Is 72 Hot Enough to Wear Shorts in Ireland?

It’s a question that pops up every summer: is 72 degrees hot enough to swap your jeans for a pair of shorts in Ireland? Before you rush to the wardrobe, it helps to know that Irish weather often plays tricks on you. Sure, 72°F (22°C) sounds almost tropical for the Emerald Isle, but what you feel outside is rarely just about the number on the thermometer.

Fog rolling off the Liffey, gusty bursts near Galway Bay, or that sneaky cloudbank over Wicklow—Irish summers have a way of keeping you on your toes. So, it’s not just about shorts. You’ll see folks on Grafton Street pairing their shorts with a hoodie, or even clutching a light rain jacket. Even when it finally feels warm enough, a sudden chilly breeze can remind you why most Irish closets are full of layers.

If you’re aiming to dress smart for a day out, pay attention to that morning forecast, but don’t let the actual number fool you. 72 in Spain is not 72 in Salthill. Humidity, sea breezes, and the odd Dublin drizzle all mean you want options—think shorts with a trusty hoodie ready to throw on, just in case. That’s how you keep comfortable, whatever the Irish summer throws at you.

• Typical Irish Temperatures: 72 Degrees in Context
• Shorts Culture in Ireland: More Than the Weather
• Hoodies and Summer: A Match Made for Irish Days
• Dressing for Dublin, Cork, and Beyond: Local Tips
• Smart Buying: Irish Brands and Shopping Advice

Typical Irish Temperatures: 72 Degrees in Context

You might think 72°F (about 22°C) is nothing special, but anyone living in Ireland knows that’s a bit of a heatwave for us. A lot of folks in Dublin, Cork, and Galway check the forecast hoping for a day like this, since the average high during summer usually sits much lower—closer to 62-66°F (17-19°C).

Getting real heat in Ireland is rare outside of the odd dead-on perfect July afternoon. The chart below lays out what you can expect for a standard Irish summer. Those perfectly warm days don’t roll around often, so it’s not shocking people get excited when they do.

The highest temperature ever officially recorded in Ireland was 33.3°C (91.9°F) in Kilkenny on June 26, 1887. Nothing close has happened since, so if you see 72 on Met Éireann’s app, you’re seeing one of the top summer days.

Here's the kicker: 72 feels decent around the Mediterranean, but Ireland’s humidity and sneaky breezes can drop the feel of it by a few degrees. Being near the coast, especially along the Wild Atlantic Way, means sea mist or a quick shower can make a warm day feel a touch colder. So, when Ireland does hit 22°C, you’ll spot people firing up the barbie and heading to Sandycove, but you’ll also see plenty with a jumper tied around their waist, just in case.

Shorts Culture in Ireland: More Than the Weather

Pulling on a pair of shorts in Ireland isn’t just about the temperature. Over here, it’s a bit of a running joke—if there's even a hint of sun, Irish people grab their shorts, no matter what the actual degrees are. A quick walk through St. Stephen’s Green on a bright May day shows the full range: everyone from students in Trinity to pensioners by the duck pond, all sporting shorts at the first excuse.

This tradition goes way back. Local papers like The Irish Times have poked fun at the instinct for decades. When the mercury nudges above 16°C, there are memes about tattoos being aired out after a long winter or folks daring ‘shorts and t-shirt’ season—sometimes even if there’s a chilly breeze off the Irish Sea. It’s almost seen as a rite of passage after each endless grey stretch.

“There’s no such thing as too cold for shorts in Ireland—just add a hoodie if you’re not feeling brave,” laughed Niall Moran, manager of a well-known sports shop in Cork city centre.

This mindset helps explain why you’ll spot people mixing hoodies and shorts outside Croker on match day or walking dogs along the Claddagh during a sunbreak, even if the air isn’t exactly balmy. In fact, for many Irish, pulling on shorts is a statement: the summer’s here, and we’re celebrating, no matter how quick it comes or goes.

And don’t forget, Ireland is famous for those four-seasons-in-a-day kind of spells. Locals have become experts at adjusting on the go, which is why shorts are often paired with something warmer up top. You’re more likely to regret not having a backup layer than slipping on shorts too soon.

Hoodies and Summer: A Match Made for Irish Days

In Ireland, you’ll notice something funny when the sun finally shows up—people love their shorts, but just as much, they trust their hoodies. There’s a good reason for this. Even at 72 degrees, Dublin or Limerick can flip from warm to breezy in an hour. Hoodies have become the unofficial uniform for Irish summers, from strolls by the Cliffs of Moher to lazy days at the Phoenix Park.

Layering is key. The hoodie sits right in that sweet spot between “too warm for a jacket” and “not quite t-shirt weather.” Pulling up a hood isn’t just for rain; it shields you from the chill off the sea in Howth or from a surprise drizzle at the Cork Rebel Fest. And if things heat back up, it’s easy enough to tie your hoodie around your waist—it’s basically a rite of passage in Irish summer style.

