different from person to person, but keep reading for a general idea.
The first is a valid passport. It sounds obvious, but we constantly hear of people discovering their passport is out of date weeks before a big trip.
Technology is the second thing that comes to mind (laptops, cameras, phones etc. plus their chargers). In Ireland, we use type G sockets (three rectangular prongs), so you may need to pick up an adaptor.
Next up is any special medication you might need that you won’t be able to get in the country. We also like to be super prepared with over-the-counter painkillers, although you can also easily buy them here.
A day bag is one of our must-haves for visiting in March, as you’ll inevitably encounter variable weather and they are super useful for storing unneeded layers. We also recommend a water bottle or thermos, toiletries, a neck pillow, and headphones.
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 will be grand.
It can be pretty rainy in March and depending on where you’ll be, the number of rainy days can vary.
Waterproofs will definitely come in handy during your trip, whether you’re in the city exploring on foot or hitting the hills for some scenic hikes.
If you plan on spending a good chunk of your trip outdoors, then we suggest packing a nice waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, and shoes. A rain cover for your bag might also come in handy if you’re hiking with cameras and phones.
If you’ll be in a city for most of your trip, then you can probably swap out the waterproof trousers for an umbrella.
3.The cold-beaters
When debating what to wear in Ireland in March, a good way to begin is to start at your feet and work up to your head.
While it’s warmer than winter, March can still get pretty cold with average lows of 4.4°C. That’s why we still recommend bringing along some good winter warmers like a hat, gloves, and woolly socks as well as a light scarf.
March has average highs of 10°C, so you should also pack a winter coat, or if you’re used to colder temperatures, a light feather-down jacket in between a couple of layers and a waterproof jacket should be enough.
Something I personally like to do (as a woman) is to bring along some thermal leggings or thick tights, in case I am feeling fashionable and want to wear a long skirt or maxi dress over the top.
4. The evening wear
Most Irish people keep it pretty casual on a night out. If you’re headed to the pub or a restaurant, then jeans and a polo or shirt are fine for men, and jeans or a long skirt with a nice top or jumper are fine for women.
Now, Ireland has some fantastic fine dining so if you’re planning to treat yourself, make sure to pack something a little more formal.
If you are in Ireland during St. Patrick’s day (March 17), then make sure to bring along (or buy) something green to wear or risk being pinched!
5. The activity-specific clothing
With the weather beginning to become milder, March is a great time to explore the rolling Irish hills on foot.
If you plan on embarking on a hike or coastal walk, then we highly suggest some sturdy waterproof boots, a few extra layers, and some quality waterproofs. You might also want to pack some sunglasses (that’s right!) in case of sunny days.
We also like to have some comfortable waterproof shoes for when we’re exploring cities and towns on foot.
FAQs about what to wear in Ireland in March
We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What Ireland packing list for March is the cheapest?’ to ‘Are pubs in March 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 March?
With average highs of 10°C/50°F and average lows of 4.4°C/39.92°F, you’ll want plenty of warm layers, a waterproof coat, plenty of socks, casual evening wear and the essentials (valid passport, any necessary medication and the correct charger).
How do people dress in Dublin in March?
This, of course, will vary from person-to-person. Warm layers, comfortable footwear and a good waterproof outer-layer are the essentials. Dublin is casual with the exception of fine dining establishments.
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.