Visiting Dublin, Ireland, and wondering how to pack for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration? Having had countless Paddy’s Days in Ireland, we can give you some good insider knowledge about the perfect survival bag.
Paddy’s day celebrates a wonderful saint. Savors Spirits are alive and in full force because the date has become synonymous with Ireland. No matter where you live, March 17th is 100% reserved for all things Irish. Revelers wake up keen to savor the entire day, and nobody hides their pride.
What does a typical Paddy’s Day look like?
Before diving into what clothes you should pack, let’s first explain what you should expect from a typical Paddy’s Day in Ireland.
Typical activities of the holiday include eating, drinking and watching parades. There is no limit to the kinds of things you can bake, cook, and eat. Traditional dishes like a good roast, shepherd’s pie, Irish soda bread, and fish & chips are favorites.
As for drinks, Guinness and Irish coffee are top choices for the day. Outside food, there are plenty of parades and fanfare.
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What’s the Weather Like for St. Patrick’s Day?
We Irish love talking about the weather. That’s because the Irish weather is quite moody. One minute is sunny and bright, and the next minute is rainy and windy. We joke that we can get four seasons in one hour.
So before unraveling the items you should pack for St. Patrick’s Day, it is better to cover what you should expect from the weather first. This way, you will get your bag, mindset, and mood right for the occasion.
March marks the begging of Spring in Ireland, and although you might suspect warm temperatures, it feels more like winter. On average, Dublin in March experiences a high temperature of 50°F (10°C), as well as a low temperature of 39°F (4°C). Apart from low temperatures, March is one of the rainiest months in the country, with an average of 24 days of rain. So chances are you will be parading in the rain.
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What Do You Need to Pack for St. Patrick’s Day?
You’ll want to bring plenty of warm and waterproof clothing to keep you warm and dry. If you can find green items, then all the better! Adding a bit of extra shine to your clothes for the day can also make them a bit more fun and personal.
Rain Jacket
To survive the day, you’ll need a good-quality rain jacket. A waterproof jacket is a must-have, so try not to overlook this. To truly enjoy the fun, you should go on the street and watch the parade, and you must be dry and warm for that to happen. Since umbrellas are not a good idea, a good jacket is your best choice.
Rain Boots
There’s nothing worse than walking around with wet feet. Now, imagine yourself walking up and down with many revelers along Dublin’s street and the constant rain pouring on your feet. Not a good thought, right? So, to avoid you having to go back to the hotel earlier than you need to, pack a good pair of waterproof shoes.
Warm socks, please!
Okay, you have what you need to keep your dear feet dry, so now let’s ensure they are also warm. When packing for your trip, add thermal socks to the pile. Don’t underestimate how cold feet can ruin your parade experience.
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Scarves, Hats & Gloves
Keeping your neck, ears, and hands warm will make your day much more comfortable. So remember to pack those items when getting your luggage ready. The hat could be an extra layer to keep your hair dry and neat. The scarf will stop the intrusive wind from reaching your neck and traveling down your core.
Pro tip: Go for waterproof options!
Some Green Stuff
You can’t celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without wearing a touch of green, or you’re at risk of being pinched. When packing, add some green items to your suitcase.
A good Paddy’s Day outfit idea is to go sport-casual. Wear a green top/sweater and a comfy pair of jeans with the other items described above. Alternatively, you can ensure your boots, rain jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves are green. That should allow you to bring more colors if you have an allowance for a small bag.
Another great idea to enhance your outfit is to wear some Irish green jewels. That’s a great way to add that little touch of green you need.
Body jewels are also a great and fun option. You can either buy them in advance or upon arrival. All over Ireland you can find Euro Saver shops offering these Paddy’s Day crafts.
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Don’t forget the electronics!
Any time we travel somewhere, we check what plugs the country requires. That’s because, in Ireland, we have a different plug design that’s only compatible with UK plugs. So, if you’re coming from America or another part of the globe, bring in a universal adapter.
If you love history and enjoy capturing the best moments of your trip, bring a good camera with you. You’ll be able to create a high-quality record of all the fun and take pictures of the stunning Irish landscape and architecture. If you have a good phone camera and only plan to take photos for social media, this must-have might not be as important.
To sum it up
St. Paddy’s Day is full of fun and Irish charm. And if you plan to spend the day in Dublin or any other Irish city, one thing is certain: it most likely will rain. But don’t worry, that shouldn’t be a problem if you appropriately packed for the temperamental Irish weather.
Waterproof jackets, boots, comfy trousers, warm socks, a sweater, and Irish jewelry should get you sorted. Green-colored items should bring fun to your look, along with the luck of the Irish.
Irish jewelry to spoil your loved ones
Spoil her with meaningful gifts. Choose sparkly and pretty items that speak to her Irish heritage.
