WHAT TO PACK FOR A TRIP TO DUBLIN

So you’re off to Dublin’s fair city, home of ceol, caint agus craic (Irish for ‘music, chat and’, well, ‘craic’). The Irish capital also, less famously, personifies the concept of ‘four seasons in a day’. One moment you’ll need sunglasses, the next an umbrella. Dublin is unpredictable and that’s why we love it, but it can make packing tricky sometimes. It’s all good though – whether you’re pulling up to one of the city’s famous pubs, sampling a spice bag or taking a turn around Phoenix Park, we’ve got your suitcase sorted. See you in Grogans.

If you’re in Dublin for the weekend, chances are you’re travelling carry-on only and space is at a premium. For maximum versatility, pack a few layers and stick to a simple colour palette of two neutrals and one accent colour – say, black, grey and green. Your accent colour doesn’t have to be green but hey, when in Dublin…

While Dublin might not be the rainiest part of Ireland (shout out to the west coast’s Wild Atlantic Way), you could encounter a few varieties of rain, from barely-there drizzle, to short showers and all-day downpours. You’ll need a light jacket, and it’ll need to be shower-resistant. Choose a layer that’s easy to take on and off – the sun will come out sooner than you might think.

If the Dublin weather has taught us anything, it’s best to be prepared, and that goes for grooming too. Whether you’ve got a rucksack or 30kg checked in, you’ll need a washbag to stash your things. If it’s a short jaunt you won’t need much – decant your usual toiletries into mini bottles to save on space. It’s generally a good idea to have a washbag full of minis ready to go at a second’s notice anyway, and it’ll make you look like an international man of mystery (which, of course, you are).

Part of Dublin’s allure is how low-key it is. You can dress up if you want, but you don’t have to. Dublin weekends are made for strolling, eating and drinking into the night, so whatever pair you pick, make sure they’re comfy. Jeans all weekend is perfectly fine, but you can strike a balance with relaxed trousers – either will take you from browsing the shops to dinner without violating the dress code.

Dublin is a walkable city with a fair share of cobbles from Temple Bar to the Guinness Storehouse, so you’ll need comfy shoes. Trainers are best if you’re planning to get your 10k (or more) steps in and, let’s face it, you probably will. If you’re packing light, a classic trainer like the adidas Originals Japan will cover most of your bases. If you want to smarten up your 'fit, try loafers – they’ll look just as good with jeans or trousers.