What To Wear In Ireland In October (Packing List)

The simple answer to what to wear in Ireland in October is to bring warm layers for cool days (average highs of 13°C/55°F) and a waterproof jacket for rain. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, while a scarf, hat, and gloves will make evenings easier as temperatures drop to around 6°C/42°F.

This gives you the backbone of a solid packing list for Ireland in October. Beyond that, what you pack depends on your own comfort levels and the activities you’ve planned.

October in Ireland is autumn, with shorter days, crisp air, and plenty of rain showers mixed in. The trick is to keep things versatile with layers you can add or peel off.

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 October

Before looking at what to wear in Ireland in October, it’s worth taking 10 seconds to get up-to-speed on what this month is like:

1. October is autumn in Ireland

By October, the cold weather in Ireland has landed, with cool and crisp days that can reach highs of 13°C/55°F and lows of 6°C/42°F on average. The days are still quite long, with the sun rising at 07:33 at the beginning of the month and setting at 19:09. If you’re following one of the itineraries from our Irish road trip library, these daylight house still give you plenty of time to explore!

2. Hope for the best and plan for the worst

To get a better idea of what to pack for Ireland in October, it helps to look at recent conditions. In 2024, the month was mild but mixed. Dublin Airport saw only 16 wet days, while Valentia Island (near the Ring of Kerry) and Newport (near Achill Island) both recorded 21. Over at Mace Head (Connemara), Storm Ashley brought storm-force gusts of 137 km/h.

3. Autumn cool here can feel cold if you’re not used to it

If you’re used to hotter climates, Ireland will likely feel cold during October. If you’re from somewhere cooler, it may seem relatively mild. Keep that in mind when deciding how many layers to pack – and if you’re unsure, bring more.

4. Ireland really does get four seasons in a day

Irish weather doesn’t really abide by any set rules and it’s more than possible for a single day to change from clear and sunny to grey and rainy in the space of a couple of hours. This is yet another reason why we love layers so much, because you can just remove them and put them back on as you need to. 

What to pack for Ireland in October

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

• Tops: Long-sleeved t-shirts, light sweaters, and a couple of warm jumpers or hoodies. Layers are key for October’s mix of cool days (13°C/55°F) and colder nights (6°C/42°F)
• Bottoms: Jeans, trousers, or leggings for day-to-day wear. A skirt or dress with woolly tights can work for evenings
• Footwear: Waterproof walking shoes or boots are essential for rain and uneven ground. A second pair of casual shoes for evenings
• Outerwear: A warm waterproof jacket is a must. A feather-down or insulated coat works well layered with jumpers
• Accessories: Scarf, gloves, and a warm hat for cold evenings. Umbrella or daypack rain cover. Thick socks for extra warmth
• Activity-specific gear: Hiking boots with grip if tackling trails, plus waterproof trousers and base layers. Swimwear if your accommodation has a pool or spa
• Evening wear: Casual outfits (jeans with a blouse/jumper) are fine for most pubs and restaurants. Pack one smarter option if you’re dining somewhere upscale

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

• Tops: A mix of t-shirts, long-sleeves, and warm layers like jumpers or hoodies. A thermal base layer helps if you feel the cold
• Bottoms: Jeans or chinos for everyday wear. Pack one pair of shorts only if you run warm indoors
• Footwear: Waterproof walking shoes/boots are essential. A cleaner pair of shoes for evenings
• Outerwear: A warm waterproof jacket is non-negotiable. Add a fleece or insulated mid-layer underneath
• Accessories: Scarf, gloves, beanie hat, umbrella, and a small backpack for carrying layers. Thick socks for chilly nights
• Activity-specific gear: Sturdy hiking boots and waterproof trousers if heading into the hills. Swimwear if using a pool or spa
• Evening wear: Jeans or trousers with a polo or shirt work for most restaurants and pubs. Bring one smarter outfit for fine dining

1. The essentials

Before you consider the clothing side of what to pack for Ireland in October, you need to pack the essentials, like:

• Passport: Check that it’s valid well in advance (some travellers may also need a visa)
• Technology: Phone, tablet, laptop, and chargers. Ireland uses a G-type plug (three rectangular prongs), so bring an adaptor if needed
• Medication: Pack any prescription meds you rely on – they may not be available locally
• Day Bag: Handy for stashing layers or snacks while exploring
• Comfort Items: Headphones, a neck pillow, and a reusable water bottle or thermos
• Driving Essentials: If you’re renting a car in Ireland, you’ll need a full driver’s licence and a credit card in the main driver’s name (see my guide to 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 in Ireland in October will be grand.

We’ve already established that October can be quite rainy. So you definitely don’t want to skip packing some waterproofs. We suggest a good quality pair of waterproof trousers, a warm waterproof jacket, and some warm waterproof shoes. 

If you’re thinking about hiking a lot, then a rain cover for your day bag is also a good idea to keep your things dry. 

For those of you who are sticking to the city, you’ll probably manage without waterproof trousers, but you may want to buy a big sturdy umbrella once you arrive. 

Related read: Haven’t yet decided if October’s the right month for you? See my guide to the best months to visit Ireland!

3. The cold-beaters

Temperatures are beginning to drop by October, so some warm clothes are a must. With average lows of 6°C/42°F, you may want to consider bringing along a thick winter coat, or if you’re used to the cold, a feather-down jacket on top of lots of layers should do the trick.

Speaking of layers… we recommend packing lots of layers! Vests, t-shirts, jumpers, and hoodies, you name it. Best case scenario you don’t need them and can just take them off. 

Even with a coat and layers, we think adding a warm hat, a light scarf, gloves, and thick socks to your packing list is a good idea because if you’re too hot, you can always leave them in the hotel or put them in your day bag. 

A good trick for women is to bring some leggings or woolly tights and wear them underneath your pants/jeans or even a long skirt/dress. 

4. The evening wear

Nights out in Ireland (a visit to the pub or a meal out at a regular restaurant) are quite casual. For men, it’s okay to wear pants/jeans paired with a polo or a casual shirt.

For women, a nice blouse or jumper with a pair of jeans or pants is the norm. Or course, if you’re heading out to an upmarket restaurant or bar for the evening, then you’ll probably want to dress up a little more, so it’s good to plan ahead so you can pack something smarter.

5. The activity-specific clothing

Many of the various things to do 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 like your holidays active, then make sure to bring along a sturdy pair of waterproof hiking boots and some extra base layers for hiking.

The extra layers are also good if you’re dreaming of coastal walks because they’ll help to protect you from the cold October winds. 

For city breaks, a comfortable pair of waterproof shoes are essential, to keep your feet dry if you plan on exploring on foot. 

6. What to wear in Dublin in October

I get asked what to wear in Dublin in October every few days, and honestly it depends on how long you’re here and what you’ll be doing. Here are some suggestions:

• 24 hours in Dublin: Sticking to the city centre? Comfortable walking shoes, a light waterproof jacket, and a warm layer like a jumper
• 2 days in Dublin: By day you’ll want casual layers for sightseeing, but pack something smarter for an evening out in restaurant
• 3 days in Dublin: With extra time, you might head for the Dublin Mountains or to Howth – bring sturdy shoes, a warm fleece, and a reliable rain jacket

FAQs about packing for Ireland in October

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What Ireland packing list for October is the cheapest?’ to ‘Are pubs in October 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.