Ireland is our number-one destination. Over the past 25 years, City Post Express has shipped more boxes between the United States and Ireland than to any other country. We know this route inside and out — the ports, the customs procedures, the transit times in January versus July, and the exact cost per box whether you are sending one carton of personal belongings or twenty.
If you are searching for the best way to handle shipping to Ireland from the US, this guide covers everything: the three main shipping methods, what each one actually costs, how long it takes, what Irish customs will charge you, what you can and cannot ship, and how to avoid the mistakes we see people make every week.
Three Ways to Ship from the US to Ireland
Every shipment from the United States to Ireland falls into one of three categories. The right choice depends on how much you are sending, how fast you need it there, and your budget.
1. Ocean Freight (Best for Multiple Boxes and Moves)
Ocean freight is what we recommend for anyone shipping more than a few boxes. It is by far the most cost-effective option for larger shipments, and it is how the vast majority of personal belongings, household goods, and bulk items travel between the US and Ireland.
- Cost: Approximately $65 per standard moving box (3.5 cubic feet). A typical 10-box shipment runs around $650.
- Transit time: 6 to 8 weeks door-to-door, including pickup in the US, ocean crossing, customs clearance in Ireland, and final delivery.
- Best for: Relocations, sending household goods, students moving to or from Ireland, and anyone shipping 5+ boxes.
Ocean freight travels in shared containers on commercial shipping lines. Your boxes are palletized and consolidated with other cargo heading to Ireland, which is how the per-box cost stays low. City Post Express handles the full process from pickup at your US address to delivery at your door in Ireland — Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, or anywhere in the country.
2. Air Freight (Best for Urgent or Time-Sensitive Shipments)
Air freight is the fastest way to ship boxes to Ireland from the US. It costs more than ocean freight, but when you need your belongings quickly — whether you are starting a new job, beginning a university term, or sending items someone needs right away — air freight gets it done.
- Cost: Approximately $150 per standard moving box. Pricing varies with weight, as air freight is charged by dimensional or actual weight, whichever is greater.
- Transit time: 10 to 14 business days door-to-door, including customs clearance and delivery in Ireland.
- Best for: Urgent relocations, essential items needed quickly, smaller shipments where speed matters more than cost.
Air freight from the US to Ireland typically routes through major cargo hubs. Your shipment clears customs in Ireland and is delivered to your address, just like ocean freight — the only difference is speed and price.
3. Parcel Shipping (Best for Single Small Packages)
For a single box or small package, parcel carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx offer direct shipping from the US to Ireland. This is the right option when you are sending a care package, a gift, or a single item.
- Cost: $20 to $80+ per package depending on weight, dimensions, and carrier. USPS Priority Mail International is typically the most affordable option for packages under 20 lbs, starting around $40 to $60. Express services like UPS Worldwide Express or FedEx International Priority run $80 to $150+.
- Transit time: 3 to 10 business days depending on service level. Express services deliver in 2 to 4 days; economy services take 7 to 14 days.
- Best for: Single packages, gifts, documents, and small items where convenience matters most.
Parcel shipping works well for one-off packages but becomes extremely expensive if you are sending multiple boxes. Shipping five boxes via UPS or FedEx can easily cost $400 to $750, whereas the same five boxes via ocean freight would cost roughly $325.
Cost Comparison: Ocean Freight vs. Air Freight vs. Parcel
Here is a realistic comparison for shipping to Ireland from the US, based on standard moving boxes (approximately 18″ x 18″ x 24″, around 40 lbs each):
| Method | Cost per Box | 5 Boxes | 10 Boxes | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Freight | ~$65 | ~$325 | ~$650 | 6–8 weeks |
| Air Freight | ~$150 | ~$750 | ~$1,500 | 10–14 business days |
| USPS Priority Mail Intl | ~$50–70 | ~$250–350 | ~$500–700 | 6–10 business days |
| UPS/FedEx Express | ~$80–150 | ~$400–750 | ~$800–1,500 | 2–5 business days |
For anything beyond a couple of packages, ocean freight delivers the best value. USPS is competitive for small, lighter boxes but becomes impractical for heavier items or large shipments. If you are relocating to Ireland or moving to Ireland from the US, ocean freight is almost always the right call.
Customs Duties and Taxes: What Ireland Will Charge You
Every shipment entering Ireland from the United States goes through Irish customs. Here is exactly how duties and taxes work:
VAT (Value Added Tax)
Ireland charges 23% VAT on most imported goods. This is applied to the total value of the items plus the cost of shipping and insurance. There is no VAT exemption threshold for goods imported from outside the EU — even low-value items are subject to VAT since July 2021.
Customs Duty
Customs duty is charged on goods with a declared value above EUR 150. The duty rate depends on the type of goods. Common household items typically attract rates between 0% and 12%. Clothing is often around 12%. Electronics are generally lower, between 0% and 4%.
Goods valued below EUR 150 are exempt from customs duty but are still subject to VAT.
Transfer of Residence (ToR) Relief
If you are moving to Ireland and transferring your permanent residence, you may qualify for Transfer of Residence relief. This exempts your personal belongings and household effects from both customs duty and VAT, provided you meet the following conditions:
- You have lived outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months before your move.
