What wetsuit do you need in Ireland?
The one suit that covers most of the swimming season, for 14 coastal cities in Ireland.
| City | Coldest | Warmest | One suit for the season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin | 8.3°C Feb | 15.8°C Aug | 3/2 mm full suit |
| Waterford | 9.2°C Feb | 16.0°C Aug | 4/3 mm full suit |
| Drogheda | 7.6°C Feb | 15.9°C Aug | 5/4 mm full suit |
| Dundalk | 7.6°C Feb | 15.9°C Aug | 5/4 mm full suit |
| Bray | 8.7°C Feb | 15.4°C Aug | 3/2 mm full suit |
| Balbriggan | 8.2°C Feb | 15.8°C Aug | 3/2 mm full suit |
| Sligo | 8.5°C Feb | 16.1°C Aug | 4/3 mm full suit |
| Carrigaline | 9.6°C Feb | 16.5°C Aug | 4/3 mm full suit |
| Arklow | 8.3°C Feb | 16.0°C Aug | 5/4 mm full suit |
| Wicklow | 8.3°C Feb | 16.0°C Aug | 5/4 mm full suit |
| Midleton | 9.4°C Feb | 16.3°C Aug | 4/3 mm full suit |
| Gorey | 8.7°C Feb | 15.9°C Aug | 3/2 mm full suit |
| Youghal | 9.4°C Feb | 16.3°C Aug | 4/3 mm full suit |
| Dungarvan | 9.2°C Feb | 16.0°C Aug | 4/3 mm full suit |
Thicknesses above are for swimming. Surfing the same water wants a step more — most of a session is spent sitting still in the wind rather than moving and immersed. Each city page gives both, along with when you need boots, gloves and a hood.
Sea temperature and swimming season in Ireland →
Boots below 14°C, gloves below 12°C, a hood below 10°C. Where the numbers come from