Shipping Services in Ireland

Shipping to Ireland: Comprehensive Transportation Solutions to Emerald Island

Ireland is a private island with two different political structures, located at the western end of Europe. In the south, the Republic of Ireland (Dublin, Cork, Galway) is a member of the European Union, and in the north, Northern Ireland (Belfast, Derry, Newry) is a member of the United Kingdom. So, what should you pay attention to when shipping from Turkey to Ireland? How do the transport procedures to Southern and Northern Ireland differ? How did Brexit affect the island?

As Fatih Group Logistics, we have been active in the corridor of Western Europe and British Islands since 2006. We have regular flights to both the southern and northern regions of Ireland. Interestingly, there are two different customs regimes on the same island - Dublin is a member of the EU, Belfast is under special protocol after Brexit. Last month, a customer of a technology company said that we did not know that the shipment to -Ireland- was so complex, thanks to your experience, we made smooth deliveries to both Dublin-e and Belfast-e. Yes - Ireland is a special market and we are experts in both regions.

Shipping Services in Ireland: Versatile transportation options

There are different ways to ship cargo to Ireland and each has its own advantages. As Fatih Group Logistics, we serve our customers in all modes of transportation.

Transportation by Air: Dublin Airport (Republic of Ireland) and Belfast International Airport (Northern Ireland) can be used for emergency shipments. Irish airline shipping is especially preferred for emergency component deliveries in the valuable cargo, electronic goods, medical devices, pharmaceuticals or technology sector. Transit time is around 24-36 hours. Air cargo demand is high due to Ireland's strong technology and pharmaceutical sector.

Shipping by Sea: Dublin Port and Cork Port (south), Belfast Port and Larne Port (north) are economical options for large volume loads. Container shipment by Irish sea freight takes 14-18 days. RoRo (over-the-board) services are also available - especially in connecting shipments via the UK. Suitable for heavy loads such as furniture, building materials, machinery.

Combination of Road-Ferries: The most common and practical method. Transit to England by road and from there to Ireland by ferry.

Shipping to Ireland by road: Flexible and Reliable Route

Road transport from Turkey to Ireland is carried out by ferry over the UK. Our latest model Mercedes TIR-s used by Fatih Grup Lojistik on the Irish route provide safe service in the whole process including long route and ferry crossings.

The biggest advantage of road transport is door-to-door delivery. We can pick up the cargo from your factory in Istanbul and deliver it directly to your customer's warehouse in Dublin or Belfast. With our GPS tracking systems, you can instantly see whether your cargo is in the UK or on the ferry.

Route of Southern Ireland (Republic of Ireland): The average road transport time from Ankara- to Dublin-e is 7-8 days. 6-7 days for shipments from Istanbul. The route is: Turkey - European road (Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Belgium/France) - UK (Eurotunnel or Dover-Calais ferry) - UK road - Ireland ferry (Holyhead-Dublin 3.5 hours or Liverpool-Dublin 8 hours) - Ireland.

Route to Northern Ireland: 7-8 days from Ankara- to Belfast-a. The route is the same as above, only the ferry is different: Cairnryan-Larne (2 hours) or Liverpool-Belfast (8 hours). Both EU and UK procedures can be implemented under the special protocol after Northern Ireland Brexit.

Options for Ferry:

  • Holyhead (Gallery) - Dublin: Most common, 3-3.5 hours, multiple times a day
  • Liverpool and Dublin: 8 hours, night services available
  • Cairnryan (Scotland) - Larne: The shortest time for Northern Ireland is 2 hours.
  • Liverpool and Belfast: 8 hours of
  • Directly from Europe-Ireland: There are direct ferries from France but longer (24+ hours)

Our Irish route is also active in partial freight transportation. Even if it is 1-2 pallets, we can send both Dublin-e and Belfast-a. Thanks to our regular weekly Irish flights, your partial load departs without waiting.

Special Situation of Ireland: EU Member South, North Under Protocol

The island of Ireland presents a unique situation in terms of logistics:

Republic of Ireland (South - Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick):

  • Member of the EU
  • Uses Euro (€) currency
  • Within the EU Customs Union
  • Unaffected by Brexit
  • Turkey-EU trade agreements apply

Northern Ireland (Belfast, Derry and Newry):

  • Part of the United Kingdom
  • Pound Sterling (£)
  • Post-Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol is being implemented
  • Both EU and UK procedures may apply
  • There is no border control on the island of Ireland (Good Friday Agreement)

Protocol of Northern Ireland: Post-Brexit is one of the most complex issues. Special arrangements have been made to ensure that there is no physical border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Some EU rules apply to goods entering Northern Ireland from the British Isle (UK). However, the procedure has become clear for direct loads from Turkey - we inform our customers according to the current situation.

Shipping Company of Ireland Fatih Group: Expertise in Both Regions

With more than 18 years of international transportation experience, Fatih Group Logistics is one of the rare companies serving both southern and northern regions in Irish transportation. The special situation of Ireland requires mastering two different procedures.

Having our own fleet of trucks is a big advantage. Our vehicles are suitable for long ferry journeys, our drivers know both the UK and Ireland road rules. There is also left traffic in Ireland - our drivers are experienced.

