An Post tracking

What is An Post?

An Post is the national postal service of the Republic of Ireland. Its name, which literally means "The Post" in Irish, perfectly reflects its mission of public service at the heart of daily life for Irish citizens. Created in 1984 following the reorganization of the former Posts and Telegraphs services (Department of Posts and Telegraphs), An Post was born from the separation between postal activities and telecommunications, the latter of which were entrusted to Telecom Éireann, which later became Eircom and then Eir.

Irish postal history extends well before the creation of An Post as an independent entity. The Department of Posts and Telegraphs was one of the most important ministries of the Irish Free State, and its employees, primarily postal carriers, formed the largest contingent of the country's civil service. This tradition of postal service deeply rooted in Irish social fabric continues today through An Post, which remains one of the country's largest employers.

An Post's historic headquarters was located at the General Post Office (GPO) in Dublin, situated on the famous O'Connell Street. This iconic building, site of the Easter Rising of 1916, symbolizes the importance of the postal service in Irish national history. In June 2023, An Post relocated its headquarters to new, more modern facilities at North Wall Quay, while maintaining this symbolic link to its historic past.

• Date of establishment: 1984, following the enactment of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act of 1983
• Legal status: Fully State-owned public enterprise, incorporated as a Designated Activity Company
• Headquarters: North Wall Quay, Dublin, Ireland (since June 2023)
• Workforce: Approximately 10,200 full-time equivalents distributed between the parent company and its subsidiaries
• Annual revenue: Over one billion euros in annual revenues

An Post is a diversified enterprise that extends beyond simple mail distribution. In addition to its traditional postal services, the operator manages a vast network of post offices offering basic financial services, administers the television license fee on behalf of the State, and even operates as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) on the Irish Vodafone network. The company also holds stakes in several companies, including the An Post National Lottery Company and the Prize Bond Company Limited.

As a member of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), An Post ensures universal postal service throughout Irish territory. This public service mission involves serving every household and business in the country, from the densest urban centers to the most isolated rural communities, including islands off the Irish coast. This comprehensive territorial coverage is one of the foundations of An Post's identity and its value to Irish society.

Which countries does An Post deliver to?

An Post offers particularly extensive geographic coverage, both nationally and internationally. Throughout Ireland, the carrier serves the entire territory of the Republic, guaranteeing regular postal service to every commune, village and hamlet in the country. This coverage includes urban centers of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and other major cities, as well as rural regions of Connemara, Donegal, Kerry and all Irish counties.

Island communities also benefit from An Post's postal service. The Aran Islands, the Blasket Islands, Achill Island, Clare Island and other island territories receive their parcels and mail on a regular schedule adapted to maritime or air transport conditions. This service to the most remote areas demonstrates An Post's commitment to its universal service mission.

An important point to note: An Post also delivers to Northern Ireland without additional customs charges and without special formalities required. Postal rates to Northern Ireland are identical to those applied within the Republic of Ireland, facilitating exchanges between the two jurisdictions on the island.

• Republic of Ireland: Complete coverage of all 26 counties, including urban, rural and island areas
• Northern Ireland: Service at the same rates as the national territory, without customs formalities
• Great Britain: Delivery service with next-day delivery option via express service
• European Union: Delivery to all member countries with one to three day delivery times for express service
• International: Over 200 countries and territories served worldwide

Internationally, An Post transports mail and parcels to over 200 destinations worldwide. This global reach is made possible through An Post's membership in the Universal Postal Union and cooperation agreements concluded with foreign postal operators. A parcel sent from Ireland to the United States will thus be handled by the US Postal Service (USPS) for final delivery, while a shipment to the United Kingdom will transit through Royal Mail after leaving the An Post network.

An Post also participates in the EMS (Express Mail Service) program, a worldwide network of express postal services that coordinates urgent shipments between national posts worldwide. This partnership enables the provision of fast international deliveries with end-to-end tracking, from deposit in Ireland to final delivery to the recipient, regardless of the destination country.

An Post's computer systems are interconnected with those of many partner postal operators, allowing customers to track their international shipments throughout their journey. This technical interoperability ensures optimal visibility of parcel routing, even when they cross multiple national postal networks before reaching their final destination.

What are An Post's delivery services and timeframes?

