Cover All Bases With Our Travel Kit For Ireland’s Ever-Changing Weather

Main Image; by Ben Watts at Art Department. Assisted by Jeff Sutera. Styled by Luis Rodriguez at Carolyn Bodner. Assisted by Seoul Choi and Nate Woodruff. 

Let’s get real. The Irish summer weather cannot decide what it is doing and therefore neither can we.

Have we learnt nothing from seeing tourists in their sensible rain repellent gear, or hiking boots or ponchos that could survive a monsoon, as we trail about in our ‘good’ Hoka runners and Lululemon gym shorts? Why do we tell ourselves this year will be different? Our Instagram-holiday-flooded-feed tries to convince us the sun will come out tomorrow – and maybe it will – for an instant. It is time to get real and get organised with essential multi-functional items that can cover all bases while holidaying in Ireland – and make us look good too.

Need some inspiration on where to go in Ireland? Our Fly The Flag: Destination Guides can help you with that…

LOOK SMART – ACT SMART

Mosebacke Raincoat, €169.00, Stutterheim, at Scout, Dublin.

Available in a range of colours, this Stutterheim Mac is a practical and stylish option for walking around the town. This sturdy and hard-wearing waterproof jacket is tailored with double-welded seams which makes it impossible for moisture to seep through. A very smart choice. www.scoutdublin.com

WFH OR TAKE A HIKE?

Rolltop Backpack, €110, Rains, at Brown Thomas.

This Rains Rolltop backpack doubles as a perfect laptop carrier (in case those few extra days in the west are needed and working remotely is on the cards) and as a perfect weather-proof hiking/biking backpack. This backpack combines Rains’ waterproof material with its signature adjustable strap – which is ideal for securely fastening to your bike lock. www.brownthomas.com

FOR A DAY AT THE BEACH – WHATEVER THAT ENTAILS

Multifunction tarp camping shelter, €36, at Decathlon.

This multifunctional tarp camping shelter defines ‘covering all bases.’ Whether it is for camping, some shade (in the event of sunshine) or shelter from the rain; this tarp has got you covered, quite literally, whatever the weather. www.decathlon.ie

WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS

Bucket Hat, €27; www.rains.com.

A water repellent bucket hat is always a good idea. They provide our noggins with complete protection from the rain or the sun. This Rains design is lined with a soft breathable fabric for more comfort and a better fit. Available in a variety of colours – this hat boasts stylish practicality. www.rains.com

SENSIBLE SOCKS SECURED

Bound Essential Socks, €8.99; www.boundonlineapparel.com.

Bound Apparel socks are soft and cushioned and ready to keep your feet comfortable all day long. As you embark on your day of adventures it is important to know your feet will be taken care of. Step count incoming… www.boundonlineapparel.com

PUDDLES OR PONDERING

Khaki green Mallow boots, Barbour, €72.99; www.asos.com.

Short wellies mean freedom when it is warm and protection under foot when it is wet, or if you are countryside hiking or trailing. The chunky souls are effortlessly funky – and you’ll be safe in the knowledge that no water is getting in. www.asos.com

STAY POLARISED

Phanto Sunglasses RB3447, €205, Ray-Ban, at Brown Thomas.

Sunglasses are a must when going on holiday and polarised lenses are a practical choice for any weather. For those dreamy beach days you can block out the rays, and on a rainy day the polarised lenses will only allow vertical light pass through which makes your vision clearer when driving or leaping through the rain. Talk to your sales assistant about what works for you. www.brownthomas.com

LAYER UP IN AN IRISH KNIT

Pink Burla fringe trimmed knit cardigan, Ireland’s Eye, €280, at Brown Thomas.

Incorporating layers into your packing is important – you truly never will know when you will need them. Something gorgeous and easy to pop over yourself for going out to dinner or cosying up inside with a good book is a multi-functional must. This sustainably made fringe trimmed knit cardigan is a great addition to your holiday case. Seen in Brown Thomas’ 2023 CREATE show, this knit will make you look cool and feel cosy. www.brownthomas.com