You’ll spot local brands like Gym+Coffee and Life Style Sports selling summer-friendly hoodies, made with lighter cotton blends so you don’t overheat. Irish college hoodies—think Trinity College or University College Cork—are almost everywhere during warm spells. Festivals like Electric Picnic and sports matches at Croke Park are classic places where shorts and hoodies combo rules the crowd.

• If you run cold, pick a hoodie with a brushed lining for some extra comfort.
• Going to the west coast? Windproof and quick-dry hoodies help, especially during beach trips.
• Stick with neutral colours to blend in whether you end up indoors or outdoors.

So, when you’re eyeing up those shorts the next time the mercury rises, don’t forget your hoodie. In the Irish summer, it’s that simple extra layer that saves the day—time and again.

Dressing for Dublin, Cork, and Beyond: Local Tips

When the weather creeps up to 72°F in Ireland, what you put on often comes down to where you are. Dubliners, for example, love their layers. You’ll spot people in shorts around St Stephen’s Green, but almost everyone has a hoodie tied around their waist or stashed in a tote bag. The weather can flip in minutes, so a hoodie is your get-out-of-a-chilly-shower card. Even on those rare ‘heatwave’ days, the city centre can feel cooler when the sea breeze blows in. A thin rain jacket often joins the party—especially if you’re walking along the Liffey or venturing out to Howth.

Down in Cork, there’s a bit more humidity, but the Atlantic breeze means evenings cool off quickly, even after a hot afternoon. Locals hit the English Market or pop across to Fitzgerald Park in their shorts, but nobody trusts that the sun will stick around all day. Most people throw a hoodie or light jumper over their shoulder. If you plan a picnic by the Lee, you’ll want the backup just in case clouds roll in or you end up staying out into the evening.

Along the Wild Atlantic Way or up in Donegal, it’s the same drill, only the weather is even more unpredictable. Bring a hoodie, even if you start sweating by noon. Out west, wind and showers can drop in with zero warning. Galway’s students have made a sort of uniform out of shorts, trainers, and oversized hoodies—it’s practical, but it’s a look that works whether it’s 22°C or suddenly dipping back to 16.

• If you’re visiting from abroad, don’t pack light—pack smart. Layers work best, and a hoodie easily fits in your day bag.
• Choose breathable fabrics for your shorts, since sticky humidity in Ireland sometimes catches people out.
• For that classic Irish combo, try pairing O’Neill’s shorts with a fresh hoodie from Gym+Coffee or Penneys. You’ll blend right in.
• Keep an eye on the local weather apps, especially Met Éireann, and trust the locals—if you see everyone grabbing an extra layer, do the same.
• Planning to spend long hours outside (say, catching a gig at Marlay Park or wandering the Cork City Marathon route)? Start with shorts, add a hoodie, and you’ll be ready for whatever the day holds.

No matter where you go on the island, the motto’s the same: dress for three seasons, even when 72 feels like a heatwave. That way, nothing the Irish summer throws at you will catch you off guard.

Smart Buying: Irish Brands and Shopping Advice

If you're looking to pick up the right gear for 72 degrees in Ireland, sticking with tried-and-tested Irish brands keeps things easy and reliable. O'Neill's and Trespass are both top choices for hoodies and shorts—O'Neill’s has been around since the 1910s and knows what actually works in unpredictable weather. Lifestyle Sports and Elverys Sports usually stock their own range of basics for all ages, so it’s handy to pop in and try before you buy, especially if you want stuff that suits Ireland’s usual mix of sun and rain. For something a bit more local, check out Gym+Coffee, an Irish brand that blends comfort with a look people actually want to wear on the street. Their hoodies are hugely popular in Dublin, Killarney, and beyond.

If you're thinking of buying online, look for free returns—just in case the fit isn’t right. Watch for summer discounts; lots of Irish retailers drop prices in mid-July when the weather is usually at its best. Don’t forget to check for loyalty schemes. Elverys, for example, sometimes does points events around major sports dates, so timing your shop can get you a better deal.

When it comes to getting kitted out, here’s what you want to look for:

• For shorts: Choose a breathable cotton or a light tech fabric, ideally with roomy pockets.
• For hoodies: Go for lightweight cotton blends. Water-resistant finishes are ideal if you get caught in a shower.
• Double-check size charts. Irish sizes can sometimes run a little different if the brand imports from the UK or US.
• Always check the return policy before you buy. Shops like Brown Thomas or Arnotts have handy in-store exchanges, which make life easier if you pick the wrong size.

If you’re wondering what most people actually wear during a typical Irish summer day, check the quick guide below from a 2024 survey by Lifestyle Sports:

Looks like you’re not alone if you want to bring a hoodie along! Irish weather is nothing if not changeable, so mixing comfort, local brands, and a splash of practicality keeps you set for the quirks of a 72-degree day on the island.