What to Pack for a Golf Trip to Ireland (From Someone Who's Got It Badly Wrong Before)
Standing on the 7th hole in sideways rain wearing a soaked mid-layer teaches you things. Here's the packing list we've arrived at after years of getting it wrong.
There's a specific kind of misery that comes from standing on the 7th hole at Druids Glen in sideways rain, wearing a mid-layer that's soaked through because you thought "it won't be that bad." It will be that bad. This is Ireland.
We've done the Wicklow golf circuit more times than we can count, and this is the packing list we've arrived at after years of getting it spectacularly wrong.
The absolute non-negotiables
A proper waterproof jacket — not a shower-resistant one
This is the single most important item on this list. Your jacket needs to be genuinely waterproof — Gore-Tex or equivalent, fully taped seams, something that can handle an hour of Irish horizontal rain and come out the other side dry inside. "Water-resistant" will let you down by the 5th hole.
Look for at least a 10,000mm hydrostatic head rating. Galvin Green make excellent golf-specific waterproofs — expensive but they actually work.
Waterproof golf jacket on Amazon
Waterproof trousers
Underrated. Most people skip these. Most people are wringing out their trousers by the 12th. They're light enough to pack flat at the bottom of your bag and only unroll if you need them. You will need them.
Waterproof golf trousers on Amazon
Two pairs of waterproof golf gloves
Regular leather gloves are useless in the wet. Get gloves specifically designed for rain — they grip better when wet, which sounds counterintuitive but is true. Carry two pairs and alternate them between holes so each pair gets a chance to recover.
FootJoy RainGrip gloves on Amazon — we've tried most brands, these are the ones we keep coming back to.
A proper golf umbrella
Not a compact travel umbrella. Those are decorative on an Irish links in any kind of wind. You need a 62-inch double-canopy golf umbrella that won't invert in the first gust off the mountains. It's a different object entirely.
Large double-canopy golf umbrella on Amazon
Layers — more than you think
Irish golf weather can shift dramatically mid-round. You might start in sunshine and finish in a proper squall. The system that works:
- Base layer: moisture-wicking, fitted. Keeps you dry from sweat while everything else is keeping you dry from rain.
- Mid layer: a light fleece or thermal gilet — something you can stuff in a side pocket when you warm up on the back nine.
- Outer layer: the waterproof jacket.
Pack one more layer than you think you need. You'll thank yourself on the exposed holes.
Footwear
Waterproof golf shoes — and check they're actually waterproof, not just marketed as such. Irish rough is often wet even on dry days, and you'll be in it often enough to need proper protection. Spiked or spikeless is a personal preference, but the waterproofing is not negotiable.
Waterproof golf shoes on Amazon
Pack a second pair of regular shoes for the 19th hole. Your feet will need the break.
Balls — bring more than you think
The rough on Irish parkland courses is thick. The lakes at Tulfarris look calm and inviting. They are not on your side. Bring 50% more balls than you'd normally consider reasonable.
The stuff people always forget
- Two towels: one for clubs, one for hands. Irish courses provide trolleys but rarely towels.
- A dry bag liner: put one inside your golf bag on wet days. Keeps everything inside dry even when the bag itself is soaked through.
- Hand warmers: in spring and autumn, these are not optional. Grip and feel go quickly when your hands are cold, and cold hands in Ireland are a reliable forecast.
- Cap with a proper brim: keeps rain off your face and out of your eyes. Sounds obvious. Frequently forgotten.
Where to play near Blessington
If you're staying at Tully's Home, Tulfarris Golf Course is right next door — 18 holes along the Blessington Lakes and one of the best-value rounds in Wicklow. From there it's under an hour to Druids Glen, Powerscourt, The K Club, and Carton House. A proper golf trip base.
Book tee times directly with each course — they're all easy to reach online. And bring everything on this list. You won't regret it.
