Ireland

Over 10,000 American expats now reside in Ireland, with many holding dual American-Irish citizenship. Strategically located between North America and mainland Europe, Ireland offers excellent travel connections, making it a convenient base for exploring many parts of the world. The country has become an attractive destination thanks to its thriving technology sector, vibrant tourism, and rich cultural heritage. Additionally, Ireland is known for its friendly and welcoming nature, which makes many expats feel right at home shortly after arriving. It’s no wonder that moving to Ireland from the USA has grown so popular.

If you’re planning a move to Ireland, partnering with an experienced international household mover is essential. Start your journey by comparing international moving quotes and requesting a free online moving quote.

Moving Service to Ireland from the USA

Taking that big leap with you.

For over a decade, SDC International Shipping has operated moves to and from Ireland. Our multifold services mean that we can arrange your move to Ireland based on your needs and requirements. With a host of affiliates throughout the US, we handle the packing and pickup of household goods from any city to any destination in Ireland. 

Shipping Options of Your Belongings 

When it comes to moving to Ireland from the USA, we offer both consolidated containerized shipping (shared container) and Full Container Load (FCL) shipping. The first option will significantly cut costs for those who don’t have many personal effects. Otherwise, we recommend choosing the latter method, especially if you are going to ship larger amounts of items like furniture, dishes, and other breakable possessions.   

Similarly, while sea freight is the most cost-effective transport mode overseas for sending a 20ft container or a 40ft container, air freight is the fastest service at a high price, but your items will arrive in Ireland in one or two days. However, if you have enough time to plan your move, sea freight is the best bet. 

Packing Service for Moving to Ireland from the USA: Trust SDC International Shipping

For over a decade, SDC International Shipping has been facilitating seamless moves to and from Ireland. Our comprehensive range of services ensures that your relocation is tailored to meet your specific needs. With a vast network of affiliates across the United States, we expertly manage everything from packing to the pickup of household goods, ensuring safe delivery to any destination in Ireland.

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Facilitating Import and Export Paperwork 

The customs process on both sides, in the US and Ireland, involves a significant amount of paperwork. The first step is creating an inventory of all the goods you plan to bring to Ireland. It’s also essential to identify which items are prohibited or restricted and ensure your list is as accurate as possible.

As your international household mover, we’ll assist you with all the necessary paperwork, including import taxes, so you won’t have to manage it on your own. Meanwhile, here are some key points to keep in mind before importing your belongings to Ireland:

• You must apply for residency.
• To be eligible to import your belongings duty-free, they must have been in your possession for over six months.
• Irish VAT is generally 23%, though it may be lower depending on the item.
• Taxes and customs duties will apply to alcohol and tobacco.

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Shipping a Car or Motorcycle to Ireland 

When shipping a car or motorcycle to Ireland, the only viable option is to use a shared or solo container. SDC International Shipping has main warehouses in key locations across the United States, including New York, Savannah, Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, where vehicles are prepared and shipped.

Customs Requirements for Shipping a Vehicle to Ireland

To ensure a smooth import process, here are the essential customs requirements for shipping a car to Ireland:

• EU Compliance: Your vehicle must meet EU specifications.
• Right-Hand Drive: Cars in Ireland are right-hand drive, so it’s crucial to confirm that your vehicle is suitable for Irish roads.
• Insurance: You need to secure at least six months of insurance coverage before importing your vehicle. Learn more about international moving insurance.
• Documentation:
  • Car invoice
  • Title or proof of ownership
  • Document proving payment of sales tax
  • Residency card showing at least 12 months of residency outside the EU before your vehicle’s arrival in Ireland

SDC International Shipping can arrange for the pickup of your vehicle from any location in the US and transport it to one of our departure ports, or the port closest to your city.

 

Piano and Artwork Shipping to Ireland from the USA

SDC International Shipping is also a trusted international piano mover and overseas artwork shipping company. Our professional movers are highly skilled in preparing pianos for safe transit from the USA to Ireland. Whether you’re shipping a grand piano or an upright, we ensure it arrives in perfect condition.

