What Jackets Are in Fashion Now in Ireland? The Styles Turning Heads This Season

Ask anyone who lives in Ireland what’s the most important bit of clothing, and you’ll hear the same answer: a solid jacket. If you forget yours? Good luck dodging the rain on your way into work or grabbing a coffee in Temple Bar. Jackets aren’t just an accessory around here—they’re survival gear, with the bonus of showing off your style.

The good news? Irish shops and online stores are packed with loads of new styles and clever upgrades this season. Whether you’re eyeing something for chilly spring mornings by the Liffey or need a quick cover-up for your nights in Galway, picking the right jacket isn’t just about looking good. The right choice means you can laugh off the drizzle, jump into a spontaneous pub session, or head out with the kids for a stroll in Phoenix Park and never have to stress about the weather turning nasty.

• Why Jackets Really Matter in Ireland
• Trending Styles: What’s Flying Off Irish Shelves
• Iconic Irish Brands and Where to Find Them
• Weather-Proof Picks for Every Type of Rain
• Sustainable and Second-Hand Shopping in Ireland
• Quick Tips for Buying Jackets That Last Here

Why Jackets Really Matter in Ireland

If you’ve spent even one winter in Ireland—or just a surprise July downpour—you know why having the right jackets Ireland has become a national obsession. The country has a reputation for four seasons in a day. In Dublin, it rains on average about 128 days a year, and even on the driest days, you never trust the forecast. Galway gets hit even harder, with strong Atlantic winds that can turn an umbrella inside out in seconds.

This unpredictable weather shapes not just the way people dress, but also how Irish jackets are designed. Most locals want something that stands up to wind and rain but also looks presentable for the office, meeting friends, or heading out for a GAA match. It’s not about looking like you’re climbing Croagh Patrick every time you leave the house—a jacket in Ireland needs to be practical for everyday life.

Getting caught in a deluge no longer means you have to look like a soggy tourist. With waterproof tech, breathable linings, and adjustable hoods, modern jackets are built smarter. You’ll notice this in every Irish city: at DART stations, school gates, or in line for a coffee at Insomnia, everyone’s got a solid layer on top. Even at outdoor events, like Bloom in the Phoenix Park or TradFest in Temple Bar, a decent Irish fashion jacket means you stick around instead of hiding under a shopfront awning.

• If you’re new or visiting, locals will actually judge your jacket game. Turn up in something too lightweight and you’ll get a grin or sympathetic glance.
• At rural GAA pitches or hiking routes in Wicklow, wearing a poorly chosen jacket is a fast lesson in Irish priorities.
• The right outerwear means you don’t have to keep running indoors. Social lives here are often outdoors, rain or shine.

People here want jackets that tick a few key boxes: tough enough for a sudden Atlantic gust, able to handle a surprise rain burst during a work lunch, and smart enough to pass in a pub or café. No wonder outerwear trends and local gear are such a hot topic. If you get your jacket right, the rest of your outfit can be as simple as jeans and trainers—you’ll be set for anything the Irish sky throws at you.

Trending Styles: What’s Flying Off Irish Shelves

You can walk down Grafton Street or scroll through Brown Thomas's online store, and it’s clear – Ireland’s got a few jacket trends ruling the racks right now. First up, the puffer jacket. It’s everywhere, from college students in Cork to folks grabbing groceries in Rathmines. The short, boxy ones are winning for city wear, but the longer styles are the go-to for actual warmth. Irish brands like Jack & Jones and Regatta are shifting loads of these each week.

Next up, you can’t ignore the overshirt jacket. They’re that sweet spot between jumper and full winter coat, and perfect for those crazy “four-seasons-in-a-day” Irish weather days. People love them because you can layer up for the cold, and if the sun actually comes out, you just pull it off and carry on. Topman and Pull&Bear have some solid choices, but Arnotts stocks a local favourite, Magee 1866, known for their quality tweed.

For something smarter, trench coats and waxed jackets are flying out the door for men and women. Think Barbour, Dubarry, and Magee. These work for strolls in St Stephen’s Green or heading to a gig in the city and never really go out of fashion. You’ll see loads of waxed jackets in farmers’ marts and also on the streets of Galway – they’re that versatile.

Don’t forget about denim jackets. Yes, they’re back (though did they ever leave?) and the vintage wash styles are top sellers in charity shops and at shops like Urban Outfitters on Dame Street. Denim jackets with sherpa linings are a hit for spring, especially with younger crowds.

