We're traveling to Ireland in a few weeks and I have been checking in on the weather to get an idea of what to pack. Lately it seems like the weather, while wet, has been pretty mild (in the mid 60s F). For us that means shorts and a t-shirt--but everyone I've talked to said pack for cool or cold weather. Is there a strong wind chill that isn't factored into the online weather reports?
Sorry if this seems like a goofy question but we're trying to pack only what we'll need.
You need to be a bit more specific - when in a few weeks are you coming? It is mild at the moment as it's the end of summer but the weather can change dramatically in the next few weeks - in October you could be waking up to frosts in the countryside and lots more rain. By November it will probably be very cold and wet... but you can get brilliant days of sunshine too, but not necessarily mild - certainly not T shirt weather by then...
It's 27 in London today and about 20 and drizzling in Cornwall - it varies so much within a few hundred miles, but generally Ireland is wetter and cooler than London. You would be best off by packing layers, T shirts, thin jumpers/cardigans, a gilet is useful, plus showerproof jackets/coats and a warm jumper, just in case. It's a nightmare for locals anyway, if that's any consolation and we always end up layering, stripping off and then putting clothes back on! The end of September beginning of October can be lovely and pretty mild, so as long as you have layers, you'll be fine.
If you're into hiking, then obviously suitable wet weather gear and boots, but if that's not your thing and you're sight seeing in cities, then no need for them. You won't need gloves but a hat may be a good idea... depends on how much you feel the cold!
The simple answer to your question is that yes, the wind chill factor in Ireland can make it seem colder than the 'official' air temperature. Its very mild here in Dublin today, t-shirt weather in fact, but thats there isn't much of a wind out. but don't think you have to have loads of warm layers - the most important thing is some sort of windproof jacket for bracing days out walking, if thats what you'll do. By the end of September most of the short sleeve/shorts weather will be gone although there is a good chance of nice spells of sunshine that time of year. Its highly unlikely to be cold enough for frost by then, but there can be a sharp chill in the air in the evening if the sky has been clear that day.
Weather forecasts usually include wind speed and direction - in October in Ireland, prevailing wind is from west, wet & not too cold, cold & wet from north, warmer & drier from east, warmest & driest from south, but modified by whether wind has come from sea or over the island of Ireland. Like everywhere in the world, temperature decreases as you go uphill and generally wind gets stronger as you go higher and more exposed. And you'll need to understand centigrade / celcius temperature scale, although fahrenheit is still mentioned in broadcast forecasts.
Bring a pullover to throw over your shirt/t-shirts and you'll be fine. Not too sure about the shorts, though! Prepare for wind and rain.
Agree with all the above - layers are the way to go. I'm living in Scotland and I always have several options with me to be prepared for anything!
My go-to outfit for days out in the UK are jeans (although once they're wet, that's it for the day - I really need to get some better option), t-shirt, long sleeve shirt, fleece, waterproof shell, scarf, sunglasses and umbrella. Various combinations of those are one me at any given moment of the day. If I'm out for the day, I wear my gor-tex walking sneakers. There's nothing more miserable than getting caught in the rain first thing and having the whole day to get through!