An Post offers a complete range of shipping services adapted to the different needs of individuals and professionals. From ordinary mail to urgent express shipments, including services with tracking and insurance, the Irish operator offers solutions for every type of shipment and every level of urgency.

Standard Post service constitutes An Post's basic offering for national shipments. Economic and reliable, this service ensures the delivery of letters, documents and small packages throughout Irish territory. Standard Post shipments are generally distributed the next working day after deposit, thus offering excellent value for non-urgent shipments. This service is ideal for administrative correspondence, personal mail and small parcels that do not require special tracking.

For urgent shipments, An Post offers Express Post service, a premium offering guaranteeing next working day delivery throughout the national territory. This service includes full online tracking and delivery confirmation, allowing the sender to verify that their shipment has been successfully delivered to the recipient. Working days are defined as Monday to Friday, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, Good Friday and Irish public holidays. An Express Post parcel deposited on Friday before the deposit deadline will thus be delivered the following Monday.

• Standard Post national: Next working day delivery in Ireland, economical service without tracking
• Express Post national: Guaranteed next day delivery (working day), online tracking and delivery confirmation included
• Same Day Delivery (Dublin): Same day delivery for only 9.50 euros, available in over 40 post offices in the Dublin region
• Express Post International: Fast delivery to Great Britain, 21 European countries and major worldwide destinations
• International Courier Service: Premium service with guaranteed timeframes, delivery in one to five days depending on destination
• Registered mail: Secure shipment with signature on delivery, available nationally and internationally

The Same Day Delivery service represents the fastest option offered by An Post. Available only in the Dublin region, this service allows a letter or parcel to be delivered the same day it is deposited. Offered at a rate of 9.50 euros and limited to shipments of less than two kilograms, this service is accessible at over forty selected post offices in the Dublin agglomeration. It is an ideal solution for urgent documents or small parcels that need to be delivered within the day.

Internationally, An Post offers several service levels. Express Post International ensures fast routing to Great Britain, twenty-one European countries as well as major destinations such as Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, Singapore and the United States. For the most urgent shipments, the International Courier Service offers guaranteed timeframes: next-day delivery to the European Union and Great Britain, one to three days to the rest of Europe, and one to five days to the rest of the world.

An Post's delivery hours extend from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM for standard routes. On Saturdays, deliveries are provided primarily in urban areas, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. No distribution is performed on Sundays or Irish public holidays. These time slots allow most recipients to receive their parcels during normal home or work hours.

What are An Post's rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

An Post structures its rates according to several criteria: the weight of the shipment, its dimensions, the destination and the service level chosen. This rate schedule, regularly updated to reflect changes in logistics costs, allows senders to choose the option best suited to their needs and budget.

An Post regularly reviews its postal rates to adapt to changes in logistics costs. The price of a standard national stamp is approximately 1.65 euros, while the digital stamp is offered at approximately 2.22 euros. The stamp for international shipments is around 2.65 euros. It is recommended to consult An Post's official website for current rates.

For national parcels, An Post offers shipping solutions starting from 6 euros through its prepaid bags and boxes, available at post offices. These standardized formats simplify shipping and allow occasional senders to know the exact cost of their shipment before even going to the post office. Rates then vary depending on the weight and dimensions of the shipment.

• Letters and postcards: Maximum weight of 100 grams, minimum dimensions of 140 mm in length and 90 mm in width
• Large envelopes: Maximum weight of 500 grams, maximum dimensions of 400 mm x 300 mm x 25 mm
• Packets: Maximum weight of 2 kilograms, maximum combination of three dimensions of 900 mm (no dimension must exceed 600 mm)
• Parcels: Maximum weight of 20 kilograms for standard service
• Express Post: Maximum weight of 25 kilograms, maximum length of 120 cm, total of three dimensions limited to 150 cm

Cylindrical packages (tubes for posters, prints, etc.) are subject to specific dimensional rules. The length added to twice the diameter must be less than 1040 mm, and no dimension must exceed 900 mm. These formats allow for shipping of large-format documents, photo prints or rolled artwork under optimal protection conditions.

An Post applies the dimensional weight pricing principle for bulky but light parcels. When a shipment occupies significant space in transport vehicles while weighing relatively little, the rate is calculated based on volume rather than actual weight. This practice, common in the parcel transport sector, reflects the actual cost of shipping large items.

