I am a 23-year-old girl from New York who will be traveling to Ireland for two and a half weeks at the end of August, and am at a loss as to where to begin packing. … [A]ny advice or suggestions you or your readers might have would be greatly appreciated! —Mairead

I would LOVE to go to Ireland some day, but since I haven't, I asked my good friend Erin to ask her good friend Lisa McInerney, who lives in Dublin, for her fabulous fashion advice. Take it away, Lisa! (and thanks a million for sharing your expertise!)

"[W]eather can be unpredictable in Ireland and most of the time it does the opposite to what is forecasted!! Always have a small umbrella, and, if you can fit it, a rain proof jacket in your handbag! Suncrean, too, is important as when it shines the sun can be strong!

Funky accessories and the requisite umbrella
will have you partying in style in Ireland.


Fashion in in Ireland at the moment varies, as probably the same in the U.S., the '80s are creeping back in quickly! Anything goes though and even in the fanciest of clubs you will find girls casually dressed as well as OTT dressed up! What works for me in the summertime is a couple of tank tops layered, skinny jeans, killer heals (always flat shoes or flip flops in my bag though) and some funky accessories! If the weather is really good (as is at the moment) a nice summer dress, either bare legged or with leggins.

If stuck for space in a suitcase some good accessories would help transform ultra casual day wear into something a little fancier for the evening twined with a pair of high heels—you can't lose!

I would advise bringing something warm as it can get chilly in the evenings, long cardigans are fashionable here at the moment 2.

If all fails and you arrive with a suitcase completely full of inappropriate clothing (which often happens me on holidays) we have a shop here called Penneys—cheap and cheerful and stocks all the latest trends—you could kit yourself with a complete outfit for less than €50!

Have fun and I hope the sun keeps shining ".