I’M PACKING MY BAGS AND TAKING WITH ME… THE PACKING LIST FOR YOUR MOTORBIKE TRIP TO IRELAND!

Last updated on November 10, 2024

In this article, I would like to give you another structured list that you can use when it comes to actually packing for a motorcycle trip in Ireland.

Motorbiker at the Wild Atlantic Way (photo by Josephine Gertberg)

Intro

Below you will find a tried and tested packing list for your motorbike trip to Ireland based on a two-week motorbike holiday. You can print it out, shorten it or add to it and then start packing!

By the way, I run a motorbike rental company in Ireland (update: I did…) and have already worked my way through a lot of luggage on my own motorbike trips :-). We also have nice guest rooms.

The motorbike clothing – flexible with onion system

The 1st insulation layer – underwear for motorcyclists

One set of long and one set of short thermal underwear in summer, or two sets of long thermal underwear in summer. The short set can also be normal sports underwear made of mixed or synthetic fabric.

2-3 thin and 1-2 medium-thick wool or synthetic socks for in the motorbike boots. These can be hiking socks or ski socks, or thinner sports socks.

The 2nd insulation layer – well equipped for cooler days
Depending on the season, 1-2 thin fleece shirts or one thin and one thicker fleece shirt. Alternatively, a fleece waistcoat or jacket and a shirt. It is important that you can layer and combine underwear and other layers. One part should have a high collar to protect the neck.

The 2nd insulation layer – well equipped for cooler days.

Depending on the season, 1-2 thin fleece shirts or one thin and one thicker fleece shirt. Alternatively, a fleece waistcoat or jacket and a shirt. It is important that you can layer and combine underwear and other layers. One part should have a high collar to protect the neck.

Motorbike suit and thermal lining

A textile motorbike suit with protectors is, in my view, the best choice for Ireland. In the hotter summer months this can be a summer suit with lots of ventilation options, in early summer and late summer an all-season textile suit (with or without a climate membrane) and in early spring and late autumn you should put the thermal lining in the suit and a suit with a waterproof membrane is recommended.

Kidney belt and neck warmer

A thicker or thinner kidney belt, depending on the season, protects the lower back from draughty winds and neck scarves, tube scarves or other warmth collars help to keep the neck and nape warm – even in summer a fresh wind can blow on the coast!

Gloves

In summer I recommend a pair of thin summer gloves and a pair of lightly lined waterproof textile gloves, in early and late season two pairs of lightly lined waterproof gloves are good to be able to change from time to time.

Motorbike boots

In summer, almost any motorbike boot will do. In the cooler season and if you don’t want to get your feet wet in summer, I recommend good motorbike touring boots with a waterproof membrane (e.g. Gore-Tex).

Helmet and sunglasses

A well-fitting full-face helmet, flip-up helmet or travel enduro helmet is a good choice. In the cooler season, a Pinlock inner lens for the visor is recommended to prevent fogging.

Rain suit

If your motorbike suit is not reliably waterproof, you should pack an additional rain suit for every season. I find two-piece suits more practical than one-piece suits. Even in summer, it’s better to have than to need!

Other clothing – when you are not on the bike

Jacket and trousers

A pair of jeans or other casual trousers is sufficient for arrival, departure and dinner in the pub or hotel. More will only take up space and add weight to your luggage.

The same applies to the jacket. A light softshell jacket is a good idea, you can use it as a second insulation layer in your motorbike suit and save on a fleece jumper.

Shirts and jumpers

One or two shirts or jumpers for arrival/departure and the evenings are enough – more is quickly too much.

Underwear and pyjamas

You can also wear socks twice, or wash them briefly in the sink in the evening – only take as much underwear as you really need.

Pajamas that pack lightly are enough. You can also pack an extra pair of long underwear and use it as pyjamas – this may save you another piece of packing.

Motorbike somewhere in the mountains of Connemara (photo: Ulrich Knüppel-Gertberg)

Shoes and headgear

Shoes take up a lot of space in the motorbike case – choose light, flat shoes that are as “compressible” as possible, e.g. sports shoes or sneakers.

There can always be a lot of wind on the island and very sunny days in summer. I always take a cap or woolly hat with me – depending on the season.

Personal things

Toiletry bag / wash bag and medicines

Choose small sample packs for shampoos, shaving cream, toothpaste etc… If you run out of something, you can also buy everything in Ireland.

In summer, I also carry a small tube of sunscreen.

General medicines such as aspirin or muscle pain gel can be found in every pharmacy in Ireland and it is sufficient to take only a small amount with you.

Special medicines that you can’t do without, you should carry plenty of.

Smartphone and other electronics

Smartphone, tablet, or other electronics: Don’t forget the chargers, or better yet, a charger with an adapter for each device. You will need a travel plug for three-pin English sockets, which are also used in Ireland.

If you take a jump-start booster for the motorbike – it can usually also serve as a power bank and comes with the most common adapters.

Maps, travel guides, travel documents

You might want to print out your booking documents – because, as the devil would have it, your mobile phone falls overboard when you take your first photo on the ferry… better safe than sorry.

Maps and travel guides will certainly fit in your luggage. Maybe a Kindle reader or a paperback book for the ferry, because you won’t have internet there.

Money, cash cards and IDs

The Irish currency is the euro, in Northern Ireland it is the British pound. In both countries you can pay almost everywhere with cash cards, debit or credit cards. I would take two of them with me – in case one doesn’t work.

You will need your passport to enter the country and your vehicle registration document for your motorbike. In Ireland, the Garda (police) will expect you to carry proof of insurance, even if your insurance company in Germany says it’s not necessary in Ireland – get the green insurance card beforehand and you’ll be prepared.

A health insurance card also makes sense, although you may have to pay for medical treatment in advance at the doctor’s or hospital and then be reimbursed by your insurance company at home.

Motorbike at the Harbour of Wicklow (photo by Ulrich Knüppel-Gertberg)

Food and drink

A bottle of water and some fruit or cereal bars should always be with you – against dehydration and hypoglycaemia on the way.

Motorbike accessories

Tools

A small tool kit is sufficient. You should be able to adjust the chain, adjust the mirrors, get to the battery (jump start) and perhaps fix loose parts (after a crash) temporarily. A few cable ties, duct tape, insulating tape and two tension belts will also help.

Puncture aid, first aid

You should have a puncture repair kit (tubeless tyres) or a puncture repair spray (tubular tyres) with you, plus perhaps a small mobile compressor or a floor pump.

A small battery booster can help with starting problems.

A high-visibility waistcoat is compulsory in France. Not in Ireland, but many Irish and English motorcyclists use one to be seen better.

A small first aid kit should be included in any case.

Finally

The above list is meant to be an aid and suggestion for your preparation. Of course, you will adapt it according to your own ideas.

Try not to pack too much and not too heavy. Think about the weight distribution on the bike for stability: pack heavy things as low as possible on the bike (side cases) and light things rather upwards. Don’t load too much weight into the top case – and certainly nothing on top of the top case! Then you’ll be well on your way.

By the way, all our rental motorbikes have side cases and top cases or soft side bags and tail bag included in the rental price. And if that’s not enough, you can also rent a tank bag. See: www.easycruiser.tours.

I wish you a wonderful motorbike trip!