Shorts in Ireland: What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why

When it comes to shorts, a type of garment worn on the lower body, typically ending above the knee. Also known as trunks or bermudas, they’re common in warm climates—but in Ireland, they’re a gamble. Most people here don’t wear shorts because the weather doesn’t ask for permission. Even in July, a sunny morning can turn into a cold, drizzly afternoon. That’s why Irish shorts aren’t about fashion—they’re about function, timing, and knowing when to leave them in the drawer.

Not all shorts are created equal here. Athletic shorts, loose-fitting, moisture-wicking pants designed for movement and quick drying actually have a place. You’ll see them on runners in Phoenix Park or cyclists in Galway. They’re practical because they dry fast and don’t cling when soaked. Denim shorts, shorts made from sturdy cotton denim, often worn casually? They’re a different story. They soak up rain like a sponge, take all day to dry, and feel heavy and cold when wet. Most Irish people who own them wear them once—then store them away until next summer, if they’re lucky.

The real secret? It’s not about the cut or the brand. It’s about the fabric, the material used to make clothing, which determines how it handles moisture, wind, and temperature. Quick-dry synthetics, lightweight nylon blends, and stretchy technical fabrics? Those work. Cotton? Not so much. And don’t even think about wearing shorts to work, to the pub, or to the grocery store unless you’re 100% sure the sun’s staying out. Even then, half the people around you will be wearing long pants and a light jacket.

There’s a reason Irish summers don’t look like Mediterranean ones. The light is different. The wind cuts through thin fabric. The rain doesn’t come in bursts—it hangs around. That’s why the most common summer outfit here isn’t shorts and a tee. It’s slim-fit chinos, a breathable linen shirt, and a light waterproof layer you can toss over your shoulders. And if you do wear shorts? You’ll likely be wearing them with socks and sneakers, not sandals. Because bare feet on wet pavement? That’s not style—that’s a cold foot and a bad day.

What you’ll find in this collection isn’t a list of the trendiest shorts you can buy. It’s a real talk about what actually gets worn, what gets left behind, and why. You’ll read about people who wear shorts only on rare heatwaves, others who swear by them for gardening or hiking, and plenty who’ve learned the hard way that Irish weather doesn’t care what’s in fashion magazines. These aren’t fashion tips. They’re survival tips—with a little bit of humor, a lot of local insight, and zero fluff.