Britannia Robbins provides expert removals to Ireland from South and West Wales and beyond. Whether you’re relocating a few boxes, moving an entire household, or transporting vehicles and specialist goods, our tailored removals solutions ensure a smooth, compliant transition to Ireland. With well over a century of experience and the backing of the Britannia Movers network, we can manage all aspects of your move.
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Removals to Ireland – key points at a glance
- Regular departures from Wales to all regions of Ireland, including Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and rural destinations.
- Door-to-door household and personal effects relocation services.
- Comprehensive customs documentation and clearance support so your goods comply with Irish import requirements.
- Specialist services for vehicles, pets, and high-value or delicate items (pianos, antiques, artwork).
- Both dedicated vehicle loads and cost-effective part-load (groupage) options available.
Why move to Ireland?
Ireland remains a popular relocation choice for UK residents and international clients alike. The country combines a strong economy and diverse employment opportunities with vibrant cities and scenic rural areas. With English almost universally spoken and excellent transport connections across Europe, many clients choose Ireland for work, family reunification, education, or a new lifestyle.
Our step-by-step Ireland removals process
1. Home Survey: A trained surveyor visits your home or conducts a video survey to assess volume, access, and special packing needs.
2. Quotation: Based on the survey, we provide a clear, itemised quote tailored to your move date, destination, and service preferences.
3. Packing & Inventory: We prepare your goods using professional export packing materials. We produce a detailed inventory for customs and insurance.
4. Collection & Transport: Depending on your booking, your goods move via dedicated vehicles or on a part-load service.
5. Customs Documentation: We support you to complete all required Irish customs forms and manage customs clearance.
6. Delivery & Unpacking: On arrival in Ireland, your crew unload, position, and, if requested, unpack your goods.
7. Aftercare: Optional storage, insurance, currency exchange, and pet relocation services can also be arranged as required.
Documentation, customs & import requirements
Because Ireland is a member of the European Union, moving household goods from the UK requires compliance with EU customs procedures. Unlike pre-Brexit, movements between the UK and Ireland are now subject to full customs formalities (declarations, duty/VAT assessments, and import controls) unless relief criteria are met.
Transfer of Residence (TOR) relief
You may qualify to import your personal household goods free of import duty and VAT if you can meet the following conditions.
• You have owned and used the goods for at least 6 months prior to moving.
• You have lived outside the EU for 12 continuous months before your move.
• Goods are imported during the period 6 months before or 12 months after you establish residence in Ireland.
• The goods are not for resale and are for your personal use only.
Failure to meet these conditions may mean your goods are subject to Irish VAT (typically 23%) and customs duties, calculated on the value plus freight and insurance.
Essential customs documentation
To clear your shipment in Ireland, the following are typically required:
• Copy of passport (photo page).
• Proof of previous residence outside the EU (utility bills, mortgage account).
• Irish address confirmation.
• Evidence of employment of residency in Ireland (e.g., work contract, lease agreement, utility bill).
• Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) – if already issued.
• Completed Irish customs declaration forms (e.g., C&E 1076 for Transfer of Residence).
• Detailed inventory in English with values and weights.
• If shipping vehicles: original registration, bill of lading, and insurance documentation.
• Pre-Boarding Notification (PBN) ID when goods travel as freight on ferries.
Our move coordinators will advise you on the exact paperwork you need, and submit it ahead of arrival to avoid any delays. You may find the Irish Tax & Customs website helpful.
Customs duties, VAT & taxable items
Even with TOR relief, certain items remain taxable or restricted –
• New goods (generally those acquired within 6 months before export) may attract full customs duties and VAT.
• Alcohol & tobacco products incur excise duty plus VAT at Irish rates, and are subject to limits.
• Pets require specific documentation (vaccination records, health certificates, and, for non-EU arrivals, Department of Agriculture approvals).
• Motor vehicles can qualify for relief if owned and used for at least 6 months before arrival; otherwise, VAT and registration taxes may apply.
• High-value goods such as jewellery, art and antiques may require proof of ownership, valuations, and export licenses.
We provide detailed guidance on all duty and VAT treatments based on your shipment profile.
Prohibited & restricted items for moves to Ireland
Certain items are not permitted into Ireland as part of personal effects shipments. These include:
• Narcotics and illegal drugs.
• Explosives and fireworks.
• Firearms & ammunition (unless pre-approved licences are obtained).
• Meat products, live plants, and agricultural goods.
• Endangered species and CITES items without appropriate permits.
• Pornographic material and obscene media.
These are consistent with EU biosecurity and public safety standards. Attempting to import prohibited goods can lead to seizure, fines, or legal penalties.
Our Ireland removals services
• Professional Export Packing: Secure wrapping, protective materials, and custom crating for fragile items.
• Full Household & Part Load Services: Dedicated loads for entire homes or cost-effective groupage options.
• Vehicle Transport: Shipping of cars, motorcycles, boats or caravans with paperwork support.
• Marine Insurance & Inventory Services: Comprehensive protection and detailed records for customs and valuation.
• Storage Solutions: Flexible UK and Ireland storage options if your delivery schedule varies.
• Pet Relocation Assistance: Arrangements with our specialist partners PetAir UK to meet Irish import health requirements.
• Help with Currency Exchange: Support from our trusted colleagues at IFX Payments to get you the best possible exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions about moving to Ireland
How long do removals to Ireland take?
Transit time for removals to Ireland typically ranges from 2–7 days. This depends on where you are moving to and from, customs clearance processing, and which transport service you choose. A designated load will always be the fastest option. However, a part-load or groupage service will take a bit longer, but is more economical.
What is the most cost-effective way to move to Ireland?
If you are moving anything from an apartment to a few boxes, the cheapest way to move to Ireland is a part-load service. This is sometimes known as ‘groupage’. For this service, we bring your goods into our warehouse, consolidate them with other shipments, and then send a crew and vehicle to Ireland to complete multiple deliveries. For this reason, a part-load takes longer than a designated service.
Do I have to pay customs duty on a removal to Ireland?
If you qualify for Transfer of Residence relief, you can import household goods free of duty and VAT. However, if you do not qualify, Irish VAT (23%) and customs duty will probably apply.
Can I take food when moving to Ireland from the UK?
Most meat, dairy and plant products are restricted or prohibited. It is strongly recommended not to include perishable or agricultural items in your shipment.
Can vehicles be included in shipments to Ireland?
Yes, we can arrange vehicle transport. Vehicles must:
• Be declared to Irish Customs.
• Meet ownership and usage requirements.
• Be registered in Ireland after arrival.
• Potentially pay VRT.
What items cannot be included with my move to Ireland?
When you are moving your household to Ireland, prohibited items include:
• Drugs
• Explosives
• Weapons (without a licence)
• Perishable foods
• Hazardous chemicals
• Flammable liquids
Full guidance will be provided by our experienced staff prior to your move.
Do you provide insurance for removals to Ireland?
Yes. We offer comprehensive removals insurance at a range of levels covering:
• Loss
• Damage
• Transit risk
• Storage risk
We strongly recommend full value protection for international removals.
Moving to Ireland? Start today.
Whether you’re planning a full household relocation, downsizing, or just need to ship a few essential items, Britannia Robbins has the expertise to make it seamless and efficient. Request a free, no-obligation quote or speak with one of our Ireland relocation specialists to begin planning your move today.
Call us on 01792 584 229
Email info@britanniarobbins.co.uk
Further information
If you require further information, please feel free to give us a call or browse the following resources.
- Removals FAQs to help inform you about the removals process
- European Removals
- International Removals
- Removals to Ireland brochure
- International Removals checklist
