What to wear braving the outdoors on my mini break?

I’m taking a few days off this week and going on a mini break.

Sort of random I know but we have found an Airbnb in the wilds of Roscommon with a sauna and hot tub and plan on just switching off for a few days. I’m also ending the trip with a stay in a castle and so what does one wear for such a varied adventure in Ireland?

I plan on doing lots of walking and so will be outdoors for a lot of the trip but of course I also want to look good. I’ve been having a look around for some good quality outdoor gear that’s also going to be something I feel nice wearing and look dressed enough that I can stop in for some lunch on my travels.

The dressing for dinner in the castle is the easy part with of course full on glam being essential, it’s what to wear braving the outdoors that has me a bit stumped - that is until I came across Outwest Clothing.

Outwest Clothing is a sustainable apparel brand established by husband and wife team Rebecca Hoban and Shane Finn, based in Dingle, country Kerry.

Outwest's aim is to ensure there are no limits to people’s outdoor life and their apparel is designed with this in mind. Both Shane and Rebecca have a great connection and love for the outdoors, with a firm belief that the Irish weather shouldn’t impede adventure. With this passion and knowledge they have designed and created their own range of sustainable modern outdoor wear for a growing community of followers and adventurers.

Better still the brand works with premium, trusted, suppliers who use only the highest quality and most sustainable materials where possible.

Since their inception, Outwest has only worked with suppliers who share their values of the protection of the planet and their worker's rights.

One of my favourite items from the collection is the dusty pink long sleeve top which looks like the perfect layering piece and we all know Irish weather calls for smart layering.

The Irish Summer Long Sleeves are the perfect item for when it is too cold for a t-shirt but too warm for a jumper - a dilemma we get caught in a lot here in Ireland! Made from organic cotton, this is sure to be your go-to item for any adventure.

Another item I chat about quite a bit but which I have still to my great shame not properly invested in is a good raincoat.

I’m even shocked myself that I do not own one and am constantly borrowing my mother’s one. I also could do with some sensible hiking boots but if I sorted the rain coat situation I’d be doing well.

The women’s rain jacket from Outwest is lightweight, it’s also a waterproof jacket that is meticulously designed with functionality in mind, making it your go-to companion for any rainy-day activity, whether you're hiking, running, walking the dog, commuting, or strolling along the beach. With a 10,000mm waterproof rating, the Seasur jacket provides robust protection against rain, showers, and even heavy downpours.

With more and more people out walking, hiking and enjoying the outdoors in general now is the time to invest in some quality outdoor gear.