Similarly, if you need to move artwork, antiques, or other precious items, SDC has the expertise to handle these irreplaceable pieces with the utmost care. We use customized crates and specialized artwork boxes to protect your treasures during the move, ensuring they reach their destination safely and securely.

Moving Cost to Ireland from the USA

The cost of shipping to Ireland from the USA depends on several key factors. These include the volume of your goods, the origin and destination points, the shipping method (such as air freight vs. ocean freight), and the transit mode. Additionally, the type of service you choose—whether it’s a door-to-door or port-to-port move—will impact the final price. Opting to purchase international moving insurance will also affect the overall cost.

At SDC International Shipping, our logistics specialists create custom international quotes tailored to each client’s specific needs and circumstances.

To receive a personalized quote for your relocation, please fill out an online form.

Best Cities to Live In Ireland 

Dublin remains the top choice for international expats. As the capital and largest city, it offers a vibrant cultural scene, abundant job opportunities, and modern amenities. Approximately 25% of Ireland’s population resides in Dublin, making it the bustling heart of the country.

However, several other cities and towns are also highly regarded:

• Cork: Ireland’s second-largest city, known for its thriving tech and pharmaceutical industries, as well as its reputation as the food capital of Ireland. Cork offers a vibrant social life and is a great choice for both young professionals and families​ (A Broken Backpack)​ (Nomad Guide).

• Galway: A cultural hub on the west coast, Galway is famous for its arts scene, festivals, and scenic beauty. It’s a great place for expats, especially those working in tech or medical device industries​ (The Irish Road Trip)​ (A Broken Backpack).

• Limerick: One of Ireland’s oldest cities, Limerick is steeped in history and offers a more affordable cost of living compared to Dublin and Cork. It’s a smaller city but still offers a rich cultural experience and outdoor activities​ (A Broken Backpack)​ (Nomad Guide).

• Waterford: The oldest city in Ireland, known for its Viking history and beautiful marina. Waterford is a more budget-friendly option with a quieter lifestyle compared to the larger cities​ (Nomad Guide)​ (The Irish Road Trip).

• Killarney and Westport: These towns are ideal for those seeking a peaceful life surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Killarney is known for its proximity to national parks, while Westport offers a tranquil setting with strong community ties​ (A Broken Backpack)​ (Global Viewpoint).

SDC International Shipping can help you move your household goods to Dublin or Cork, and from there, they can be transported to other major cities or even rural areas throughout Ireland.

 

How Long Does it Take To Get My Shipment to Ireland?

The shipping time for your belongings to reach Ireland varies depending on several factors, including the point of origin, shipping method, and any additional services required.

• Ocean Freight: Shipping from the U.S. East Coast generally takes about four weeks to reach Ireland. If you’re shipping from the West Coast, the transit time might be slightly longer due to the greater distance.

• Door-to-Door Service: For comprehensive door-to-door shipping, which includes the pickup of goods, customs clearance, and final delivery, the process typically takes between six to eight weeks. However, this timeframe can fluctuate based on factors such as customs processing, port congestion, weather conditions, and other logistical elements.

It’s important to note that while these are average durations, the actual time may be shorter or longer depending on the specific circumstances of your move.

Customers’ Feedback

See True Colors of Our Moving Business

“Very friendly team, helpful and cooperative. All my stuff arrived at my destination in good order and nothing was lost. I also want to say a few words about communication. It was smooth and customer service always responded to my emails and phones. I will use this company again and recommend SDC to others.”  – Benjamin K. 

“We thank the entire SDC team for the successful delivery of our items. Their packing and pickup staff was very friendly. Their customer service deserves the words of praise. The contact via email and phone was always seamless and our questions were always answered. We are happy we chose SDC to take care of our relocation.” – Gabriel P.