How To Pack Your Suitcase For A Weekend Trip To Dublin

suitcase weekend travel

Weekend trips seem like they should be the easiest ones to pack for. Yet, they often end up being the most challenging.

Weekends ought to be straightforward. The duration is brief, there’s little variation in weather, and your activities are likely planned out.

However, packing light for a weekend getaway can be tricky. We tend to fill up as much space as we have, rather than packing just the essentials. Regardless of the trip’s length, be it a weekend or a month, your backpack or suitcase will likely be filled to the brim. When there’s extra space, it’s tempting to add unnecessary items, such as an additional pair of shoes or a “just-in-case” outfit.

Your belongings will expand to fill your suitcase.

To resist this, adhere to a concise packing list for short weekend trips and choose a small suitcase. You can get one for fairly cheap online, I personally got a suitcase from the Kono Ireland sale here and it does the job.

How to Travel With Only Carry-Ons And Never Check a Suitcase Again Get Your Free Guide How to Travel With Only Carry-Ons And Never Check a Suitcase Again Enter your email Send the Guide 3-Day Weekend Packing List Begin with a simple checklist for a three-day, two-night weekend trip. The list below assumes departure on Friday, with stays on Friday and Saturday nights, returning home on Sunday.

For clothes, your travel day (or in-flight) attire is included in the list.

1 pair of shoes 3 outfits 3 sets of underwear 3 pairs of socks (1-2 pairs if wearing merino wool socks) 1 set of pajamas Toiletry suitcase Water bottle Phone, charger, and earbuds or headphones Book or Kindle Consider at least one elegant outfit, depending on your plans. Dressing up can make even a simple dinner feel special while traveling.

Optional Add-Ons Jacket Eye mask and ear plugs Hat, scarf, and/or gloves for winter trips Tortuga Carry-On-Sized Travel Backpacks Carry-On-Sized Travel Backpacks 4.7 Pack for trips of one week or more without checking a suitcase.

Pros: Thick comfortable straps Easy to organize Durable, waterproof fabric Backed by our Worldwide Warranty Shop at Tortuga Travel Day Outfit Your travel outfit should be the bulkiest, especially if flying. Wear your largest, heaviest clothes—jeans, sweater, boots, jacket—to save space in your suitcase. Remove layers after takeoff if needed, storing them in the overhead bin or under the seat.

For flying, include a light jacket with zippered pockets for extra packing space for essentials like your wallet and phone. The zippers keep items secure through airport security.

Shoes The challenge with shoes is resisting the urge to pack an extra pair, even for a short trip. Choose one versatile pair suitable for both walking and dining out.

In winter, opt for warm, comfortable boots. In nicer weather, sandals or sneakers are ideal. Flip flops for the beach or pool can fit in your backpack’s water bottle pocket.

Electronics Avoid overpacking electronics. Leave your work computer at home for such a short trip. Skip the tablet as well, especially for short flights where movie watching might be impractical.

A Kindle is a great in-flight entertainment option for short trips. You’ll also have your phone and earbuds for music or podcasts.

Toiletries Stick to essential toiletries only. If you can do without it or use a different brand temporarily, leave it behind.

Choose accommodations providing basics like soap and shampoo.

Toothbrush and toothpaste Deodorant Contact solution, if needed Basic makeup, if needed Soap, shampoo, and conditioner (only if not provided by your accommodation) Consider sharing essentials like sunscreen with travel companions.

If you forget anything, buy a budget-friendly option at your destination. Any leftovers can be taken home to avoid waste.

Weekend Trip in an Outbreaker Laptop Backpack Long Weekend Packing List For an extended stay over Sunday night, returning on Monday, use this modified list.

1 pair of shoes 4 outfits 4 sets of underwear 4 pairs of socks (2 pairs if wearing merino wool socks) 1 set of pajamas Toiletry suitcase Water bottle Phone, charger, and earbuds or headphones Book or Kindle Optional Add-Ons Jacket Eye mask and ear plugs Hat, scarf, and/or gloves for winter trips Wedding Weekend Packing List Weddings may necessitate more items.

