Last posting and shopping delivery dates for Christmas 2022
Make sure Christmas cards and gifts reach family and friends in time this year. Here’s a rundown of the last posting and delivery dates for Ireland and abroad.
What are the last posting dates for Christmas this year?
An Post has confirmed their last mailing dates for cards, letters and parcels to arrive in time for Christmas 2022.
While delivery restrictions have been lifted in most countries this year, there could be delays in the UK due to strike action over the festive season.
To ensure your post arrives on time, check the final posting dates and send post and parcels early.
Here are the last posting dates for local and international destinations.
Last posting dates before Christmas 2022
| Service | Republic of Ireland | Northern Ireland | Great Britain | Rest of Europe | United States | Rest of World | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard post letters | 22 Dec | 20 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 12 Dec | 7 Dec | |
| Standard post parcels | 22 Dec | 20 Dec | 19 Dec | 13 Dec | 7 Dec | 7 Dec | |
| Registered post | 22 Dec | 20 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 7 Dec | 7 Dec | |
| Express post | 22 Dec | 20 Dec | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 12 Dec | 12 Dec | |
| International Courier Service | N/A | N/A | 19 Dec | 19 Dec | 16 Dec | 16 Dec |
Other Christmas posting info
- There will be no mail delivery or collection from 24th December until 28th December 2022. Normal service will resume on 29th December.
- The International Courier Service is only available at selected Post Offices, so check An Post to find your nearest International Courier Service drop-off.
Christmas delivery dates from your favourite stores
We’ve collated the delivery times and prices from your favourite online stores to ensure you receive your Christmas gifts in time.
Delivery lead times may be longer than usual during Christmas due to higher demand, so order a little earlier to ensure your gifts arrive on time.
| Online store | Standard delivery times | Cost | Other delivery info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 3-5 working days | Free over €20 | 2 day free delivery for Prime members | |
| Argos | Next working day | €5.95 | Larger items may take longer | |
| Arnotts | 5 days | €5.00 | Gift cards 2-3 days | |
| Boots | Within 4 working days | €5.00 | Free delivery over €40 | |
| Brown Thomas | 5 days | €5.00 | BT Plus Delivery (unlimited) €14.95 | |
| Currys | 3-5 working days | €6.99 | Larger items €29.99 | |
| Dunnes | 2 working days | €3.95 | 5-7 days for furniture. Free over €50 | |
| Gamestop | 1-3 working days | €3.50 | Tracked shipping | |
| Harvey Norman | 5-7 working days | €5.99 | Larger items €24.99 | |
| Marks & Spencer | 5-7 working days | €4.50 | Free delivery over €50 | |
| Next | Confirmed at checkout | €3.00 | Free delivery over €30 | |
| Smyths Toys | 2-5 working days | €4.99 | Larger items may take 3-6 days. Free over €25 | |
| Tesco | Book from 23 November | Priority booking for Delivery Saver customers |
Deliveries to remote or rural areas may take longer than the estimated delivery times.
Christmas Posting FAQs
How can I make sure my parcel will arrive safely?
If you’re posting a valuable or important parcel or letter, An Post’s Registered Post service can give you peace of mind.
If you use the Registered Post service, you will get:
- Proof the item was posted
- Proof of receipt with a signature
- Secure delivery
- Online tracking of Registered Post (depending on the destination)
- Insurance cover for valuable items
- Compensation if your item is not received
How much does it cost to send my parcel abroad?
The price you pay will depend on the size and weight of your post, where you send it in the world and what service level you choose.
An Post has a handy postage calculator that can help you work out how much your letter, packet or parcel will cost to send internationally.
What if my order doesn't arrive in time for Christmas?
If your order is not delivered, you need to take it up with the retailer rather than the delivery company. The retailer is responsible for the parcel until it is delivered to you.
You have the right to cancel your order and claim your money back up to 14 days starting from the date you received your item or before.
Alternatively, if you paid by debit or credit card, you can claim on your card issuer’s chargeback scheme. If you paid with PayPal you can raise a dispute via PayPal Buyer Protection. Check out Your refund rights in Ireland for further information about your options.
What are Post Office Christmas opening hours?
Post offices will be open on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, from 9am to 1pm. It will close on Christmas Eve at 1pm and remain closed until Thursday, December 29, when normal business hours will resume.
Post offices will close again on New Year’s Day, 1 January and Bank Holiday Monday, 2 January 2023.
