You can beat them folks!!
Here's my RYR story with hand baggage.....
I get a REALLY cheap flight by scanning the website regularly. I get a great cheap hotel with Octopus.com they have great budget hotels.
I take a wheely case (measure the dimensions before you go!) For a weekend or a few days away I take the bare minimum. Pack your case with what you think you need, then take away half. How many times have you come back from a break never having used half the clothes you brought? Make up and creams? again the minimum, put the plastic bag in the side zip of the handluggage. The hotel has shampoo etc, and you can always buy when you get there. You are not going to Inner Mongolia!
I do not bring a laptop or a briefcase - go with another airline if you do.
If female use a small flat handbag that goes across your shoulder just big enough for the passport and the wallet/medication. Put your outer coat on over this bag. You will have to take the coat off for security, but it goes back on at the departure gate.
I never buy duty free in Europe, the biggest scam in history. If I want a bottle of Hennessy, I'll gladly pay the extra in Dublin for the lack of hassle.
I buy cigarettes in the Tabac shop in countries where they are cheaper than Ireland - in Spain they are less than half price in the Tabac shops and are cheaper than in the DF shop.
I leave a little room in the suitcase in case some freaker finds my little handbag and gets a bit of a power trip, so I have room to put it in.
I do appreciate the cheap flights, you get what you pay for, and it is FAR less stressful if you play the game, don't let them win, and don't pay any more charges!!
I love Ryanair for the opportunities to travel around Europe at a whim. I play by the rules, but it is not difficult at all.
All the best