I wasn’t entirely sure how to pack for Ireland even though the weather in Michigan is quite similar at this time of the year. At home, I drive everywhere and am never exposed to the elements for too long and my mom had a list of outdoor activities from touring Kylemore Abbey to visiting Cliffs of Moher to shopping in Dublin. Here’s what I packed, what I wish I would’ve packed and what I would leave home:
The Travel Essentials
I used the Monos carry on plus for just a little bit more room and skipped checking a bag since we would be driving around the country and didn’t want to haul a ton of shit with me. I also used compression packing cubes, this Dagne Dover tech organizer and this Dagne Dover backpack as my personal item. I also love this Amazon clear bag. It’s the right size and easy to see exactly what I packed away. I also used this small vintage Louis Vuitton pouch for makeup brushes and non-liquids.
What I Packed: Clothing, Shoes, Accessories
I should also share we were only here for five nights, but this would work for a slightly longer stay if I had the hotel launder my clothing which was my original plan. I wore comfy joggers, this Anine Bing sweatshirt, a grey cropped tee, white sneakers and this Amazon packable rain resistant jacket with a hood.
For tops, I packed one oversized grey sweatshirt, one oversized vintage sweater, a henley, white socks and a white tee.
For pants, I packed one pair of leggings and one pair of black jeans–both pairs of bottoms that I know I could easily wear everyday and be comfortable and mix and match with what I packed for tops. I packed three pairs of white socks and a pair of thicker tan socks that I wore two days.
I only packed waterproof black boots–a pair by La Canadienne I’ve had for years that are completely broken in and comfortable. I also packed two beanies, pajama shorts, one baseball cap, one pair of sunglasses and two purses: a casual black leather crossbody and a Chanel WOC that takes up such little space. I also packed a long puffer coat with a hood (linked the new version from Everlane sine my version is no longer available) since I’m perpetually cold and I would be spending more time outdoors than normal–and this last minute add was the best thing for me. This worked so well in the evenings when it got chillier and for the Cliffs of Moher day since it was so cold and windy.
What I Wish I Would’ve Packed Or Not Packed
I never wore the henley I packed which I knew was something I wanted just in case, knowing I would probably rewear the sweatshirts and sweater before wearing it. And I was right and should’ve just left that home. I wish I would’ve packed one more pair of boots, maybe a more stylish pair to elevate my very casual wardrobe. If I had space, I wish I had a third coat option, a coat without a hood like this one I considered bringing but I hate overpacking and not having a chance to buy something to fit to take home. I did buy a beautiful new winter coat on the last day in Dublin and wore it once I bought it!
Skincare/Hair/Beauty
I went super low maintenance for this trip and washed my hair the night before knowing I could easily get by which saved me space. I didn’t pack anything for my hair besides a hair net and a mini travel straightener for my mom to use.
For skincare, I went with just a Good Molecules face oil and Summer Fridays jet lag moisturizer in the travel size. This combo saved my dry skin and took up very little space. I also packed three lip balms, two tinted and one more of a plain glossy balm in peppermint.
For make up, I packed the Erborian CC cream and Armani concealer with the Merit blush in Stockholm. I contoured my nose with my new Sephora buy the sculpt stick by Milk Makeup. I also packed a mini Milk Makeup mascara and a mini Charlotte Tilbury pressed powder.