A Week in Ireland: Packing List
The iconic Temple Bar in Dublin.
On my first international trip from Boston to Dublin I wanted to challenge myself to pack light by using only carry-on luggage. Not only would it save a significant amount of money in baggage fees, it would also save time at the airport and lessen the burden of carrying 60lbs of things I don’t need while trying to traverse the country.
I needed advice from someone who had traveled to Ireland before, so I took to the internet and read other people's blog posts about what they packed. While the lists were extremely helpful, I knew I did not need everything and some lists did not take into account items needed for hostels. Inspired by stranger’s packing lists that helped me prepare for my voyage across the Atlantic, I decided to document and compile my own list for people like me who need some packing advice!
Before you start packing, you will want to know:
Your specific airline’s carry-on baggage size restrictions
Length of stay
Weather forecast of your travel destination
My Trip Details:
Aer Lingus carry-on restrictions: 10 kg and measuring no more than 55 x 40 x 24 cm
Length: One week (7 nights, 8 days) in Ireland
Weather/Season: October, ~50F (10C), rainy
Locking my backpack in the underbed storage at the hostel.
Bags
40L Backpack
Small Messenger Bag
Clothes
Socks x5
Wool socks x3
Underwear x10
Bras x2
Sports bra x2
Thermal Long Sleeve x2
Thermal Leggings x2
Jeans x1
T-Shirts x4
Rain Jacket (Lightweight) x1
Hiking Boots x1 (comfortable, supportive, and semi-waterproof - would highly recommend over sneakers)
Pajamas x1 (lightweight sweatpants - avoid bulky pajamas)
Tank Top/Undershirt x3
Sweatshirt/fleece x1
Scarf
Bathing Suit x1 (Maybe it's because I grew up near the ocean but I have a habit of packing a bathing suit everywhere I go. They're expensive to buy and don't take up too much room, so I would rather just bring my own.)
Shoes
Hiking boots
Flipflops (for hostel showers)
Toiletries (All travel sized)
Shampoo
Conditioner
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Medicine (I brought my prescriptions and travel packs of of Imodium, Tylenol, Benadryl and Ibuprofen)
Face wash
Moisturizer
1st Aid kit (band aid, gauze, alcohol pad)
Floss
Razor
Deodorant
Hair elastics
Makeup (eyeliner, mascara, bb cream, lipstick)
Chapstick
Hand sanitizer
Baby Wipes
Tweezers
Miscellaneous
Camera bag
Cell Phone
Refillable water bottle
Phone charger
Travel adapter
Headphones
Protein bars x3
Poncho
Luggage tags
Journal/pen
Mini power strip
Towel -I would recommend a microfiber or turkish towel to help save space and they dry quickly
Cash - I went to my local bank a few months before my trip and exchanged $300 USD for euros. I had more than enough and my credit card as backup which I used most of the time anyways.
Sunglasses
Luggage locks
Locker locks (for hostels)
Package Cubes
Listed above is every item I had brought and thought I needed. During my trip, I realized even though I thought i was packing "minimally", I still didn't use half the items I brought with me! Packing light takes time, especially if you're someone who likes to be prepared.
My typical day outfit: Thermals, Long-Sleeve Shirt, Flannel Sweatshirt, Hiking Boots, Scarf, Rain Jacket/Windbreaker, Warm Socks and a refillable water bottle.
Here is a list of items on my original list that I did not touch even once:
Protein bars - I did eat one or two, but I didn't need 6 like I thought. I had allowed enough room in my budget for take-out and irish cuisine, so the protein bars were not as enticing as some fresh fish and chips.
Poncho - A lighter, smaller alternative than packing an umbrella. I never used mine because my rain jacket did the trick, but I still like the idea of bringing one because they are very small and light.
Winter jacket - As someone who gets cold easily I contemplated bringing a winter jacket. I am so glad I chose not to carry the extra weight and opted for layers instead. I was perfectly fine with a thermal underlayer and a rain jacket.
Suitcase or backpack?
While there are carry-on sized suitcases available, I opted for a backpack for many reasons - most importantly because I wanted both my hands free so I could carry my luggage and take photographs at the same time. This 40L backpack from Osprey was one of the best purchases I could have made. It cost half the price of my round-trip plane ticket but the expense was easily justified by the quality and use I have gotten since purchasing. The size was perfect and the option to turn the backpack into a duffel bag made airport security a breeze (straps can often get caught in the conveyor belts). I am not surprised it won Best Overall Travel Backpack for 2020 by US News & World Report. ***This is not a paid advertisement. I just really love this bag.
Packing Tips:
Wear your heavier items on the plane. For me, this means I usually wear at least my jeans and sweatshirt to the airport.
Pack all your toiletries in a quarter gallon zip lock bag. Not only will this protect your luggage items from spills, but it will make going through TSA airport security 1000x quicker and easier.
Don’t tell yourself “’ll buy that when I get there”. While it is not a bad idea, I like to pack almost everything I know I will need instead. I don't want to have to worry about finding flip flops or toothpaste when I arrive, because I would rather spend that time exploring.
Layers are your best friend. My usual outfit went: tank top, thermal long sleeve, short sleeve t-shirt, and then rain jacket or sweater depending on current temps. I was able to stay warm and adjust to the weather by removing or adding a layer.
If you are trying to travel with hand luggage only, remember there is usually a weight limit on your bag. Usually around 20-22 lbs, check with your airline. This means that every item's weight needs to be considered.
Use packing cubes (like these here). I found a set of three for $15 at TJ Maxx - totally optional but was a huge convenience especially if you're backpacking and moving around a lot. It helped me stay organized and separate my dirty clothes from clean. Trying to find clothes in the early morning at the hostel was much easier and I didn’t wake anyone up rummaging through my bag).
Avoid buying anything at the airport (travel adapters, luggage locks, headphones, etc)
Must Haves:
Rain jacket - I wore a super lightweight Columbia rain jacket and was able to keep very dry. I highly recommend a lightweight rain jacket easily found at sporting goods stores as opposed to the heavier rain jackets often worn as business casual wear.
Wool socks - They keep your feet significantly more dry than cotton and Ireland is known for it's rainy days. I would recommend at least 1-2 pairs. Nothing can ruin a day of exploration like soaking wet feet. They can run really expensive but you can find decent pairs for approx. $10 each. Look for >50% wool. I had two pairs I brought with me and then 6 pairs of ankle socks. I ended up putting the wool socks over my clean ankle socks each day to help keep feet dry)
Luggage locks & Locker locks - I like the number combination locks because they don’t require a key, which is one more thing to potentially lose. These are a hostel necessity. See my list here for help on how to choose a hostel***)
Photocopy of passport - I read this tip on another blog, and it did make me feel more secure knowing I had a copy of my identification, not to mention the U.S. Department of State recommends it. Keep it in a separate part of your luggage than your actual passport, and don’t forget to protect and waterproof your passport by putting it in a plastic bag.
Medications - Make sure you have enough for the length of your stay, and I always bring at least an extra week in the event of emergency
If You’re Having Trouble Packing Minimally:
Look at each item you pack individually and be real with yourself on whether or not you NEED it, because one item turns into five and the next thing you know your back is stuffed to the brim. This goes for everything, from that extra hair clip or pair of socks to the extra sweatshirt. You may have to repack a few times and edit things out. Give yourself plenty of time and remember you will (most likely) survive without it! Don’t forget to save room for souvenirs.
What items would you bring that aren’t listed here? What would you leave at home?
Comment below!
