In Ireland, where the weather swings from drizzle to sudden sunshine in under an hour, finding the right footwear for summer isn’t about luxury-it’s about practicality. And when the sun finally breaks through over the Cliffs of Moher or along the Wild Atlantic Way, what do people reach for? Not sandals. Not trainers. Not even those stiff leather clogs from the 1990s. No-what you’ll see on the toes of parents at Dolly’s Beach in County Wexford, students lounging on the steps of Trinity College, and retirees sipping tea in Galway’s Salthill Promenade are Hawaii slippers.

What Exactly Are Hawaii Slippers?

Hawaii slippers aren’t made in Hawaii. They’re not even originally from the Pacific. They’re the same thing most people in Ireland call flip-flops: rubber soles, a Y-shaped strap between the toes, and a design that’s been around since the 1950s. But the name stuck because of marketing. In the 1980s and 90s, holiday brochures from tour operators like Thomas Cook and Ryanair Holidays started calling them ‘Hawaii slippers’ to sell the idea of tropical escapes. And it worked. Suddenly, a cheap pair of rubber sandals became a symbol of summer freedom-even if you were just walking from the car park to the ice cream van at Portrush.

They’re lightweight, easy to slip on and off after a muddy hike in the Wicklow Mountains, and dry fast after a sudden downpour. That’s why you’ll find them stacked in discount bins at Dunnes Stores, Lidl, and even in the seasonal section of Penneys. They cost €8 to €15. You don’t buy them to last. You buy them to wear for three weeks in July.

Why Hawaii Slippers Are Perfect for Ireland’s Climate

Forget the myth that these are only for beaches. In Ireland, they’re worn everywhere. At the Kilkenny Craft Fair, you’ll see elderly women in floral dresses shuffling between stalls in their Hawaii slippers. At Dublin’s Phoenix Park picnic spots, families spread towels on the grass and kick off their boots for a pair of rubber sandals. Even in Galway’s Latin Quarter, you’ll spot musicians playing guitar barefoot on the pavement, their Hawaii slippers resting beside them like a second instrument.

Why? Because Ireland’s summers are short and unpredictable. One day it’s 22°C and sunny in Cork; the next, it’s raining sideways in Donegal. Slippers don’t soak up water like canvas sneakers. They don’t trap heat like closed-toe shoes. And unlike flip-flops with thin straps that dig into your feet after an hour, the thicker soles and wider straps on most Hawaii slippers sold here are designed for walking on cobblestones, wet pier boards, and rocky coastal paths.

Brands like Crocs, Reef, and even local Irish label Slippery When Wet (a small Cork-based brand that started selling them at the Skibbereen Arts Festival) dominate the market. Their soles have textured grips to handle wet grass and slippery seaweed-covered rocks-something you don’t get with cheap imports from China that snap after one trip to the beach at Lahinch.

How to Spot Quality Hawaii Slippers in Ireland

Not all Hawaii slippers are made the same. In Ireland, you learn fast which ones survive the season. Here’s what to look for:

• Thick EVA foam soles-not thin rubber. These cushion your feet on hard pavements and reduce fatigue after a day walking the Giant’s Causeway.
• Wide toe strap-narrow straps dig into your toes, especially if you’re walking on uneven ground like the Burren’s limestone pavements.
• Anti-slip tread pattern-look for deep grooves, not just ridges. You’ll thank yourself when stepping off the ferry at Howth Harbour after a rainy morning.
• UV-resistant material-cheap slippers fade to grey in a week under Irish sun. Good ones keep their colour through August.
• Reputable brands-Reef, Crocs, and Havaianas (sold at Boots and SuperValu) are the most reliable. Avoid no-name brands from gas stations unless you’re okay replacing them every fortnight.

Pro tip: If you’re buying in late July, check the clearance racks at Dunnes Stores. Many stores stock extra pairs for tourists who forget theirs, and you can often snag a pair for €5 after the peak season.

Where to Wear Hawaii Slippers in Ireland (And Where Not To)

You’ll see them everywhere in summer-but there are limits. Here’s the unofficial Irish code:

• Wear them: On beaches (Portstewart, Ballybunion, Curracloe), in garden centres like Ballyvolane, at outdoor music festivals (Electric Picnic, Sea Sessions), walking the Galway City Walk, or lounging in a pub garden with a pint of Guinness.
• Avoid them: In churches (even on hot days), inside supermarkets (staff will give you the side-eye), on public transport during rush hour, or anywhere you’re expected to wear ‘proper shoes’-like a job interview or a wedding reception.

There’s a cultural unspoken rule: Hawaii slippers = relaxed, casual, summer. They’re not a fashion statement. They’re a survival tool. And in Ireland, survival means being ready for anything-sun, wind, rain, or sudden fog rolling in from the Atlantic.

Why They’re More Than Just Footwear

Hawaii slippers are part of Ireland’s summer identity. They’re the footwear of spontaneous trips to the coast, last-minute picnics, and evenings spent watching the sunset over the Aran Islands. They’re worn by tourists, students, pensioners, and even a few brave farmers who’ve swapped their wellies for sandals on the rare hot day.

They’re also tied to the rise of ‘staycations’ in Ireland. With flights to Spain and Greece getting pricier, more people are choosing to explore their own country. And when you’re hiking the Kerry Way or cycling the Dublin Coastal Path, you need footwear that’s easy to pack, quick to dry, and doesn’t weigh you down.

There’s even a quiet cultural shift: younger Irish people are starting to see them as part of a minimalist, eco-conscious lifestyle. Brands like Slippery When Wet now make slippers from recycled ocean plastic-sold at the Green Market in Temple Bar and the Cork Flea Market. These aren’t just sandals. They’re a statement.

What to Do When Your Hawaii Slippers Wear Out

They don’t last forever. After a few weeks of heavy use, the strap stretches, the sole cracks, or the grip wears thin. When that happens, don’t just toss them. Here’s what Irish people do:

• Use them as garden slippers-perfect for weeding or potting plants.
• Donate them to shelters in Dublin or Belfast that hand out footwear to the homeless.
• Repurpose them as planters-cut the top off, fill with soil, and grow herbs on your windowsill.
• Recycle them through Footwear Recycling Ireland, a program that turns old sandals into playground surfaces in towns like Sligo and Waterford.

It’s not just about being practical. It’s about being Irish. You don’t waste things. You make them last.

Final Thoughts: The Quiet Hero of Irish Summers

Hawaii slippers aren’t glamorous. They don’t appear in fashion magazines. But in Ireland, they’re one of the most trusted pieces of footwear you can own. They’re the quiet companion to every summer memory-from the first dip in the sea at Tramore to the last bonfire on the beach in August.

They’re cheap, durable, and perfectly suited to our unpredictable weather. And if you’ve ever stood barefoot on a warm rock at the end of a long day, letting the Atlantic breeze dry your toes while the sun sets behind the Skelligs-you know exactly why they’re called Hawaii slippers.

It’s not about the destination. It’s about the feeling.