What Is a Jacket with a Hood Called in Ireland?

In Ireland, where rain falls more often than it doesn’t, and the wind off the Atlantic can knock you sideways, your outerwear isn’t just fashion-it’s survival. So when someone asks, what is a jacket with a hood called? The answer isn’t one word. It’s a handful of them, each tied to a different part of Irish life, from the wet streets of Galway to the peat bogs of Kerry.

It’s Not Just a Hoodie

Many people assume a jacket with a hood is just a hoodie. But in Ireland, a hoodie is something you wear under a proper coat. It’s for lounging after a pint at O’Neill’s in Cork, not for walking the Dingle Way in January. A true Irish weather-ready jacket with a hood has to do more than look casual. It needs to block wind, shed rain, and survive a sudden downpour between the bus stop and the door of your local Tesco.

That’s why the most common terms you’ll hear here aren’t from fashion magazines-they’re from the hardware store, the fishing shop, or the outdoor gear section at Clerys. You’ll hear anorak, parka, and waterproof shell. And if you’re in a village near the Wild Atlantic Way, you might even hear someone say, “Grab your storm jacket,” as if it’s a family heirloom.

Anorak: The Irish Staple

The word anorak might sound odd to outsiders, but in Ireland, it’s as common as tea in the morning. An anorak is a lightweight, hooded jacket with a drawstring hem and often a water-resistant shell. It’s not bulky. It’s not meant for snow-it’s meant for the sudden, sharp showers that roll in off the sea without warning. Brands like Barbour and Craghoppers are everywhere, but the real local favorite? The Claddagh Rainwear anorak, made in Galway and sold in shops from Doolin to Donegal. It’s got a fleece-lined hood that stays put in a 40mph gust, and the seams are taped so water doesn’t sneak in when you’re caught in a squall on the Burren.

Walk into any primary school in Limerick on a Monday morning, and you’ll see a line of kids in matching anoraks-bright green, blue, or yellow. They’re not uniforms. They’re practical. The school doesn’t care what brand you wear, as long as the hood doesn’t blow off when you’re crossing the playground.

Parka: For the Real Irish Winter

If you’ve ever stood on the pier in Howth at 6 a.m. in February, waiting for the ferry, you know you need more than a light shell. That’s when the parka comes out. A parka in Ireland isn’t the bulky, fur-trimmed kind you see in Canada. It’s a mid-weight, insulated jacket with a deep hood, often lined with synthetic fleece or recycled polyester. The best ones have a storm flap over the zipper and adjustable cuffs so wind doesn’t sneak up your sleeves.

Brands like Regatta and Decathlon’s Kalahari line dominate here because they’re affordable and actually work. You’ll see them on fishermen in Killybegs, on teachers walking to school in Sligo, and on cyclists heading into Dublin city center. The hood on a good parka isn’t decorative-it’s designed to fit over a beanie, and it’s deep enough to shield your face from sideways rain. I’ve seen people in Galway wear theirs with the hood up even when it’s not raining. Just in case.

The Hidden Difference: Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant

One thing you learn fast in Ireland: not all jackets with hoods are created equal. A jacket labeled “water-resistant” might be fine for a light drizzle in Wicklow, but it’ll soak through in 10 minutes if you’re caught in a storm on the Cliffs of Moher. The real deal? Look for “waterproof” with a hydrostatic head rating of at least 10,000mm. That’s the industry standard for true rain protection.

Most Irish outdoor shops now label their gear clearly. At Mountain Equipment in Dublin, or Outdoor Ireland in Galway, staff will ask you, “Where are you using it?” If you say “walking the Wicklow Way,” they’ll hand you a jacket with a 20,000mm rating and a helmet-compatible hood. If you’re just commuting to work in Cork, they’ll suggest something lighter. No one here tries to sell you something you don’t need.

Why the Hood Matters More Than You Think

In Ireland, a hood isn’t just an add-on-it’s part of your daily rhythm. Think about it: you’re often rushing from the car to the shop, from the bus to the pub, from the classroom to the playground. You don’t have time to fumble with an umbrella. A hood keeps you dry while you carry groceries, hold a child’s hand, or hold your phone to call for a taxi in the rain.

And it’s not just about function. The hood is cultural. You’ll see people in rural areas-older men in Mayo, women in Connemara-wearing their hoods pulled tight, not because they’re hiding, but because it’s how they’ve always stayed dry. It’s practical tradition. You don’t need to be Irish to understand it. You just need to have been caught in a sudden downpour on the Ring of Kerry without one.

What to Look for When Buying in Ireland

Here’s what works in Ireland’s climate:

• Hood fit: Should fit over a beanie or wool cap without pulling. Adjustable drawcords are a must.
• Seam sealing: Look for taped seams. Unsealed stitching = wet clothes.
• Length: Mid-thigh is ideal. Too short, and rain runs down your back. Too long, and it catches the wind.
• Pockets: At least one zippered pocket for your phone or wallet. Bonus if it’s inside the hood lining.
• Material: Polyurethane-coated polyester or GORE-TEX. Avoid cotton blends-they soak up water like a sponge.

Shop locally. Places like Macra na Feirme in rural counties, Outdoor Life in Limerick, or even the secondhand section at St. Vincent de Paul in Dublin often have solid, used waterproof jackets for under €50. I’ve seen people in Galway wear a 15-year-old Barbour anorak like it’s brand new. That’s the Irish way: if it works, you keep it.

What It’s Not Called

Don’t call it a “hoodie” if you’re heading out in the rain. Don’t call it a “windbreaker” if it’s not rated for actual weather. And don’t assume a jacket with a hood is “good enough” just because it’s black. In Ireland, your outerwear speaks before you do. A flimsy, unsealed jacket? You’ll be the one standing under the pub awning, soaked, while everyone else walks in dry.

The right jacket with a hood doesn’t just keep you dry. It lets you keep going. Whether you’re walking the coastal path in Clare, catching the bus in Belfast, or waiting for the ferry in Rosslare, it’s the difference between getting home and just surviving the trip.