Don’t let the Irish winter catch you out

Let’s face it—Irish winters aren’t exactly glamorous. They’re long, wet, dark by 4pm, and come with a healthy dose of unpredictable wind. But while the cold season in Ireland can test your patience (and your waterproofs), there are some practical ways to get ready—both mentally and physically.

If you’re wondering how to prepare for winter in Ireland without turning into a hermit or losing track of your stuff, here’s your go-to guide.

1. Rotate and Store Summer Gear

Start by clearing the decks. Summer clothes, garden furniture, picnic baskets—they all need to go. Freeing up space early helps reduce that cramped feeling that creeps in when you’re indoors more often.

2. Create a Winter-Ready Entryway

In Ireland, your hallway becomes a battleground—wet coats, muddy shoes, umbrellas that never dry properly. Setting up a functional entry space can help.

Try:

• Rubber mats for boots

• Hooks for coats and scarves

• A basket for hats and gloves

• An airing spot for soggy gear

It doesn’t have to be fancy—just practical and consistent.

3. Layer Up with Soft Storage

Blankets, throws, and winter bedding take up more room than you’d think. Use vacuum bags, under-bed boxes, or ottomans with hidden storage to keep things tidy when not in use.

Bonus tip: rotate your bedding so you always know where your thickest duvet lives.

4. Do a Pre-Winter Clear-Out

We tend to accumulate more stuff in winter—extra groceries, bulk buys, Christmas gifts, even more coats. Do a mini-declutter in October or November to make room before winter fully sets in.

This is especially helpful for anyone in a shared flat, small home, or apartment.

5. Get Ahead of the Mood Dip

Irish winters aren’t just cold—they’re dark. Less sunlight means lower energy and, for some, seasonal blues. So get a few things in place to support your wellbeing:

• Lamps or daylight bulbs for cosy lighting

• A small reading nook or calm space at home

• Your favourite warm drinks stocked and ready

• A dry box for walking shoes or gear to encourage outdoor movement

Final Thoughts

You can’t control the weather—but you can control how your space handles it. A little organisation now will go a long way in keeping your home warm, welcoming, and manageable over the colder months.

So grab a box, shuffle some things around, and start small. Preparing for an Irish winter is all about staying one step ahead—and remembering that spring will come back around eventually.