Shipping to Ireland from the USA
Moving to Ireland from the USA? Household goods usually travel by sea container to Dublin or Cork. Compare up to 5 free quotes from international shipping companies.
- Region
- Europe
- Main sea ports
- Dublin, Cork
- Main airports
- Dublin, Shannon, Cork
- Sea transit
- Typically about 2 to 4 weeks port to port
- Shipments
- Household goods, cars, boxes and barrels, commercial freight
Container shipping to Ireland
Most household moves to Ireland go by sea container. You can book a container just for your goods (FCL) or share one with other customers (LCL).
| Option | Space (approx.) | Usually fits |
|---|---|---|
| Shared container (LCL) | Pay per cubic metre or foot | A few rooms, up to about 15 m³ (530 ft³) |
| 20ft container (FCL) | About 33 m³ (1,170 ft³) | 1 to 2 bedroom home |
| 40ft container (FCL) | About 67 m³ (2,390 ft³) | 3 to 4 bedroom home, or household goods plus a car |
Not sure how much you have? Use our moving size calculator.
Air cargo to Ireland
Air cargo (air freight) is the fastest way to ship to Ireland. It is ideal for clothes, documents, electronics and things you need as soon as you arrive. Prices are based on the "chargeable weight": the actual weight or the volume weight, whichever is higher, so air cargo is best for smaller, lighter shipments.
Air shipments to Ireland usually arrive at Dublin, Shannon, Cork.
Car shipping to Ireland
Cars imported to Ireland must be registered and Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) is normally payable, although relief may apply under Transfer of Residence. Check the VRT before you ship.
- RoRo: the car is driven onto the ship. Often the cheapest option, but you can't pack belongings in the car.
- Container: more protection, and you can combine the car with household goods.
- To export a car from the USA you need the original title, and the documents must be given to U.S. Customs before the car is loaded.
Shipping boxes and barrels to Ireland
Only sending a few things? Shipping boxes, barrels or excess baggage to Ireland is much cheaper than a full move. Many companies collect from your home and deliver door to door.
Commercial freight to Ireland
Shipping goods for your business? Compare quotes for FCL and LCL freight, pallets and air freight to Ireland, including customs clearance.
How much does shipping to Ireland cost?
Every shipment is different, so prices vary a lot between companies. Your price depends on:
- The volume or weight of your goods
- Shared container, full container or air cargo
- Your pickup location in the USA and the destination city in Ireland
- Packing, insurance, storage and door delivery
- Destination charges such as port fees and customs clearance
- Season and current freight rates
Ask each company what is included, especially destination charges. Compare up to 5 free quotes to find the best price.
How long does shipping to Ireland take?
Sea freight from the USA to Ireland typically takes about 2 to 4 weeks port to port. Door-to-door delivery takes longer because of collection, customs clearance and final delivery. Air cargo usually arrives within a few days to two weeks.
Customs and documents for Ireland
- People moving their normal residence to Ireland can usually claim Transfer of Residence relief from Irish Revenue, so used personal belongings come in without duty or VAT.
- Conditions apply, for example how long you lived outside the EU and how long you have owned the items.
Rules change, so always confirm with your shipping company. See also our guide to prohibited items and how to pack.
Shipping companies to Ireland
We are adding verified shipping companies for Ireland. Send one request and up to 5 companies that serve your route will contact you with quotes.
Frequently asked questions about shipping to Ireland
How much does it cost to ship to Ireland from the USA?
The cost depends on how much you ship (volume or weight), the method (shared container, full container or air cargo), your pickup location in the USA, the destination city in Ireland, and extra services like packing, insurance and door delivery. Compare written quotes to know your real price: Movers World gets you up to 5 free quotes with one request.
How long does shipping to Ireland take?
Sea freight from the USA to Ireland typically takes about 2 to 4 weeks port to port. Door-to-door delivery takes longer because of collection, customs clearance and final delivery. Air cargo usually arrives within a few days to two weeks.
Can I ship a car to Ireland?
Cars imported to Ireland must be registered and Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) is normally payable, although relief may apply under Transfer of Residence. Check the VRT before you ship.
What documents do I need to ship to Ireland?
Usually your passport, a detailed packing list and proof of your move such as a visa or residence permit. For a car you also need the title and bill of sale. Your shipping company will confirm the exact list for Ireland.
Is air cargo or sea freight better for shipping to Ireland?
Sea freight is much cheaper for furniture and large shipments, but slower. Air cargo is faster and best for small, urgent or valuable items. Many people combine both: a small air shipment for essentials and the rest by sea.
Shipping to other countries in Europe
- Albania
- Andorra
- Armenia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Faroe Islands
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Greenland
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Kosovo
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Vatican City