August 10, 2021

Deliveries Suspended From Australia to Ireland

Deliveries Suspended From Australia to Ireland

UPDATED Feb 2022 - If you can't be together this Mother's Day, treat your mammy to something special she'll love!

Irish expats in Australia disappointed as they look for an alternative to get gifts to loved ones this Christmas.

Australia Post has suspended deliveries from Australia to Ireland.

Due to limited international flight capacity, Ireland is one of the few countries that Australia Post has had to suspend parcel deliveries.

Sending parcels home to Ireland throughout the pandemic has been a lifeline for many Irish expats living in Australia.  Taking the time to put together and send care packages for family and friends they have not been able to visit in over 18 months, this has kept a connection there and brought smiles to many families during this tough time.

Already missing home, now expats can't send parcels easily without a whole load of additional hassle and stress.  With Christmas only around the corner, and the uncertainty of when Australia Post will resume its deliveries to Ireland again, Irish expats wanting to send parcels home will need to find alternatives before Christmas.

Sending a parcel internationally is always a stress...the cost involved, the time it takes, and the risk it might not arrive or when it does arrive that it may be damaged. There are so many things to consider when deciding how to send parcels and presents to family and friends in Ireland.

Family taking photo on Australian beach
Irish expat family taking selfies on beach for family back home.

3 Solutions to Irish expats getting gifts to loved ones in Ireland

For those looking to send gift packages to Ireland in the coming weeks, here are some alternative solutions that could be worth considering..

1 . Shipping via private courier.

Make sure to research the cost involved for the weight/size of the package you are sending. It's also a good idea to double check the expected delivery time and if the parcel will be tracked. Will there be any customs charges on arrival and does the recipient need to sign for it? All important to check before sending.

2 . Find something on Amazon.

The world's go-to site when it comes to online shopping. Be mindful of where the item is coming from when you are ordering. Brexit has impacted the cost of ordering from UK to Ireland, so make sure to research the relevant custom/VAT charges that may apply. You don't want the recipient to be landed with a bill when their parcel arrives. Delivery time is important no matter where you order from, and wise to look into when ordering from anywhere overseas.

3 . Shop online from a local Irish business.

Save yourself the hassle and stress of not having any custom fees, only paying local shipping fees and quicker delivery time, by shopping online from an Irish business. You know it's being sent locally and there is less risk of it not showing up. You're also supporting the local Irish economy at the same time as an added bonus!

woman shopping online on beach
Irish expat online shopping on Australian beach.

We advise not to leave your Christmas shopping until the last minute especially if sending them home from Australia. Everything is still up in the air and unpredictable at the moment, so it's worth getting organised earlier to avoid the stress closer to Christmas.

If shopping local Irish gifts online is an option for you, then MarketStreet.ie has a great selection of thoughtful and meaningful gifts for your loved ones in Ireland. Take the stress out of shopping for presents online and find something they’ll love in plenty of time.

Have you been affected by the suspension of post from Australia to Ireland? Let us know in the comments below...

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