What to pack for Ireland in September: full packing list and insider tips to be comfortable and stylish in Ireland’s changeable weather!
September is a transition month in Ireland, the time when the summer slowly but surely starts to fade and chillier temperatures make a comeback.
Overall, September is a nice and mild month and a good one to visit the Emerald Isle.
However, changeable weather and falling temperatures require some clever packing, so that you don’t get caught by a cold bout of rain but also don’t miss out on the glorious, mild sunny days September in Ireland can bring.
This is my complete, tried and tested packing list for Ireland in September.
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Need to know, 2021 Update: in 2021, strict travel regulations are in place. Please check current rules and abide by local and national authority about restrictions and safety requirements. You can find official info here.
Table of Contents
What to pack for Ireland in September: essentials
I am going to start this packing list with essentials for all seasons and then drill down on the specifics for the month of September.
Documents
- Passport and Visa if required (find Visa requirements for Ireland here)
- Driving Licence
- International driving license if needed (check here driving requirements for holders of foreign licenses)
- Kids birth certificate/authorization to travel letter of the child’s guardian should be traveling to Ireland alone with a child with a different surname than yours
- Medication and prescriptions for ongoing conditions/ needs. Face mask (new requirement from summer 2020)
- A print out of your reservations (cars, hotels, tours etc)
Need to know: at the time of writing, traveling with your kids’ birth certificate as proof of family status is not a requirement, however, I have been asked for such a document so, on the basis of this personal experience, I now always recommend to be overly prepared!
Medications and toiletries
- A well-stocked first-aid kit
- Moisturizing cream for face/hands with UV protection (the combination of sun and wind can be taxing on the skin)
- Allergy tablets
- Paracetamol or similar for pain / fever
All your basic toiletries including:
- Body wash/shampoo/conditioner
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, dental kit essentials
- Deodorant
- Tweezers
- Shaving cream/blade
- Women sanitary supplies
- Brush/comb/detangler for hair
- Hair ties
- Moisturizing cream for face /body
- Nail clipper
- Makeup if using
What to wear in Ireland in September
September is still a nice month in Ireland but one when the weather takes a clear turn towards colder temperature.
While you still have lovely sunny days and you can easily go to the coast, early mornings in September get really cold and so do the nights.
We usually go camping at this time and I can tell you: while you may get lucky with the weather, you most definitely want to have warm layers with you!
- The average temperature in Ireland in September is 13.5C/56F
- The average number of rainy days in Ireland in September is 21
When it comes to what to wear in Ireland in September, this is my list of clothing essentials:
- Midseason jacket, ideally rainproof (A denim jacket is usually ok at the start of the monht, you may need a warmer one such as a ligh puff jacket as the month progresses)
- Light scarf
- Short-sleeve tops
- Cardigan (cotton in early September, a little warmer if you come in the second part of the month)
- Long pants/ jeans
- Good walking shoes such as sneakers/runners
- A pair of nicer shoes (ballerina flats work well in this season)
- Underwear and socks
- Pajama/nightwear
- Special gear for surfing/hiking if needed
- Swimsuit and flip flops if going to a hotel with spa
- Sunglasses
What to wear in September in September if staying in a castle: Some castle hotels, some high-end restaurants and clubs do request their guests to abide by a certain dress code, especially for the evening meal. Information for each is available on the website of the structure in question, however, usually, this means shirt/tie/suit for men, no sneakers and no denim for both men and women.
What to pack for Ireland in September: tech and gadgets
Ireland uses 3-pin electrical sockets: if you are traveling from anywhere except the UK, you will need an adapter: worldwide ones include this type of plug and area handy purchase if you travel internationally on a regular basis.
- Phone with good roaming plan or local sim card
- Chargers for all your teck
- Hands-free phone holder for car
- Power bank / extra battery pack for charging all your tech
- USB cables
- Ireland travel adapter (3 pins)
- Tablet/kindle if using
- Binoculars for bird watching
- Camera, if separate from the phone
- Wind resistant travel umbrella
- Reusable water bottle
Luggage and bags
You don’t need all of this however, I recommend you choose your bags for Ireland wisely so you don’t’ find yourself awkwardly dragging stuff around!
- Hardshell luggage if driving (super handy to stack in the trunk of the car)
- Travel backpack if traveling light / using the bus or train
- Reusable tote bag for picnics etc
- Wet/dry bags especially if traveling with young kids
- Packing cubes – I find these absolutely wonderful to fit more into just one bag! I use one per child and two per adults and this keeps us going for 1 week / 10 days.
Need to know: if counting on doing laundry on the road, make sure you double-check with your hosts that you will have access to a washing machine and a dryer. If staying in B&Bs and guesthouses, access to laundry facilities may not be possible – make sure you plan ahead!
What to pack for the kids
- Safe and Ireland authorities approved car seat (official rules here)
- Kids travel pillow for the plane/car
- Well stocked changing bag
- All-terrain stroller (I prefer these in Ireland to the super-light ones: they are much better when exploring the Irish amazing countryside)
- Rain cover for stroller
You usually do not need to carry your own high chair or toddler crib: Ireland hotels and restaurants tend to be well equipped and, most of the time, will be able to provide what you need.
If staying in smaller properties and B&Bs, ask for a cot in advance to make sure they have one available on your dates.
I hope you found this packing list for Ireland in September useful. Safe travels!
