Autumn in Ireland: What to Wear (October–November)

For many students joining high school study abroad programs in Ireland, the first cool snap of autumn can feel surprising. October and November bring shorter days, crisp mornings, and plenty of drizzle. But don’t worry - dressing smartly for the Irish autumn is all about layering and choosing the right essentials.

This guide will walk you through what to pack, what to buy locally, and how to stay comfortable without overpacking.

Layering is Essential

Irish weather is famously unpredictable. As you can discover in HSI’s “10 Things to Know Before Studying in an Irish High School” blog, it can go from sunny and warm one moment to chilly and wet the next.

So: layers over bulk. Here’s what works best:

Base layers: long-sleeved t-shirts, thermal tops, or light sweaters.
Middle layers: hoodies, fleeces, or cardigans you can put on or take off.
Outer layer: a good waterproof jacket with a hood is essential. It will handle most drizzle and wind.

Tip: Umbrellas are handy, but Irish wind can turn them inside out. A waterproof hooded jacket will often serve you better.

Also useful: check the forecast each morning (Met Éireann is reliable) so you can adapt.

Shoes & Outerwear

Since a lot of your daily life involves walking (to school, buses, weekends), your footwear and outerwear choices matter.

A pair of everyday trainers (sneakers) for dry-ish days.
Water-resistant shoes or boots for wetter days.
Avoid white canvas trainers - they won’t stay white for long on damp Irish pavements!

For coats, something mid-weight (not too heavy) but weather-resistant is ideal. A jacket with removable lining or an inner layer can work well for variation.

School Uniform Basics - Included, No Extra Cost

One important difference with HSI: your school uniform is included in the programme. That means you don’t need to budget or pack expensive formal items - your blazer / jumper / shirt / tie / trousers/skirt are provided. This is a benefit many other providers don’t offer.

So what you really need to focus on packing are your casual autumn clothes, outdoor layers, and accessories.

Sports Kit & School Teams

Physical education (PE) is a regular part of school life. If you're involved in a school sports team, you may need to purchase some items.

Typical sports kit includes:

Tracksuit bottoms / leggings
PE t-shirt + sweatshirt
Trainers suitable for both indoor & outdoor use

If you do join competitive teams (football, rugby, hurling, etc.), you can check with the HSI team whether your school supplies team kit or whether you’ll need to buy it.

What Students Say: Real Experience with Weather

From student blogs on HSI:

“When I first arrived, the weather was quite nice and sunny. But I had already been warned that the rain would come soon — and it really did!” — My First Week as an Exchange Student in Ireland, Lars, from Germany

“I didn’t expect so much rain, but now I’m used to carrying my jacket everywhere. The layers are what make life easier.” — From Spain to Ireland: My Eye-Opening Experience, Carla, from Spain

These reflections show you’re likely to experience both fairly nice autumn weather and periods of rain. Being flexible is key.

Laundry & Clothing Care

Knowing how laundry works will help plan what and how much to pack.

With host families, laundry is usually done for students. You’ll have clothes cleaned weekly.
If you are in a boarding school or other residential setting, there is typically a laundry service or you’ll be able to access laundry facilities.
Some families use tumble dryers, while others dry clothes indoors on racks. Quick-dry fabrics can be very useful, especially in damp weather.

Pack fewer items you can wash and re-wear rather than a huge wardrobe.

What to Buy Locally

You don’t need everything from home - some items are better to get once you arrive.

Extra jumpers or hoodies can be found for good prices at affordable clothing stores like Penneys (Primark), Dunnes Stores, or TK Maxx.
School-specific sports kit (if not supplied) is usually cheaper locally.
A compact umbrella (for emergency use) or gloves / scarf if you feel cold easily - these are easy buys.

Quick Autumn Capsule Wardrobe

Here’s a simple packing list:

2–3 long-sleeved casual tops - great for layering under hoodies or fleeces.
2 cosy jumpers / hoodies - easy to throw on when the temperature drops suddenly.
1 fleece or mid-layer - warmer than a hoodie, perfect for chilly mornings.
1 waterproof jacket with hood - much more reliable than an umbrella in Irish wind.
2 pairs of trousers / jeans - durable and versatile for both casual and school days.
1 pair of water-resistant boots / shoes - essential for rain and muddy paths.
1 pair of everyday trainers - comfortable for daily walking and school commutes.
PE / sports kit basics - needed for PE classes and possibly team practices

Uniforms cover your formal school wardrobe, so no need to overpack there.

Final Thoughts

Adjusting to the Irish autumn means being practical, flexible, and prepared for transitions in weather. Because with HSI, your uniform is provided, you have less to worry about - focus on what makes your daily life comfortable: layering, outerwear, footwear, and knowing the laundry setup.

If you’re interested in joining a high school study abroad programme in Ireland, contact us to ask about uniform & books, details of sports team requirements, and more about what’s included.