Hello! My name is Mya Martin. I am a College of Health and Education student studying to receive a degree in Childhood Education. I recently got to participate in my first ever study-abroad and international trip through a three-week education program in Ireland.
- The Weather - Like most people, before going on my study-abroad trip I was trying to think of what I would need to pack. The problem with Ireland during the May and June time is that the weather is extremely finicky. Our professors had told us that in the past they had weather where the students would wear shorts, or they would have weather where the students were bundled up in jackets, all during the same trip. Their solution was layer layer layer. Ireland during this time experiences weather that is usually around mid 50s to high 60s, so similarly like Arkansas springtime temperatures. I thought that this meant that the weather would be fairly warm during my trip. I was wrong. I did not account for Ireland being extremely cloudy ALL the time, as well as random rain drizzles throughout the day. This made the temperature seem colder than it really was. In order to make sure you’re fully prepared, I’m going to tell you some essential clothing items to pack before you start your journey.
- Rain Jacket, Rain Boots, and an Umbrella - Part of Ireland is experiencing the beautiful green hills and grass, but also experiencing all of the rain that comes along with it. Many times, you will not have a chance to return back to where you are staying, so you need to be prepared. Always check the weather before you leave so you know if there is a chance for rain or wind. If you become wet from rain throughout the day because you didn’t bring anything to combat it, then chances are your mood is going to steadily decline, as well as your warmth. I suggest getting a rain jacket, rain boots, and an umbrella. I found a cheap rain jacket at JC Penney, and I found a pair of small rain boots at Payless for $15. I would get short rain boots because otherwise they will take up too much space in your suitcase, as well as weigh more. I also found a small pocket umbrella at Walmart. This allowed me to easily put it in my purse without worrying about carrying it around.
- Clothing - This is going to sound like a big hodge-podge list, but trust me.
- Layers: The professors weren’t lying when they said layer. Layering could be a short-sleeve shirt or tank with a flannel, or jacket, or any other type of layering that fits your style. At least for my trip, the weather was more rainy and chilly, than on the warm side. This made me wish that I had packed a couple of sweaters, especially since the wind in Ireland can make the weather seem colder. I also suggest a sweatshirt for days that are more casual, but you want to be warm.
- Shirts: If I had to repack, I would most likely have brought more long sleeve shirts instead of short-sleeves, that way I didn’t have to rely so much on bringing a jacket.
- Pants: I would also bring 3 pairs of leggings, 1 pair of fleece leggings, 3 pairs of jeans, 1 pair of nice shorts, and 2 pairs of athletic shorts. Some girls brought dresses, but it was to chilly to wear any of them, so they just ended up taking up space in suitcases.
- Jackets, Gloves, and Hats: Be sure to pack a light, but warm jacket. Most of our time in Ireland was spent walking everywhere, so I was thankful to have a jacket. My jacket was also one that blocks wind well, this helped cut the wind-chill when walking around, especially when you get high up when seeing cliffs. If you're someone who is cold easily, you might think about bringing some gloves, as well as a hat to cover your ears. I’m not talking about a whole winter-gear ensemble, but a beanie and some light gloves might make you feel warmer.
- Types of Clothes: My clothing was about 70% more nice but comfy clothing options and 30% casual clothing. My trip was only three-weeks and I knew that I would want to be taking pictures at the places we visited. Also, there were many times where we wouldn’t go back to where we were staying until after we went out for dinner or out to pubs so I wanted outfits that would work for both sight-seeing and going out at night. However, you should pack whatever fits your personality best, and what makes you feel comfortable.
- Shoes - Like I said before, make sure to bring rain boots, they are definitely a life-saver. I would bring tennis shoes for hiking days, a pair of neutral nice shoes that will go with most outfits, and if you have room in your suitcase a pair of comfy shoes of your choice, such as Vans for walking around the towns. Some girls brought sandals, but if you're someone who gets cold like me, I would leave them at home because I never wore mine because my feet would’ve been too cold. You might also pack a pair of thermal socks for rain boot days. I know my feet would have thanked me.
- Side Note - I am a person who gets cold easily, so this list may contain items that you wouldn’t need if you are more hot-natured. You know yourself best, so stick with your gut on what you’ll need to pack. Unfortunately, the weather when I went was more on the rainy side, however the weather may be sunny when you go. To combat this, check the weather in Ireland the week before you go, so you can gauge what will be best for you. I would stick to the philosophy of it's better to be prepared than unprepared. I hope this packing list helps you figure out what you might need before leaving for your trip to Ireland. Good luck!
Mya spent the summer 2019 term in Ireland with our faculty-led program, Education in Ireland - The Art of Teaching with the help of our our Office of Study Abroad Scholarship.
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