Our destination-specific customs advice explains the documents you'll need to complete and the requirements you must meet when shipping belongings.
Why choose Seven Seas Worldwide
Purpose-built shipping boxes and materials provided
Trusted with your shipments for over 25 years
Pick your own dates for shipment delivery and collection
Enjoy 2 weeks FREE storage before and after shipping
We handle the quarantine and customs clearance process
What you need to know about shipping luggage to Ireland
With a rich Celtic heritage, lush green landscapes, and friendly people, the Republic of Ireland is an inviting, open country. Come for the Guinness and castles, and stay for warmth and beauty. Whether you're backpacking around the entire island, an international student moving to study, or beginning a new life with your family, you'll need to bring your belongings.
Thankfully, our international shipping company can help. Utilising over 25 years of experience sending boxes, bags, and suitcases worldwide, we make shipping straightforward and stress-free. We cover all major Irish cities, including Dublin, Galway, Cork, Kilkenny and Limerick. Grab a free instant quote today to discover how easy shipping luggage can be.
Affordable boxes and baggage shipping for over 25 years
Thanks to our global network of depots, we offer a tailored and straightforward experience when shipping luggage to Ireland. Our knowledgeable, friendly team can support you from start to finish. Here are just a few of this service's benefits:
- Collection from your home: forget about lugging all your boxes and bags to a remote location for pickup. We deliver top-quality, empty shipping boxes to your home, collect them once packed, and then transport them to your destination country.
- Free storage: we can store your belongings for up to two weeks, free of charge, in both your country of origin and destination, giving you greater flexibility with travel dates.
- No hidden charges: with our free online quote tool, see a breakdown of all costs, including warehouse handling and customs clearance, when shipping overseas.
- Online tracking: using GPS technology, keep up to date with your shipment's journey every step of the way.
- We clear your goods through customs: don't worry about a thing. We take care of everything from transporting and storing your shipment to dealing with customs officials and delivering your goods.
How do our international shipping services work?
Free online quick quote
Our instant quote tool provides a clear, itemised cost with no hidden fees or nasty surprises.
Pick your dates
When placing your order, choose the materials delivery and shipment collection dates that suit you.
Securely pack your items
We deliver your empty shipping boxes or MoveCube®, ready for you to fill.
We collect and ship
Complete the online documentation. Then we'll transport your shipment to its destination.
Delivered to your address
Our team will clear your goods through customs and deliver them safely to your new home.
Don't take our word for it
Our customers love us!
Which boxes and packaging are best for long journeys?
We aim to make the experience of shipping to Ireland from the Netherlands as stress-free as possible. One of the unique ways we do this is by providing you with as many of our durable shipping boxes and packing materials as you need. Our chemically-hardened, double-walled cardboard containers are available in Standard and Large sizes (see below for dimensions) to best suit your needs.
For the safety of both you and our drivers, there is a weight limit of 30kg/66lbs per container. Please weigh each box on bathroom scales before collection. If over the limit, you will need to move some items to a lighter receptacle. We also offer specialised boxes for larger items such as golf clubs, guitars, surfboards, and bikes. Yes, we've thought of everything!
You may have big and heavy household items to ship, such as white goods or furniture. In that case, our International MoveCube® service is your most cost-effective option.
Large box
External dimensions:
61 x 51 x 41cm / 24 x 20 x 16.14 inches
Best for:
- Sports equipment
- Clothes
- Bedding
Standard box
External dimensions:
51 x 41 x 31cm / 20 x 16.14 x 12.2 inches
Best for:
- Files and papers
- Books
- Children's toys
We make the Irish customs procedure effortless
As one of the leading shipping companies in the world, we know the most straightforward way to send luggage to Ireland from the Netherlands. We even take care of quarantine and customs inspections to ensure your personal possessions are accepted.
However, there are some important Irish customs regulations to note when importing your personal effects.
First, log into your online account. From here, you can access all the personal documentation you need to clear customs.
- Your inventory lists everything in your shipment.
- Optional insurance to protect your goods in case a mishap occurs.
- Relevant customs forms, including a Transfer of Residence (C&E 1076), to clear your shipment.
You will be asked to provide the following scans:
- Your passport, including the picture and signature page.
- Your visa (if applicable).
Your goods can be imported tax-free once a Transfer of Residence form has been completed, then signed and accepted by customs officials. You will need to provide evidence of your current residence and your residence in Ireland.
Please note: you must be present in the Republic of Ireland when your shipment arrives.