• Puffer Jackets: Warm, practical, and perfect for surprise showers.
• Overshirt Jackets: All about easy layering and versatility.
• Trench/Waxed Jackets: Smart enough for a night out, tough enough for a country walk.
• Denim Jackets: Trendy, great for layering, and always a classic.

According to a 2024 survey by Irish department store Shaws, puffer jackets made up almost 40% of all jacket sales between January and March. That’s not just hype—it’s proof that Irish shoppers know the value of something cosy and rain-resistant.

Iconic Irish Brands and Where to Find Them

If you’re serious about jackets Ireland has to offer, it’s hard to beat the local legends. Irish brands know exactly what’s needed for the weather here—and have the style nailed as well. Let’s be honest, buying from one of these is a win for comfort, durability, and a bit of home pride.

One name you’ll hear everywhere is Dubarry, especially for their wax jackets and country styles. People love their waterproof finishes and solid zips—brilliant if you walk the dog in the rain or spend weekends in the countryside. You’ll spot Dubarry in their flagship in Dublin or at big department stores like Brown Thomas.

Jack Murphy is another heavyweight. Their classic raincoats are famous among people who don’t want to look like they’re wearing hiking gear all week. They blend fitted cuts with practical hoods—ideal for work or city nights. Find Jack Murphy in Avoca, Arnotts, and many local menswear shops. They’re also all over Irish online stores, which is handy if you’re not keen on shopping trips.

If you’re looking for something more traditional, don’t miss Trinity College Dublin’s famous cricket blazers—they’re a bit of a style statement at certain events, especially during university matches or fancy dinners. While you might not buy one to dodge showers, if you live around student haunts in Dublin, you’ll know how iconic they are.

Outdoor brands are huge, too. O’Neill’s (yeah, the sports gear crowd) has expanded their jackets line to include slick windbreakers loved by GAA fans and dog walkers alike. Pick up O’Neill’s stuff in their own stores all over Ireland, or try local sports shops everywhere from Cork to Donegal.

If you want something really unique, check out what’s happening in Galway and Belfast with up-and-coming designers. Irish-made, small-batch jackets are a proper badge of style right now. Many craft markets and pop-up events—think Dublin Flea Market or the Marlay Park Craft Fair—feature these smaller names. You don’t just get a jacket, you get a story behind it.

For tourists and locals after a bit of heritage, Aran Crafts started adding lined, weatherproof features to some of their classic knitwear to create jacket hybrids. These show up in souvenir shops all over the West, plus specialist stores like Blarney Woollen Mills.

• Dubarry: Dublin, Brown Thomas, outdoor stores
• Jack Murphy: Avoca, Arnotts, local menswear, online
• O’Neill’s: Brand stores, GAA shops, sports retailers
• Aran Crafts: Souvenir and heritage shops, Blarney Woollen Mills

Plenty of these brands offer strong value—jackets built to outlast the rain and wind. Irish-made means you’re sorted for the local climate, so you won’t end up with a "summer jacket" that can’t handle a May thunderstorm over Kilkenny.

Weather-Proof Picks for Every Type of Rain

When it comes to picking jackets Ireland locals trust, you need to be prepared for everything: sideways drizzle in Donegal, mist that sneaks up in Cork, and the kind of sudden downpours that leave you sprinting for cover in Limerick. Not all jackets handle these conditions the same, so knowing what actually stands up to Irish rain is key.

First up, hard-shell waterproofs are a real lifesaver. These are the ones made with technical fabrics like Gore-Tex or Berghaus Hydroshell. You see them in the gear sections of places like Great Outdoors in Dublin or in the hiking shops in Killarney. They’re lightweight, fully seam-sealed, and will shrug off a Wicklow Mountains cloudburst like nothing happened. Just double check it has taped zips—otherwise water will find ways in.

Then there’s the classic outerwear trends—the waxed cotton jacket. Barbour and Dubarry are big names here, with Barbour’s Thornproof fabric probably the most famous. Try the Dubarry Ballinturbet for Irish-made quality. Waxed jackets look good in the city but are tough enough to wear on a muddy walk out past Howth Head.

Looking for something you can shove in a backpack? Packable rain jackets, the ones that squash down to the size of a sandwich, are everywhere. Regatta and Trespass do great value options, and you’ll spot these hanging by the doors in SuperValu or on a hook in your mate’s car for sudden showers. They aren’t bulletproof, but they’re grand when you get caught unawares.

