Should I Wear a Jacket in 70 Degree Weather in Ireland? Practical Fashion Advice

You’d think a question as simple as “Should I wear a jacket in 70 degree weather in Ireland?” wouldn’t spark heated debate in a country famous for its rain. But when the temperature hovers around 70 Fahrenheit (around 21 Celsius), you’ll find people at Forty Foot in Sandycove sunbathing while others are still clinging to their waterproofs in Eyre Square. Welcome to Irish summer, where the weather surprises you at every corner, and local knowledge is worth more than a shiny new Aran jumper.

What Does 70 Degrees Mean in an Irish Summer?

First, let’s set the scene. When you hear "70 degrees" in Ireland, you’re talking about that rare, magic number—one of the warmest summer days you’ll likely get. Ireland’s national average July high hovers closer to 66°F (19°C), so anything above that feels downright Mediterranean (well, almost). But—and this is a big but—the weather here is famous (or infamous) for its unpredictability. In Dublin, a clear morning can turn to drizzle by lunch. In Galway, a breeze off the Atlantic makes evenings feel cooler than the thermometer suggests.

Despite the dream of wandering Grafton Street in sundresses, most locals keep a jacket close all summer. That’s because a “70 degrees” day in Ireland doesn’t always mean steady warmth. It might be gorgeous in the sun, but the second a cloud rolls in, you might start wishing you’d brought that extra layer. And don’t get started on wind chill. On the west coast, that Atlantic air slices through your clothes faster than a chef at a seafood bar in Howth.

If you ask Irish Met Éireann (the Meteorological Service), you’ll see how variable those 70-degree days are. According to their 2024 climate summary, even on the hottest days, coastal towns often felt up to 5°C (nine degrees Fahrenheit) cooler in the evenings compared to urban centres further inland. That contrast explains why veteran festival goers at Electric Picnic pack both sunglasses and puffer jackets regardless of the forecast—because any given afternoon could deliver both sunshine and a rogue shower.

The Realities of Layering: What Locals Actually Do

Walk into Avoca on Suffolk Street in summer, and you’ll spot everything from lightweight macs to bold beachy prints. Irish style is born of necessity—layers are key. The trick is being ready to adapt at a moment’s notice. Sure, you could get away without a jacket on a truly glorious day. But anyone who’s tackled the Cliffs of Moher hike knows how quickly mist can move in off the Atlantic, dropping the temperature and upping the chill factor all in the space of a song from your phone’s playlist.

So, what’s the smart move? Local wisdom says: go light, go flexible. A breathable, water-resistant jacket is like gold—M&S, Regatta, and O’Neills always seem to have racks of these in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick this time of year. Add a soft sweater or a long-sleeve top underneath, and you’re winter-proofing your summer wanderings. If you wind up in a park picnic in Phoenix Park or a surprise beer garden gathering in Kilkenny, you’ve got your bases covered.

For those planning coastal trips—maybe to Dún Laoghaire’s pier or Achill Island—it’s best not to rely too heavily on apps. Every Irish family has a story of heading out on a sunny morning only to be caught in a downpour by tea time, and the Google Weather forecast never quite captures those micro-climates. Local tip: Feel free to text someone living in your destination 30 minutes before you go. If the locals say “grand,” that’s your green light… for now.

Tourists fall into two camps. You’ll spot eager visitors in shorts and t-shirts, mouths open in shock the moment the wind picks up near the Samuel Beckett Bridge. The seasoned ones—often returning Americans or savvy Europeans—are the folks with sleek rain jackets tied around their waists. There’s a reason layering is baked into Irish tradition, just look at the timeless layering in Irish dancing costumes or even the layering of flavours in a proper Irish stew. It all comes down to readiness for change.

Jacket Choices: Best Types for 70 Degree Days in Ireland

Alright, if you’ve decided to play it safe and tote a jacket, what sort should you pick? With the weather this fickle, a heavy parka is serious overkill. Think smart, light, and easy to stash away. Things like denim jackets, soft cotton bombers, or the cult-favourite lightweight puffer from Penneys (Primark, for the rest of the world) make the most sense.

• Lightweight Water-Resistant Jacket: Keep one in your bag if you’re heading out for a full day in town or off for a coastal stroll. Invest in a good hood—you’ll thank yourself during a pop-up shower in Salthill or Bray.
• Windbreaker:
This is especially handy along the coast or for outdoor gigs. The wind can get fierce along Greystones to Bray walk, and a thin shell layer is a lifesaver.
• Classic Denim or Linen:
Both look good and offer light protection. They match everything, from jeans for an evening in Temple Bar to shorts at a St. Anne’s Park picnic. Though, steer clear if the weather app is showing yellow rain warnings!
• Packable Puffer:
Not the full winter kind, but a super-light micro-down puffer (Uniqlo was almost made for Irish summers). They occupy no space and do a brilliant job adding warmth for brisk city evenings.

Your jacket choice will change if you’re heading to a pub crawl in Galway versus walking through Glenveagh National Park. And if you’re attending a summer event like the Galway Arts Festival or a match at Croke Park, check the organisers’ advice—sometimes, bag checks mean smaller jackets are better for quick entry.

Let’s not overlook style. Irish brands have upped their game—check out Magee 1866 or Dubarry for jackets that blend tradition with practicality. Or, if you're just after function, a trip to an outdoor retailer like The Great Outdoors in Dublin or McCullough's in Cork will leave you sorted for any microclimate.

Hidden Perks of Carrying a Jacket (and When to Risk Going Without)

Say you left the jacket at home. You get lucky—sunshine from dawn till dusk. Gorgeous! But what if the evening sets in and you’re nowhere near home (or your Airbnb)—restaurants in Galway and Dublin still favour seating outside, especially post-pandemic. You could be half-freezing over your last cocktail at The Grayson. With a jacket tucked away, you’ve got comfort, protection, and a handy seat warmer if those city benches turn chilly.

But wearing a jacket isn’t just about battling the cold or rain. In Ireland, it’s like a multi-tool. How often have you seen someone unfold a jacket for a spontaneous picnic on St. Stephen’s Green? Or, those clever mammy-tricks—using the jacket as an emergency umbrella or keeping the kids warm after a swim in West Cork? Don’t get started on using it as a backup bag when you come out of shops weighed down with Penneys’ bargains—those pockets fit more than you’d think.

There’s freedom in going jacketless too, but be smart about it. If you’re confident it’ll be a blue-sky day, save the hassle. Just glance at the Irish Independent weather column before you head out, and trust your gut. If you hate carrying things, opt for an oversized scarf or light hoodie stuffed in your bag—Irish summers are made for creative solutions. For the spontaneous, there are always solutions: a quick dash into Dealz for a ‘disposable’ poncho or that old Irish fallback, crashing under a pub’s awning till the skies clear.

Still torn? Here’s a tip. Ask yourself: How far am I going, and how long will I be away? If your plans involve being near transport or close to home, feel free to be daring. If you’re off to a field in Tipperary or to watch hurling in Thurles, bring the jacket. Nothing ruins an Irish summer faster than being caught out by a rogue squall—with no layers between you and the chill. Speaking from personal experience, being cold at a match lasts far longer in the memory than carrying your jacket all afternoon.

So whether you’re local and know every curve of the River Liffey, an expat still figuring out the difference between drizzle and a ‘soft day,’ or a tourist hoping to catch the best bits of Irish summer, keep that jacket handy. Ireland’s 70 degrees is never just 70 degrees. The magic is in the layers—and a little bit of luck with the skies.