Our local agent, CFS International, will review all your online documentation and liaise with customs officials to clear your personal effects into Ireland.
For a list of accepted Transfer of Residence documents and the entire customs clearance process, please reference our Importing into the Republic of Ireland page. Plus, before packing, check out our prohibited goods list for a full breakdown of items you cannot ship into Ireland.
If you need further help, our multilingual customer support team are always happy to answer any questions.
We even take care of quarantine and customs inspections to ensure your personal possessions are accepted.
FAQs regarding international shipping to Ireland
Send luggage overseas in 5 simple steps and 3 easy payments:
- Start with a free online quote, place your order, and then pay your first instalment, a small security deposit.
- Select a suitable date so we can deliver any required packing materials or empty boxes.
- Securely pack your household goods for shipping and complete all online documentation, including scans of your passport.
- We'll collect your shipment. If you've ordered a MoveCube®, we'll bring it to be loaded and then take it to our nearest depot when complete. Once we receive your second payment for Shipping and Transportation, we'll ship all your goods.
- Once you arrive in Ireland, log into your Seven Seas Worldwide account. Make your final payment, the destination charge, and then choose a convenient time and date for delivery.
Remember, our multilingual customer support team are always available to offer help and advice if needed.
Our shipping services can transport your luggage to Ireland via land. The arrival estimation is around 18 days.
It costs less to ship luggage internationally than you might think. With just a few details entered and no obligation to proceed, our free instant quote tool delivers an exact breakdown of everything you can expect to pay.
As a transparent overseas shipping company, we display all fees upfront. There is no need to worry about any nasty hidden costs!
For bulky items, such as sofas, fridges and beds, your best option is our MoveCube®. Available in Small, Medium and Large, the MoveCube® is a secure personal shipping container. Load it up with as many suitcases, boxes, musical equipment, sports equipment, and personal items as you can.
Our expert shipping services allow most household goods, big or small, to be shipped worldwide. However, certain items cannot be imported for security and customs reasons. Please read our guide to Prohibited Goods before packing for a comprehensive list of what you can and cannot ship.
To ensure your goods arrive via the quickest and most efficient method possible, all shipping and air routes are predefined and cannot be altered.
Transit times for shipping to Ireland from the Netherlands*
By land
18 days
*estimated timings dependent on global shipping circumstances
Handy tips to help you pack your shipping boxes
To ensure your precious household items arrive safely, we suggest hiring a professional packing service or domestic mover to wrap and pack for you. Otherwise, follow these 4 tricks (read our packing guides for more info). For complete protection, consider adding one of our Insurance Policies:
Packing materials are your friend:
First, choose a suitable place to pack, such as a dining table, and then gather all your packing supplies. Please avoid using plastic storage tubs, bin liners and laundry bags, as they will likely be damaged in transit.
For optimum security, use the top-quality packing materials we provide. Our chemically-hardened cardboard boxes have been perfected over 25 years to protect your beloved possessions during long and often bumpy journeys by land, sea and air.
Use lots and lots of parcel tape:
Use three layers of tape to reinforce the bottom and once around the edges. Cover each item in bubble wrap, then seal with more tape. Don't be tempted to use sellotape! It's simply not strong enough and will likely come loose.
Stuff crumpled newspaper, towels or packing paper between items to avoid them bumping into each other. Give your container a little shake. Add more packing paper to fill the gaps if you hear anything move.
Complete the online inventory as you pack:
To ensure exactly what you pack is also in your inventory, complete it as you pack, item by item. We give this inventory to customs officials in Ireland, so accuracy is a must.
Using a marker pen, write the shipment owner’s full name, box number, job number, destination town/city and country on two or three sides of each box.
Prepare your boxes for collection:
Weigh each container on bathroom scales. For your and our driver's safety, no box or bag may exceed 30kg/66lbs. If needed, move contents from heavier containers into lighter boxes.
Finally, once all your household effects are securely packed, take them as close to the entrance of your building as you can. Doing so makes life easier for you and our driver on collection day.
Seven Seas Worldwide provided a flawless service from start to finish. The customer service was exceptional, and all the members of staff I dealt with were helpful and friendly. This is the second time I have used them, and I would recommend their service to everyone.
David
Travel guide: where to visit in Ireland
As famous for its welcoming people as the green countryside, Ireland is a must-visit destination for many. Enjoy a wealth of things to do, including ancient historical architecture, local beers and world-famous traditional folk music. Here are four cities not to miss:
Dublin
Dublin is a capital city with two distinct characters. Enjoy the ancient Celtic history and a progressive, vibrant cosmopolitan vibe side by side. Don't leave without popping into a traditional pub for a pint of Guinness with the friendly locals!