Our principle of doing right, fast, error-free, continuous and transparent business is especially important in Irish shipments. Due to the fact that it is an island country, logistics is more complex - ferry reservations, weather conditions, customs procedures... We proactively manage everything.

We are entitled to both EU and UK procedures in customs procedures. We advise on both EU procedures for the Republic of Ireland and post-Brexit protocol rules for Northern Ireland.

A client of ours said this last week: We wanted to send both Dublin-e and Belfast-a at the same time, the procedures were very different. You have done both without any problems.- Such comments make our work meaningful.

Shipping Prices in Ireland: Euro and Pound Based Transparent Cost

Ireland has a special structure due to shipping prices, long distance, ferry crossing and two different currencies. As Fatih Group, we do transparent pricing - Euro (€) based for the Republic of Ireland and Pound (£) based for Northern Ireland.

Elements Included in the Price:

  • All European border tolls
  • Eurotunnel or Calais-Dover ferry
  • Ireland ferry (Holyhead-Dublin or Cairnryan-Larne)
  • Customs handling fees (EU or protocol procedures)
  • The standard insurance
  • GPS tracking service
  • Customs consultancy services

Additional costs are required:

  • Dublin city centre delivery (traffic density)
  • West coast of Ireland (remote areas)
  • Special handling (precision load, cold chain)
  • Additional insurance (high-value cargo)
  • Weekend delivery (limited)

Factors affecting prices: weight and volume of cargo, destination region (south/north) and city, ferry reservation costs (varies by season), special requirements, seasonal factors (risk of cancellation due to storm in winter), Euro or Pound exchange rate difference.

Irish customs procedures: Two different systems

There are different customs procedures in the two regions of Ireland. Fatih Group Logistics is an expert in both.

Republic of Ireland (EU Member) Customs Procedures

Documents required:

  • Commercial invoice (English, with detailed content information)
  • Detailed package list (HS codes must be specified)
  • CMR Shipment
  • EUR.1 Certificate of Origin or REX (Registered Exporter) system
  • Product-specific certificates (CE certificate, health certificate for food)
  • EORI number (European customs number)

Turkey-EU Customs Union: Customs duty on industrial products is usually zero. But there are different tariffs on agricultural products and processed food products.

Considerations in Irish Customs:

  • Revenue Commissioners (Ireland Customs and Tax Authority) work professionally
  • Realistic invoice values
  • HS codes are correct
  • Compliance with the rules of origin
  • FSAI (Food Safety Authority of Ireland) standards for food products
  • English information on textile labels
  • CE compliance in electronics

Northern Ireland (under Protocol) Customs Procedures

What is the Northern Ireland Protocol? Special regulation to prevent the formation of physical borders on the island of Ireland after Brexit. Northern Ireland remains subject to some EU rules, especially in the trade of goods.

Documents required:

  • Commercial Invoice (English)
  • Detailed package list (HS codes)
  • CMR Shipment
  • GB or XI EORI number (XI = Northern Ireland private)
  • Customs declaration (as the case may be)
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Product-specific certificates (UKCA/CE certificate, health certificate for food)

Turkey-UK Trade Agreement: The agreement signed in 2021 also applies to Northern Ireland. Preferential tariff on many products.

Important note: There are some controls at the entrance of goods from the British island (England/Scotland/Wales) to Northern Ireland. However, the procedure has become clear for direct loads from Turkey - we follow the current regulations and inform our customers.

Domestic Trade on the Island of Ireland (North-South)

The good news is: There is no physical border control between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (thanks to the Good Friday Agreement and Protocol). So if the same load is going to both Dublin-e and Belfast-a, internal delivery on the island can be done easily. We also organize these types of combined shipments.

Important Cities of Ireland and Delivery Details

Republic of Ireland (South)

Dublin: 6-7 days. Capital and largest city. Technology center - Google, Facebook, Microsoft Europe centers are here. The financial and service sector is strong.

Cork: 7-8 days. Second largest city, south. Port city, pharmaceutical industry developed (Pfizer, Novartis). Food production is important.

Galway: 7.5-8.5 days. It's a remote but important tech hub on the west coast. The medical device industry is strong.

Limerick: 7-8 days. Midwest, near Shannon Airport. Industry and technology.

Waterford: 7-8 days. Southeast, port city. It is famous for its crystal production.

Northern Ireland (disambiguation)

Belfast: 7-8 days. Capital and largest city. History of shipbuilding, aviation sector (Bombardier). The Titanic was built here.

Derry and Londonderry: 7.5-8.5 days. Second largest city, northwest. Textile and clothing industry.

Newry: 7-8 days. In the south, it is very close to the border of the Republic of Ireland. It's the logistics hub.

Lisburn: 7-8 days. Industrial area, near Belfast.

Although Ireland is a small island, transit times are long due to ferry crossings and geographical location. West coast cities may take an extra 1-2 days.

Ireland Shipping for Special Product Categories

Technology and Electronics: Ireland is Europe's technology hub, especially Dublin. Data center equipment, server components, electronic components are in high demand. CE/UKCA compliance is important.

