What to Wear in Ireland in December: 10 Outfit Ideas for Rain, Wind, and Cozy Pubs

Your Ireland trip is coming up. Or maybe you’re still deciding between Dublin, Galway, and the wild west coast.

Either way, December in Ireland is wonderfully cozy. Christmas lights glow along Grafton Street, trad music spills out of every pub, and the countryside looks moody and beautiful under grey skies.

It’s also wet, windy, and dark early.

Dressing for Ireland in December comes down to one core principle: wear waterproof outer layers and warm knits underneath, because you’ll get rain and wind almost every day, then step into very warm pubs.

Irish locals dress practically — rain jackets, chunky knits, dark jeans, and waterproof boots. With that in mind, here are 10 outfit ideas for what to wear in Ireland in December.

1. Waterproof Rain Jacket with a Chunky Knit and Jeans

The essential Irish outfit. A waterproof jacket over a cozy sweater handles almost any day.

Buying guide

• Hooded waterproof rain jacket
• Chunky cable-knit sweater
• Dark wash straight-leg jeans
• Waterproof Chelsea boots
• Wool beanie

Styling tips: Choose a jacket with a hood — umbrellas are useless in strong wind. Layer a thermal under the sweater on colder days. Waterproof boots are a must.

2. Aran Sweater with Corduroy Pants for the Countryside

An Aran sweater is iconic Irish knitwear — warm, textured, and perfect for countryside walks.

Buying guide

• Cream Aran cable-knit sweater
• Brown or olive corduroy trousers
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Waxed or quilted jacket
• Wool scarf

Styling tips: Aran sweaters are naturally water-resistant and very warm. Corduroy adds texture and warmth. Hiking boots handle muddy trails.

3. Long Puffer Coat with Leggings for the Cliffs of Moher

The west coast is windy and cold, especially at the Cliffs of Moher. A long puffer blocks the wind.

Buying guide

• Long waterproof puffer coat with a hood
• Fleece-lined leggings
• Thermal top and knit sweater
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Gloves and a warm beanie

Styling tips: Choose a coat that’s waterproof, not just water-resistant. Keep layers fitted underneath. Hold onto your hat — the wind is strong.

4. Wool Coat with Trousers for Dublin City Days

For museums, shopping, and cafés in Dublin, a long wool coat looks polished.

Buying guide

• Long camel or black wool coat
• Fine-knit turtleneck
• Tailored straight-leg trousers
• Waterproof leather ankle boots
• Compact umbrella

Styling tips: Choose boots with grip for wet streets. A wool coat works on calmer days. Keep a compact umbrella handy for city drizzle.

5. Sweater Dress with Tights for a Pub Night

Irish pubs get warm and lively. A sweater dress is cozy and easy.

Buying guide

• Ribbed knit midi sweater dress (forest green, burgundy, or grey)
• Fleece-lined tights
• Knee-high boots
• Rain jacket or wool coat
• Gold hoops

Styling tips: Pubs are warm, so wear layers you can remove. Fleece-lined tights keep you warm walking there. Forest green feels perfectly Irish.

6. Waxed Jacket with a Plaid Shirt for Road Trips

A waxed jacket is classic, water-resistant, and perfect for a Ring of Kerry or Wild Atlantic Way road trip.

Buying guide

• Waxed or quilted country jacket
• Plaid flannel shirt
• Thermal tank underneath
• Dark jeans
• Waterproof boots

Styling tips: Layer the flannel over a thermal. Waxed jackets resist drizzle. Choose comfortable boots for scenic stops.

7. Turtleneck, Plaid Skirt, and Tall Boots

A plaid skirt is festive and classic for exploring Christmas markets.

Buying guide

• Green or red tartan wool midi skirt
• Black fitted turtleneck
• Opaque tights
• Waterproof knee-high boots
• Long wool coat

Styling tips: Tuck the turtleneck in. A wool skirt is warmer than cotton. Waterproof boots keep feet dry.

8. Velvet Blazer with Black Jeans for Christmas Dinner

A velvet blazer is festive and refined for a holiday dinner.

Buying guide

• Velvet blazer (emerald, burgundy, or black)
• Silk blouse
• Black jeans or trousers
• Heeled ankle boots
• Long coat

Styling tips: Wear a waterproof or wool coat over it. Many places close on Christmas Day and St. Stephen’s Day, so book ahead. Keep jewelry classic.

9. Fleece and Rain Pants for Hiking

For hikes in Connemara or Wicklow, technical layers keep you dry.

Buying guide

• Fleece pullover
• Waterproof shell jacket
• Waterproof rain pants
• Hiking boots with grip
• Merino base layers

Styling tips: Layer merino, fleece, and a shell. Rain pants keep you dry. Bring extra socks.

10. Comfortable Travel Outfit for Arrival Day

Arrival days mean airports, buses, and rental cars.

Buying guide

• Knit lounge set
• White sneakers
• Packable rain jacket
• Large scarf
• Crossbody bag

Styling tips: Wear your bulkiest layers on the plane. Keep a rain jacket handy. A big scarf doubles as a blanket.

Where to Shop for Ireland December Outfits

For rain jackets and fleeces, try The North Face, Columbia, and Patagonia. Aran sweaters are available from Aran Sweater Market and Irish knitwear brands. Uniqlo is great for thermals. Barbour is the go-to for waxed jackets. For waterproof boots, try Blundstone, Hunter, and Merrell. Amazon is great for beanies, gloves, and fleece-lined leggings.

Final Thoughts

Ireland in December is cozy, moody, and magical. Pack waterproof layers, warm knits, and sturdy boots, and you’ll be ready for every pub, cliff walk, and rainy-day adventure.