An Post's last Christmas posting dates: cards within the Republic Mon 21 Dec; parcels within Ireland, north and south, Fri 18 Dec; Great Britain letters and parcels Thu 17 Dec; USA cards Fri 11 Dec and parcels Tue 8 Dec; rest-of-world cards Mon 7 Dec. Post earlier if you can.
An Post last posting dates for delivery before Christmas, checked 10 November 2026
Service
Republic of Ireland
Northern Ireland
Great Britain
Rest of Europe
USA
Rest of the world
Standard Post letters and large envelopes
Mon 21 Dec
Fri 18 Dec
Thu 17 Dec
Thu 17 Dec
Fri 11 Dec
Mon 7 Dec
Standard Post parcels
Fri 18 Dec
Fri 18 Dec
Thu 17 Dec
Thu 17 Dec
Tue 8 Dec
Tue 8 Dec
Registered Post letters and large envelopes
Mon 21 Dec
Fri 18 Dec
Fri 18 Dec
Thu 17 Dec
Tue 8 Dec
Tue 8 Dec
Express Post letters and large envelopes
Mon 21 Dec
Fri 18 Dec
Fri 18 Dec
Thu 17 Dec
Thu 10 Dec
Tue 8 Dec
International Courier Service (selected post offices only)
–
–
Tue 22 Dec
Tue 22 Dec
Mon 21 Dec
Fri 18 Dec
An Post gives no Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland date for International Courier Service, so those cells show –.
Postage.ie is independent and not affiliated with An Post or any carrier. These dates were copied from An Post's Christmas last postal dates page on 10 November 2026. An Post's page is the source of truth and the dates may change.
Parcels close earlier than cards, so the parcel dates are usually the ones to watch. The USA and the rest of the world close in early December.
USA and rest of the world parcels: Tuesday 8 December
Cards to the rest of the world: Monday 7 December
Parcels to Great Britain and Europe: Thursday 17 December
Parcels within Ireland: Friday 18 December
Post earlier than the last date
These are An Post's latest posting dates, not recommended dates. An Post advises posting early, says international delivery times are estimates that depend on the local postal operator, and says the dates may change. If a present has to arrive, aim for a week before the date in the table.
Treat the last date as a deadline, not a target
International delivery depends on the receiving country's post
Check An Post's page again before you post, in case dates change
Get through the counter faster in December
December is the busiest month at every post office. Arrive with the parcel sealed, the address written clearly with the Eircode or postcode, and any prepaid label already attached or ready on your phone. Parcels going outside the EU need a customs declaration, so fill it in before you join the queue.
Seal and address the parcel before you leave home
Have a prepaid or Vinted label attached or ready on your phone
Complete customs forms for the UK, USA and other non-EU countries in advance
Sending abroad?
Parcels to the UK, USA and other non-EU countries need a customs declaration.
What is the last day to post a parcel for Christmas 2026 in Ireland?
An Post's last posting date for a Standard Post parcel within the Republic of Ireland, and to Northern Ireland, is Friday 18 December 2026. An Post advises posting earlier.
What is the last day to post Christmas cards in Ireland in 2026?
For Standard Post letters and cards within the Republic of Ireland the last posting date is Monday 21 December 2026. To Northern Ireland it is Friday 18 December.
When is the last posting date to the USA for Christmas 2026?
From Ireland to the USA, An Post's last dates are Friday 11 December for Standard Post letters and Tuesday 8 December for Standard Post parcels.
When is the last posting date to the UK for Christmas 2026?
To Great Britain, Standard Post letters and parcels have a last posting date of Thursday 17 December. Registered and Express letters can go until Friday 18 December.
Can the Christmas posting dates change?
Yes. An Post says last posting dates may be subject to change. Check An Post's Christmas last postal dates page before you post.