What to Wear in Dublin

General Style Tips

Dublin is a lovely mix of the young and old, students and vacation visitors, and like most places that has a large student population the dress code is informal and casual.
Jeans are popular with young and old alike and by day sneakers are perfectly acceptable everywhere with the exception of very upscale restaurants.
Make sure you take comfy footwear for daytime as you will do a lot of walking, especially if you opt for a walking tour. Try Hotter shoes, they provide total comfort and look great too.
Clever layering is the key to dressing for the changeable weather.
If the weather turns wet, something that can happen at any time of year (so pack a raincoat and umbrella) you will find plenty of taxis in the city at reasonable prices.
The popular Temple Bar district has a wide choice of live music, pubs and restaurants to suit everyone. Regarded by the locals as a bit of a tourist trap it is nevertheless a great area to wander in both day and night. However it’s at night when it really shines.
Leave your swimsuit at home it's very unlikely that you will use it, unless your hotel has facilities.
Also see What to Wear in Ireland / Eire

Save your case space and leave heels at home unless you are planning to visit upscale restaurants. Around Temple Bar the streets are cobbled, so flat shoes are simply easier to walk in (although wedge heels would work too).
Be aware that even in the summer months June, July and August you're unlikely to see people wearing short shorts in Dublin.

Wear smart shoes for evening dining and nightclubs, as some have a ‘smart dress' policy and sneakers are not welcome.
For great versatile travel jackets with multiple pockets including RFID security options, we love the SCOTTeVEST range.

Save your case space and leave heels at home unless you are planning to visit upscale restaurants. Around Temple Bar the streets are cobbled, so flat shoes are simply easier to walk in (although wedge heels would work too).
Be aware that even in the summer months June, July and August you're unlikely to see people wearing short shorts in Dublin.

Wear smart shoes for evening dining and nightclubs, as some have a ‘smart dress' policy and sneakers are not welcome.
For great versatile travel jackets with multiple pockets including RFID security options, we love the SCOTTeVEST range.

It can rain at any time and our advice would be to pack a lightweight raincoat and travel umbrella even in the summer.
Clever layering is the key to dressing for changeable weather.
We love the Weather+ app – it gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you're planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you've been to too – a nice way to remember your trip 🙂 Download for iPad/iPhone or Android

If you plan to visit several of the major sites in Dublin, the Dublin Pass sightseeing card will save you money and give you fast track entry to beat the queues. You can buy online before you go, and use it for travel from the airport. Attractions include the Guinness Storehouse, Old Jameson Distillery and St Patrick's Cathedral.
A lightweight day sack or shoulder bag will come in handy to carry your sightseeing essentials.
If you're aiming to travel with just carry-on baggage, try the CabinMax soft-sided rucksack – it's light, roomy and has plenty of pockets to keep your stuff organized.
If you tend to buy bottled water, consider carrying a LifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle – fill up from any source and get clean, safe drinking water without wasting plastic bottles.
Look after your mobile phone with a phone bunjee – it protects against loss, theft and damage.
To use electrical gadgets you may need a travel adapter plug, and also a step down voltage converter if your devices are not designed for European voltage (230V).
Avoid paying unexpected baggage fees – use an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don't forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home! Anything adorned with leprechauns or shamrocks are popular tourist buys, but if you indulge in some Irish whiskey or Guinness remember you'll need to pack it in checked-in baggage unless you buy at the airport duty-free.