What To Wear In Ireland In September (Packing List)

Wondering what to wear in Ireland in September? This guide, based on 33 years of living here, will save you time.

Deciding what to pack for Ireland in September can be a pain, especially if this is your first visit.

However, it’s very straightforward once you know what September is like in Ireland.

Our Ireland packing list for September has no affiliate links – just good, solid advice.

Some quick need-to-knows about 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. Hope for the best and plan for the worst

September can be a little unpredictable weather-wise, with a mixture of sunshine, rainy weather, and temperatures. In 2021, parts of the country experienced record-breaking temperatures and dry weather, whereas in 2022, it was generally quite mild, with a fair bit of rain in some areas. The key takeaway here is to pack a variety of layers and waterproofs so you’re prepared for anything. 

3. Where you’re from plays a big part

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. 

Ireland packing list for September

This is what I recommend you pack for Ireland in September:

• Light waterproof jacket
• A hat/cap
• Short-sleeve t-shirts
• Jeans, trousers or leggings)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Shorts (September can be warm)
• Footwear for the evening
• Socks and undergarments
• Upper layers like light cardigans, jumpers and hoodies
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Activity-specific attire if needed (e.g. swimwear)
• Formal attire (for those visiting upscale restaurants)

The list above gives you a quick insight into what to wear in Ireland in September 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 September.

1. The essentials

When packing for a trip, we always like to start with our core esentials and build up around that. While essentials are different for everybody, we’ve written a few below that we think most people will want to bring along for the trip. 

The first thing on every list should be a valid passport, so get that checked well in advance!

Bear in mind that in Ireland, we have type G sockets designed for plugs with three rectangular prongs. If your plugs won’t fit, it’s best to pick up an adaptor before you arrive. 

Any prescription medication you might need is super important to remember, as it will probably be difficult to find in Ireland without visiting a doctor.

We also like to be super prepared with some OTC painkillers as you never know when a headache might strike! 

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. 

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. 

FAQs about what to wear 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.