Before looking at what to wear in Ireland in April, it’s worth taking 10 seconds to get up-to-speed on what this month is like:
By April, we’re well into spring in Ireland, so expect temperatures to start climbing and for daylight hours to extend. It can still get a little bit chilly, with average lows of 4°C/39°F and average highs of 13°C/55°F. Mid-month, the sun rises at 6:25am and sets at 8:00pm. There there are plenty of daylight hours.
While the weather in Ireland for the last few Aprils have been quite dry and sunny, it never hurts to be extra prepared (in case you’re unlucky and your trip coincides with a rainy spell). The best way to do this is to bring along lots of layers and waterproofs, so you can bundle up if it’s cold, cover up if it’s rainy, and remove things if it’s warm.
Where you live and are from can play a huge part in what you should bring. For those of us who are used to the depths of winter – April is pleasant! But, if you’re visiting Ireland from somewhere warmer, you might still find it a little on the cold side. If you’re not too sure where you fall on the scale, we’d say it’s good to squeeze in a couple of extra layers to be on the safe side.
April might be the middle of spring, and it may have been dry and sunny the last couple of years, but it’s still possible for rain, sunshine, (and more rarely snow) in a single day. It can also feel quite warm when the sun is shining and there’s no wind. Again, that’s why we always recommend bringing layers for a trip to Ireland, as you can easily put them on and remove them according to the weather.
Recommended that you pack for Ireland in April:
- Warm, waterproof jacket
- Gloves, a hat and a scarf
- Long-sleeved tops
- Bottoms (jeans, trousers or leggings)
- Comfortable walking boots or shoes
- Evening footwear
- Socks and undergarments
- Sweaters, cardigans, pullovers or hoodies
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (just in case)
- Activity-related clothing (e.g. swimwear)
- Formal wear if you intend to dine in upscale restaurants
The list above gives you a quick insight into what to wear in Ireland in April and what to bring with you.
Below, you’ll find the type of plugs we use along with a mix of other essential items for your Ireland packing list for April.
1. The essentials 
To start with, we suggest thinking about your non-negotiables (A.K.A your essentials). These are different for everyone, but check below for what we normally bring on a trip!
- The first thing on every list should be a valid passport, so get that checked well in advance (and a VISA, depending on where you’re travelling from!).
- Ireland has sockets with three rectangular prongs (G-type sockets), so make sure to pick up an adapter if you need one.
- If you have any prescription medication that you need, of course, don’t forget to bring it. OTC painkillers (e.g. paracetamol) can also come in handy.
- A day bag is a must-have, especially in April when you’ll probably be spending entire days outside exploring.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses, for those occasional sunny days.
2. The waterproofs 
We talk about things to avoid in Ireland a fair bit on this website – one of the key points is not to assume the weather in Ireland in April will be grand.
While the last couple of years have been pretty sunny, looking further back, there is a chance of some rainy weather. In 2019 for example, Ireland was hit by Storm Hannah in April, which brought strong winds and above-average rainfall across the country.
So, leave some space in your bag for some waterproofs.
- a waterproof jacket
- quick dry or waterproof trousers
- waterproof shoes are essential if you plan on doing some long hikes
- rain cover or portable poncho for your day pack might also be useful
- a travel umbrella
3. The cold-beaters 
April can still be relatively cold, especially if there’s a chilling wind and no sun. With average lows of 4°C/39°F, be sure to pack:
- a nice winter coat
- a light scarf
- woolly socks
- a hat
- gloves
4. The evening wear 
Evenings in Ireland can range from a chill night at the local pub to a meal in a high-end restaurant. Pubs and restaurants are generally quite casual, with men wearing jeans and a shirt or polo, and women wearing jeans paired with a top or light jumper. However, if you’re planning on a fancy meal or hitting up an upmarket bar, then we recommend bringing along something a little more formal.
5. The activity-specific clothing 
What should I wear in Ireland in April? (quoted from various sites):
- Packing for April in Ireland can be tricky. We get average lows of 4°C/39°F and average highs of 13°C/55°F, but this can vary. A mix of light and warm layers are key, as is a good waterproof outer-layer.
- Dublin, like much of Ireland, is nice and casual (fine dining excluded). Depending on the weather, you’ll see people in jeans, trousers, skirts and mainly smart-casual wear.
- I suggest packing layers and picking color combos that are easy to mix and match. Wear your bulkiest items onto plane if possible.
I brought the following in a backpack and suitcase:
Wore onto plane: Wool coat, jeans, spaghetti strap tank, long sleeve shirt, and comfy sweater, along with some heavy duty tall boots. Definitely was not the most comfortable wearing the boots onto the plane but it also helped condense what i had to pack. My wool coat made for a great blanket as well.
Packed: 2 pairs of jeans, 2 more light cotton long sleeves, 3 more tank tops, 1 zip up sweater and 2 pullovers, 1 water resistant jacket. 1 down jacket & gloves. 2 pair of pj pants and 2 tops to sleep in. Also brought a pair of hiking sneakers, workout pants, and a pair of boots that could have been dressed up or down. Also of course undies, wool socks, bras and a sports bra. I think i brought a few nicer tops as well which i ended up not wearing at all.
In retrospect i could have easily packed lighter. I would forgo a pull over sweater as i found the ones i packed were too bulky to easily wear under my coat. Also didn’t need the dressier tops at any point.
On the other hand the down jacket was a life saver in the colder parts and I absolutely recommend a good pair of gloves as my hands got very cold at times without them. But I’m also cold if it’s below 70 so that’s your call! I could have probably done with only an additional pair of jeans too. - The most important things are sturdy folding umbrella, 2 pairs of waterproof shoes (and be ready for mud in the countryside) and waterproof jacket. You can put layers under it - anything from a shirt to shirt and sweater, or even add a turtleneck, etc.