What To Wear In Ireland In March (Packing List)

When you’re planning out what to wear in Ireland in March, start with layers for cool spring weather. Average highs sit around 10°C/50°F with lows of 4°C/39°F, so bring a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, and a few warm accessories.

That’s the core of any good packing list for Ireland in March. The rest depends on your plans and the activities you have lined up.

March in Ireland brings longer days, unpredictable weather, and the buzz of St. Patrick’s Day, so it pays to be ready for anything, as you’ll see below.

Why trust this guide? Unlike most guides on what to pack for Ireland, this guide contains no affiliate links – just useful advice from a local!

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 the weather in Ireland is like during this month:

1. March sees the arrival of 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. Always pack with flexibility in mind

To get a better idea of what to pack for Ireland in March, it helps to look at recent conditions. In 2025, March was the 8th warmest on record, averaging 8.6 °C. It was very dry nationwide, with Dublin Airport seeing its driest March since 1990 and Valentia Island (near the Ring of Kerry) also well below normal rainfall. Newport (Mayo) had its driest March since 2013, and long dry spells were recorded in Cavan and Donegal.

3. Spring fresh here can still feel wintry to visitors

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 I 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! 

List of what to pack for Ireland in March

Here’s what I’d suggest packing for Ireland in March (for women):

• Tops: A mix of light layers for cool spring days (t-shirts, long-sleeves, and a light knit or fleece for warmth – remember, March averages ~10°C/50°F by day, ~4°C/39°F at night)
• Bottoms: Jeans or trousers are safest; add tights/leggings under a midi/maxi skirt or dress if you want options without freezing
• Footwear: Waterproof walking shoes or ankle boots for exploring; pack casual flats/trainers for evenings
• Outerwear: A lightweight waterproof jacket is essential; pair it with a mid-layer (fleece or thin insulated jacket) on colder days
• Accessories: Compact umbrella (for Ireland’s cities), scarf, and light hat/gloves if you feel the cold; sunglasses and sunscreen for brighter spells; a small day bag for stashing layers
• Activity-specific gear: Hiking boots and packable waterproof trousers for trails; swimwear if your hotel has a pool; a quick-dry towel if you’re coastal walking
• Evening wear: Ireland is casual – jeans and a nice top or a simple dress works fine; bring one smarter outfit for upscale spots. Add something green if you’re out for St. Patrick’s Day

What to pack for Ireland in March (for men):

• Tops: Breathable t-shirts or polos plus long-sleeves; add a lightweight sweater/half-zip or fleece for warmth
• Bottoms: Jeans or chinos for most days; if the forecast looks mild, one pair of lightweight trousers works well
• Footwear: Waterproof walking shoes/boots with grip for wet pavements and trails; a cleaner pair for evenings
• Outerwear: A packable waterproof jacket for showers; layer over a fleece or thin insulated jacket when it’s colder
• Accessories: Scarf and beanie if you run cold, light gloves, compact umbrella for city use, sunglasses for bright spells, and a daypack for extra layers
• Activity-specific gear: Hiking boots and waterproof trousers if you’re doing longer hikes; swimwear for hotel pools; a quick-dry towel for coastal trips
• Evening wear: Jeans/chinos with a shirt or polo fit most pubs and restaurants; pack one smarter option for fine dining and consider a green accent for March 17

1. The essentials

I recommend starting with the essentials. Pack these first so you know exactly how much space you’ve got left for everything else. Here’s what to think about:

• Passport: Sounds obvious, but plenty of people only realise theirs is out of date a couple of weeks before a trip
• Tech: Laptop, camera, phone, and chargers. Ireland uses type G sockets (three rectangular prongs), so you’ll need an adaptor if you don’t already have one
• Medication: Any prescriptions you can’t replace abroad are a priority
• Day bag: A must in March. The weather changes by the hour, so it’s ideal for stashing layers you don’t need
• Handy extras: A reusable water bottle or thermos, toiletries, a neck pillow, and headphones
• Driving specific: Anyone renting a car in Ireland will need a valid driver’s licence for the rental company, plus your licence and insurance details while driving in Ireland

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.

Related read: Not sure about March? Check my guide to the best months to visit Ireland.

3. The chill-blockers

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 one of the many pubs in Ireland or a restaurant, jeans and a polo or shirt work fine for men, while jeans or a long skirt with a nice top or jumper work well for women.

That said, Ireland has some excellent fine dining spots, so if you’re planning a splurge, pack something a bit more formal.

And if you’re here for St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), be ready for one of the biggest festivals in Ireland. You’ll want something green to wear – whether it’s a scarf, a hat, or a simple shirt – to get into the spirit of the day.

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. 

6. What to wear in Dublin in March

I get asked what to wear in Dublin in March all the time, and it really depends on what you’ll be doing. March is the start of spring, but don’t expect warmth – it’s often cold, breezy, and wet, with brighter days creeping in. Here’s how I’d break it down:

• 24 hours in Dublin: If you’re in the city centre, bring a warm coat, layered clothing, and waterproof shoes for showers while sightseeing
• 2 days in Dublin: For two days, casual layers are fine for exploring by day, but pack something smarter for evenings in pubs or restaurants
• 3 days in Dublin: If you’re mixing the city with a trip to the Dublin Mountains or out to Howth, bring sturdy shoes, a fleece, and a waterproof jacket to handle wind and rain

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.