To find out the exact rate for a shipment, An Post provides an online postage calculator on its website. This tool allows you to simulate shipping costs based on weight, dimensions and destination, and also indicates estimated delivery timeframes for each available service option.

What are An Post's delivery options?

An Post has significantly expanded its delivery options in recent years to adapt to changing lifestyles and the expectations of Irish consumers. Beyond simple home delivery, the operator now offers a complete range of solutions allowing each recipient to receive their parcels according to their constraints and preferences.

Home delivery remains the default option for most shipments. An Post carriers and delivery personnel travel daily throughout Irish territory to distribute mail and parcels directly to recipients' addresses. The day before the scheduled delivery, An Post sends an SMS and email to the recipient to inform them of the imminent arrival of the delivery person. This advance notification allows the recipient to anticipate receiving their parcel or make alternative arrangements if necessary.

For recipients regularly absent from their homes, An Post offers the Safe Spot service (secure deposit). This option allows you to define a safe location where the delivery person can leave the parcel in case of absence: a garden shed, covered porch, shed or any other place sheltered from view and weather. It is also possible to designate a trusted neighbor as an alternative drop-off point. Customers can configure two different secure locations: one for their personal address and one for their business address. A photo of the drop-off location is then accessible in the An Post customer portal, allowing you to pinpoint exactly where the parcel was left.

• Home delivery: Standard distribution to recipient's address, Monday to Friday (Saturday in urban areas)
• Safe Spot (secure deposit): Parcel deposit at a location designated by the recipient in case of absence
• Parcel Lockers (automated lockers): 24/7 self-service collection in secure lockers distributed throughout the country
• DeliveryBox: Secure parcel box installed at home to receive deliveries safely
• Post office collection: Parcel collection at the local post office upon presentation of identification
• Mail forwarding: Service allowing you to transfer your mail to a new address for a maximum of one year

An Post's Parcel Lockers are a modern and flexible alternative to traditional delivery. These secure automated lockers are installed at many locations throughout the country, particularly in Lidl stores and other strategic locations. The recipient can request redirection of their parcel to a Parcel Locker upon receiving the delivery notification. When the parcel is placed in the locker, a PIN code is sent by SMS allowing you to open the corresponding box. Parcels are held for 48 hours, and the service is completely free. Many lockers are accessible 24 hours a day, offering complete flexibility for parcel collection.

DeliveryBox represents an innovative solution for individuals wishing to secure the receipt of their parcels at home. This locked box, installed in front of the home, is accessible only to the recipient and their assigned postal carrier. The delivery person can safely deposit parcels, and the recipient receives an email notification with each delivery. DeliveryBox also allows you to leave prepaid mail for the carrier to collect, as well as items to return via the Click and Post service.

In case of absence during a delivery attempt, An Post leaves a notice of passage ("Sorry We Missed You" or Docket In Box) indicating available options: collection at the local post office or request for new delivery. The redelivery service is free and can be requested online. The parcel can be redelivered to the same address or to an alternative address. An Post retains undelivered parcels for 5 working days for domestic shipments and 16 working days for international shipments before returning them to the sender.

The MailMinder service allows customers on the move to temporarily suspend mail delivery. For a period of up to 12 weeks, An Post securely retains mail until the recipient returns. This option is particularly useful during extended vacations or long-term business trips.

What should I do if my An Post parcel is lost or damaged?

Despite An Post's precautions to ensure safe delivery of shipments, incidents can occur: lost parcels, damaged packages or abnormally delayed delivery. The Irish operator has established clear complaint procedures to handle these situations and compensate senders or recipients injured within the limits provided by its general terms and conditions.

The first step in case of a problem is to check the status of your shipment using An Post's online tracking tool. It is possible that a parcel is temporarily stuck at a sorting center or awaiting customs procedures without this being unusual. If the tracking indicates an anomaly or if the parcel has not been updated for several days, you should then initiate a formal complaint.

The timeframes for filing a complaint depend on the nature of the problem and the destination of the shipment. For a parcel considered lost, An Post defines at least 7 days of delay for domestic shipments and at least 10 days for international shipments as a prerequisite for opening a complaint. These timeframes ensure that the shipment is actually lost and not simply delayed in its delivery.