Pharmaceutical and Medical Device: Ireland is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical exporters. Turkish companies supply raw materials and components. Cork and Galway drug centers. Strict regulation - the paperwork must be complete. We have refrigerated vehicles for the cold chain.

Food products are: Turkish food products are in demand in Ireland - baklava, Turkish delight, nuts, dried fruit, spices. In Ireland, the Turkish diaspora is scarce, but the gourmet market is thriving. FSAI (Food Safety Authority of Ireland) and UK FSA standards apply. EU certification in organic products.

Textile and Garment: Turkish textile products are known for their quality. Fast fashion, home textiles. REACH standards, label requirements.

Materials of Construction: The Irish construction industry is growing. Turkish marble, ceramics, building materials are in demand. Special planning for heavy loads.

The furniture is: The Turkish furniture sector is the new market in Ireland. Office furniture, hotel equipment. Flammability standards are important.

Automotive spare parts: There is demand in both areas. Fast delivery critical - express service available.

Irish Business Culture and Logistics Processes

The Irish are friendly but professional in their business dealings. More relaxed and flexible than the British, but still time management is important. Delivery appointments are usually booked 1 week in advance.

Business hours in Ireland are usually between 09:00-17:30. Some businesses may close early on Friday afternoons. Saturday delivery is rare.

Dublin and Belfast traffic can be busy, especially morning-evening hours. Delivery planning should be done accordingly.

The remote areas of Western Ireland (Galway, Mayo, Donegal) can be challenging in terms of access. Narrow roads, countryside - delivery times can take 1-2 days extra.

The weather conditions: The weather in Ireland is changing. Especially in winter, Atlantic storms can cancel ferries. We make alternative plans and inform our customers.

St. Patrick's Day (March 17): The national holiday of Ireland. The whole island is a holiday, no deliveries. Before and after can be busy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many days does it take to ship from Turkey to Ireland and how is the route?

Shipping time from Turkey to Ireland varies by region. Istanbul-dan Dublin-e (Republic of Ireland) takes 6-7 days, Belfast-a (Northern Ireland) takes 7-8 days. Shipments from Ankara take 1 day longer. The route is: Turkey - European road (Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Belgium/France) - UK crossing (Eurotunnel or Dover-Calais ferry) - UK road - Ireland ferry. The ferry options are: Holyhead-Dublin (3.5 hours, for the south), Cairnryan-Larne (2 hours, for the north), Liverpool-Dublin/Belfast (8 hours). West coast cities (Galway, Cork) can take 7.5-8.5 days. You can monitor your cargo instantly with Fatih Group GPS tracking system. Our experienced drivers drive safely in both UK and Ireland left-hand traffic.

2. How do the shipping procedures to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland differ?

There are two different customs regimes on the island of Ireland. The Republic of Ireland (Dublin, Cork, Galway) is a member of the EU, uses the Euro, EU customs procedures apply. It is necessary: EUR.1 certificate of origin, CE certificates, EORI number. Turkey-EU Customs Union advantages are used. Northern Ireland (Belfast, Derry, Newry) is part of the United Kingdom, it uses Pound Sterling, the post-Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol is implemented. Both EU and UK procedures may apply. It is necessary: GB/XI EORI, customs declaration, UKCA/CE certificate, Turkey-UK Trade Agreement (2021) advantages. It is important: There is no physical border control between north and south on the island of Ireland (Good Friday Agreement). Fatih Group is an expert in both regional procedures, informs customers about current regulations and prepares all documents.

4. Is it possible to send partial loads to Ireland and how does it work?

Yes, partial shipping is available to both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Shipment can be made with a minimum of 1-2 pallets (100-200 kg). Fatih Group operates regular weekly Irish flights. Partial load advantages: Exactly according to TIR--70 is more economical, ideal for the technology/pharmaceutical sector (regular small shipments), reduces the cost of stock, suitable for test market entry, cost effective for e-commerce businesses. The price is: Republic of Ireland €0.80-1.25 per kg, Northern Ireland £0.75-1.15 per kg. For bulky loads, desi calculation is applied. Customs procedures also apply to partial load-EORI, declaration, certificate of origin, etc. Fatih Group manages all procedures, the customer only prepares his load. Regular partial shipments are made to Dublin, Cork, Belfast-a. Combined shipment (both south and north) can also be organized.

The result is: Expert Service in Ireland Shipping to Both South and North

The island of Ireland is a unique market in terms of logistics with two different political and customs structures. The EU membership of the Republic of Ireland and the post-Brexit protocol of Northern Ireland require different procedures. However, with the right knowledge and experience, seamless transportation to both regions is possible.

As Fatih Group Logistics, we have adapted our 18 years of international transportation experience to the special situation of Ireland. With our Ankara center and Istanbul branch, we organize - shipments from all regions of Turkey to all important cities of Ireland - both in the south and in the north.

Our own fleet of Mercedes trucks is suitable for long European routes and ferry crossings. We are with you with our experienced driver staff who have mastered the left traffic rules, our expert customs team in both EU and Brexit procedures and 24/7 customer support. We guide you through the entire process, from applying for an EORI number to preparing a customs declaration, from certificates of origin to product standards.