Pack an extra pair of shoes and additional outfits for appropriate attire at the wedding and other events like the rehearsal dinner or Sunday morning activities.

2 pairs of shoes (1 for the wedding, 1 for other activities) 5 outfits (1 casual for each day, plus wedding and rehearsal dinner) 3 sets of underwear 4 pairs of socks (3 casual, 1 dress) 1 set of pajamas Toiletry suitcase Water bottle Phone, charger, and earbuds or headphones

Top 10 Sights to See in Dublin City 2024

Dublin, the capital city of Ireland, is a vibrant hub of history, culture, and entertainment. With its rich heritage and bustling streets, Dublin offers a myriad of sights to see and experiences to enjoy. Here’s a guide to some of the top sights in Dublin.

  1. Trinity College and The Book of Kells: No visit to Dublin is complete without a trip to Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university. Founded in 1592, the college is a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. Its most famous attraction is The Book of Kells, a stunningly illuminated manuscript containing the four Gospels of the New Testament. Alongside this, the Long Room in the Old Library is a breathtaking sight, resembling a scene from a Harry Potter film, with its towering bookshelves and ancient texts.
  2. Guinness Storehouse: Ireland is synonymous with Guinness, and the Guinness Storehouse is a pilgrimage site for many. This seven-story visitor experience takes you through the history of Ireland’s most famous export. The tour ends at the Gravity Bar, where you can enjoy a complimentary pint of Guinness while taking in 360-degree views of the Dublin skyline.
  3. Temple Bar: Known for its vibrant nightlife, Temple Bar is Dublin’s cultural quarter. This area is a bustling mix of restaurants, pubs, galleries, and shops. During the day, it’s a hub for street performers and market stalls, while at night, the streets come alive with music from traditional Irish folk to modern genres.
  4. Dublin Castle: Dublin Castle, dating back to the 13th century, has been a central figure in Irish history. Once the seat of British rule in Ireland, it is now a major Irish government complex. Visitors can tour the State Apartments, the Viking Excavation, and the Chapel Royal.
  5. Phoenix Park: One of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city, Phoenix Park is a sprawling 1,750 acres. It’s home to a large herd of fallow deer, the Wellington Monument, and the Dublin Zoo. It’s a perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
  6. St. Patrick’s Cathedral: Built in honor of Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Ireland. This architectural marvel, dating back to 1191, is steeped in history. Jonathan Swift, author of ‘Gulliver’s Travels’, was once the dean of the cathedral, and his tomb is located here.
  7. Kilmainham Gaol: For a dose of Irish history, visit Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison turned museum. It played a significant role in Irish history, especially during the struggle for independence. The guided tours offer deep insights into the political and penal history of Ireland.
  8. The National Gallery of Ireland: Art enthusiasts should not miss the National Gallery, which houses a vast collection of European art spanning the 14th to the 20th century. The gallery holds works by artists such as Caravaggio, Vermeer, Monet, and Picasso.
  9. The Little Museum of Dublin: For a quirky take on Dublin’s history, visit The Little Museum of Dublin. Located in an 18th-century Georgian townhouse, it tells the story of the city in the 20th century through an eclectic collection of over 5,000 artifacts donated by the public.
  10. Grafton Street: For shopping and entertainment, Grafton Street is the place to be. It’s one of Dublin’s main shopping streets, buzzing with street performers, musicians, and a variety of shops and cafes.

These sights are just the tip of the iceberg in Dublin. The city’s charm lies in its cobbled streets, friendly locals, historical landmarks, and the vibrant culture that permeates every corner. Whether you’re interested in history, literature, art, or just want to soak up the local atmosphere, Dublin has something for everyone including a huge array of music gigs every night of the week.