If you’re escaping for the bank holiday and booking somewhere snug (try newly spruced Liss Ard Estate in West Cork or Longueville House in Mallow), make sure your trusty weekender is ready to go. Here’s what to pack …

A hardwearing LEATHER HOLDALL is worth the investment. Mulberry’s Clipper weekend bag has a sleek, understated profile, €1,075, at Mulberry, 24 Duke Street, Dublin 2. What to pack inside? A FLEECE No longer a sartorial no-no, choose a comfortable, lightweight fleece, like Patagonia’s classic Retro-X fleece vest. WALKING BOOTS For hiking boots that are sturdy yet comfortable with decent rubber soles, try Diemme’s nappa leather Roccia Vet boots which look good in après-hike environments too. A CHUNKY KNIT Worn over a classic T-shirt, Norwegian label Devold’s cosy wool Nansen polo-neck sweater is perfect for the outdoors as well as propping up the hotel bar. THERMAL UNDERWEAR is your secret weapon for staying toasty. Marks & Spencer’s Heatgen long johns are lifesavers. GOOD JEANS Throw on under a pair of take-you-anywhere Native Denims selvedge blue jeans, when you’re heading to the nearest farm-to-fork restaurant. YOUR TOILETRY KIT It’s time to break that habit of chucking a bog-standard anti-dandruff shampoo into your washbag. Paying more attention to your scalp can pay dividends, so trichologists recommend you clean it every day with something gently effective. Good options include the Aveeno range (€10.49), in pharmacies, with oat-based formulas gentle on both hair and scalp. Also try Klorane’s Repairing shampoo with hydrating cupuaçu fruit butter, €12.50. Consider packing cult cold weather staple Eight Hour Cream skin protectant by Elizabeth Arden, which works on chapped lips, dry cuticles – even the crown jewels, apparently; €35, at Boots nationwide. BEFORE YOU GO Have a hot towel shave (€37) at Waldorf Barbershop in Temple Bar, Dublin 2 for a traditional service and timeless atmosphere; www.waldorfbarbers.shop.

Main featured image via Hartford.