Shipping to Ireland from the US
Our #1 route — and our founder's homeland. Nobody knows the US-to-Ireland shipping route better than City Post Express.
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How We Ship to Ireland
City Post Express ships to Ireland every week. We handle everything from pickup at your US home to delivery at your Irish address, including all customs documentation and Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief applications. Our team clears shipments through Dublin port regularly and has established relationships with Irish customs officers, local delivery partners, and port authorities that ensure your goods move smoothly through the system.
We offer both air freight and ocean freight to Ireland, with shared container (LCL) and full container (FCL) options for sea shipments. Most of our Ireland-bound clients choose ocean freight for the bulk of their belongings and send a smaller air freight shipment with immediate essentials timed to arrive shortly after they land. We recommend beginning the shipping process 4–6 weeks before your planned move date.
Ireland is a small country, so nowhere is too far for delivery. We deliver to every county — from city centre apartments in Dublin to farmhouses in rural Kerry. Our local delivery partners know the roads and can handle even the most remote addresses. We also provide packing services at your US address if you prefer not to pack yourself.
Air Freight vs Ocean Freight to Ireland
Choose the shipping method that works best for your timeline and budget. Many clients use both — air freight for essentials and ocean freight for the bulk of their belongings.Air Freight
Essentials you need immediately — seasonal clothing, important documents, electronics, medication, items of sentimental value
Air freight to Dublin Airport with consolidated and dedicated options depending on volume and urgency. Includes customs clearance and delivery to your Irish address.
Ocean Freight
Furniture, household goods, large or heavy items, the bulk of your belongings
Ocean freight from US East Coast to Dublin port. Includes pickup, export documentation, ocean transit, customs clearance with ToR relief, and delivery to your door. Shared container (LCL) for smaller shipments, full container (FCL) for complete household moves.
Our Most Popular Packages for Ireland
Choose the package that best fits your move to Ireland.
20 Boxes to Ireland
The most popular route — flat-rate shipping to Ireland
[Price TBD]
4-6 weeks (ocean freight)- 20 standard moving boxes (approximately 18" x 18" x 24" each)
- Flat-rate, all-inclusive pricing — no hidden fees
- Door-to-door service from any US address to any Ireland address
- Full customs clearance at Dublin port
- Transfer of Residence (ToR) duty relief assistance
Student Package
Budget-friendly shipping for students studying abroad
[Price TBD]
4-6 weeks (ocean) or 7-14 days (air freight option available)- 5-15 standard boxes at student-friendly pricing
- Door-to-door service including campus and student housing delivery
- Customs clearance handled for you
- Packing guidelines designed for students
- Insurance options for electronics and valuables
Mini Move Package
Co-load and partial container options for larger relocations
[Price TBD]
5-8 weeks depending on destination- 30-80 boxes plus small furniture items
- Co-load / partial container for cost efficiency
- Door-to-door service from the US to Ireland, UK, or Europe
- Professional packing services available as an add-on
- Full customs clearance and duty relief assistance
Full Container
20ft or 40ft dedicated containers for complete household moves
[Price TBD]
4-8 weeks depending on destination- Choice of 20ft container (~1,170 cubic feet) or 40ft container (~2,390 cubic feet)
- Exclusive use — your belongings only, no co-loading
- Container delivered to your US address for loading
- Door-to-door service to any destination worldwide
- Full customs clearance and documentation
What You Can Ship to Ireland
Commonly Shipped Items
- • Household furniture and furnishings
- • Personal clothing and shoes
- • Books, photos, and personal documents
- • Electronics — laptops, tablets, TVs (dual-voltage check recommended)
- • Kitchen items — cookware, small appliances, utensils
- • Bedding, linens, and towels
- • Children's belongings and toys
- • Sporting equipment — golf clubs, bicycles, fitness gear
- • Musical instruments
- • Art, antiques, and collectibles
- • Tools and garden equipment
Restricted & Prohibited Items
- • Alcohol and tobacco (not covered under ToR relief)
- • Firearms and ammunition (require separate licence)
- • Perishable food items
- • Hazardous materials — flammable liquids, aerosol cans, gas cylinders
- • Plants, seeds, and soil (phytosanitary regulations)
- • New, unused items still in packaging (may attract duty)
- • Items intended for commercial sale or resale
- • Prescription medication in excess of 3 months’ supply (check with HPRA)
Transfer of Residence (ToR) Relief for Ireland
ToR relief exempts your personal effects and household goods from customs duties and VAT when you transfer your permanent residence to Ireland from outside the EU. City Post Express has handled hundreds of ToR applications and knows exactly what Irish Revenue expects.
Not sure if you qualify?
Contact us for a free assessment. We will review your situation and let you know exactly what to expect at customs.
Ask Us About Transfer of Residence (ToR) ReliefCustoms & Documentation for Ireland
Ireland, as an EU member state, follows EU customs regulations for imports from non-EU countries. The key relief available to people relocating is Transfer of Residence (ToR) under EU Regulation 1186/2009, which can save you thousands in customs duties and VAT.
Key Requirements
- → You must have lived outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months before the transfer
- → The items must have been in your possession and used at your previous residence for at least 6 months
- → You must be establishing your normal (primary) residence in Ireland
- → Goods must be for personal use only — they cannot be sold or lent for 12 months after import
Documents Needed
- → Completed ToR relief application
- → Valid passport
- → Proof of overseas residence for the past 12+ months (utility bills, lease, tax returns)
- → Detailed inventory of all items being shipped
- → Proof of your new Irish address (lease agreement, property deed, or utility setup confirmation)
- → PPS number (if already obtained — can be arranged after arrival)
Important Notes
- ! City Post Express prepares and submits all ToR documentation on your behalf as part of our standard customs clearance service
- ! Motor vehicles have separate rules and require VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) assessment — contact us for vehicle-specific guidance
- ! New items still in original packaging may be questioned and could attract duty — ship items that are clearly used
- ! ToR relief must be claimed within 12 months of establishing your residence in Ireland
- ! Items shipped in multiple consignments are allowed, provided all arrive within 12 months
Official Resources
Shipping Tips for Ireland
Ship your sea freight 4–6 weeks early
Send your ocean shipment well before your flight so your belongings are waiting when you arrive. Use air freight for essentials to bridge the gap.
Irish homes are smaller than American ones
Built-in wardrobes and fitted kitchens are standard in Ireland. Oversized US furniture — king beds, large sectional sofas, double-wide refrigerators — often does not fit. Measure before you ship.
Check your electronics are dual-voltage
Ireland uses 230V with Type G plugs. Modern laptops and phone chargers are typically dual-voltage (110–240V) and just need a plug adapter. Larger appliances designed for 110V will need a step-down transformer or may not be practical to bring.
Start your inventory early
A detailed inventory is required for customs clearance. Start cataloguing your items as soon as you decide to move — it makes packing easier and speeds up customs processing.
Keep important documents in carry-on
Ship copies, not originals, of critical documents. Carry passports, visa paperwork, birth certificates, and financial records with you on the flight.
Consider the Irish climate
Ireland is mild but wet. Prioritise warm layers and waterproof outerwear in your air freight. You will not need heavy winter coats most of the year, but you will need rain gear year-round.