- The items are your personal property and have been owned and used by you for at least 6 months.
- The items are for your personal use in Ireland, not for sale.
- You apply for the relief through Irish Revenue (customs) and provide supporting documentation.
ToR relief can save you thousands on a large shipment. For full details and the application process, visit Revenue.ie — Transfer of Residence.
City Post Express helps our clients with the customs documentation required for ToR relief claims. We handle this route every week and know exactly what paperwork Irish customs expects.
What You Can and Cannot Ship to Ireland
Ireland has specific rules about what can be imported. Here is a practical breakdown:
Items You Can Ship Without Issue
- Clothing and personal belongings
- Books, photos, and documents
- Kitchen items (pots, pans, utensils, small appliances)
- Bedding, linens, and towels
- Electronics (laptops, game consoles, phones — note voltage differences for appliances)
- Sports equipment
- Furniture (via our international mini-move service)
- Non-perishable food items (with some restrictions)
Items That Are Prohibited or Restricted
- Firearms, weapons, and ammunition — strictly prohibited.
- Drugs and controlled substances — prohibited.
- Perishable food — fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy are not permitted from outside the EU.
- Plants and soil — restricted; requires phytosanitary certificates.
- Hazardous materials — flammable liquids, compressed gases, corrosives, and similar items cannot be shipped.
- Counterfeit goods — will be seized by customs.
- Certain animal products — leather and fur items may require documentation.
If you are not sure whether a specific item can be shipped to Ireland, ask us. We deal with Irish customs requirements daily and can tell you immediately whether something will clear without problems.
How to Prepare Your Shipment
Proper preparation makes the difference between a smooth delivery and a delayed one. Here is what we recommend:
Packing
Use strong, double-walled cardboard boxes. Single-wall boxes are not designed for international freight and often collapse during ocean transit. Wrap fragile items individually in bubble wrap, and fill all empty space with packing paper so nothing shifts. Keep each box under 50 lbs for ocean freight.
City Post Express offers packing kits and supplies that are purpose-built for international shipping. We can also pack your items for you if you prefer.
Create an Inventory
List every item in each box with approximate values. This inventory is required for customs clearance and is essential if you are claiming ToR relief. Be specific — “kitchen items” is not enough. Write “6 dinner plates, 4 mugs, set of stainless steel cutlery” instead.
Label Your Boxes
Number each box and keep a master list that matches box numbers to your inventory. This makes customs processing faster and helps you locate specific items after delivery.
Why Ship with City Post Express?
There are many companies that offer international shipping, but very few specialize in the US-to-Ireland route the way we do. Here is what sets City Post Express apart:
- 25+ years on this exact route. We have been shipping personal belongings from the US to Ireland since 2000. We know the ports, the customs brokers, and the delivery networks.
- FMC Licensed (License #034938). City Post Express is licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission, the US government agency that regulates ocean shipping. This license means we operate under strict legal and financial standards.
- Door-to-door service. We pick up from your US address and deliver to your Irish address. You do not need to drop anything at a port or warehouse.
- Customs documentation handled. We prepare all the paperwork for Irish customs, including documentation for Transfer of Residence relief claims.
- Real pricing, no hidden fees. The price we quote is the price you pay. We do not add fuel surcharges, destination fees, or surprise charges after the fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a box to Ireland from the US?
Via ocean freight with City Post Express, a standard moving box costs approximately $65. Air freight runs about $150 per box. Parcel carriers like USPS charge $40 to $70+ per box depending on weight and service level.
How long does shipping from the US to Ireland take?
Ocean freight takes 6 to 8 weeks door-to-door. Air freight takes 10 to 14 business days. Express parcel services deliver in 2 to 5 business days.
Do I have to pay customs duty on personal belongings shipped to Ireland?
If you are relocating to Ireland and meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for Transfer of Residence relief, which exempts your personal belongings from customs duty and VAT. If you are sending items as a non-resident, goods over EUR 150 in value are subject to duty, and all goods are subject to 23% VAT.
Can I ship food to Ireland from the US?
Non-perishable, commercially packaged food items are generally fine. Fresh produce, meat, and dairy products from outside the EU are prohibited. Homemade or unpackaged food items may be confiscated at customs.
What is the cheapest way to ship to Ireland from the US?
For multiple boxes, ocean freight is the cheapest option by a significant margin at around $65 per box. For a single small package, USPS Priority Mail International is typically the most affordable carrier option. See our full guide to the cheapest ways to ship overseas for more detail.
Get a Quote for Shipping to Ireland
Whether you are sending a few boxes or relocating your entire household, City Post Express has the experience and the infrastructure to get your belongings to Ireland safely and affordably.
Request a free quote or call us at +1 (718) 995-8690. Tell us what you are shipping and where in Ireland it is going, and we will provide an exact price with no hidden fees.
City Post Express is a Federal Maritime Commission licensed company (License #034938) with over 25 years of experience shipping personal belongings, household goods, and commercial cargo from the United States to Ireland.