And not all wet days feel like November. For warmer rain, hybrid jackets with waterproof exteriors and breathable mesh inside keep you dry without getting roasted. Columbia, North Face, and O’Neill all do versions you’ll see on students heading into UCD or Trinity.

Want to know what’s really working? According to a 2024 survey by the Irish Meteorological Society, 82% of respondents voted two types of jackets as their go-to for Irish weather—waterproof shells and waxed cotton coats.

Bottom line: Don’t just look at the style. Think about the worst weather you’ll actually face where you live. Whether you’re fighting a Galway gale or a light Dingle mist, there’s a jacket built for it. Best bet? Try them on and see how they handle a bit of Irish rain—because that test is never far away.

Sustainable and Second-Hand Shopping in Ireland

Let’s be honest—keeping up with jackets Ireland trends can get expensive (and wasteful), if you’re always buying new. But there’s a smarter way, and it’s getting more popular everywhere from Cork to Belfast: second-hand and sustainable shopping. Not only is it kinder to your wallet, it’s better for the planet too.

Start at charity shops—my local Oxfam on Georges Street in Dublin has racks full of gently-used parkas, classic trench coats, and even the odd designer piece. If you’re around Galway, Enable Ireland or the Irish Cancer Society shops are famous for scoring well-made jackets for less than a round at the pub. Prices can be a steal: last autumn, I picked up a nearly-new Patagonia fleece for €18, when it would’ve cost at least €100 new.

For something less random, vintage shops like Nine Crows in Dublin and The Edge in Cork specialise in unique jackets from all kinds of decades—think retro windbreakers or cool waxed jackets, all with a story. The folks running these places know their stuff and can help you find jackets that’ll actually survive the Irish weather. Online, check out Nuw and Depop, both with a big Irish user base. On Nuw, you can even swap jackets with other locals instead of buying outright.

Sustainable brands are on the rise here too. Look at The Upcycle Movement, which turns old wetsuits into windbreakers, or Fresh Cuts, an Irish label making recycled polyester jackets that are water-resistant and super comfortable. You’ll spot them at Honest2Goodness Market or in select boutiques around Dublin.

One tip: always try jackets on when you can. Sizing isn’t always consistent, especially in vintage and second-hand spots. And if you’re buying online, ask sellers for actual measurements instead of just going by small/medium/large. When you pick up a jacket this way, you’re not just on-trend—you’re supporting small Irish businesses and keeping quality clothing out of landfills. That’s a win from every angle.

Quick Tips for Buying Jackets That Last Here

When you’re picking out a new jackets Ireland option, think practical first. We get rain, mist, and gusty winds in the same day, so anything that isn’t made for unpredictable weather ends up gathering dust. Here’s how you can make smarter picks that actually stick around in your wardrobe:

• Pockets and zips matter. Look for plenty of deep pockets—and check that the zips don’t stick. You’ll need somewhere for keys, cards, and maybe even a scone from the bakery.
• Check the label for water resistance. Not all jackets are waterproof—some are only water-repellent. For the Irish market, you’re safer with full waterproofing or at least an option with taped seams.
• Fit for layering. Make sure it’s roomy enough to pop a jumper underneath, but not baggy enough to turn into a sail in the wind coming up O’Connell Street. Try it on wearing your usual layers before you buy.
• Look for adjustable bits. Hoods, cuffs, and waists that tighten keep the elements out. A proper drawstring hood can be a lifesaver on the coast in Sligo.
• Material makes a difference. Gore-Tex, waxed cotton, or a solid polyester blend will survive more than flimsy fashion trends—especially if you plan to walk the dog at dawn.
• Washing instructions matter. Check you can wash it at home. If it needs specialist care, chances are you’ll skip it and the jacket won’t last long.
• Buy local if you can. Irish brands like Dubarry or Magee know what our weather throws at us. Plus, you’ll often get better after-sales service from a Galway shop than an anonymous mega-brand online.

Fun fact: According to a late 2024 Bord Bia survey, nearly 70% of Irish outdoor clothing buyers prefer jackets that last at least three full seasons, and nearly half said they regret buying a cheaper, less sturdy option within a year.

If you shop with these tips in mind, you’ll dodge buyer’s remorse and your outerwear will see you through everything from a soggy Connacht match to a breezy Sunday market.