It’s 70 degrees Fahrenheit in Dublin, and the sun’s actually out-no rain for once. You’re standing outside Grafton Street, sipping a flat white from a local café, and you’re wondering: should I wear a hoodie in 70 degree weather in Ireland? The answer isn’t as simple as it sounds. In most places, 70 degrees means tank top weather. But in Ireland? It’s a whole different ball game.
Irish Weather Doesn’t Play by the Rules
In Ireland, weather doesn’t follow the calendar. Even in late spring or early summer, you can wake up to a misty morning in Galway, hit 70 degrees by noon, and be shivering under a drizzle by 4 p.m. That’s not a glitch-it’s the norm. The Atlantic Ocean hugs the west coast, and the Gulf Stream keeps things mild but unpredictable. A hoodie isn’t just a fashion choice here. It’s a survival tool.
Think about it: you’re walking from Trinity College to the Guinness Storehouse, and suddenly the wind picks up off the Liffey. That 70-degree warmth? Gone. A light breeze off the water can drop the perceived temperature by 10 degrees. That’s why you’ll see locals in Cork, Belfast, or Limerick wearing hoodies even when the thermometer says ‘warm.’ It’s not about being cold-it’s about being ready.
Why Hoodies Are a Staple in Irish Wardrobes
Hoodies in Ireland aren’t just for gym sessions or lazy Sundays. They’re the unofficial uniform for everything from pub crawls in Temple Bar to hiking the Wicklow Mountains. Brands like Patagonia, Uniqlo, and local favourites like Irish Wool Company and Claddagh Cashmere sell hoodies that aren’t just cozy-they’re wind-resistant, quick-drying, and made for damp air.
Take the Claddagh Cashmere hoodie. It’s made from Irish wool, naturally breathable, and light enough for 70-degree days but warm enough when the evening fog rolls in over Howth. You’ll see students at UCD wearing them with jeans and trainers, and older folks in Sligo pairing them with walking boots for their daily stroll along the coast. It’s not about looking trendy. It’s about staying dry, staying warm, and not getting caught out.
What 70 Degrees Really Feels Like in Ireland
Temperature alone doesn’t tell the story. Humidity in Ireland averages 80% year-round. That means even when it’s 70 degrees, your skin feels clammy. A cotton hoodie might trap moisture and leave you sweating. But a hoodie made with merino wool or a poly-cotton blend? It wicks sweat, dries fast, and doesn’t cling. That’s why you’ll rarely see someone in Ireland wearing a thick, fleece-lined hoodie on a warm day. They know better.
Compare that to a day in London or Paris. In those cities, 70 degrees means open shirts and shorts. In Ireland? You’ll see people in light hoodies, light jackets, or even long-sleeve tees with a zip-up vest. It’s layered dressing as a cultural habit. Tourists often get it wrong-showing up in flip-flops and a t-shirt, only to be shivering by lunchtime in Killarney.
When to Wear a Hoodie in 70-Degree Weather
Here’s the practical guide for Ireland:
- Morning in the west (Galway, Donegal, Mayo): Always wear a hoodie. Coastal winds are brutal, even in summer.
- Afternoon in Dublin: If you’re walking around the city, a lightweight hoodie over a tee is perfect. Keep it in your bag if you’re heading into a café or museum-indoor heating is often cranked up.
- Evening anywhere: Once the sun drops below the horizon, temperatures drop fast. A hoodie is your best friend, whether you’re at a gig in the Button Factory or a quiet pint in Kilkenny.
- On public transport: Buses and trains in Ireland are rarely heated properly. A hoodie is your personal radiator.
Pro tip: If you’re visiting from abroad and bought a hoodie back home, check the material. Avoid thick, synthetic fleece. It’ll make you sweat and trap moisture. Look for hoodies labeled ‘breathable,’ ‘wind-resistant,’ or ‘merino blend.’ Brands like Mountain Equipment and Decathlon have affordable Irish-friendly options in their Dublin stores.
What Locals Actually Do
Ask any Dubliner what they wear at 70 degrees, and they’ll tell you: ‘It depends.’ That’s not evasiveness-it’s experience. Locals don’t rely on thermometers. They check the wind, the cloud cover, and whether it rained the night before. If the grass is still wet and the air smells like damp earth? Hoodie on.
At the Galway Film Fleadh or the Cork Jazz Festival, you’ll see everyone-locals and visitors alike-wearing hoodies. Not because they’re cold, but because they know the weather changes faster than a setlist. Even at outdoor concerts in Phoenix Park, you’ll spot people with hoodies draped over their shoulders, ready to pull them on at the first sign of a chill.
What Not to Do
Don’t assume 70 degrees means summer. Don’t pack only t-shirts. Don’t think you can skip the hoodie because it’s ‘not cold.’ You’ll regret it when you’re standing outside Busáras waiting for a bus at 7 p.m., soaked from a surprise drizzle, and your thin cotton tee is clinging to you like a wet towel.
And please, don’t wear a hoodie with the hood up unless you’re actually in rain. In Ireland, the hood is a backup, not a fashion statement. If you wear it up in the sun, you’ll look like a tourist who doesn’t know the rules.
The Real Answer
Yes, you should wear a hoodie in 70-degree weather in Ireland. Not because it’s hot. But because it’s smart. Because the weather here doesn’t care what the forecast says. Because the wind off the Atlantic doesn’t wait for permission. And because, after living here even a month, you’ll learn that the hoodie isn’t just clothing-it’s your quiet, reliable companion in a land where the sky changes its mind five times a day.
Keep one in your bag. Keep one in your car. Keep one at your desk. In Ireland, you don’t wait for the weather to decide what to wear. You wear what keeps you ready.
Is 70 degrees considered hot in Ireland?
No, 70 degrees isn’t considered hot in Ireland-it’s considered pleasantly warm. Most locals see it as a rare gift, especially in spring or early autumn. Even at that temperature, the air often feels cool due to wind and humidity, so layers are still recommended.
What type of hoodie works best for Irish weather?
Look for lightweight, breathable hoodies made from merino wool, cotton-poly blends, or moisture-wicking fabrics. Avoid thick fleece or heavy cotton. Brands like Claddagh Cashmere, Patagonia, and Decathlon offer hoodies designed for Ireland’s damp, windy conditions.
Do Irish people wear hoodies in summer?
Yes, especially in the evenings or near the coast. Even in July, temperatures can drop quickly after sunset. A light hoodie is common for evening walks, pub visits, or outdoor events like the Féile na Bealtaine in Waterford or the Belfast Music Festival.
Should I bring a hoodie if I’m visiting Ireland in June?
Absolutely. June is one of the most unpredictable months in Ireland. You might get sunny days in Killarney, but fog and wind can roll in from the Atlantic without warning. A packable hoodie is one of the most useful items in your suitcase.
Is it weird to wear a hoodie indoors in Ireland?
Not at all. Many Irish homes and pubs are poorly heated, especially older buildings. It’s common to see people wearing hoodies indoors during colder months, and even in summer if the air conditioning is too strong or the building is drafty. It’s practical, not rude.
Final Tip: Pack Like a Local
If you’re visiting Ireland, don’t pack for the forecast. Pack for the possibility. A hoodie, a waterproof jacket, and a pair of sturdy walking shoes will get you further than any sunhat or sandals. The Irish don’t dress for the weather-they dress for what comes next. And in Ireland, what comes next is always a little unpredictable.