What To Wear In Ireland In September (Packing List)

The simple answer to what to wear in Ireland in September is to pack light layers for mild days (average highs of 13°C/55°F) and a waterproof jacket for rainy spells. Add comfortable walking shoes and a jumper for cooler evenings (average lows of 9°C/48°F), with shorts or dresses as optional extras on warmer days.

This makes a reliable starting point for any packing list for Ireland in September. From there, what you add depends largely on your own plans and comfort levels.

September in Ireland sees the arrival of autumn, with plenty of daylight, cooler air, and the odd spell of sunshine or showers. The trick is to cover all bases without overpacking!

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 who has lived in Ireland for 36 years!

What to wear in Ireland in September

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

1. September is autumn in Ireland

September officially marks the beginning of autumn with temperatures beginning to cool off a little. During the month there are average highs of 13°C/55°F and average lows of 9°C/48°F. The days are still relatively long, with the sun rising at 06:41 at the start of the month, and setting at 20:14. If you’re following one of the itineraries from our Irish road trip library, these long days give you plenty of time to explore!

2. Pack for sunshine, showers, and everything in between

To get a better idea of what to pack for Ireland in September, it helps to look at recent conditions. In 2024, the month was cool and dry overall. Mace Head (in Connemara) saw just 5 wet days, while Newport (near Achill Island) had 15. Cork Airport logged 51.3 mm on the 29th – its heaviest September fall since 1965.

3. Fresh for locals, edging on chilly for visitors

We all know someone who wears shorts all year round (even in winter) or someone who is still bundled up in the height of summer. We’re all different and feel the cold differently, and where we’re from can play a big part. If you’re from somewhere warmer than Ireland, we highly recommend adding some more layers to your bag as an extra measure. 

4. We can get four seasons in a day 

The weather in Ireland in September can throw anything at you, and it’s not unheard of to experience rain, sunshine, and wind in a single day. Again, this is where lots of layers come in real handy, as you can put them on/remove them as you need to. 

List of what to pack for Ireland in September

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

• Tops: Light layers for mild autumn days, like t-shirts, breathable blouses, and a thin long-sleeve or cardigan for cooler evenings (September averages ~13°C/55°F by day, ~9°C/48°F at night)
• Bottoms: Jeans or trousers for most days; casual dresses or skirts work well too. Bring one pair of shorts if the forecast looks warmer
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes/trainers (preferably water-resistant). Waterproof boots or shoes for hikes or wet days. Casual flats for evenings
• Outerwear: A lightweight waterproof jacket is essential. Add a jumper or thin fleece for layering; a down jacket is useful if you feel the cold
• Accessories: Umbrella or rain cover, scarf and gloves for chilly nights, sunglasses for brighter days, and a daypack for stashing layers
• Activity-specific gear: Sturdy hiking shoes/boots with grip if tackling trails; thin waterproof trousers for longer hikes. Swimwear if staying in hotels with pools
• Evening wear: Casual is fine – jeans or a simple dress with a light jumper. Bring one smarter option if dining in upscale spots

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

• Tops: Breathable t-shirts or polos for daytime, plus a lightweight long-sleeve, jumper, or hoodie for cooler nights
• Bottoms: Jeans or chinos for most days; pack shorts if you run warm or if the forecast looks mild
• Footwear: Supportive walking shoes/trainers (ideally waterproof) for day-to-day exploring. A cleaner pair of shoes for evenings
• Outerwear: A waterproof jacket is a must. Add a fleece, jumper, or thin insulated layer if evenings feel cold
• Accessories: Scarf, gloves, umbrella, sunglasses, cap, and a day bag for carrying layers
• Activity-specific gear: Hiking boots if you plan to walk longer trails; waterproof trousers for hiking in mixed conditions. Swimwear if using pools or spas
• Evening wear: Jeans or chinos with a polo or shirt will fit most restaurants and pubs; one smarter outfit covers fine dining

1. The essentials

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

• Passport: Top of every packing list — make sure it’s valid well before you travel
• Adaptors: Ireland uses type G sockets with three rectangular prongs, so bring an adaptor if your plugs don’t match
• Medication: Pack any prescription meds you rely on, as getting replacements here usually means a doctor visit
• Health Kit: A few over-the-counter painkillers always come in handy for headaches or travel niggles
• 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 and renting a car 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.

September can be pretty rainy, so it’s good to be prepared for wet days and unexpected showers by bringing along some reliable waterproofs.

If you’re going to spend a good chunk of your trip hiking and walking, then we highly suggest a nice warm rain jacket, some waterproof trousers, and a rain cover for your day bag. 

For city-based trips, you can probably trade in waterproof trousers for a decent umbrella (which will be easy to buy once you’ve arrived). Some comfortable waterproof shoes will also make rainy days a lot more bearable! 

3. The cold-beaters

Although it’s not quite “cold” yet by Irish standards, September has average lows of 9°C/48°F, so some nice warm clothes should be on your list.

At this time of the year, a thick winter coat is probably overkill, but a feather-down jacket layered in between a hoodie/jumper and your raincoat should do the trick. 

It’s also a good idea to bring along a light scarf and gloves, a warm hat, and some winter socks for those extra frosty days! 

It might also pay for women to pack some thick tights or leggings to wear underneath long dresses/pants for added warmth. 

4. The evening wear

Evening wear in Ireland is definitely on the more casual side. Unless you plan on splurging on a fancy meal or drinks at an upmarket restaurant or bar, you can probably leave your smarter clothes at home. 

For pints at the pub or a meal in a normal restaurant, it’s perfectly acceptable for men to wear chinos/jeans with a polo shirt or shirt, and for women to wear jeans/pants with a top or a light jumper.

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

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.

September is a fine time for a ramble, so make sure to include some sturdy waterproof footwear in your packing list if you plan on doing a lot of hiking, alongside some extra base layers and good-quality waterproofs. 

If you don’t envision yourself conquering mountains but would happily go for a stroll along the beach, it’s still a good idea to pack some extra base layers as the coastal winds can be biting. 

We already mentioned it, but comfortable waterproof shoes are never a bad idea, especially if you plan on exploring some cities/towns on foot. 

6. What to wear in Dublin in September

I get asked what to wear in Dublin in September all the time, and the truth is it depends on how you’ll be spending your days. September often feels like early autumn – generally mild, but with cooler evenings and the odd shower. Here’s a simple way to think about it:

• 24 hours in Dublin: If you’re in the city centre, comfortable shoes, light layers, and a waterproof jacket will keep you covered
• 2 days in Dublin: For two days, stick with casual sightseeing outfits by day and bring a smarter layer for evening meals or drinks
• 3 days in Dublin: If you’re venturing further, like into the Dublin Mountains or out to Howth, you’ll want sturdy shoes, a fleece for chilly breezes, and a light rain jacket

September in Dublin can swing between late-summer warmth and autumn chill, so layers you can add or peel off are the way to go.

FAQs about how to dress in Ireland in September

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