Packing: Part 2, the suitcase and what's in it

Our Ireland trip is this coming week! The clothing photos include what I plan to wear on the plane. I may still whittle this down more but this is getting close.
1/2 Coats: Grey fitted down sweater and cream rain coat with hood, also a couple of scarves and a little cashmere cap. Right now I plan to wear a ( not pictured) light weight Ponte black that goes with the black Ponte pants I want to wear on the plane (also my heaviest bottoms).
3/4: bottoms and the rest of my scarves: grey-green nylon hiking pants, black Pontes and light grey EF light weight pants that can be rolled to make capris or ankle pants if it gets warm.
5/6: warmer layering tops that could be toppers if the weather is mild: mint gear piece that looks good under the down jacket. Assymetrical zipper closure can be closed to keep neck warm or open for a collar. I also picked up one of these in cream that I've yet to return if you think that would be better than mint. Also on 5 are a grey cashmere crew neck pullover and lighter grey rayon V neck pullover.
7: other long sleeved layering tops: black EF pullover, print blouse and white REI thermal pullover.
8: short sleeved layering pieces: tec fabric green tee and silky poly gold tee. These are in case the weather turns warmer than seasonal. I may remove one or both.
9. Layering tank tops for warmth or possible sleeping. I've already removed the grey stripe. None of these are cotton, so quick dry. I plan to wear the black one under the black EF long sleeved top on the plane..lots of black but I'll add a scarf to lighten it up. Shoes were on the first packing thread...3 pair: black New Balance ballet flats, grey slip on quick-dry sneakers, and the waterproof La Canadienne short boots that I'll wear on the plane (heaviest).
10: my suitcase tote with all clothes in the packing envelope and all underwear, long underwear, socks, etc. in a half packing cube. Shoes are in there in zip-loc bags, as are the down jacket stuffed in a zip-loc.
11: my total luggage for about 2-3 weeks. The backpack holds toiletries, reading material, plane stuff like a neck pillow, scarf, raincoat, iPad, cords, meds, and more. Actually it probably can hold more than the duffle can.
What changes would you make? The weather is expected to be chilly, windy and rainy. What should I leave home? I appreciate your input and wisdom.

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12 Comments

  • crutcher replied 9 years ago

    I went over your post three times and I can't find any place that I would consider adding or changing what you have put together...Your list is comprehensive, fits well together and considers emergencies or needs...I can only imagine how long you have worked on this...at least it seems that way...
    I hope you have a wonderful trip and come back with a lot of memories to share...Be safe and travel mercies to you...

  • carter replied 9 years ago

    Looks perfect to me. The color palette is beautiful. Love the sheep...are those jammies?

  • Ornella replied 9 years ago

    If it all fits in the bags easily, then you're more than covered even for the periods when you can't do much washing.

    But the sheep - just hilarious. I thought people normally return from Ireland with sheep-something, not go there already equipped with them :-D

    Weather forecast... nah. Being effectively a small island exposed to the ocean, anything can happen with the weather. I bet it'll be sunnier than you expected. It's May after all.

    Do you have the tour planned? Are you travelling around by car or coach? Group or alone?

  • Kristin L replied 9 years ago

    I think you've got everything covered. Have fun on your trip!

  • fathenry replied 9 years ago

    Ireland can be cold and windy in May, I think your layers are a good idea. Do you have a skirt if you want to go out for nice dinner?

  • Joy replied 9 years ago

    Crutcher, thank you for the kind words. This travel capsule has been more difficult than most because it will probably be colder and wetter. Footwear is always my starting point.
    Carter, the sheep are a scarf ( really a piece of fabric that the Japanese can form into a small purse and any number of things) that I bought last year in Japan. I can use it as scarf or headband in the wind.
    Ornella, DH and I are traveling alone between Dublin, Galway and Killarney probably by train and take day tours or rent a car to do day trips. We are open to any must sees that anyone can tell us about. We are Rick Stevens fans after using his travel guides for many European trips, but Ireland doesn't seem to have the great train system of many other countries once away from Dublin.
    Thank you, K.
    Fathenry, I am hoping that black pants and the print top will be dressed up enough for what we are doing, but I am considering tossing in my black EF tube skirt. Good point.

  • E replied 9 years ago

    I *love* your colour pallette! I don't know how long you're gone for, but it all seems to fit, so as long as it doesn't weigh too much, I don't think you need to cut down. Have fun! 

  • Joy replied 9 years ago

    Thank you, E. The heaviest thing is usually books, so loading them on a device should be helpful. I wouldn't mind spending part of a rainy day at a cafe reading, drinking tea, and people watching.

  • E replied 9 years ago

    Oh yes, without my Nook there's no way I'd be a light traveller. :) And I love visiting cafes when I travel (and when I'm at home for that matter).

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Throw in the tube skirt just in case. It will fit. But this looks fantastic, Joy! I like the variety you've achieved and the way that you can layer these items. I think you will be happy with this! 

  • Joy replied 9 years ago

    Yes, E, I love to imagine what it would be like to live in a place, sitting in a coffee shop or bakery.
    Suz, you are so wise. As long as I'm not cold and soaked ...a very real possibility on the Dingle Peninsula, it seems, I'll be happy. That's why so many layering possibilities. I'm taking a couple of pairs of black tights to layer under pants, so they would work for the skirt too.

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    WOW. I'm impressed., Joy. Have a stunning trip. xo

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