When to visit: avoid winter's biting cold and visit in the beautiful summer months of July to August. But be warned, it's also the busiest and most expensive. A happy compromise would be June or September.
Getting around: the Leap Visitor Card is the least expensive option to get around Dublin. Top up, then hop on and off any train, tram, and bus you like by simply swiping as you go. You can even use it to rent a Dublin bike!
Neighbourhoods to know: Stoneybatter is a vibrant mix of hip youngsters and working-class Dubliners, full of cool brunch joints and Victorian pubs. The Dublin Docklands is a tech and business hub known for excellent hotels. And for the unmistakable, wafting smell of roasted barley (hint: Guinness!), the Liberties is a must-visit.
Things to do: Guinness Storehouse: a 7-story Guinness Brewery tour of Ireland's most iconic alcoholic beverage. Time your visit to catch an exciting sporting event or world-renowned music act such as Billy Joel or Rihanna at the impressive Aviva stadium. Or, enjoy the ancient sites of Dublin Castle's Normand fortress, built in 1204.
Cork
Experience an authentic slice of Ireland. Located on the southern-west tip of the country, Cork is one of Ireland's most vibrant cities, with plenty of historical sights and modern landscapes to explore.
When to visit: with around 18 hours of sunlight, Cork's driest and warmest season is between June and August. But remember to bring some waterproof clothing as the rains can be unpredictable.
Getting around: the best way to enjoy Cork City and its lush countryside is by car. Alternatively, the city has a network of reliable bus and train options.
Neighbourhoods to know: if you want to be in the middle of the action, the entirely walkable Cork city centre is the place to be. East Cork is a family favourite due to nearby beaches, highly-rated schools and a vibrant cafe and restaurant scene. For a mix of ancient architecture, independent business and fun events, the Victorian Quarter is considered the heart and soul of the city.
Things to do: the English Market is a food lover's heaven packed with local produce, cakes, and bakes. The Elizabeth Fort is an ever-popular tourist destination. The former army barracks have witnessed many wars since 1601, including the Siege of Cork and the Irish Civil War! A little outside the city, Fota Wildlife Park is an animal conservation sanctuary that will delight the whole family.
Galway
The fastest-growing city in Ireland. Galway is considered Ireland's cultural heart. Renowned for its many festivals, events, and friendly people, you'll never be short of fun things to do.
When to visit: the best time to visit is July to October for the warmer weather and packed calendar of events. Bring warm clothes, as summertime can be a little chilly in this windy coastal town!
Getting around: a highly walkable city, Galway is full of cobbled streets and historical buildings to explore. There are free bike hires for less than 30 minutes of use and affordable bus and train options. We advise a rental car if you want to explore outside the city for a day.
Neighbourhoods to know: the less tourist-filled West End is renowned for its excellent pub and restaurant scene. Packed with things to see and do all year round, the city centre is lively and enticing. Great for families, Salthill has lush beaches and fun things for kids, including video arcades and aquariums.
Things to do: referred to locally as the Islands of Saints and Sinners, The Aran Islands are a step into the past with luscious greenery, high cliff edges, and ancient ruins to explore.
Limerick
Home to historical landmarks such as King John's Castle and St Mary's Cathedral, Limerick is an unmissable gem of true Ireland. Plus, as Ireland's first city of culture in 2014, there is no shortage of artistic happenings to explore.
When to visit: skip the crowds and enjoy the sights and sounds of Limerick by visiting just outside the peak summer months. We recommend March to May or September to October. The weather will still be pleasant, and the hotels will be cheaper!
Getting around: Limerick is a gorgeous, highly-walkable city. The local bus service, Éireann, can take you around all the shops, schools, and tourist attractions. Alternatively, TFI bikes let you hop off and on seven days a week for a small charge.
Neighbourhoods to know: Abbeyfeale is a historical market town ideal for families. Limerick City is a charming hub, full of impressive museums, unmissable architecture, and friendly locals. A few miles east of the city centre lies the suburb of Castletroy, home to the University of Limerick and Castleroy Shopping Centre.
Things to do: King John's castle, AKA Limerick Castle, is one of the best-kept Norman castles in Europe. With over 2,500 artefacts, including Picassos and Renoirs, the Hunt Museum is a cultural highlight not to be missed.