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Will Your Christmas Gifts Arrive on Time? An Post’s Final Posting Dates for Ireland and International Deliveries

As the holiday season fast approaches, there is one question on everyone’s mind: “Will my gifts reach their destination in time?” An Post, Ireland’s trusted postal service, has released its official list of last posting dates for Christmas 2024, guiding you to ensure that gifts, cards, and holiday greetings reach loved ones before December 25th. Whether you are sending parcels across town, or reaching friends and family in the UK, Europe, the USA, or even further afield, these deadlines are your essential guide to avoiding Christmas delays.
Knowing these posting deadlines helps you avoid the seasonal rush and ensures that everything reaches its destination promptly, especially with popular delivery options such as Standard Post, Registered Post, Express Post, and International Courier Service.
Domestic and International Posting Dates
Whether you’re sending locally within Ireland or across the globe, these dates will help you plan your mailings for timely arrivals.
Standard Post
For letters and parcels sent through Standard Post, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Republic of Ireland: December 22 (letters), December 21 (parcels)
- Northern Ireland: December 19
- Great Britain: December 18
- Rest of Europe: December 17 (letters), December 12 (parcels)
- USA: December 10
- Rest of the World: December 5
Registered Post
Registered Post offers additional security, making it a popular choice for valuable items:
- Republic of Ireland: December 20
- Northern Ireland: December 19
- Great Britain: December 18
- Rest of Europe: December 17
- USA: December 5
- Rest of the World: December 5
Express Post
If you’re looking for speed and reliability, Express Post is a great option:
- Republic of Ireland: December 20
- Northern Ireland: December 19
- Great Britain: December 18
- Rest of Europe: December 17
- USA: December 10
- Rest of the World: December 10
International Courier Service
For the fastest international service with guaranteed tracking, An Post’s International Courier Service offers peace of mind, though availability is limited by destination:
- Great Britain: December 18
- Rest of Europe: December 18
- USA: December 16
- Rest of the World: December 16
Important Dates for Couriers and Delivery Services
If you’re using courier services, here’s an overview of the working schedule for December:
- Monday, 23rd December – Normal working day
- Tuesday, 24th December – Deliveries only, no collections
- Wednesday, 25th – Sunday, 29th December – Closed
- Monday, 30th December – Normal working day
- Tuesday, 31st December – Deliveries only
- Wednesday, 1st January – Closed
- Thursday, 2nd January – Back to normal
Helpful Tips for Sending Christmas Parcels
- Send Early for Peace of Mind: While these are the latest possible dates, sending items early allows for unexpected delays.
- Consider Tracking Options: For peace of mind with high-value items, use registered or tracked services to stay updated on the location of your parcel.
- Secure Packaging: Make sure items are well-packed and secured, especially for long-distance travel.
- Double-Check Customs Information: For international parcels, check the regulations for each destination to avoid issues with customs.
To make sure your gifts arrive on time without any last-minute stress, explore our range of thoughtful Christmas gifts, perfect for every member of the family. From festive decorations to cozy gifts and unique keepsakes, we’ve got everything you need to make this season extra special. Plus, for those last-minute shoppers, we offer a range of Next Day Delivery options, so you can send a truly personal gift that’s sure to reach loved ones in time for the big day. This year, avoid the holiday rush and send your parcels early to make sure all your holiday surprises arrive on time!
Wishing everyone a festive and stress-free Christmas season filled with timely deliveries and joy!

Niamh Doyle
Head of Customer Experience
Niamh is the Head of Customer Experience at ForYou.ie. With a keen eye on making every shopping experience delightful, Niamh leads our efforts to ensure our gift shoppers find joy in every interaction. Her passion for understanding customer needs helps us create memorable moments for every gift-giving occasion. Follow her for insights and tips on making your gift shopping experience extraordinary.