• Complaint deadline for loss (domestic): At least 7 days delay after scheduled delivery date
• Complaint deadline for loss (international): At least 10 days delay after scheduled delivery date
• Required documentation: Proof of deposit (shipping certificate), content description, photos in case of damage
• Standard compensation: Up to 25 euros if no value was declared when sending
• International registered shipments (outside Europe): Compensation capped at 35 euros
• Shipments with declared value: Compensation up to the declared value

In case of damaged parcels, it is essential to document the damage upon receipt. Take clear photographs from multiple angles showing the condition of the outer packaging and contents. Keep the original packaging, as it may be requested by An Post when processing your complaint. These visual proofs are essential to establish the carrier's liability and obtain compensation.

The compensation paid by An Post covers several items: refund of postage fees, packaging costs, replacement or reproduction costs of contents, and an additional amount for any other potential damages. The total amount of compensation is capped depending on the type of shipment and cannot exceed the actual value of the lost or damaged content, nor the amount declared by the sender at the time of deposit.

For high-value shipments, An Post recommends using the registered mail service (Registered Post), which offers enhanced coverage. Valuable articles shipped registered mail benefit from compensation based on several criteria: the nature of the item, care taken in packaging, postage fees paid, and circumstances of loss or damage. It is advisable to declare the actual value of contents when sending to benefit from appropriate coverage.

Complaints can be filed online via An Post's website or directly at a post office. An Post's customer service can be contacted by email at [email protected] for assistance with complaint procedures. It is recommended to keep all documents related to the shipment (deposit certificate, payment receipt, exchanges with recipient) until the dispute is completely resolved.

Does An Post handle international shipments and customs formalities?

An Post offers a complete range of international shipping services allowing mail and parcels to be sent to over 200 countries worldwide. The Irish operator not only ensures the physical transport of shipments but also assists its customers with customs procedures, which have become more complex since Brexit and the evolution of international commercial regulations.

For shipments within the European Union, formalities are simplified since goods circulate freely without customs duties or systematic border controls. Parcels sent to Germany, France, Spain, Italy or any other EU member country do not require any special customs declaration. This fluidity of intra-European exchanges represents a significant advantage for Irish senders to the continent.

The situation of Northern Ireland deserves special attention. Despite Brexit and the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union, shipments between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are not subject to any customs procedures or additional fees. This exception, provided by the Northern Ireland protocol, preserves the fluidity of postal exchanges across the entire island of Ireland.

• Intra-EU shipments: No customs formalities, free circulation of goods
• Shipments to Northern Ireland: No customs duties or declaration required
• Shipments outside the EU (including Great Britain): Customs declaration mandatory (CN22 or CN23 form)
• CP72 form: Required for parcels or shipments with a value exceeding 300 euros
• HS tariff code: Mandatory for commercial shipments, recommended for personal shipments

For destinations outside the European Union, including Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) since Brexit, a customs declaration is mandatory. This declaration, available at the post office, details the nature of the contents, its value and origin. Depending on the value of the shipment, different forms are used: CN22 for low-value shipments, CN23 for larger shipments, and form CP72 for parcels or items valued at over 300 euros.

Professional senders must provide additional information on their international shipments, including the Harmonized System (HS) tariff code corresponding to the nature of the goods shipped, as well as the country of origin of the products. This data allows the customs services of the destination country to correctly classify shipments and apply appropriate duties and taxes.

Regarding shipments to the United States, special rules apply since the introduction of new American tariff measures. Gifts valued at approximately 85 euros or less continue to be delivered without additional charges. Beyond this threshold, taxes of at least 15% of the article's value are applied and must be paid by the recipient before delivery. This regulatory change requires senders to clearly inform their American recipients of potential charges to be expected.

Customs duties and import taxes are generally the responsibility of the recipient in the destination country. An Post informs its customers of this reality and recommends communicating with the recipient before sending to warn them of potential charges. Online tracking allows you to view the customs status of the shipment and be alerted if duties must be paid before delivery continues.

To facilitate online shopping from sellers based in the United Kingdom or the United States, An Post offers the AddressPal service. This service provides Irish customers with a virtual address in the United Kingdom or the United States, allowing them to order from sites that do not deliver directly to Ireland. Parcels are received by AddressPal and then forwarded to Ireland, simplifying access to products available in these markets while benefiting from An Post's expertise in customs procedures.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track an An Post parcel online, different statuses may appear to inform you of the progress of your shipment. Here are the main statuses used by An Post and their meanings: